Managed File Transfer in 2025: Supporting IT Transformation

The 2025 IT prediction you need to know: Managed file transfer is key to helping you protect your org’s data.

2025 is here, and IT teams are under more scrutiny than ever to deliver measurable business success. This means navigating a growing demand for hybrid computing and hardened security controls across the technology estate, preventing disruptions in a highly connected world and laying the foundation for autonomous IT. But what does this mean for managed file transfer (MFT)? Well, it means everything.

Transferring data is essential to enterprise operations. So, when executives call for better security and compliance alongside streamlined operations, those demands trickle down to your MFT solution. MFT is your secret weapon in addressing 2025 goals for your organization’s most vital asset: your data.

Let’s get into it.

Harness Hybrid Computing

IT architectures continue to evolve as enterprises search for a “just right” mix of flexibility, scalability, cost efficiency and data sovereignty. As business leaders push for increasing levels of innovation, a mix of on-premises and cloud infrastructure systems and edge devices has become the norm.

Managed file transfer serves as the connective tissue in an enterprise’s ecosystem of disparate systems. While data transfers will persist, the ability to connect diverse systems is essential for successful hybrid computing. Some organizations require control over pathways for processing and storing data in specific geographic regions. Therefore, MFT solutions must facilitate access for both internal and external stakeholders through various desktop, mobile and web applications.

Harden Security and Compliance

Unsurprisingly, data protection will continue to be a key priority for enterprises throughout 2025. On top of industry-specific and legacy compliance standards, more countries and states are mandating data security measures to help protect personal information. And the risks of non-compliance are harsh (rightfully so).

For global enterprises or businesses handling personal health information (PHI), personal credit information (PCI) and other sensitive information, the security of data before, during and after an exchange can be hardened with the right file transfer solution. MFT’s strong authentication, encryption and access controls align with zero-trust security models and compliance standards. As organizations continue to bolster their data governance frameworks, we can predict a significant rise in the importance of audit trails and reporting capabilities. This could lead to more rigorous limitations on data retention practices, ultimately phasing out non-archive systems for sensitive data management.

Prevent Disruptions and Outages

Disruptions to business continuity are inevitable. According to IT-focused news platform CIO Dive, most executives anticipate experiencing a significant outage within the next year. Both minor hiccups and major outages can harm relationships with customers, partners and the public—missed file transfers included.

To mitigate the risk of disruptions, more enterprises will invest in redundancy for mission-critical workflows. Automated failover, disaster recovery and high availability/web farm deployments are essential to eliminate single points of failure, allowing for more resilient file transfer operations.

Embrace Autonomous IT Operations

Self-sufficient workflows are key for enterprises aiming to achieve new levels of operational efficiency. Automating manual processes, including file transfers, has been a function of MFT solutions for years. In 2025, IT leaders will push for more than just basic task automation; they will seek file transfer orchestration to handle more complex scenarios without human intervention.

By building advanced, logic-based workflows, MFT solutions can respond to real-time triggers, maintain timely delivery and notify teams about transfer status and outcomes.

Watch for More Trends and Predictions

Managed file transfer is not just about moving files; it encompasses approaches for enhancing security, maintaining compliance, preventing disruptions and paving the way for autonomous IT operations.

Join us for our upcoming webinar, “The Future of File Transfer Automation: Observations and Predictions for 2025,” where we will explore trends specifically related to automation. Registration link coming soon!