How to include MFT integration with the Boomi platform
As digital transformation initiatives continue, large organizations are turning to cloud-based integration platforms (iPaaS) such as Boomi to provide seamless integration between disparate cloud, on-premises and hybrid enterprise software and services. An essential component of this framework is the exchange of sensitive business data. To fully address this integrated secure file transfer need, it is beneficial for organizations to select a managed file transfer (MFT) technology such as Thru that is a modern cloud-native service with extensive APIs.
The following sections provide a look into the Boomi and Thru relationship.
When Does an Integration Platform Need MFT?
If your company shares files with an ecosystem of trading partners, customers and/or suppliers, then managed file transfer should absolutely be on your radar. Legacy on-premises systems have persistence for file transfers; however, when an organization moves its architecture to the cloud via an iPaaS, there is now a need for a persistence solution for file transfers.
Understanding MFT versus EDI
Business-to-business (B2B) data exchange technologies enable integration with business partners. The two most common classes of data exchange are MFT and electronic data interchange (EDI):
- MFT is a service enabling the secure transfer of sensitive, large file-size or compliance-protected data between corporate entities. MFT helps guarantee delivery and security without the overhead of parsing and transformation.
- EDI is the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standardized electronic format. EDI data may require parsing, mapping and transformation.
Thru extends file-based data exchange functionality to the Boomi integration platform, resulting in a comprehensive, integrated file transfer solution that now supports both MFT and EDI data exchange.
Thru Adds Management to SFTP Transfers in iPaaS
Boomi supports connections to SFTP, so why is an additional file transfer component needed?
In addition to supporting SFTP and other protocols, Thru is a storage-based service designed specifically to manage and securely transfer files. The Thru MFT Connector for Boomi enables companies to instantly map MFT workflows in Thru to Boomi integration processes, providing simple, secure and agile B2B file transfer integrations.
The table below highlights the key differences between Boomi and Thru:
| Boomi (iPaaS) | Thru (MFT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Exchange | Real-time | Batch |
| Payload Size | Small to Medium kBs | Unlimited |
| Persistent (Stores files until delivery) | No (Limited persistence) | Unlimited |
| Data Transformation | Yes | No |
| SFTP Connection | Point-to-Point | One flow for many partners |
| Guaranteed Delivery | Requires Programing | Out-of-the-box |
Simplified Management of File Transfer Processes
Provides Drag-and-Drop MFT to Boomi
Our certified MFT connector for Boomi adds drag-and-drop file transfer operations to AtomSphere:
- Uses the Thru data channel API.
- Exchanges file data and metadata between Boomi and Thru.
- Manages all file pickup, drop off and exception handling.
Thru + Boomi: The Perfect Pair
Managed file transfer systems have considerable impact on the success or failure of integration processes. It is important to have a strong strategy in place to optimize existing file transfer processes with tools and practices that meet modern integration use cases and business outcomes. The integration of Thru’s MFT service with Boomi provides a complete, cloud-based solution that can greatly optimize critical B2B transactions across the supply chain and lines of business.
Learn more about the Thru MFT Connector for Boomi »
For a deeper dive into what Thru brings to Boomi, please read the blog, Using Modern Managed File Transfer (MFT) to Innovate Digital Business Processes »
