FTP Software & FTP File Transfer

What is, how to use and how to find FTP software.

What is FTP software?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard internet protocol used, as the name suggests, to transfer files between computers. FTP software uses a client server model so it requires two parts, an FTP client and an FTP server. Popular applications for FTP are to upload or download files for archival or the sharing of files too large for email. In most instances, today, FTP's function is actually served by SFTP servers and SSH clients. SFTP is similar to FTP with the exception that all traffic, including passwords, commands and data, are encrypted to prevent eavesdropping during transmission.

How do I use FTP?
Historically, FTP has been a popular means of moving large files between systems or between desktops and systems. FTP is also a common means of sharing a file that is too large for an email attachment by uploading it to a neutral location for access by other systems, software or individuals. Developed in a time simpler time,  this limited protocol does not provide the security or file management features that are often now required for the exchange of business data. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) arose to provide these features by combining enhanced FTP with SSH. To communicate with an SFTP server, you need a client that supports SSH.

Where Can I Find FTP software?
Ipswitch offers the world's most popular commercial FTP client, WS_FTP Professional and the highly popular WS_FTP Server, both of which support SFTP. If your organization needs to move large volumes of data on a routine basis, especially if that data is sensitive or protected by regulations, you may want to consider an MFT solution such as Ipswitch's MOVEit that lets you manage, view and control all activity through a single system. Aside from SSH, MOVEit is equipped with the latest security features, including end-to-end encryption, vulnerability & anti-virus protection, file integrity checking and others.