File Transfer Protocol client
WinSock File Transfer Protocol, or WS_FTP, is a secure file transfer software package produced by Ipswitch, Inc.[1] Ipswitch is a Massachusetts-based software producer established in 1991 that focuses on networking and file sharing.[2] WS_FTP consists of an FTP server and an FTP client and has over 40 million users worldwide.[3]
In 2019, Ipswitch Inc was acquired by Progress Software Corporation, who is the current owner of the product.
History
John A. Junod, a decorated Army master sergeant, developed WS_FTP in 1993.[4][5] WS_FTP was originally released as Shareware.[6] The rights were sold to Ipswitch in 1996, when Junod retired from the Army and joined Ipswitch.[4]
Overview
File Transfer Protocols are used to transfer large files. FTP clients add stability and encryption options over traditional FTP transfers.[5] The WS_FTP client has a "classic" GUI with two panes, one showing the local computer and the other accessing the remote host, though newer versions of the software have updated interfaces, including a web browser interface.[5] The WS_FTP secure server encrypts files using SSL/FTPS, SSH, or SCP2 and HTTPS transfers.[3][7] It is self-contained, eliminating the need for an external database.[7] WS_FTP's additional built-in capabilities include email client integration, alerts and notifications, server failover, and transfer scheduling.[1]
