What To Consider When Choosing an FTP Service Provider

If you think about your closest competitor, they probably run a business in a very different way compared to the way that you like to do things.

The same is true in the world of FTP service providers - no two businesses are created equally and even though they provide the same basic service, they all bring something unique to the table and have their own advantages and disadvantages.

There are a few key things that you absolutely need to keep in mind when choosing an FTP service provider to help make sure that you're picking a company that will actually do what you need it to do.

Key Features To Keep in Mind When Choosing an FTP Service Provider

Security

The biggest question that you need to answer before picking an FTP service provider is one of security. What types of controls do they have in place that will allow you to prevent outsiders from gaining access to mission critical data? What type of encryption do they employ to help protect information not only while it is at rest, but while it is in transit?

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Another important factor to consider when choosing an FTP service provider has to do with the backup and disaster recovery features that are in place. If something should happen to the FTP service provider‘s network infrastructure, how quickly and how difficult will it be to restore your FTP server to full operation? This is hugely important, as even a small disruption in business continuity could lead to lost productivity and lost revenue.

Access Controls

You'll also want to take a look at what level of access control an FTP service is capable of providing. Once you give employees their own unique usernames and passwords for the FTP client, are you able to disallow permission to certain directories based on the position that employee works in? Not all employees will need access to all files and your FTP service provider should be able to facilitate this.

The Cloud

You'll also want to look at what type of cloud infrastructure an FTP service provider is utilizing for your FTP site hosting. Embracing the cloud is one thing, but all FTP clouds are not created equal in terms of security and performance.

Regulatory Compliance

Depending on the industry that you're in, you're probably subject to certain rules and regulations regarding how, where and why customer information can be stored digitally. Will the FTP provider that you've selected be able to help you maintain this required level of compliance?

These are just a few of the things that you need to keep in mind when choosing an FTP service provider. Doing so will help you arrive at a provider that not only provides the service that you need, but provides the level of comfort that only comes with knowing that you've made the right decision on behalf of your business.