Ipswitch, Inc. File Transfer division, the leading developer of secure and managed file transfer solutions for individuals up to large enterprises, today announced the incorporation of virtualization capabilities and Windows 2008 support into the new WS_FTP Server solutions.

In today’s IT environment there is a growing need to decrease IT costs while increasing flexibility, portability and management. “Virtualization has made its way into the mainstream and there is a wide variety of choices for virtualization open to enterprises everywhere. Its numerous benefits include added reliability, increased uptime, easier disaster recovery, server consolidation and a ‘green’ benefit of increased energy efficiency,” said Kevin Gillis, vice president Product Management, Ipswitch File Transfer division.

In addition to virtualization, the new WS_FTP Server 7.1 includes the flexibility and productivity capabilities that IT departments require:

Operating System & Platforms

• Virtualization: WS_FTP Server products can now install and run on the VMware ESX platform.
• Windows 2008 Support: WS_FTP Servers run on Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit) and Windows 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit).

Advanced Notifications & Authentication Database Queries

• Configure Email Notifications for SMTP Server Authentication: Administrators can now set-up automatic email notifications when a file transfer or server event occurs and notifications can now be configured to use SMTP server authentication if required by the mail server.
• Additional Notification Variables: Four new variables (TransferType, ClientIPAddress, Hostname and FileSize) are now available for dynamic insertion in notification messages. For example, administrators with multiple WS_FTP Servers can use the new hostname variable to learn which server the file was uploaded to.

Premium Service Agreements

• New extended service agreements provide 24x7x365 emergency call-back support in addition to unlimited access to live technical support and access to all software updates and upgrades.

“In purchasing a WS_FTP Server 7.1 solution, customers are investing in a scalable and compliant secure file transfer solution that’s easily installed and configured in a matter of minutes,” said Gillis. WS_FTP Server 7.1 expands a base of features that is already proven for security, safe storage, file sharing and transfer that currently exist in WS_FTP Server, including:

• 256-bit Encryption: Delivers unrivaled encryption strength of 256-bit AES transport encryption over SSL (FTPS) and SSH (SFTP and SCP2) connections;
• FIPS 140-2 Validated Cryptography: Provides Federal Information Processing Standards approved and validated cryptography;
• File Integrity: Guarantees uncompromised delivery with file integrity checking up to SHA-512 secure hashing algorithms, industry's strongest commercially available technology;
• IP Lockout: Identifies, logs and automatically or manually blocks IP addresses that generate consecutive failed login attempts;
• Exceed Compliance Regulations: Enables compliance with government regulations such as HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley, PCI DSS, GLBA; MA 201 CMR 17, BASEL II

“We’re a financially stable company that offers solutions to businesses of all sizes and our solutions will work with you as your business continues to grow. With the latest release of WS_FTP Server 7.1, we’re in an even better position to help with your secure and managed file transfer needs,” said Gillis.

All WS_FTP Server products are sold through direct sales, ecommerce and the channel. Customers without Service Agreements can purchase and get the 7.1 upgrade as well as unlimited live technical support. Extended Service Agreements and notifications of software releases, and access to live technical support are currently available. For full WS_FTP Server product details, visit www.IpswitchFT.com.