Reliable and secure file transfer isn’t just a technical requirement; it’s a competitive advantage.
Organizations across industries, from global fashion brands to data analytics agencies, are discovering that legacy managed file transfer (MFT) systems are holding them back. Here’s how three innovative companies are modernizing file transfer infrastructure in their organization and achieving remarkable results by working with Thorn Technologies.
Breaking Free from Legacy Systems: A Global Enterprise Saves Millions
For decades, IBM Sterling File Gateway and similar legacy MFT systems have been the go-to solution for enterprise file transfers. But what made sense in the past doesn’t always make sense today.
In late 2023, we began working with a global organization that was ready to make the switch from IBM Sterling, in a move that’s projected to save them millions of dollars in the coming years.
The Challenge
Legacy MFT systems like IBM Sterling come with significant drawbacks:
- Astronomical licensing fees that increase with scale
- Complex hardware requirements and maintenance
- Lengthy deployment times measured in months
- Limited cloud integration capabilities
- Limitless cloud-based storage capacity
The Solution
The organization started with a free development license of SFTP Gateway, allowing them to verify the solution met their needs before committing. Our team then provided customized development services for both SFTP Gateway and StorageLink, tailored to their specific requirements.
The Results
- The potential for a 70%+ reduction in file transfer costs
- Faster deployment
- Automatic scaling based on demand
- Complete data sovereignty—we never touch their data
Seamless Integration: How Vivienne Westwood Connected Salesforce and SAP
When a global fashion brand like Vivienne Westwood needs to process orders efficiently, system integration becomes critical. Their challenge? Creating a reliable bridge between Salesforce and SAP systems without the downtime plaguing their existing solution.
The Challenge
Vivienne Westwood’s existing managed file transfer system was creating bottlenecks in their order processing:
- Frequent system downtime disrupting operations
- Complex integration requirements between cloud and on-premise systems
- Security concerns about data handling
- Need for a solution that could scale during peak seasons
The Solution
We implemented a high-availability deployment of SFTP Gateway on AWS, featuring:
- Multi-instance architecture with load balancing
- Direct integration with their existing systems
- Deployment in a private subnet for maximum security
- Automatic scaling to handle seasonal spikes
The Results
- Zero downtime
- Seamless Salesforce-SAP integration
- Reduced infrastructure costs through AWS optimization
- Complete data control within their private cloud
Empowering Data-Driven Marketing: Good Apple’s Complete Transformation
Good Apple isn’t your typical marketing agency; they’re a data powerhouse working with brands like Starbucks, PepsiCo, and BirchBox. But their homegrown file transfer solution was holding them back from delivering the level of service their clients expected. Good Apple needed a modern marketing and advertising data sharing solution.
The Challenge
Good Apple faced multiple interconnected challenges:
- Their in-house SFTP server crashed frequently, delaying client deliverables
- Many clients couldn’t use SFTP, creating friction in file sharing
- They needed better integration with their analytics platforms
- Manual data quality checks were time-consuming and error-prone
The Solution
We implemented a comprehensive suite of solutions:
SFTP Gateway provided reliable, scalable file transfers with IP allowlisting for security compliance.
StorageLink offered a drag-and-drop interface for clients unfamiliar with SFTP, maintaining security while improving usability.
Custom Analytics Dashboard integrated with Looker while adding document attachment capabilities and advanced user management.
Automated QA Tool detected data anomalies before they reached clients, with customizable validation rules and real-time alerts.
The Results
- 100% uptime for file transfers
- Reduced client onboarding time by 75%
- Automated data quality checks save 20+ hours weekly
- Enhanced client satisfaction through reliable delivery
Why Organizations Are Making the Switch and Modernizing File Transfer Infrastructure with Thorn Technologies
These success stories highlight several key trends driving file transfer modernization:
1. Cost Efficiency
Legacy MFT licensing can cost millions annually. Cloud-native solutions like SFTP Gateway can reduce costs by 70% or more while improving functionality.
2. Data Sovereignty
Unlike some solutions, SFTP Gateway and StorageLink deploy in your private cloud. We never touch your data—a critical requirement for regulated industries and security-conscious organizations.
3. Simplicity Without Sacrifice
StorageLink proves that secure file sharing doesn’t have to be complicated. Users get a familiar drag-and-drop interface while maintaining enterprise-grade security.
4. Cloud-Native Architecture
Built for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud, our solutions leverage cloud elasticity for automatic scaling and high availability.
5. Rapid Deployment
While legacy systems take months to implement, SFTP Gateway deploys in days with immediate value delivery.
Industries Transforming Their File Transfers
Based on our experience, several industries are leading the charge in file transfer modernization:
- Financial Services: Replacing expensive legacy systems while maintaining compliance
- Retail & E-commerce: Integrating order management systems for seamless operations
- Healthcare: Ensuring HIPAA compliance while improving reliability
- Media & Entertainment: Handling massive creative files with global teams
- Manufacturing: Modernizing EDI and supply chain communications
Is Your Organization Ready to Modernize?
If you’re experiencing any of these challenges, it might be time to explore modern file transfer solutions:
- Paying excessive licensing fees for legacy MFT systems
- Dealing with frequent downtime or reliability issues
- Struggling to integrate cloud and on-premise systems
- Fighting with complex user management and permissions
- Needing to share files with non-technical users
- Requiring better visibility into file transfer operations
Getting Started
Every organization’s file transfer needs are unique. That’s why we offer:
- Free development licenses for proof-of-concept testing
- Custom development services for specific requirements
- Volume licensing with enterprise support
- White-label options for agencies and service providers
Whether you’re looking to replace IBM Sterling File Gateway, integrate critical business systems, or simply make file sharing easier for your users, we have the experience and solutions to help.
Next Steps
Ready to join these innovative organizations in modernizing your file transfer infrastructure? Here’s how to get started:
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs
- Request a free development license to test in your environment
- Review our documentation and video tutorials
- Connect with our team for a customized solution design
Don’t let outdated file transfer systems hold your organization back. Contact us today to learn how SFTP Gateway and StorageLink can transform your data operations while reducing costs and improving reliability.
Book a call with our sales team or reach out to them at sales@thorntech.com.
