FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. In plain English, it's a way to store files online and share them with servers. Here's how you can set up an FTP site and use it with Ryvit.
What is FTP?
FTP is short for File Transfer Protocol. A protocol is a set of rules that networked computers use to talk to one another. And FTP is the language that computers on a TCP/IP network (such as the internet) use to transfer files to and from each other... You use an FTP client to log in to an FTP server, navigate the server’s folder structure, and exchange files. That’s pretty much all FTP clients do. - FTP for Beginners, Wired.com
For the purposes of working with Ryvit, FTP typically comes into play when certain file types are being transferred through an integration. This is usually addressed during the implementation/onboarding of a new integration. If you're planning to make changes to an existing integration, send an email to support@ryvit.com with a brief summary of how/why you would want to implement changes, and an integration specialist at Ryvit will gladly help you determine if FTP will be a necessary component of the integration.
Choosing an FTP Client
Just like the internet is not something you can physically touch, FTP just a set of rules that computers follow to share data. In order for you to interact with that data, you need an FTP Client (just like you need Safari, Chrome, or - God forbid - Internet Explorer to browse the internet).
There are hundreds of FTP clients to choose from, so start searching online to find a client that you prefer.
While Ryvit does not officially endorse any FTP Client (nor do we have any referral incentives or partnership agreements in place), we tend to leverage FileZilla to hold files for our clients. It's reliable; it's free; it's easy to use. That said, if you have a specific FTP Client that you prefer to use for your integration, Ryvit will happily oblige, as it makes no difference to the project outcome.
Setting up your account on FileZilla
Step 1: Download and install FileZilla from https://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=client
Step 2: After installation, go to the Site Manager (that little icon under File), and click on "New site".
Step 3: Enter your FTP settings for your hosted FTP site into FileZilla. Contact your FTP provider if you have questions.
Step 4: Click "Connect"
Note:
Next time you open FileZilla, you can click on the dropdown arrow next to Quickconnect (in the top nav) and click on the previously entered settings/values.
If you need Username or Password credentials, please email support@ryvit.com and reference your project.
Video Tutorial
Ryvit does not own the rights to this video. All credit belongs to the publisher.
OK, you have an FTP Client installed, now what?
That depends. Do you see files? If yes, then you should also have instructions from your integration specialist on what to do with those files. If you do not see files, then your integration specialist is likely in the process of finishing the integration configuration to allow for data flow into your FTP.
In any case, if you're unclear on what to do next, please email support@ryvit.com for assistance.
Can Ryvit host my FTP server?
No, we would prefer not to be your FTP hosting provider. There are many companies out there who would love to host your FTP site, or your internal IT team might prefer to create, maintain, and host their own server.
We ask that customers obtain their own FTP site. While Ryvit does not officially endorse any FTP hosting provider, we find that our partners offer great FTP solutions. For example, Spectrum Cloud FTP or Concur FTP is very reliable. You should contact your service provider (the system Ryvit is going to integrate with) to see if they offer or recommend an FTP solution.
What information does Ryvit need from my FTP server?
Once you have an FTP site, please provide Ryvit with the following:
- The FTP server host name: For example, ryvitftp.yourcompany.com
- FTP Username: The username to login to the FTP server.
- Password: The password to login to the FTP server.
- FTP Server Port: The port of the FTP server.
Standard ports for FTP protocols: FTP = 21, FTPS/Implicit = 990, FTPS/Explicit = 21, SFTP = 22 - Root folder where Ryvit should connect to.
What source IP address does Ryvit use to connect to my FTP server?
For firewall purposes, the only IP customers would ever whitelist is: 13.84.41.168
This is the source IP address that Ryvit will be using to connect to your FTP site.