I'm looking for a replacement for SolarWinds Serv-U. The key requirements are Active Directory integration and an HTTPS-based web client or portal where users can upload and download files. We also need to present users with folders that point back to Windows shares.
The renewal quote came with a 260% price increase, a move from perpetual licensing to subscription, and a mandatory three-year commitment. At that point, I'd rather evaluate alternatives. Has anyone replaced Serv-U with something that provides similar web portal and file-transfer capabilities?
5 Answers
GlobalSCAPE EFT could also fit the requirements. It’s designed for managed file transfer and is worth comparing against the other options, especially for web access and directory integration.
If the main use case is just sharing files, OneDrive links can replace some of the workflow, but that doesn’t really address the need for a dedicated portal or folders backed by Windows shares.
Make sure any replacement can handle more than basic uploads and downloads. The difficult parts to duplicate are usually the user-facing web portal, AD authentication, and exposing folders that map back to existing Windows file shares. Those should be tested in a proof of concept before choosing a product.
Cerberus is another capable option, but check the licensing carefully. It may cost as much as or more than Serv-U and is subscription-based, so the main advantage may simply be moving away from the current vendor rather than saving money.
CrushFTP is worth evaluating. It supports LDAP integration, which should cover an Active Directory environment, and it offers browser-based file transfer features.
That’s my concern with Cerberus. If the pricing and subscription model are similar, I’m not sure what the practical benefit would be beyond leaving the current product.