Globalscape EFT vs Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct comparison

Globalscape EFT vs. Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Globalscape EFT

Ranking in Managed File Transfer (MFT)

9th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Sterling Commerce Connect:D...

Ranking in Managed File Transfer (MFT)

8th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2026, in the Managed File Transfer (MFT) category, the mindshare of Globalscape EFT is 4.1%, up from 3.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct is 4.5%, down from 8.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Managed File Transfer (MFT) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct	4.5%
Globalscape EFT	4.1%
Other	91.4%

Managed File Transfer (MFT)

Featured Reviews

Ravi Kumar Dake

Software Developer at a computer software company with 1,001-5,000 employees

Seamless integration and enhanced automation streamline complex tasks while opportunities exist for improved batch file processing

The best feature of Globalscape EFT is that it has inbuilt encryption. We can use outside PGP encryption or we can use the inbuilt encryption as well, enabling us to do the encryption file transfer to the destinations. The other thing is that, by using the advanced workflow, we can make complex integrations for ease, and the workflow allows us to have alerts and everything by using email notifications through SMTP. We utilize the advanced automation capabilities, and we can also integrate to Azure. In one of the projects, we use Globalscape EFT as an intermediate integration and we use SAP BI where they send the files to Globalscape EFT. We take the files and push them to the banking system, where we get the response and return that back to the SAP system. Globalscape EFT can integrate with the Azure cloud systems as well. We can upload as many files as we can, and we can automate everything using SFTP software such as FileZilla, WinSCP, or any of the SFTP tools.

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reviewer1955103

Assistant Vice President at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

Has delivered robust secure file transfer with exceptional encryption features

Based on experience, the one area IBM can improve for Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct is the support mechanism. While support is available 24/7 whenever required, the solution time during American hours can take longer. In general, during American hours, the resource availability is not up to the standard. However, availability of support staff during UK timings or GMT timings is very good; they are supportive and helpful. Functionality-wise, they can make additional improvements to Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct. They recently improved by adding a GUI for configurations on Windows as well as UNIX platforms, which is very helpful. However, the web client is cumbersome and not as interactive as it should be. The CLI part is comprehensive, but the GUI needs improvement.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The most valuable feature is the automation engine, because it allows you to script or program and it has lots of different features and options. It's something like an IDE for programmers, where they can add variables, arrays, loops, et cetera."

"The fact that it is Windows-based was a huge factor for us because most of our endpoints are Windows-based. And the ability to configure it means standardization is available with the product."

"The most effective feature is its advanced workflow engine. Another feature is the flexibility of the code we use to create tasks."

"We have absolutely realized a return on our investment in Globalscape."

"It bolsters security with features like Data Loss Prevention and seamless integration with DLP for a safe and compliant environment which enables real-time document sharing and control over file actions."

"The automation of file transfers has increased our efficiency and effectiveness a lot, as they would with any other MFT system."

"Its ease of use is most valuable. Especially for the configuration of the rules, we don't need to have any scripting knowledge. Previously, we used to have a lot of custom scripts to transfer these files. Now, it's all managed in one place, and it's like a self-service. It's saving a lot of time for us."

"By going with Globalscape, we have been able to decommission Sterling B2B Integrator, Connect Enterprise, MOVEit, and soon, ExaVault, and that has streamlined and standardized our processes, drastically, and has helped with cost savings."

More Globalscape EFT pros

"Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct is a solution that is on the market for a very long time. There is an integrator that has been developed and evolves every year. On the roadmap, there is always a new integration. For example, it's one of the solutions in the market that out of the box can handle EBICS protocol. The file processing is done very well. By default, there are a lot of configurations that can be customized."

"Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct is one of the stronger MFT solutions in the market, it is available in each type of installation, and offers SaaS, PaaS, YaaS, on-premise."

"The product has been very stable."

"The solution's file transfer speed is quite high."

"The most valuable feature of this solution is the security."

"Connect Direct offers Check Point functionality to ensure data integrity during transfers."

"The most valuable feature is that it provides 100% reliability for file transmission."

"Connect Direct offers Check Point functionality to ensure data integrity during transfers."

More Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct pros

Cons

"The solution lags a bit when thousands of jobs, multiple users, and multiple developers are accessing it at the same time."

"It could improve its operations by incorporating real-time collaboration features like those offered by platforms such as Microsoft OneDrive and Office 365."

"With their high-availability solution, that is not a possibility. Both servers have to be shut down to perform the upgrade."

"Instead of using a fat client to access the administrator panel, where you have to install client software on any server that you need to use to access, I would like them to switch to a web-based model where you could connect from anywhere without having to maintain and install the software."

"If Globalscape has a higher number of tasks, performance issues will occur."

"In the beginning, it could be considered a bit challenging."

"There are two ways to install Globalscape: as a standalone server or as a high-availability server, either Active-Active or Active-Standby. We are currently using standalone servers. That means if we want to upgrade the software, I shut down one of the two back-end servers, upgrade the software, make sure everything is correct, and then turn traffic back on to that one. I then proceed to upgrade the second server. With their high-availability solution, that is not a possibility. Both servers have to be shut down to perform the upgrade. We're a 24/7 shop. We don't have a window where we can have downtime."

"The folder monitoring services need improvement. Currently, with the folder monitoring services in Globalscape, if any changes are made to our firewalls, network, or something else that affects the directory services where the files are located, for some reason, the folder monitoring services get cut out, and the files are left there. They remain in the folder without being sent. I have over 50 file transmission processes that I would have to go to manually re-drop a file into the folder so that it processes the file transmission. There are times where even though I re-drop a file, it still doesn't work. In that case, I have to resynchronize the folder monitoring process, and it is a very big headache on my side that I have to deal with. It is not only related to Globalscape or their development team. It is on our side too. I just sent a support case where we found out yesterday that we had a file transmission that hasn't run in a whole year, and it was an important one. No one on the business side or the IT support side, as well as the vendor, had indicated that the file wasn't received or the data hadn't been updated. I found out that it was the folder monitoring service that was the problem when I initially had the problem last October, and this was the file that I just missed. So, I re-dropped the file in yesterday, and the monitor worked. It runs every week, so we sent a file to that folder, and it processed that out."

More Globalscape EFT cons

"The initial setup could be simpler and better."

"The resources required for this tool are costly and not easily available in the market."

"The user interface could be more user-friendly."

"Sometimes we face issues and can't figure out the cause of failures."

"The user interface needs to be improved."

"Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct could improve by adding some of the functionality that some other vendors have. For example, GoAnywhere has call agents, which are small clients that can be installed on the endpoints and can be handled by the central point on the server. If I want to do this with the IBM solution, I have to sell a lot of account addresses. The price could be unprofitable for the customer. There is some small functionality that could be implemented and could be easily done to improve this solution."

"The technical support is the number one problem."

"They have File Agent, which is an additional utility and a component of Connect:Direct, for automated file transmission. In that utility, there is some issue with the file name."

More Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Maintenance and services for Globalscape EFT have an annual price tag, and it is not cheap."

"A large factor in our decision to go with Globalscape was the price."

"We are paying around 30K per year."

"It is a very good product in terms of purchase. It didn't cost that much, even with the way we had scaled and architecturally put things in place. It is definitely comparable to other products."

"The solution is reasonably priced in comparison to other products."

"It is much more competitively priced. Axway is probably three or four times more expensive than Globalscape. I like the server-based license. It's easier to manage than a seat license, which our previous product Axway had. Axway's license model is to charge by the account while Globalscape's model is by the server. It is much simpler and much easier when audit time comes."

"It offers excellent value and its pricing is straightforward, making it easy to acquire, set up, and use."

"Globalscape is not cheap, but you get what you pay for. The cost is worth the value of the product. What you're getting is a good, stable solution that does a lot."

More Globalscape EFT pricing and cost advice

"The price and licensing of Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct is expensive."

"The solution's licensing cost is too high."

"Annual licensing fee."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Healthcare Company

16%

Financial Services Firm

13%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

31%

Manufacturing Company

Construction Company

Healthcare Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	2
Large Enterprise	14

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	1
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	10

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Globalscape Managed File Transfer?

I never looked at the pricing for Globalscape EFT because it was at the management level where my line manager handled it. I was a team lead, so we only did the RFQs and everything. I never had a c...

What needs improvement with Globalscape Managed File Transfer?

Globalscape EFT is prone to errors because one single click can lead to a file being sent to another vendor, and it doesn't give any warning if the code goes out of certain loops. The user interfac...

What is your primary use case for Globalscape Managed File Transfer?

Currently, I'm working on Globalscape EFT 2020. The usual use cases for Globalscape EFT that we are applying involve imports and data that we send from our organization to different vendors, and so...

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct?

Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct is an expensive platform.

What needs improvement with Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct?

What is your primary use case for Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct?

The majority use case for Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct is for file transfer, specifically secure file transfer.

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Product Reports

Globalscape EFT

Download Globalscape EFT product report

Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct

Download Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct product report

Also Known As

Globalscape GlobalSCAPE Managed File Transfer

No data available

Overview

Globalscape EFT enhances productivity through secure and location-independent data sharing. It features robust automation, integration with Windows and Linux, and a centralized interface for ease of use, making it ideal for seamless file transfer management and compliance.

Globalscape EFT specializes in secure file transfers between internal and external systems, supporting multiple encryption methods. It utilizes strong workflow automation and auditing tools, making it suitable for complex regulatory documentation. It integrates seamlessly with platforms like Salesforce for enhanced data management and is deployable both on-premises and cloud environments. Though it excels in many areas, improvements are needed in real-time collaboration and transfer speed for large files.

What are the key features of Globalscape EFT?

Location-Agnostic Data Sharing: Provides productivity tools for secure transfers regardless of user location.
Data Loss Prevention and PGP Encryption: Ensures secure data transmissions with enhanced protection.
Centralized Interface: Facilitates ease of use for file management and administration.
Powerful Automation: Streamlines complex workflows efficiently.
Advanced Workflow Engine: Supports challenging regulatory tasks.
Integration Options: Compatible with Windows, Linux, and systems like Salesforce.
Comprehensive Auditing Tools: Offers detailed insights into data management activities.

What benefits or ROI should users expect?

Enhanced Productivity: Facilitates efficient and secure file sharing.
Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to regulatory requirements.
Streamlined Data Management: Automates processes for ease of operation.
Seamless System Integration: Connects with existing enterprise systems effortlessly.

Globalscape EFT is widely used in industries requiring secure data exchanges, such as finance and healthcare. Organizations utilize its event rules to automate workflows, connect with global financial networks, and meet compliance demands effectively. Its deployment flexibility supports both on-premises and cloud applications, catering to diverse operational environments.

Fortra

Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct offers robust security and encryption for fast, reliable file transfers across platforms. It supports large files and diverse protocols, integrating seamlessly with Sterling Control Center for real-time monitoring.

Known for its stability and scalability, Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct handles complex data transfer needs in banking and other sectors. Users value its integration capabilities, automation features, and flexibility with encryption. Checkpoint restart, advanced scheduling, and diverse deployment options enhance its reliability. While it supports EDI and XML automation, users identify the need for a reverse proxy in the DMZ and seek additional protocols. Licensing and setup complexity are noted, alongside a need for a more interactive GUI and improved technical support during American hours.

What are the key features of Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct?

Security and Encryption: Provides strong protection for data during transfer.
Checkpoint Restart: Ensures transfer recovery from failures without restarting.
Advanced Scheduling: Allows precise control over data transfer timing.
Real-Time Monitoring: Uses Sterling Control Center for instant status updates.
Protocol Support: Handles EBICS, EDI, XML, SFTP, FTPS, and more.

What benefits should users consider in their evaluations?

Data Transfer Reliability: Ensures consistent and secure file exchange.
Integration Capabilities: Allows seamless connection with diverse systems.
Scalability: Adapts to growing data transfer demands effectively.

In industries like finance and logistics, Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct facilitates secure transfers across platforms such as Linux, Windows, and mainframes. Organizations implement it for node-to-node data transmission, utilizing protocols including SFTP and FTPS. It enables protocol-based automated file transmission and EDI message interchange, crucial for complex tasks across sectors.

IBM

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

HZMO, Bank of Communications

Globalscape EFT vs. Sterling Commerce Connect:Direct