IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer vs SFTPPlus
IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer
ibm.comSFTPPlus
sftpplus.comSide by side
| Figure | IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer | SFTPPlus |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 5 |
| Spec score · Managed File Transfer - Midmarket Software | 8.2 (#7) | 7.8 (#9) |
| Spec score · Managed File Transfer Software | 8.2 (#12) | 7.9 (#14) |
| Automation | It supports automatic inbound and outbound transfers, intelligent routing, fault monitoring, and transmission restart for unattended operation. | SFTPPlus provides automatic retries, error reporting, centralized structured logs and server-to-server transfers without storing the whole file locally. |
| Deployment | IBM describes deployment options for on-premises, cloud, and hybrid-cloud environments, including Kubernetes-based containers. | It runs on bare metal, virtual machines, containers or Kubernetes on Windows, Linux and macOS. |
| Protocols | Sterling File Gateway documentation lists FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SCP, Connect:Direct, HTTP, HTTPS, WebDAV and IBM MQ adapters. | The server supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SCP, HTTP REST, HTTPS, AS2 and WebDAV. |
Plans
IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer
- ContainerPriced on request
- EssentialsPriced on request
- PremiumPriced on request
- StandardPriced on request
SFTPPlus
- File transfer client orchestration$1,900, paid once
- File transfer server with MFT capabilities$1,900, paid once
- Consultancy services$2,700, paid once
- Cluster controllerPrice not published
- Technical support and maintenancePrice not published
In their own words
IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer
IBM Sterling Secure File Transfer has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
SFTPPlus
SFTPPlus is managed file transfer software for automating secure exchanges among internal systems, customers, suppliers, trading partners, and cloud services. Its server supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, SCP, HTTP REST, HTTPS, AS2, and WebDAV. Client orchestration can move files across services including SharePoint, Azure Blob, Exchange Online, Oracle DB, IBM MQ, and SMTP. Authentication options include passwords, TOTP codes, SSH keys, TLS certificates, LDAP, RADIUS, Entra ID, Okta, Google Identity, and operating-system accounts. Automation includes retries, error reports, structured logs, and server-to-server transfers without storing the entire file locally. It can run on bare metal, virtual machines, containers, or Kubernetes on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Policies can restrict usernames, administrators, and source IP addresses and prevent brute-force attempts. The perpetual server and client licences each cost $1,900 as a one-time purchase, per installation inside one operating system; there is a 30-day trial and no free plan. SFTPPlus documents compliance configuration guidance, but is not FIPS 140-2 certified.