Why You Need an Intelligent File Transfer Solution

Email is the default file transport system in most organizations: an Osterman Research survey conducted in 2008 found that nearly one-third of emails contain attachments and 95% of the information that flows through email systems in the typical organization is attachments.

EMAIL WAS NEVER DESIGNED TO SEND LARGE FILES
However, while email is a very easy way for users to send files, email systems were never designed to handle this load. When users send large attachments through email, it can create a variety of problems, including:

• Poor email server performance, including slow mail delivery
• Higher costs for storage
• Slower backups and longer restores
• The risk of losing sensitive information

Also, when file size limitations prevent users from sending large files through email, they often will use overnight courier services or FTP as alternatives, resulting in higher costs and/or greater security risks.

MOST DO NOT USE ENCRYPTION
Compounding the security problems associated with current practices is that encryption is normally not used when sending files through email. Most employees do not know how to use encryption or they might not even have access to it. Many who can use encryption don’t use it because it is too complex. Some users employ third-party, hosted services to send files securely, but most IT decision makers want data stored and managed behind the firewall to maximize security. Now, add to all of this the critical need to maintain good corporate governance practices. While financial services firms have always been subject to strict governance requirements as dictated by the SEC, FINRA, the New York Stock Exchange, Gramm-Leach-Bliley and other regulatory and quasiregulatory entities and statutes, all firms in all industries must practice good corporate governance, albeit to varying degrees. One of the results of the current financial problems we’re experiencing will be greater government oversight for businesses of all types – expect there to be much more emphasis on good corporate governance practices during 2009 and beyond.

ORGANIZATIONS NEED AN INTELLIGENT SOLUTION
What organizations need to overcome all of these problems and to exercise good corporate governance is a solution that will allow users to send any file:

• With minimal or no training
• With little impact on their normal business processes
• Securely
• With robust auditing capabilities, and
• Independently of the email system

This white paper discusses the problems associated with the common practice of sending content through email systems, and it provides information on Biscom Delivery Server, an intelligent attachment management solution that directly addresses these problems. Download and read the full report here to find out more about file server solutions and their benefits.