Diplomat MFT: A Modern, Cross-Platform Alternative to Robo-FTP
Security-First Architecture: Designed with enterprise security as the foundation
Guided Migration Process: Step-by-step migration framework with technical support to ensure a smooth transition from your current solution.
Proactive Security Model: Regular updates without emergency patching cycles
EASY INTEGRATION
Our customers rely on us to integrate and work with their existing healthcare, accounting, HR, financial, and other business software solutions for their secure file transfer needs. Book a personalized demo or get a quote from one of our MFT experts today!
Robo-FTP Server vs Diplomat MFT
Why replace Robo-FTP Server with Diplomat MFT?
Robo-FTP Server is a Windows-based FTP server and automation client developed by SMA Technologies (formerly Serengeti Systems). It supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP/S, and AS2, and is built around a proprietary scripting language with over 150 commands for automating file transfer workflows. Robo-FTP has been in use since 2001 and has a loyal installed base, particularly among IT teams comfortable with script-driven automation on Windows Server environments. However, as organizations modernise their infrastructure, its fundamental constraints become harder to work around.
Three limitations surface repeatedly when organizations outgrow Robo-FTP. First, it is Windows-only — there is no Linux, container, or cloud-native deployment path. Second, automation requires writing and maintaining scripts in Robo-FTP’s proprietary language; there is no no-code job builder, meaning every workflow change requires a developer. Third, enterprise-grade visibility and scheduling require the separate Enterprise Framework add-on, which itself requires a SQL Server or Oracle database backend. What looks like a straightforward FTP tool accumulates significant operational complexity at enterprise scale.
Diplomat MFT was designed differently from the ground up: any OS, any container, on-premises or cloud, with a no-code job configurator, OpenPGP automation, auto-rotating PGP subkeys, an included edge gateway, and 22 years of operation with zero CVEs. Transparent pricing starts at $1,149/year with no separate database backend required. For organizations ready to move beyond script-maintenance overhead and Windows dependency, Diplomat MFT is the clean break.
Compare Diplomat MFT with Robo-FTP Server Enterprise
Diplomat MFT offers these advantages over Robo-FTP Server Enterprise *
| FILE TRANSFER SERVER | DIPLOMAT MFT ENTERPRISE | ROBO-FTP SERVER ENTERPRISE |
|---|---|---|
| Users, Groups, Virtual File System | ✅ | ✅ |
| User IP Whitelisting | ✅ | ✅ |
| File Retention Policies | ✅ | ✅ |
| Folder Automation Events | ✅ | ✅ (script-based, requires scripting knowledge) |
| Logging, Auditing & Reporting | ✅ | ✅ (Enterprise Framework required, SQL Server/Oracle backend) |
| 24/7 Severity 1 Support Availability | ✅ | ✅ (US business hours standard; after-hours via support contract) |
| Edge Gateway (Included) | ✅ | ❌ |
| OpenPGP File Encryption and Decryption | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto-Rotating PGP Subkeys | ✅ | ❌ |
| High Watermark File Detection | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cloud Storage Integration | ✅ | ✅ (Amazon S3 and WebDAV only) |
| Job Monitor Visibility | ✅ | ✅ (Enterprise Framework required) |
| Sync and Replication | ✅ | ✅ (clustering/HA available) |
| Published Transparent Pricing | ✅ | ❌ (Contact for quote) |
| Typical Implementation Time | Weeks | Days–weeks (Windows only; script development time varies) |
| Zero CVEs (22-Year Track Record) | ✅ | ❌ (CVE buffer overflow v3.6.17, CVE directory traversal v3.7.3) |
*Research based on publicly available information from robo-ftp.com and CVE records. CVEs reference buffer overflow (v3.6.17) and directory traversal (v3.7.3) vulnerabilities disclosed in the Robo-FTP client. Robo-FTP Server is a separate product; evaluate your specific version against current CVE databases.
Diplomat MFT Security & Migration ROI Calculator
Calculate your cybersecurity risk exposure using IBM breach cost research and configurable probability assumptions. Compare migration costs vs. breach impact with full transparency.Your ROI Analysis
Based on your inputs and industry dataANNUAL RISK EXPOSURE
YEAR 1 MIGRATION COST
3-YEAR NET BENEFIT
📐 How We Calculate This
Breach Cost: From IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 ($4.88M average; $9.77M healthcare). Breach Probability: Heuristic estimates based on common exposure patterns—these are not published research figures. Use "Advanced Options" to input your own rates if known. Net Benefit: 3-year risk reduction + labor savings − total 3-year cost (Year 1 + 2 renewal years).Current State vs. Post-Migration
| Metric | Current State | Post-Migration |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Breach Risk | - | - |
| Weekly Admin Hours | - | - |
| Compliance Automation | - | Automated |
| Vendor Support | - | Highly rated on G2 (as of Jan 2026) |
See What Diplomat MFT Can Do For Your Organization
You've seen the potential risk reduction and cost savings—now take the next step.
Diplomat MFT gives you enterprise-grade security, complete visibility, and powerful automation—without the complexity and vulnerabilities of legacy systems.
Ready to protect your data and reclaim your IT team's time?
MFT Migration Service:
Here’s an Overview of How It Works
Our MFT Migration Service provides a structured approach to help you seamlessly transition from your existing file transfer solution to Diplomat MFT. Many of the world’s largest organizations in industries like healthcare, financial services, retail, and more trust Coviant Software with their most sensitive file transfers. You can, too.
Step 1: Initial Discussion
In a 1–2-hour virtual session, our MFT experts meet with your team to understand your current file transfer setup. We identify which file transfer workflows should be migrated, and how you can do it easily and effectively.
Step 2: Deliver Tailored Migration Plan
We review what we’ve learned and prepare a clear, actionable Statement of Work (SOW)—outlining timeframes, required resources, and what you can expect.
Step 3: Review & Decide
You evaluate the SOW at your own pace. Need more clarity? We’re happy to consult further—at no cost.
Step 4: Fast, Professional Delivery
Once approved, we can quickly start assisting with your migration. We keep in close contact throughout the process, with regular updates and zero guesswork.
Step 5: Final Review & Sign-Off
We walk through the results with you to ensure everything meets expectations. Only when you’re satisfied do we consider the job done.
If you have questions, please reach out to schedule a discussion and quick demonstration of Diplomat MFT. Or you can take Diplomat MFT for a free 15-day test drive with no obligations.
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of Robo-FTP Server Enterprise
Robo-FTP Server Enterprise is a Windows-based file transfer platform built around script-driven automation. It supports standard protocols including FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP/S, and AS2, and is typically deployed in environments where file transfers are orchestrated through scheduled jobs and custom scripting.
The platform is designed for flexibility. Workflows can be tailored using PowerShell or batch scripts, allowing organizations to build highly customized transfer processes. However, this approach introduces dependency on scripting expertise, making automation harder to manage, audit, and scale over time.
Robo-FTP is best suited to Windows-centric environments with established scripting practices. As transfer volumes grow and compliance requirements increase, script-based architectures often create operational risk and maintenance challenges compared to centralized MFT platforms.
Employs SFTP and OpenPGP encryption for highest security
Calendar exclusions prevent transfers on bank holidays
Reducing risk of human error by automating transfers
Robust scheduler for easy configuration of transfer times
Full audit trails, file archiving, and notifications
Integrates with various protocols (SFTP, FTPS, AS2, HTTPS)
What does “Enterprise” file transfer really mean?
The term “enterprise” implies a product has the features, capacity, and job management capabilities to handle the demands of the largest organizations. With managed file transfer software, that means automating the largest file transfers to an extensive digital supply chain, doing it securely and reliably, and keeping pace no matter how your needs expand. It also means including enterprise-class features such as full auditing, alerting, data archiving and retention, directory management integration, PGP encryption management, and 24×7 support. We’ve helped a lot of organizations that found Robo-FTP Server Enterprise fell short of those expectations. And so, if you’re looking for an alternative to Robo-FTP Server and need an MFT solution that has been proven in the most demanding enterprise environments—and is ready for more—take a look at Diplomat MFT. You’ll be glad you did.
What's new in Diplomat MFT?
Key Diplomat MFT enhancements include:
Secure, Browser-Based File Transfers: Allows your partners to simply use a standard web browser. Just send a URL and login credentials. No third-party tools, no software, no training needed.
Automated PGP Browser-Based File Transfers: Mandate PGP policy across your entire information supply chain, removing complexity and enhancing security.
Threat Intelligence: Real-time blocking of malicious IP addresses with automated threat detection to prevent intrusions and advanced persistent threats.
IP Access Rules: Granular control to block high-risk IP addresses, ensuring only trusted users and networks have access.
PGP Enforcement Rules: Automatically removes files that aren't PGP encrypted, preventing exposure of sensitive information and ensuring data protection compliance.
SFTP Connections Report: Complete visibility into file access for compliance audits and security monitoring with full transparency.
Syslog Logging: Centralized monitoring of all system logins to identify suspicious activity across the entire network.
Zoho WorkDrive Transport Type: Easy integration and automated file transfers to Zoho WorkDrive, reducing manual work and errors.
Expanded RegEx: More flexibility in organizing file names and file types, reducing manual sorting and errors.
Connection Map Report: Visual documentation of data flow for compliance (HIPAA, etc.) showing connections between systems made by Diplomat MFT.
Granular Permissions and Custom Roles: Fine-tuned access control for improved security and regulatory compliance with role-based security.
Support for SSO (Single Sign-On) for Administrators: Simplifies administrator login, centralizes user management, and reduces administrative overhead.
If you have questions, please reach out to schedule a discussion and quick demonstration of Diplomat MFT. Or you can take Diplomat MFT for a free 15-day test drive with no obligations.
Years of experience
Individual transfers per day
Terabytes transferred per day
Concurrent jobs
Years of experience
Individual transfers per day
Terabytes transferred per day
Concurrent jobs
Choose from 3 Editions
We have three editions of Diplomat MFT to suit varying business requirements and budgets.
Standard
Billed annually $3,999
Not available on Standard. Optional add-on with Professional, included in Enterprise. Encrypts every browser upload before it leaves the partner’s machine.
Not available on this plan- Edge Gateway Network-edge component that handles inbound transfers safely without exposing internal systems to the public internet.
- SFTP server
- Web Transfer Portal Browser-based upload/download interface for ad-hoc transfers by external users — useful for partners who don’t use SFTP. PGP encryption for Web Transfer is available as an add-on on Professional and included on Enterprise.
- Up to 25 automated workflows Called “transactions” in Diplomat MFT — defined transfer jobs such as nightly ERP exports, partner SFTP feeds or cloud sync workflows. Each is one transaction regardless of how many files it moves.
- Up to 5 File Transfer Server accounts Called “transfer server users” in Diplomat MFT — external accounts that authenticate to your SFTP or Web Transfer server. Typically the partners and customers sending files to you.
- Up to 5 keys per type Cryptographic keys for PGP, SSH and SSL — each type has its own slot count.
Professional
Billed annually $8,499
Every browser upload encrypted at the partner’s browser, before it leaves their machine. No Kleopatra, no key management, no partner training. Just compliance enforced where it matters.
Add-on · $2,999/year- Everything in Standard, plus:
- 1 Remote Agent included Lightweight component installed at remote sites (offices, stores, customer environments) to securely move files back to the central Diplomat MFT instance.
- 1 Cloud Storage Connector included Connects Diplomat MFT directly to cloud storage such as S3, Azure Blob, SharePoint Online, Google Cloud Storage and others (without custom scripting).
- Up to 100 automated workflows Called “transactions” in Diplomat MFT — defined transfer jobs such as nightly ERP exports, partner SFTP feeds or cloud sync workflows. Each is one transaction regardless of how many files it moves.
- Up to 25 keys per type Cryptographic keys for PGP, SSH and SSL, with each type having its own slot count. Professional gives you up to 25 of each, a deciding factor for teams scaling beyond basic partner exchanges.
- Up to 25 File Transfer Server accounts Called “transfer server users” in Diplomat MFT — external accounts that authenticate to your SFTP or Web Transfer server. Typically the partners and customers sending files to you.
- Up to 3 admin accounts with concurrent access support Three administrator accounts on Professional, with all three able to be signed in to the web admin at the same time. Standard supports one admin only. Enterprise has unlimited admin accounts with concurrent access.
- Defined Partners Reusable partner profiles bundling endpoints, credentials and routing rules — set up once, reuse across many transactions.
- Synchronization
- Calendaring, file monitoring, advanced source options
Enterprise
Billed annually $12,999
Every browser upload encrypted at the partner’s browser, before it leaves their machine. No Kleopatra, no key management, no partner training. Just compliance enforced where it matters.
IncludedWhat's included
Critical Outage (P1) response for all hours outside the Premium Support coverage. Coviant Software designates multiple senior team members highly qualified to provide in-depth technical support to serve as on-call contacts for these critical outage responses around the clock on every day of the year, with authority to draft in additional resources if required.
- Everything in Professional, plus:
- 5 Remote Agents included Lightweight components installed at remote sites (offices, stores, customer environments) to securely move files back to the central Diplomat MFT instance.
- 5 Cloud Storage Connectors included Connects Diplomat MFT directly to cloud storage such as S3, Azure Blob, SharePoint Online, Google Cloud Storage and others (without custom scripting).
- PGP for Web Transfer included Automatic PGP encryption applied to files uploaded through the Web Transfer Portal. Partners upload through the browser, and files are encrypted before they touch your storage. Available as an add-on on Professional, included on Enterprise.
- Proactive Threat Intelligence included Proactive Threat Intelligence blocks file transfer attempts from known-bad sources before they reach your environment, using continuously updated reputation feeds. Not an intrusion-detection or scanning product; the protection is at the connection layer.
- Advanced Authentication (SSO + LDAP + TOTP) included Single Sign-On (SSO) via SAML, LDAP authentication, and web admin TOTP two-factor authentication, bundled. Authenticate users through Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace or directly against your LDAP directory. All are included on Enterprise.
- Unlimited workflows, users, keys Workflows are called “transactions” in Diplomat MFT. Defined transfer jobs such as nightly ERP exports, partner SFTP feeds or cloud sync workflows. Enterprise removes the cap entirely.
- RBAC, webhook invocation, multiple destinations Role-Based Access Control — granular permissions controlling what each administrator can see and do.
- Pre/Post-job processes
- 24×7 Critical Outage Response
- Paging notifications
Try Diplomat MFT for yourself
Every evaluation is different. That's why we build yours around your requirements — not a one-size-fits-all process.
Share your requirements with us
Every organization has unique file transfer challenges. In a short call, our team will learn about your specific protocols, endpoints, compliance needs and integrations — so we can shape your entire evaluation around what matters most to you.Watch a tailored demonstration
No generic walkthroughs. We'll demonstrate Diplomat MFT configured to your environment and workflows, so you can see exactly how it addresses your requirements before you invest any time in setup.Start your trial and evaluate with expert guidance
We cut the learning curve. Our team helps you install and configure a full-featured trial tailored to your requirements — so you spend your time validating, not troubleshooting. Your trial is time-limited, not function-limited.Decide with confidence
Once your evaluation is complete, we'll review the results together against your original requirements. You'll have everything you need to make an informed decision — with no obligation to purchase.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best alternative to Robo-FTP for enterprise file transfer?
The best alternative to Robo-FTP is a fully managed file transfer (MFT) platform like Diplomat MFT, which replaces script-based automation with a secure, centralised system designed for compliance, scalability, and visibility.
Robo-FTP is primarily a scripted FTP/FTPS automation tool. It requires PowerShell or batch scripting for complex workflows and lacks native capabilities such as event-driven automation, centralised auditing, and advanced security controls.
Enterprise MFT platforms provide:
- Native workflow automation (no scripting required)
- Centralised logging, auditing, and compliance reporting
- Built-in encryption and key management
- Secure architecture with DMZ isolation and gateway layers
If your organisation relies on file transfers for regulated data (e.g. finance, healthcare, legal), Robo-FTP is typically replaced not upgraded — because it was not designed as a full MFT platform.
What are the limitations of Robo-FTP compared to modern MFT solutions?
Robo-FTP’s main limitations are its reliance on scripting, limited architecture, and lack of enterprise-grade security features expected in modern MFT platforms.
Key limitations include:
- Script-heavy automation: workflows depend on external scripts rather than native orchestration
- Windows-only deployment: no Linux support limits resilience and infrastructure flexibility
- No built-in DMZ gateway: increases exposure of internal systems to the internet
- Basic auditing and logging: insufficient for compliance-heavy environments
- Limited key management: lacks features like automatic PGP key rotation
Modern MFT platforms are designed to eliminate these gaps by providing structured automation, hardened architecture, and compliance-ready visibility out of the box.
Is Robo-FTP secure enough for enterprise or regulated environments?
Robo-FTP can support secure file transfer protocols, but it does not provide the architectural security controls typically required for enterprise or regulated environments.
Security in MFT is not just about encryption — it’s about how the system is exposed, isolated, and managed.
Compared to enterprise MFT platforms, Robo-FTP lacks:
- Network isolation via DMZ gateway architecture
- Principle-of-least-privilege execution models
- Advanced threat detection (e.g. anomaly or watermark-based file checks)
- Automated encryption key lifecycle management
This means organisations often need to build additional layers around Robo-FTP to meet compliance requirements — increasing complexity and risk.
For industries subject to GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS, purpose-built MFT platforms are generally the safer and more defensible choice.
How difficult is it to migrate from Robo-FTP to an MFT platform?
Migrating from Robo-FTP to an MFT platform is typically straightforward because most environments already rely on defined scripts, schedules, and endpoints that can be mapped into a structured workflow system.
A typical migration involves:
- Mapping source and destination endpoints
- Replacing scripts with native workflows or triggers
- Reconfiguring encryption and authentication settings
- Implementing centralised logging and alerting
In many cases, migration improves efficiency immediately because:
- Redundant or duplicated scripts are removed
- Manual interventions are eliminated
- Monitoring and error handling become centralised
Organisations often find that what seemed like “working automation” in Robo-FTP is actually fragmented and difficult to maintain — and migration becomes an opportunity to standardise and simplify.
How do we know Diplomat MFT is more secure than Robo-FTP?
Fair question — any vendor can suffer a breach. The difference is in architecture, track record, and how the company responds to security research.
On architecture: Diplomat MFT doesn’t expose management services on network ports by default. The Edge Gateway, included in Enterprise edition, provides DMZ isolation so your internal MFT server never receives direct internet connections. Session structures are encrypted and validated rather than using executable formats that could enable deserialization attacks.
On track record: 22 years of operation without a single CVE. That’s not because no one’s looking — MFT platforms are actively targeted by threat actors and security researchers alike.
On response: Coviant Software is a focused MFT company, not a sprawling enterprise software vendor where file transfer is a side product. When security is your core business rather than one product among dozens, it receives different attention.
When should you replace Robo-FTP with a managed file transfer solution?
You should replace Robo-FTP with a managed file transfer solution when file transfers become business-critical, regulated, or difficult to manage through scripts alone.
Common triggers for switching include:
- Increasing compliance or audit requirements
- Growing number of file transfer workflows
- Lack of visibility or failed transfer tracking
- Security concerns around exposure or architecture
- Dependence on fragile or undocumented scripts
At this point, Robo-FTP becomes a bottleneck rather than a solution.
A managed file transfer platform provides:
- Structured, scalable automation
- Full auditability and reporting
- Secure-by-design architecture
- Reduced operational risk
For most organisations, the shift is not about upgrading tooling — it’s about moving from file transfer scripts to file transfer infrastructure.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
G2 is the largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 90 million people annually—including employees at all Fortune 500 companies—use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews.
Scott J.
Diplomat MFT has been a powerful workhorse for all of our enterprise file exchange for many years. No other enterprise application we use comes with the same level of support we receive from Coviant.
Eric D.
Director of Information Technology
The support is fantastic. I had to contact them on a few occasions – as it turns out, not for issues with Diplomat MFT but issues with one of the FTP partners. Coviant support stuck with me and went above and beyond to troubleshoot and figure out the issue.
Dave L.
Manager of Information & Technology
Diplomat MFT is a solid data transfer product, its easy to set up, and easy to use. I like the way the transaction builder is laid out. It’s so easy to understand what values it wants.
Adah B.
Extremely robust platform for managing our enterprise file transactions. Every upgrade provides us with additional useful tools to streamline our business processes.
Stephen H.
IT BI Analyst SE
I find the sftp file transfers to be the most helpful tool of Diplomat MFT. No need for programming, the interface is customized already and users only need to fill in the boxes.
Jeff M.
The interface and GUI are very straightforward. The options are simple and labeled so anyone can understand how to set up and configure. The ability to test something without actually sending something is also beneficial.