Fetch Softworks

whats the difference between sftp and ftps (6 posts)

• Started 21 years ago by wwwgeek
• Latest reply 21 years ago from Jim Matthews

• wwwgeek Member

  I know this isn't fetch specific, but i figured someone here would know the answer to this...

  When I asked about sftp support for a product called ws_ftp server, the response i got from their support group was, "We do not have SFTP (SSH) Support. We have SSL (FTPS) support."

  Would someone please explain the difference to me, and what are the pros/cons of each?

  **Moderator**
  If this is too O/T for this forum, please remove the post.

  thanks!

  Posted 21 years ago #

• Jim Matthews Administrator

  Both sftp and ftps are ways to transfer files over encrypted connections; because the connections are encrypted they are not vulnerable to evesdropping by wiretappers.

  The end-user might not see much difference between sftp and ftps but the underlying protocols are very different. Sftp starts with an SSH (secure shell) connection, and layers a new file transfer protocol over it. Ftps starts with the traditional FTP protocol, and encrypts it using the same SSL technology that web browsers use to view secure web pages (i.e. https URLs).

  Fetch currently does not support either sftp or ftps; the plan is to support sftp in the next major release, and ftps at some future date.

  Thanks,

  Jim Matthews
  Fetch Softworks

  Posted 21 years ago #

• Jim Matthews Administrator

  I forgot to say anything about pros and cons of sftp versus ftps. I don't think either protocol has huge advantages over the other, so I think it mostly comes down to using the one that is supported by the server you want to use. Sftp support is very common on UNIX servers, thanks to the free OpenSSH software. Ftps seems less widely used, and is mostly available in commercial server products like Ipswitch's.

  Thanks,

  Jim Matthews
  Fetch Softworks

  Posted 21 years ago #

• wwwgeek Member

  jim,

  thanks for the education - and clarification!

  Posted 21 years ago #

• Major Member

  Jim,

  You have remarked in previous posts that an sftp verion of fetch was forthcoming. The last I heard was fall. Have you an more specifics on this release.

  Very Anxious,
  Major

  Posted 21 years ago #

• Jim Matthews Administrator

  The schedule has slipped to the first part of next year, I'm sorry to report.

  Thanks,

  Jim Matthews
  Fetch Softworks

  Posted 21 years ago #