Five Key Considerations for Replacing Your SFTP or FTP Server

Migrating User Accounts

A seamless transition for users is often the top priority during any system migration. Ensuring that users can continue to access their accounts with minimal disruption is essential, particularly when handling login credentials and authentication methods. Ideally, users should be able to maintain their existing usernames and passwords when switching to a new system.

Modern servers often support integrations with third-party repositories, such as LDAP or SAML v2, making account migration much easier. However, if your current server relies on local user accounts, you’ll need to ensure your new system can export and import account data without causing significant issues for users.

Managing the Data Migration

The next major concern is transferring the existing data stored on the old server. Before you initiate the migration, it’s a good idea to audit and clean up the data. Often, older systems accumulate unnecessary or outdated files that can be pruned to streamline the migration. Newer file transfer servers frequently include automated housekeeping features, such as deleting files after a certain period, which helps keep data storage lean and efficient. This is particularly beneficial for organisations utilising cloud storage, where minimising data can lead to cost savings.

Exploring New Protocols

While FTP and SFTP remain widely used, they aren’t always the most user-friendly, particularly for those without technical expertise. Many modern systems offer alternative protocols like HTTPS, which is more familiar and easier for users to manage.

If you’re upgrading your server, consider the benefits of offering secure and simple protocols like HTTPS for everyday file transfers, especially for non-technical users. Additionally, phasing out insecure protocols like FTP can help enhance security and reduce the risk of interception. For automated workflows, SFTP with key-based authentication remains a strong choice.

Improving Audit Logging

Legacy FTP and SFTP servers often lack robust audit logging capabilities, making it difficult to track user activity or troubleshoot issues. Modern solutions offer advanced audit features, such as color-coded logs, context linking, and filtering systems, which make it much easier to monitor activity and maintain security. When replacing an older system, prioritise solutions that offer comprehensive audit logging as part of their core functionality.

Considering Cloud Deployment

As cloud hosting becomes increasingly popular, many organisations are looking to migrate their file transfer servers to cloud environments like AWS or Microsoft Azure. Some modern file transfer solutions are already optimised for cloud hosting, offering SaaS models or templates for easy deployment in cloud marketplaces.

When choosing a new system, consider the flexibility of cloud options and ensure that it supports a range of deployment models. A future-proof solution will offer flexibility for both on-premises and cloud hosting, with clear migration paths to support evolving business needs.