Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Modernize managed file transfer with SFTP (STG322)

Summary

• AWS Transfer Family is a cloud-native managed file transfer (MFT) service that supports protocols like SFTP, FTP, and AS2, aiming to eliminate overhead and management of secure file transfers while maintaining compliance and removing data silos.
• The session covered the importance of MFT, key use cases, and the trends and challenges in the field of MFT, such as increasing data security, exchanging data across various protocols, leveraging internal and external data, and lowering costs while increasing resiliency and scalability.
• AWS Transfer Family has expanded to include multiple protocols, storage services, and features, with a focus on IT teams delivering MFT without operational overhead and benefiting from cloud scale, availability, resiliency, security, and pay-as-you-go pricing.
• The service integrates with cloud storage, allowing data to be natively stored in Amazon S3 and Amazon EFS for use with development tools for application and analytics integration.
• AWS Transfer Family now includes SFTP connectors, a managed SFTP client that can access remote servers and move data to Amazon S3 and vice versa, using cloud APIs.
• The session highlighted customer stories, such as Regeneron, which built its own file transfer service using AWS Transfer Family, resulting in significant cost savings and compliance with industry-specific regulations.
• AWS has a network of delivery partners with expertise in using Transfer Family to build MFT solutions.
• A new service, AWS B2B Data Interchange for EDI, was announced, which can transform EDI document formats into XML or JSON.
• The session included a live demo showcasing bi-directional MFT flow, authentication using Amazon Cognito, automated file processing with workflows, and the use of connectors to send files to third parties.

Insights

• The AWS Transfer Family is designed to address the evolving needs of businesses that require secure and compliant file transfers without the complexity of managing infrastructure.
• The service's integration with Amazon S3 and EFS suggests a seamless connection with AWS's broader ecosystem, enabling users to leverage other AWS services for data analysis and application development.
• The introduction of SFTP connectors reflects AWS's commitment to providing solutions that meet the needs of businesses with existing remote servers, allowing for easy migration and integration with the cloud.
• The customer story of Regeneron illustrates the real-world benefits of using AWS Transfer Family, including cost savings, scalability, and compliance with industry-specific regulations, which can be a compelling argument for other businesses considering the service.
• The announcement of AWS B2B Data Interchange for EDI indicates AWS's expansion into the EDI space, offering customers a way to automate the transformation of EDI documents, which is critical for businesses involved in supply chain and B2B transactions.
• The live demo provided practical insights into how AWS Transfer Family can be used in real-world scenarios, demonstrating the service's capabilities in terms of authentication, file processing, and integration with other AWS services.
• The session's focus on security, compliance, and automation aligns with the broader trends in cloud computing, where businesses are looking for solutions that not only reduce operational overhead but also enhance security and regulatory compliance.