This document outlines the top 10 reasons to deploy the DataExpress managed file transfer solution. It notes that DataExpress is on the approved state list, provides built-in security, management and auditing features, and proven support to ensure successful and secure file transfers. DataExpress addresses state and national initiatives to securely transfer data and leverage shared infrastructure. Unlike do-it-yourself solutions, DataExpress provides everything needed for file transfers within a single framework and is easier to use and support.

1. Top Ten Reasons to Deploy DataExpress

2. 10. DataExpress is on the approved DIR listYou can “try” before you “buy” We can assist you in building evaluation criteriaNo need to go for bidsServices specific to Managed File Transfer are available

3. 9. MFT is part of the State and National planAccording to the 2010-2014 State Strategic Plan for Information Resources Management the #1 challenge is:Secure IT ResourcesEnhance Capabilities of the Shared Infrastructure (Strategy 1.1)Leverage Shared Applications (Strategy 1.2)Leverage the State’s Purchasing Power (Strategy 1.3)DataExpress addresses each of these initiatives.

4. 9. MFT is part of the State and National plan - continuedMeriTalk, a government IT provider, reports in a May 10th 2010 report that when transferring data, Federal Agencies use unsafe methods to move data:66% moves by physical media (tapes, CDs, DVDs, USB drives, etc.)60% moves using FTP52% is transferred via personal e-mail accountsRecords lost due to a security breach cost $2.40 per record (Verizon/US Secret Service) (Texas estimates are much higher)

5. 9. MFT is part of the State and National plan - continuedThe Secure Federal File Sharing Act, (March 24, 2009):Prevents Government employees from using peer-to-peer file-sharing software, including FTP.January 2005 - August 2009:105 incidents were reported in the public mediaInvolved privacy data from Texas-based organizations43 of which were government-relateduniversities, cities, counties, and state agencies Exposed more than 3 million individual recordsRepresents more than 12% of the state’s populationCost estimated at $202 per exposed record

6. 8. Free FTP isn’t really free and potentially introduces significant riskIt’s true every operating system comes with FTP, however:Additional work is required to add securitySSL/SSH security is difficult to attainNo roles management is includedRequires server IDs and passwordsLots of confusion with client/server modesRequires manual configurations outside of the FTP serverAudit trails are difficult to understand

7. 7. Removes the need for script writing and developing codeDIY implementations almost always require script writingRequires code for interfacing to other applicationsWith DataExpress:All components for transmitting/collecting, packing/unpacking, encrypting/decrypting are part of the productFile communications are built-in using common-sense workflow processes that don’t require scriptingFeatures that allow coupling with external applications are available and robust

8. 6. Using DataExpress is much easier than “DIY MFT”, and lets us provide evolving standardsDesigning your own multi-featured MFT solution is challengingImportant considerations – like security, reliability and auditing - are not adequately addressedTime to develop, test and deploy is significantUsually single use solutionsDifficult to embrace changing policiesUsually ignores DR and high availabilityWith DataExpressDR and hot-spare capabilities are built-inNew protocols, packaging, and compression features are added as they become standardScalable as demand increases

9. 5. Works in multiple environmentsWindows ServersLinux/Unix OS/390 (Z/Linux)Solaris Minimal reconfiguration required if changing platformsVirtual environments supportedAllows secure DMZ deployments with Secure Gateway option in all environments

10. 4. Everything contained within one frameworkSecurity-aware and managed within DataExpressRobust audit trails are includedJob-orientated without requiring scripts or codeSuccess and failure notification are standard Calendars and scheduling are base functionsConditional and branch processing functionalityBrowser-based user interfaceAuto-expiration of User IDsAuto-expiration of files

11. 3. Unparalleled support in solving problems Do-it-yourself solutions require do-it-yourself supportDue to the products wide distribution, we have probably already solved any problem you are likely to encounter.No file transfer protocol is “standard” - we have already developed protocol properties to meet the need to communicate with non-standard clients7 x 24 x 365 support availableWiki’s and blogs availableOnline problem reporting and tracking

12. 2. Security, management and auditing already built-inRoles-based user and operator managementRobust audit trails showing all communication eventsAll communication events are recorded in a database enabling reporting to summarization and detailed levelsNear-real-time monitoring Relationship among jobs, files, people, and locations are enforced through roles-based relationships

13. 2. Security, management and auditing already built-in - continued

14. 1. Proven solution, works already, provides peace of mindDataExpress successfully delivers and collects hundreds of thousands of files daily for our customersSome of the largest financial institutions in the world use DataExpress to ensure successful Secure MFTThese files represent billions of dollars; and have significant penalties if SLA terms aren’t metDataExpress is completely scalable to any size organizationBuilt-in active recovery and planned DR deployments7 by 24 by 365 expert support available