Evaluating Managed File Transfer Solutions

Transcription

1 Evaluating Managed File Transfer Solutions Right evaluation is essential to make the right choice of a Managed File Transfer solution Manish Dhama B2B Integration Practice, Wipro Technologies

2 Table of Contents 03 Evaluating Managed File Transfer solutions 04 Challenges 04 How it is done 05 Leaps ahead of traditional methods 05 The way ahead

3 A seamlessly connected enterprise is best positioned to take advantage of rapidly changing business environments. Hence, it is essential that the integration technologies and products of an enterprise stay updated and in good shape. Managed File Transfer (MFT) systems help enterprises integrate seamlessly with their business partners and employees, ensuring a secure and reliable platform. Evaluating Managed File Transfer solutions For decades, enterprises have been using legacy file transfer applications either due to lack of options or heavy investments involved in the process. However, they have been posing several challenges: Homegrown applications are difficult to manage Time to market goes up due to the longer onboarding process for new partners thereby impacting business cycles Low visibility of file movement due to lack of track and trace capabilities in the platform Limited reporting capabilities for monitoring and auditing file transfers Large number of custom-built codes for file handling increases maintenance efforts and complexities Enterprises periodically initiate certain programs which require selection of third-party software packages. The selection of a right MFT product is a similar process. In order to achieve its goals, an organization makes use of certain frameworks that align the features of the software package with its goals. There are times when organizations fail to identify the right set of software packages, resulting in unforeseen costs and business impacts. The typical process flow for a software product/package selection is depicted in Figure 1. 1 Determine goals 2 Identify potential products Figure 1: Evaluation Process Flow 3 Product evaluation and recommendation through gap analysis and evaluation of task appropriateness 03

4 Challenges There are two key challenges associated with MFT product evaluation and implementation. Change resistance: It is not enough to take into consideration only the MFT product and its technical features. Attention needs to be given to the personnel who would be working with it as end consumers. The MFT product might demand a workforce reshuffle or skill upgrade. Efficiently managing the resistance to these changes is the key to seamlessly managing this challenge. Data access: Whenever an MFT product evaluation is undertaken, it is necessary to understand the systems and platforms which will be replaced in the organization. This process requires that evaluators be given access to data (sometimes critical) of all associated entities of the organization such as the business partners and existing vendors. Getting access to such information is yet another challenge and the data needs to be handled carefully. How it is done As the first step in the evaluation process, data collection is initiated through a series of discussions with the key stakeholders. The exercise results in understanding their legacy MFT landscape, key MFT requirements, challenges faced such as lack of automation capabilities, stability, scalability, performance, and visibility. Customer onboarding and operational processes being followed also need to be taken care of. Typically, the evaluation process would involve the following key items: Identification of relevant quality attributes of the product Measurement of attributes Aggregation of the measures Comparative analysis of findings and recommendation Identification of relevant quality attributes of the product: Every organization will have priorities that determine the preference of attributes in a product over others. These attributes, that help evaluate and compare the technology products, are identified first. A list is then prepared using a hierarchical attribute building approach (refer Table 1). The macro level criteria are identified, called Level-1, and each Level-1 criterion is then further divided into several detailed criteria, as Level-2. Each of the Level-2 criteria is allotted a score based on the significance of the attributes. These scores are then aggregated to form the corresponding Level-1 scores. Table 1 depicts how a sample Level-1 criterion (Governance) is built up from the Level-2 criteria. Level - 1 Level - 2 Governance Account & Partner Management Policy Management Monitoring and Management Notifications and Alerts Audit and Reporting (Standard and Customized Reports) Registration and Activation Change Management Table 1: Attributes Measurement of attributes: This step involves defining the weight for each criterion based on its importance. Every Level-2 criterion for each of the products under evaluation is then scored based on this and the quality index (product score against the criterion - as seen in Table 2). This step helps in understanding the ratings for each of the product features as against the client s requirements. It ensures that the scoring is done based on the parameters that are most important for the enterprise. When evaluating Managed File Transfer solutions, it is recommended that companies examine not just features but key areas of functionality like architecture, quality of service governance, visibility and security. 04

5 Aggregation of the measures: The scores for each of the products are aggregated and compared. Comparative analysis of findings and recommendation: The recommendation is then provided to the client, based on the score obtained for each of the product s attributes. Thus, as seen in Table 2, some of the features of two different products are assessed and scored based on the attributes. By comparing scores and by giving importance to the relevant attributes, the client can get a customized evaluation process. Leaps ahead of traditional methods A proper product evaluation ensures that the enterprise s investment goes in the right direction. The choice of an MFT platform is a strategic one rather than a tactical one, and hence no compromises should be allowed. The method explained in this paper ensures that every organization is able to make a choice after due consideration of its existing business requirements. The approach provides a complete and relative view of the products being evaluated. Information on products is gathered through numerous channels product vendors, market analysts and subject matter experts. Choice of the right product will benefit the organizations with synergies, both operational and financial. The way ahead With rising number of file transfer and file management options, it is necessary that the product evaluation process is carried out impartially. The cost implications, in case of a wrong choice of product, will be huge and long lasting. For an accurate product evaluation, it is necessary to choose a vendorneutral partner who will assist in formulating a customized evaluation process and give suggestions based on the evaluated business scenario and requirements. FEATURE EVALUATION PARAMETERS PRODUCT 1 PRODUCT 2 INDEX INDEX Time to market Rapid onboarding and implementation time Centralized administration with console / dashboard Account and partner management policy management Governance Monitoring and management Notification and alerts Audit and reporting (standard and customized reports) Registration and activation Change management Customer visibility File status and visibility Provisioning Self service Secure exchange Parameter security Authentication and encryption Security Mail boxing Multiple encryption standards LDAP Integration Denial of service System to human Ad hoc file transfer Human to human capability Unscheduled partner data sharing once - no onboarding required Table 2: Score-based Evaluation 04 05

6 About the Author Manish Dhama is currently handling Presales for Managed File Transfer and B2B Integration Practice in Wipro Technologies. His responsibilities involve solution definition, prospect identification, need-realization and proposal management based on the identified needs. He has around 16 years of IT experience with core strengths in design, development and implementation of projects in integration and service-oriented architecture technologies. He can be reached at About Wipro Limited Wipro Ltd. (NYSE:WIT) is a leading Information Technology, Consulting and Outsourcing company that delivers solutions to enable its clients do business better. Wipro delivers winning business outcomes through its deep industry experience and a 360 degree view of "Business through Technology" - helping clients create successful and adaptive businesses. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, a practitioner's approach to delivering innovation, and an organization wide commitment to sustainability, Wipro has a workforce of 140,000 serving clients across 61 countries. For more information, please visit 06

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