SFTPPlus MFT vs Cleo VLTrader
This comparison covers the combined SFTPPlus MFT server and client licence and Cleo VLTrader 6.0 with optional features identified below.
SFTPPlus MFT
- First year
- $4,750
- Following years
- $950
Licensing
- Active major feature developmentSFTPPlus MFT publishes a feature roadmap. VLTrader continues to receive support, security fixes, and enhancements. Cleo's 6.0 notes identify container deployment as a Harmony capability; they do not establish that all major VLTrader development requires migration. Confirm VLTrader's feature roadmap with Cleo. Details
- Yes
- Published list pricesSFTPPlus publishes licence and support prices. Details
- Yes
- Perpetual licenceSFTPPlus licences are perpetual. Cleo documents permanent licence keys, but the order agreement determines the duration of purchased usage rights. Details
- Yes
- Complete protocols licenceSFTPPlus includes all supported protocols for each licensed role. Cleo licences can restrict protocols, hosts, mailboxes, and optional features. Details
- Yes
- Unlimited users and trading partnersSFTPPlus imposes no licence limit on users or partners. Details
- Yes
- Development and testing instancesSFTPPlus includes an individual development instance and a shared testing or pre-production instance. Details
- Yes
- Included cold disaster recovery instanceSFTPPlus includes a cold recovery instance. Cleo documents a backup licence role, but inclusion and price need confirmation in the quote. Details
- Yes
Runtime and deployment
- Windows ServerBoth support installation as a Windows service on supported Windows Server versions. Details
- Yes
- LinuxBoth support deployment on Linux. Check each product's requirements for the distribution and release you use. Details
- Yes
- Docker and KubernetesSFTPPlus supports containers and Kubernetes. Details
- Yes
- MacOSSFTPPlus supports macOS on Apple Silicon. macOS is absent from the VLTrader 6.0 supported operating system list. Details
- Yes
File transfer protocols
- SFTPBoth accept SFTP connections and initiate automated SFTP transfers. Details
- Yes
- Legacy SCPSFTPPlus supports the SCP protocol over SSH. The reviewed VLTrader guide documents SSH FTP (SFTP), without confirming SCP support. Details
- Yes
- FTP and FTPSBoth support FTP and FTP secured with TLS for server and client transfers. Details
- Yes
- HTTPS web clientBoth let users upload, download, and manage files from a browser. Confirm Cleo Portal entitlements in the quote. Details
- Yes
- AS2Both send and receive AS2 business documents with delivery receipts. SFTPPlus does not charge per AS2 partner; check Cleo's mailbox allowance. Details
- Yes
- WebDAVSFTPPlus provides WebDAV server and client support. The reviewed VLTrader guide does not confirm a WebDAV implementation. Details
- Yes
- AS3VLTrader documents AS3 business document exchange over FTP. SFTPPlus supports AS2, without an AS3 implementation.
- No
- OFTP2VLTrader supports Odette FTP version 2 for partner networks that require it, including automotive exchanges.
- No
- MLLPVLTrader supports sending and receiving HL7 messages using MLLP. SFTPPlus can transfer HL7 files through its file protocols but does not implement MLLP.
- No
- RosettaNet and ebXMLVLTrader documents RNIF and ebXML message exchange. SFTPPlus does not implement these business messaging protocols.
- No
- Oracle Database transfersBoth can send and receive file content through Oracle. SFTPPlus maps existing tables with configured SQL; VLTrader's database payload interface uses its own incoming and outgoing tables through JDBC. Details
- Yes
- Direct Oracle mapping to existing tablesSFTPPlus maps rows to files using SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements, without PL/SQL stored procedures. VLTrader's documented payload interface requires applications to exchange data through Cleo's tables. Details
- Yes
- SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DB2 payload storageCleo lists these databases alongside Oracle for its database integration. SFTPPlus's native database transfer location is specific to Oracle. Details
- No
- IBM MQBoth exchange file content with IBM MQ queues. SFTPPlus includes the MQ C Client and manages TLS certificates in its vault. Cleo's MQ host documentation specifies separate connector licensing. Details
- Yes
- SMB and Windows sharesBoth can use network shares as transfer locations. Cleo provides an SMB connector. Details
- Yes
- SharePoint OnlineSFTPPlus includes a SharePoint location. Cleo documents a SharePoint connector, but its availability in a VLTrader quote needs confirmation because the shared documentation also covers Harmony. Details
- Yes
- Azure Blob StorageSFTPPlus includes Azure Blob support. Cleo identifies its AzureBlob connector as a Harmony capability in its release documentation. Details
- Yes
- Azure Files and Exchange OnlineSFTPPlus includes Azure Files and Microsoft Graph access to Exchange Online attachments. Equivalent native VLTrader connectors were not confirmed in the reviewed guide. Details
- Yes
Administration and integration
- Web administrationConfigure and monitor both applications from a browser. Details
- Yes
- Command-line administrationSFTPPlus provides admin-shell. Cleo provides VLTraderc commands to inspect and change configuration and run actions. Details
- Yes
- HTTP APISFTPPlus exposes file, authentication, and event APIs. Cleo provides REST APIs for transfers and configuration; the interfaces are not identical. Details
- Yes
- Configuration in one text file, without databaseSFTPPlus keeps settings in one INI file. VLTrader stores configuration across XML and properties files and uses an embedded database for newer logs and reports. Its external SQL database is optional. Details
- Yes
- Configuration as codeSFTPPlus supports declarative INI deployments. VLTrader supports XML import and export, commands, and APIs for scripted configuration. Details
- Yes
- Built-in configuration promotionSFTPPlus can manage configuration variants through a separately licensed cluster controller. Cleo provides import, export, and synchronization; a comparable variant promotion interface was not confirmed. Details
- Cluster licence
Automation
- Scheduled client transfersBoth automate transfers with schedules, file polling, and retries. Details
- Yes
- Server-to-server streamingSFTPPlus can stream between supported remote locations without storing the complete file locally. Equivalent general remote-to-remote streaming was not confirmed for VLTrader. Details
- Yes
- Event-driven actionsBoth can trigger processing and notifications after file or system events. Cleo also licenses JavaScript Actions for custom scripts. Details
- Yes
- Compress and decompress filesBoth provide archive processing, including ZIP compression and extraction. Details
- Yes
- PGP file processingBoth encrypt, decrypt, sign, and verify file content using OpenPGP. Details
- Yes
- EDI content trackingCleo's File Tracker extracts EDI, XML, or text fields for transfer tracking when licensed. SFTPPlus records transfer events but does not include an EDI document tracking application. Details
- No
Security and identity
- LDAP and Active DirectoryBoth authenticate users through LDAP directories, including Active Directory. Details
- Yes
- OpenID Connect SSOSFTPPlus supports OpenID Connect web sign-in with providers such as Entra ID and Okta. Native OpenID Connect was not confirmed in the VLTrader guide. Details
- Yes
- RADIUS authenticationSFTPPlus supports RADIUS, including RSA SecurID. A built-in VLTrader RADIUS integration was not confirmed in the reviewed guide. Details
- Yes
- Multi-factor authenticationSFTPPlus supports additional factors for interactive web, SFTP, and FTP logins. Cleo documents TOTP authentication for Portal users; confirm Portal entitlements and required login methods. Details
- Yes
- IP allow lists and automatic blockingBoth provide IP filtering and protection against repeated failed logins. Cleo's licence guide lists IP Filter as an optional VLTrader feature. Details
- Yes
Other features
- Ad hoc sharing linksCleo Portal can create anonymous links and manage sharing permissions when the relevant sharing features are licensed. SFTPPlus lists account-free sharing on its roadmap. Details
- No
- Web password change and recoverySFTPPlus supports password changes after login. Cleo also documents recovery through a personal link sent by email. Details
- Password change only
- Built-in transfer graphs and reportsCleo provides transfer graphs and reports for configured VersaLex pools. SFTPPlus delivers structured events and logs for reporting through external tools. Details
- No
High availability and audit
- Centralized cluster configurationSFTPPlus uses a separately licensed cluster controller. Cleo manages multiple installations through VersaLex pools and synchronization; additional instance entitlements need a quote. Details
- Yes
- Shared cluster settingsBoth can synchronize configuration between installations. Their storage and synchronization designs differ. Details
- Yes
- Client transfer failoverBoth support fallback processing on another instance. Cleo documents automatic activation of the scheduler, router, and outbound database payload on a backup when production goes offline. Details
- Yes
- Centralized audit trailSFTPPlus forwards node events to its controller or external monitoring. Cleo supports replicated logs and consolidated transfer reporting. Details
- Yes
Support
- Phone and emailBoth provide phone and email assistance under their support contracts. Details
- Yes
- Scheduled on-call supportSFTPPlus standard support includes two scheduled out-of-hours events per year. Confirm equivalent planned coverage with Cleo. Details
- Yes
- 24/7 support availableSFTPPlus offers extended support contracts. Cleo offers support packages with 24/7 coverage for specified incident severities. Details
- Add-on
- Onboarding and configuration assistanceBoth offer help with configuration and deployment. Cleo's guide requires training and a support subscription to work with a technical support analyst. Details
- Yes
- Dedicated professional servicesBoth offer consultancy and implementation services under separate arrangements. Details
- Add-on
Cleo VLTrader
- First year
- ~$30,000
- Following years
- ~$5,000
Licensing
- Active major feature developmentSFTPPlus MFT publishes a feature roadmap. VLTrader continues to receive support, security fixes, and enhancements. Cleo's 6.0 notes identify container deployment as a Harmony capability; they do not establish that all major VLTrader development requires migration. Confirm VLTrader's feature roadmap with Cleo. Details
- Confirm roadmap
- Published list pricesSFTPPlus publishes licence and support prices. Details
- No
- Perpetual licenceSFTPPlus licences are perpetual. Cleo documents permanent licence keys, but the order agreement determines the duration of purchased usage rights. Details
- Confirm with vendor
- Complete protocols licenceSFTPPlus includes all supported protocols for each licensed role. Cleo licences can restrict protocols, hosts, mailboxes, and optional features. Details
- No
- Unlimited users and trading partnersSFTPPlus imposes no licence limit on users or partners. Details
- No
- Development and testing instancesSFTPPlus includes an individual development instance and a shared testing or pre-production instance. Details
- No
- Included cold disaster recovery instanceSFTPPlus includes a cold recovery instance. Cleo documents a backup licence role, but inclusion and price need confirmation in the quote. Details
- Confirm with vendor
Runtime and deployment
- Windows ServerBoth support installation as a Windows service on supported Windows Server versions. Details
- Yes
- LinuxBoth support deployment on Linux. Check each product's requirements for the distribution and release you use. Details
- Yes
- Docker and KubernetesSFTPPlus supports containers and Kubernetes. Details
- No
- MacOSSFTPPlus supports macOS on Apple Silicon. macOS is absent from the VLTrader 6.0 supported operating system list. Details
- No
File transfer protocols
- SFTPBoth accept SFTP connections and initiate automated SFTP transfers. Details
- Yes
- Legacy SCPSFTPPlus supports the SCP protocol over SSH. The reviewed VLTrader guide documents SSH FTP (SFTP), without confirming SCP support. Details
- No
- FTP and FTPSBoth support FTP and FTP secured with TLS for server and client transfers. Details
- Yes
- HTTPS web clientBoth let users upload, download, and manage files from a browser. Confirm Cleo Portal entitlements in the quote. Details
- Yes
- AS2Both send and receive AS2 business documents with delivery receipts. SFTPPlus does not charge per AS2 partner; check Cleo's mailbox allowance. Details
- Yes
- WebDAVSFTPPlus provides WebDAV server and client support. The reviewed VLTrader guide does not confirm a WebDAV implementation. Details
- No
- AS3VLTrader documents AS3 business document exchange over FTP. SFTPPlus supports AS2, without an AS3 implementation.
- Yes
- OFTP2VLTrader supports Odette FTP version 2 for partner networks that require it, including automotive exchanges.
- Yes
- MLLPVLTrader supports sending and receiving HL7 messages using MLLP. SFTPPlus can transfer HL7 files through its file protocols but does not implement MLLP.
- Yes
- RosettaNet and ebXMLVLTrader documents RNIF and ebXML message exchange. SFTPPlus does not implement these business messaging protocols.
- Yes
- Oracle Database transfersBoth can send and receive file content through Oracle. SFTPPlus maps existing tables with configured SQL; VLTrader's database payload interface uses its own incoming and outgoing tables through JDBC. Details
- Yes
- Direct Oracle mapping to existing tablesSFTPPlus maps rows to files using SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements, without PL/SQL stored procedures. VLTrader's documented payload interface requires applications to exchange data through Cleo's tables. Details
- No
- SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DB2 payload storageCleo lists these databases alongside Oracle for its database integration. SFTPPlus's native database transfer location is specific to Oracle. Details
- Yes
- IBM MQBoth exchange file content with IBM MQ queues. SFTPPlus includes the MQ C Client and manages TLS certificates in its vault. Cleo's MQ host documentation specifies separate connector licensing. Details
- Yes
- SMB and Windows sharesBoth can use network shares as transfer locations. Cleo provides an SMB connector. Details
- Yes
- SharePoint OnlineSFTPPlus includes a SharePoint location. Cleo documents a SharePoint connector, but its availability in a VLTrader quote needs confirmation because the shared documentation also covers Harmony. Details
- No
- Azure Blob StorageSFTPPlus includes Azure Blob support. Cleo identifies its AzureBlob connector as a Harmony capability in its release documentation. Details
- No
- Azure Files and Exchange OnlineSFTPPlus includes Azure Files and Microsoft Graph access to Exchange Online attachments. Equivalent native VLTrader connectors were not confirmed in the reviewed guide. Details
- No
Administration and integration
- Web administrationConfigure and monitor both applications from a browser. Details
- Yes
- Command-line administrationSFTPPlus provides admin-shell. Cleo provides VLTraderc commands to inspect and change configuration and run actions. Details
- Yes
- HTTP APISFTPPlus exposes file, authentication, and event APIs. Cleo provides REST APIs for transfers and configuration; the interfaces are not identical. Details
- Yes
- Configuration in one text file, without databaseSFTPPlus keeps settings in one INI file. VLTrader stores configuration across XML and properties files and uses an embedded database for newer logs and reports. Its external SQL database is optional. Details
- No
- Configuration as codeSFTPPlus supports declarative INI deployments. VLTrader supports XML import and export, commands, and APIs for scripted configuration. Details
- Via XML and APIs
- Built-in configuration promotionSFTPPlus can manage configuration variants through a separately licensed cluster controller. Cleo provides import, export, and synchronization; a comparable variant promotion interface was not confirmed. Details
- Via import and export
Automation
- Scheduled client transfersBoth automate transfers with schedules, file polling, and retries. Details
- Yes
- Server-to-server streamingSFTPPlus can stream between supported remote locations without storing the complete file locally. Equivalent general remote-to-remote streaming was not confirmed for VLTrader. Details
- Not confirmed
- Event-driven actionsBoth can trigger processing and notifications after file or system events. Cleo also licenses JavaScript Actions for custom scripts. Details
- Yes
- Compress and decompress filesBoth provide archive processing, including ZIP compression and extraction. Details
- Yes
- PGP file processingBoth encrypt, decrypt, sign, and verify file content using OpenPGP. Details
- Yes
- EDI content trackingCleo's File Tracker extracts EDI, XML, or text fields for transfer tracking when licensed. SFTPPlus records transfer events but does not include an EDI document tracking application. Details
- yes (licensed option)
Security and identity
- LDAP and Active DirectoryBoth authenticate users through LDAP directories, including Active Directory. Details
- Yes
- OpenID Connect SSOSFTPPlus supports OpenID Connect web sign-in with providers such as Entra ID and Okta. Native OpenID Connect was not confirmed in the VLTrader guide. Details
- No
- RADIUS authenticationSFTPPlus supports RADIUS, including RSA SecurID. A built-in VLTrader RADIUS integration was not confirmed in the reviewed guide. Details
- No
- Multi-factor authenticationSFTPPlus supports additional factors for interactive web, SFTP, and FTP logins. Cleo documents TOTP authentication for Portal users; confirm Portal entitlements and required login methods. Details
- Yes
- IP allow lists and automatic blockingBoth provide IP filtering and protection against repeated failed logins. Cleo's licence guide lists IP Filter as an optional VLTrader feature. Details
- Yes
Other features
- Ad hoc sharing linksCleo Portal can create anonymous links and manage sharing permissions when the relevant sharing features are licensed. SFTPPlus lists account-free sharing on its roadmap. Details
- yes (licensed option)
- Web password change and recoverySFTPPlus supports password changes after login. Cleo also documents recovery through a personal link sent by email. Details
- Yes
- Built-in transfer graphs and reportsCleo provides transfer graphs and reports for configured VersaLex pools. SFTPPlus delivers structured events and logs for reporting through external tools. Details
- Yes
High availability and audit
- Centralized cluster configurationSFTPPlus uses a separately licensed cluster controller. Cleo manages multiple installations through VersaLex pools and synchronization; additional instance entitlements need a quote. Details
- Yes
- Shared cluster settingsBoth can synchronize configuration between installations. Their storage and synchronization designs differ. Details
- Yes
- Client transfer failoverBoth support fallback processing on another instance. Cleo documents automatic activation of the scheduler, router, and outbound database payload on a backup when production goes offline. Details
- Yes
- Centralized audit trailSFTPPlus forwards node events to its controller or external monitoring. Cleo supports replicated logs and consolidated transfer reporting. Details
- Yes
Support
- Phone and emailBoth provide phone and email assistance under their support contracts. Details
- Yes
- Scheduled on-call supportSFTPPlus standard support includes two scheduled out-of-hours events per year. Confirm equivalent planned coverage with Cleo. Details
- No
- 24/7 support availableSFTPPlus offers extended support contracts. Cleo offers support packages with 24/7 coverage for specified incident severities. Details
- Add-on
- Onboarding and configuration assistanceBoth offer help with configuration and deployment. Cleo's guide requires training and a support subscription to work with a technical support analyst. Details
- Yes
- Dedicated professional servicesBoth offer consultancy and implementation services under separate arrangements. Details
- Add-on
Comparison criteria
This comparison uses SFTPPlus MFT server and client together, and the documented capabilities of Cleo VLTrader 6.0. For Harmony's cloud connectors, SAML, and container deployment, see SFTPPlus MFT vs Cleo Harmony.
Yes identifies a documented capability. No means native support or included licence rights were not established in the reviewed sources. Optional features depend on the purchased licences.
The SFTPPlus MFT price is $4,750 in the first year: $3,800 for perpetual server and client licences and $950 for annual standard support. Following years include $950 for support.
Cleo does not publish a VLTrader price list on the reviewed pages. For initial planning, we assume a $25,000 perpetual licence for a deployment approaching the SFTPPlus server and client scope. We allow 20% of that licence cost for annual maintenance and support, giving $30,000 for the first year and $5,000 for following years. This is a low-confidence scenario created for this comparison, not an observed market price or a Cleo quote. Cleo may bundle, price, or license these capabilities differently.
The estimate assumes the required protocol and connector options, including AS2, IBM MQ, Oracle payloads, and browser access. Confirm their inclusion, any Harmony upgrade needed for cloud connectors, and non-production instance rights in the actual quote. Both products' totals exclude taxes, infrastructure, professional services, and active high availability deployments.
Why choose SFTPPlus MFT
SFTPPlus MFT is a better fit when you want to connect existing Oracle tables directly to file transfers with a small amount of configuration. For example, an invoice row containing an identifier and a BLOB or CLOB can become a transferable file through configured SQL queries. An incoming file can be written back with an INSERT or UPDATE statement and bind variables. You do not need PL/SQL stored procedures, an extraction script, or a separate staging schema. VLTrader also supports Oracle file payloads, but via separate tables.
The same SFTPPlus service handles IBM MQ, AS2, and other supported endpoints with schedules, retries, and audit events.
Its single INI configuration can be reviewed in source control and reused in automated deployments.
When Cleo VLTrader is a better fit
VLTrader is a better fit when partners require AS3, OFTP2, MLLP, RosettaNet, or ebXML. It also supports database payload storage beyond Oracle, including SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DB2. Those capabilities can avoid custom adapters when your existing systems already use the supported Cleo interfaces.
Cleo's licensed File Tracker adds document content tracking, and Cleo Portal offers sharing links. SFTPPlus provides transfer auditing and authenticated browser access, but does not include an EDI tracking application or anonymous sharing.
SFTPPlus's IBM MQ integration supports point-to-point queues only, with one file per message and size constrained by the queue manager's message limit. Its Oracle mapping does not replace a general data transformation tool. Check these limits against your workflows when considering a migration.
Feature references include the VLTrader 6.0 guide, release notes, and licence options.