SoftLink is announcing end of life for FEST for Windows.
FEST for Windows is being replaced by the RepliWeb Managed File Transfer (RMFT); RMFT supports the complete FEST functionality and more.
For further information please refer to the RMFT Web Site or contact our support team.

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FEST for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP and UNIX

FEST is a versatile and resilient enterprise tool for automating the handling and distribution of mission-critical data.

FEST scans user-defined 'Hot' directories for file activity at regular pre-configured intervals. On detecting the presence of files created or dropped in the Hot directory, FEST activates a set of pre-selected filters that determine which (if any) of the files are distributed to the target nodes. For each Hot directory, users can configure, among others, the type of distribution method or methods, the filtering criteria and the retry frequency. Users can also configure FEST to send an e-mail notification upon successful completion of the transfer and/or if the transfer fails.

On Windows platforms FEST operates as an 'event-driven' Windows NT/2000 service, whereas on UNIX platforms FEST is entirely scanner-based. Additionally, unlike FEST for Windows, FEST for UNIX does not include an SDK. Otherwise, FEST for UNIX and FEST for Windows both provide the same level of reliability.

Full Control Over File Distribution

FEST's advanced filtering mechanism provides an extra level of control over the file transfer, by allowing users to regulate the timing and scope of the file transfer. Super users can even create their own filters with the FEST SDK.

Hot directory 'files' can be filtered according to several criteria, including:

• File extension - Only files matching the specified extension are transferred.
• File size - Only files matching the specified file size are transferred.
• Filename - Only files matching the specified filename (including wildcards) are transferred.
• Modification date - Only files that have not been recently modified are transferred.
• The arrival/creation of a 'trigger' file.
• The arrival of all files listed in a specific 'content file'.
• Time-frame - Files are only transferred within the designated time-frame.
• The availability of a connection to a pre-designated IP address.

Files matching all the filter specifications are then passed to a pre-determined FEST scenario for handling.

A Choice of Distribution Scenarios

Users can select any of FEST's built-in/add-on distribution scenarios, or widen their options by creating their own custom distribution scenario. The selected distribution scenario determines which of the available transfer protocols will be used to distribute the 'Hot' directory files to their target destination(s), as well as any pre- or post-transfer processing that is required.

FEST supports the distribution of files to remote hosts using any of the following protocols:

• SoftLink's FASTCopy Protocol
• SoftLink's SuperFAST Protocol
• FTP
• HTTP/S
• S/MIME
• SFTP/SSH
• A combination of the above protocols (Multi-Protocol Scenario)
• Customized scripts and other proprietry protocols

For local distribution, the FEST Standalone Scenario automates the transfer of files to one or more computers residing on the same LAN.

Event-Driven or Scheduled Retrieval

FEST can also automate the download of files and e-mail messages (and attachments). Files are downloaded using FTP protocol, while e-mail messages are downloaded using either IMAP or POP3 protocols (depending on the server).

The e-mail scenario incorporates a sophisticated filtering mechanism that enables users, for example, to only download e-mails with a specific subject or received between specific dates (or both).

Task Automation Made Easy

FEST's Multi-Stage Scenario was developed to facilitate and simplify complex automation processes. The Multi-Stage Scenario enables users to build a scenario consisting of several stages. A stage can be a command or a process - for example, renaming or digitally signing the files - that takes place before and/or after the transfer. Though usually including a transfer stage, a Multi-Stage Scenario can also contain a sequence of stages that perform various user-defined or third party routines not related to file transfer.

The user defines the sequence of stage execution and the action to perform if one of the stages should fail (e.g. skip stage, retry, abort processing, etc.).

Harnessing the Power FASTCopy

FEST is seamlessly integrated with SoftLink's FASTCopy file transfer backbone. The data distribution stage can benefit from all of FASTCopy's mission-critical enterprise features, including:

		Guaranteed file delivery including automatic/manual recovery from the actual point of failure
		Extensive logging
		Several data verification methods
		Authentication & strong encryption
		Full bandwidth control
		Scheduling and hold/resume functions
		Pre-task & post-task processing
		Reduced bandwidth consumption: difference-only transfer & transparent on-the-fly compression
		Easy configuration, with full control over each function
		Cross-platform compatibility

Comprehensive Monitoring

FEST is integrated with SoftLink's Monitor software. All aspects of a FEST operation can be monitored from a single, unified monitoring interface.

Hassle-Free Customization

FEST has been designed to be extensible. Users can write custom FEST filters, scenarios and even monitoring message handlers in the form of dynamic link libraries (DLL's). FEST can adapt to fit any niche.

For more information, contact our Support team.

Please visit our "Qualification Wizard" section to find the package that suits your needs.