The ability of a robust Managed File Transfer (MFT) solution to integrate with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) can help elevate an organization’s MFT solution from software that securely moves data from point A to point B to a solution that can help disparate systems better communicate with each other. This integration can enhance and streamline collaboration and business operations – without the need for custom programming or scripting.
Integrating APIs with robust MFT, like Fortra’s GoAnywhere MFT, can help shrink the complexities of working efficiently with popular business APIs, such as those included with CRMs and ERPs. This integration can also help ensure data exchanges are conducted securely, in real time. The added scalability, security, and ability to customize and expand file transfer processes can improve efficiency, as well as add more control over how sensitive file exchanges occur in conjunction with other systems via encryption and audit trails to track all file activity.
Organizations that do not need a full API gateway or those that already have deployed GoAnywhere MFT can use the file transfer solution to marshal API calls without needing to further grow their technology stack. GoAnywhere includes an API in the solution and can consume third-party APIs, act as middleware, or as an API gateway between other applications.
These seamless integrations can positively impact operations by synchronizing data across the organization, delivering more secure collaboration as well as allowing for more customization to meet unique business needs.
Cloud File Transfers and API Integrations
Seamlessly connect to web applications used daily and secure cloud file transfers while maintaining the security you need for your sensitive data and to meet compliance requirements, you can:
- Use MFT as a Service (MFTaaS) to skip the need to choose your own cloud computing platform.
- Take advantage of cloud environments and private networks for automated file transfers and workflows.
- Incorporate built-in Cloud Connectors to easily integrate with popular web and cloud services, including SharePoint, Salesforce, and Dropbox.
- Connect to internal and external trading partners through folders to cloud-based file systems, including Amazon S3 buckets.
FACT: More than 60% of APIs are now built using the REST (Representational State Transfer) architecture for its scalability and simplicity, according to a report from Postman.
How does MFT Support APIs Differently than an API Manager?
GoAnywhere MFT REST-enabled Secure Forms can be used as an API manager in many circumstances. The primary benefit: It’s simple to create a REST-enabled Secure Form and to connect it to an Advanced Workflows project.
From the project, more complex tasks can be performed, including being able to call on other APIs internally. For organizations that don’t need a full-blown API manager application, REST-enabled Secure Forms is an efficient solution. Organizations that need some API management, but do not want to expand their technology stack, can use GoAnywhere MFT instead.
What Features are Common Between an API Manager and GoAnywhere MFT?
- Auditing and reporting
- Both serve as a Reverse Proxy to secure networks via the DMZ
- Alarms are sent if an API call fails either via email or SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
- They can send messages to message queues (MQs)
- Both can connect to databases to read or insert new data
- High availability by clustering is available
GoAnywhere MFT Exclusive Features
- Ability to send files to almost every known file transfer protocol in the industry today
- Integration with Forta’s Threat Brain: This dynamic security feature adds a unique layer of security and protection by automatically blocking malicious known IP addresses before they enter your environment.
- Compatibility with IBM i: GoAnywhere can invoke legacy AS400/IBMi APIs and turn those calls into modern REST-enabled web services.
- Proactive scanning for viruses, malware and data classification: Via an ICAP server, GoAnywhere can scan almost any file type that passes, acting as an API gateway. ICAP scanning can also include Data Loss Prevention (DLP) scanning, so if a particular API tries to send a classified file, GoAnywhere can automatically block it. File type detection and automatic redaction of personally identifiable information (PII) is also possible when GoAnywhere is used as an API gateway.
Why Integrate MFT with APIs?
Robust MFT solutions are highly secure, offering encryption, secure file transfer protocols and authentication measures. An organization’s security policies, as well as compliance requirements, can be better met when the two solutions are integrated and auditable via MFT. Combining GoAnywhere with a Digital Loss Prevention (DLP) and Threat Detection tool via an ICAP project task, can turn your standard API usage into a more robust cybersecurity solution.
APIs can help mesh MFT solutions with other data security systems to further protect sensitive data. Fortra’s Threat Protection bundle is one example. This cybersecurity bundle was developed to add layers of protection around data by combining MFT, with a Secure ICAP Gateway, and adaptive data loss prevention to keep sensitive data secure while allowing for safe collaboration minus malware or the risk of mishandled or lost data.
FACT: API security is a growing concern. According to Salt Security’s 2024 State of API Security report, 95% of respondents have experienced security problems in production APIs, with 23% having experienced a breach. And 46% of survey respondents say that API security is a C-level discussion, reemphasizing the need for strong security around API to protect threats.
- APIs Can Boost MFT Automation Functionality. Robust MFT offers powerful built-in API options that can help turn basic file transfer tasks into elevated automation for IT teams and users — taking take MFT beyond standard MFT functionality, especially when combined with an ICAP server which can scan for viruses, filter content and detect malware. Combining GoAnywhere with a Digital Loss Prevention (DLP) and Threat Detection tool via an ICAP project task, can turn your plain-Jane usage of APIs into a more robust, modern cybersecurity solution.
- Better system integration with other business applications such as CRM tools, cloud services, ERP systems or business process automation solutions. When MFT is directly connected, the data flow is more seamless and less prone to manual process errors. APIs can trigger processes within the MFT solution to automatically execute complex workflows. Such as sending out a report after a specific transaction is completed.
GoAnywhere MFT can consume third-party APIs. You can use HTTP/HTTP Post and GET Project tasks or Webservices REST tasks to call third-party APIs. For example, once a file is uploaded, you can establish a trigger to automatically import the file into third-party applications, such as a ticketing system or CRM system.
And built-in cloud connectors can connect to many popular applications or even custom connectors.
- MFT and API integration delivers scalability. As an organization’s needs ebb and flow, integrating MFT and APIs can enhance existing workflows, as GoAnywhere MFT can be involved in business processes beyond standard file transfers.
- Workflows can be customized. While MFT alone offers workflow customization, integrating MFT with an API can further that customization to meet specific business needs such as triggering a file transfer only after a specific API-driven task is completed.
- Integration is cost effective. Utilizing the strengths of both API and MFT solutions can streamline processes, eliminate manual tasks and allocate fewer resources to many business processes.
- Enables cloud compatibility. Whether an organization is all in on cloud-based processes, hybrid, or considering moving more processes to the cloud, API integration with MFT can serve as a bridge between the two environments. AWS, Google Cloud and other cloud services gain security advantages when integrated with MFT.
What Are Some Advantages of API Manager Applications?
While GoAnywhere MFT offers many API advantages, there are a few advantages API manager applications have that should be considered:
Authentication management
GoAnywhere MFT REST API and REST-enabled Secure Forms uses only basic authentication via Authorization (Basic HTTP header)
Call limits
There is no way to limit the number of API calls per minute or per hour (API throttling) with GoAnywhere.
Automatic discovery of APIs via WSDL (Web Services Description Language)
With GoAnywhere, users must know the exact API and the calls required to use the API.
Long-running API calls
While setting up long-running API calls requiring a status check is possible in GoAnywhere, it is not as simple as with an API Gateway.
MFT and API Use Cases
Combining the two technologies, users of file transfer solutions such as GoAnywhere MFT can benefit from better, more efficient and reliable interactions with other third-party applications via either cloud connectors or REST API, including:
Faster onboarding
Use REST API to create a new web user programmatically and eliminate repetitive manual tasks needed to on-board new trading partners with automation.
Gadget APIs
Better real-time reporting and monitoring via Gadget APIs
Migration
Quicker and easier migration from other MFT solutions, homegrown file transfer solutions, or from older versions of GoAnywhere MFT
Help enforce DLP/classification policies
GoAnywhere integrates with Fortra’s data classification solution, which labels data according to its type, sensitivity, and business value so that informed choices can be made about how it is managed, protected, and shared, both within and outside your organization. And its ICAP functionality helps prevent viruses, malware and other malicious content from entering the organization. GoAnywhere MFT can integrate with antivirus solutions using the standard ICAP protocol.
Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD)
Better use of continuous integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) functions by automating the promotion of resources, projects, triggers, and monitors from development to production
Job Management
Better job management by allowing users to start, stop, and query jobs running in GoAnywhere
REST Enable a Secure Form
Within the GoAnywhere dashboard you can select REST Enable Secure Forms to trigger more complex API calls on the backend of Advanced Workflows. Then, using standard REST calls you can invoke the secure form and its underlying project. Additional REST-enabled Secure Form uses:
- GoAnywhere can act as a REST API gateway to computing resources normally not available to public internet users. The GoAnywhere server can be deployed on the secure network and the solution’s Secure Gateway can act as the link to the public internet in the DMZ.
- An administrator can enable curated access to internal REST APIs that would normally be available only through a VPN or dedicated network connection. Comprehensive audit logs and fine-grained user access controls can turn GoAnywhere MFT into a complete API gateway.
GoAnywhere MFT Integrates with These APIs
Rest APIs
SOAP APIs
IBM i
Native Command Line or SSH calls
Message Queue
Robust MFT Supports APIs; Delivers More Agility and Boosts ROI
The integration of MFT and popular APIs not only can help organizations maximize their investment in MFT, but the pairing also helps provide more efficiency without the need to increase their tech stack.
See How GoAnywhere MFT Supports Your API and Data Exchange Needs
Organizations around the world count on GoAnywhere MFT for secure, user-friendly file transfers. A free test-drive lets you experience the robust features and intuitive, dashboard-style ease of securing and streamlining processes.