BIOS: Technology Means Business

Ipswitch has updated WS_FTP Server, an enterprise-class application that facilitates the sharing of files over the Internet or a company network using FTP (file transfer protocol). WS_FTP Server allows you to setup, manage and protect folders and files using 128-bit encryption. You can also authenticate users from any ODBC-compliant database, as well as setup virtual folders and multiple logical hosts on a single machine. New features include a notification server that can notify the administrator of selected events via SMS, SMTP, pager or an external program. New user and group features allow the administrator to set disk quota, bandwidth restrictions and user home pages. In addition, security has been stepped up to provide IT administrators with more powerful flexibility to manage users and maximise file transfer speed, according to Ipswitch.

Pros: Notification server; improved user and group features
Cons: No Web-based front end

Release: Ipswitch, Inc., the leading developer of file transfer, messaging and network monitoring solutions, has announced the release of Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0. The latest version includes an integrated Ipswitch Notification Server, delivering integrated workflow capability for users and IT administrators; increased security providing IT administrators with more powerful flexibility to manage users and maximise file transfer speed.

Intelligent workflow is now integrated into WS_FTP Server 5.0 via the Ipswitch Notification Server, a file transfer can initiate several different events enabling administrators and users to couple the secure and efficient capabilities of WS_FTP Server 5.0 to their business logic and processes. Ipswitch Notification Server supports notifications via SMS, e-mail and pager, or via external programs such as CRM tools. Easy-to-use wizards can create notifications incorporating seven built-in rules including directory created, file deleted, file downloaded, file renamed, file uploaded, failed login and disk quota exceeded. Notifications can also include dynamic content insertion for items such as subject and date and a ready-test feature allows for quick verification to ensure proper functionality before deployment.

'We're moving beyond simply transferring files efficiently," said Ipswitch chief operating officer Bill Pollack. 'We're looking at how to link the movement of data to a business process. We're making it possible for anyone in a business setting to automatically be notified the second any data files integral to his or her success are updated.'

Clear Command Channel (CCC), Rules Engine provides greater user and data protection The addition of Clear Command Channel (CCC) to Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 adds greater security to an already secure solution. Administrators can configure IP addresses and port ranges behind firewalls and Network Address Translation (NAT) devices with or without SSL for optimal protection. With WS_FTP Server 5.0's Rules Engine, administrators can thwart hackers by blocking a user after a specified number of failed login attempts and immediately receive an alert to this activity via the Ipswitch Notification Server.

Greater network efficiency, maximised file transfer speeds with new administrative tools With Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0, administrators have greater control over end-user file transfer activity and can maintain optimal file transfer speeds for all users. Disk quota management allows administrators to set a disk space quota for users or for an entire group of users. Administrators can restrict the amount of bandwidth being used by an individual or users within a group at any given time. Both ensure that speeds are optimised for all users connecting to Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0.

With the addition of Universal Naming Convention (UNC) support, Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0 enables system administrators to set a user's home folder on a shared or remote drive for security or management reasons. Administrators also have the ability to make any folder on the server be a user's home folder, meaning he can configure several users to the same home folder for a shared group folder. This further helps conserve disk space to maximise available resources.

'Controlling data transfers in my company is critical for me,' said Tom Byrne, technical services specialist at ArchiText Inc. 'I have much more command over what is happening with the new management features in Ipswitch WS_FTP Server 5.0. I can better dictate the flow of information so that I am maximising network resources without compromising the end-users' experience.'

Links:
WS_FTP Server 5.0 Web site
WS_FTP Server 5.0 30-day trial (6.6MB)