Multiple integrations, migration to cloud & mobile, BizOps, focus on security & encryption – these are just some of the priorities in file sharing for 2021.

Now that we've laid 2020 to bed, we can look ahead to 2021. Early in 2020, we consulted our crystal ball. We wanted to see if it predicted another 'normal year.' It greeted us with anything but that.  Had I predicted the COVID-19 crisis, I would most likely be a millionaire, retired on a remote island. I am writing this blog from my home's comfort nestled in Silicon Valley after a long holiday weekend. So, it is safe to say; I didn't see this year coming either!  

We're closing 2020's final chapter as one of the most historic years in our lifetimes. Though we're unsure what 2021 might bring us, it's still fun to think of the future.  Can I get an AMEN for a trip to Hawaii or a drink in a crowded bar? Now, the real reason you're here is to learn our thoughts about the future of technology, and especially for 2021 to help you prepare.  

So – what does 2021 have in store?  

(Continued) and Ongoing Migration to the Cloud  

According to Forbes, SMBs invest in cloud-based security solutions. We expect them to surpass both on-premises hardware and software. The investment in cloud-based solutions should grow by 10% by the year 2024. 

When you hear the word cloud (no, not the white fluffy stuff in the sky), you think of an ambiguous place where files, pictures, and data live. Our current climate cloud-based technologies are critical; as the need for 'at, your fingertips' is more crucial than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many organizations to adopt cloud technologies quickly as part of their IT Modernization. We predict the lingering effects of COVID-19 might cause a shift to a growing work from home workforce and might force the replacement of on-premises solutions with those in the cloud.  

Cloud-based Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions combine the flexibility of a free solution like Dropbox or Google Cloud with the flexibility and security over your sensitive data.  

Business process integrations using BizOps 

Organizations today have hundreds of applications they interact with on a day-to-day basis. Before 8 AM PT, I've already logged into MOVEit Transfer to send a large Excel file to a vendor, OneDrive to collaborate and share this blog with colleagues, Workday to put time off, Sitefinity to edit landing pages, log into Salesforce to check on lead flow, and the list goes on. There is a growing list of Software as a Service (SaaS) vendors providing similar yet equal applications for you to do your job easier. BUT, does the adoption of a new tool boost productivity (or solve all your organization's problems)? The likely answer is yes—BUT. That "BUT" is most likely when you are thinking, 'if only these two systems talked to one another, that'd be amazing.' I know that feeling all too well. *ENTER* BizOps. 

BizOps creates processes and helps invest in technologies to work smarter, not harder, to allow you (and your organization) to succeed. As we mentioned above, the goal is modernization and productivity across the core business – working together to achieve a common goal. I guess what we're trying to say here is that the investment in SaaS and business applications via BizOps is crucial to your organization's growth.  

Ongoing/Continued MFT Integration 

With the recent SolarWinds hack in the news, everyone is taking a good hard look at security. That hack was dangerous because of its implementation in monitoring software. That allowed access to every device on the network. Yet, there's a difference between communicating with a device holding all your data and reading that data. That is the entire point of encryption at rest, something MOVEit does by default. Some other managed file transfer solutions do it as well, but it's not always mandatory, and sometimes, it's an extra cost. But the benefit of putting your business on a secure, managed file transfer solution is that even if there's a breach in your network, the actual data on that system has encryptions and worthless. There's always been a value to integrating systems with an MFT solution. But now, it's become a potential second line of security. And that's likely to drive adoption and integration in 2021. 

Ongoing Growth in Mobile MFT 

Paradoxically, more people are working from their homes, yet they're also using their mobile devices more often than ever before despite not being as, well, mobile. Research shows that remote and mobile workers rarely have access to the same secure file transfer capabilities they have when they're in the office. Therefore, organizations should start looking at ways to provide that same secure file transfer functionality in a mobile app. The demand isn't initially going to be high (unless there's a relevant breach, of course!), and it's going to be very cost-sensitive. However, as more and more mobile devices access workflows, more organizations might look for an inexpensive way to bring these potentially insecure endpoints under the wing of their managed file transfer solution to monitor and secure activity.