Archive and Data Retention

SFTPPlus MFT includes built-in functionality to automatically archive transferred files and apply data retention policies. These features help maintain organized file storage, support compliance with data management requirements and help control the total storage volume used over time by your file transfer solution.

Automatic File Archiving ​

SFTPPlus can automatically archive files after transfer operations. Archiving rules can be applied to both successful and failed transfers.

Archived files can be stored:

• On the local server where SFTPPlus is running.
• On a remote server, either the source or the destination of the transfer.

When the same file name is transferred multiple times, SFTPPlus can add a unique timestamp to each archived copy. This ensures that every version of the transferred file is preserved without overwriting previous ones.

You can find all the available configuration options, on the page dedicated to transfer configuration

Data Retention Policies ​

Archive locations can be configured with data retention policies. SFTPPlus automatically deletes files that exceed the defined retention period, keeping storage use under control.

All archive operations, including the removal of older files, generate events that are recorded in the system’s audit trail. This provides full visibility into file lifecycle management and supports audit requirements.

Server-Side and Client-Side Support ​

The archiving and retention features are available for both server-side and client-side transfers.

For example:

• On the server side, SFTPPlus can move a file to an archive location as soon as it has been downloaded by a remote SFTP/FTPS/HTTPS client.
• On the client side, SFTPPlus can archive files after they are successfully uploaded or downloaded from a remote server.

This flexibility allows administrators to apply consistent retention and archiving rules across different transfer workflows.