Advanced Features Overview

CompleteFTP is a comprehensive enterprise file transfer solution with extensive capabilities beyond the basic features covered in this user guide. This appendix provides an overview of advanced features available in CompleteFTP for Linux.

Important Note

All features listed below are available in CompleteFTP for Linux via the CLI. While this Linux User Guide focuses on essential setup and configuration, these advanced features can be configured using completeftp commands. For detailed conceptual information and configuration examples, consult the Windows User Guide documentation.

Users preferring graphical administration can also manage these features remotely using CompleteFTP Manager on Windows.

Advanced Authentication & User Management

External Authentication Sources

  • LDAP/Active Directory Integration - Authenticate users against LDAP directories
  • Database Authentication - Store user credentials in external databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server)
  • SAML Single Sign-On - Integrate with SAML identity providers like OneLogin, Okta, Azure AD
  • Two-Factor Authentication - Add 2FA security layer to user authentication
  • Custom Authentication Extensions - Write custom authenticators in .NET or JavaScript

Advanced User Features

  • User Quotas - Set disk space limits per user or group
  • User Account Expiry - Automatically disable accounts after specified time
  • Advanced Password Policies - Complex password requirements and rotation
  • User Import/Export - Batch user management and migration tools
  • Per-User Protocol Control - Enable/disable protocols per user
  • User Statistics - Track user activity and usage patterns

Cloud Storage & Advanced File Systems

Cloud Integration

  • Amazon S3 Integration - Map virtual folders to S3 buckets
  • Azure Blob Storage - Direct integration with Azure storage
  • Gateway Folders - Access remote FTP/FTPS/SFTP servers as folders
  • Network/UNC Folders - Map to Windows network shares

Advanced File System Features

  • Encryption at Rest - Encrypt stored files for security
  • ZIP File Mounting - Mount ZIP files as navigable directories
  • Filename Filters - Block specific file types (e.g., executables)
  • Macro Folder Names - Dynamic folder names using variables
  • File Synchronization - Automated file sync between locations

Web-Based Features

File Manager

  • Complete Web Interface - Full-featured browser-based file management
  • File Upload/Download - Drag-and-drop web uploads
  • File Sharing - Generate secure links for file sharing
  • Mobile Access - Responsive design for mobile devices
  • Multi-Language Support - Localized interface

Web Application Hosting

  • JSS (JavaScript Server-Side) - Host custom web applications
  • Custom Templates - Customize the web interface appearance
  • REST API Access - Programmatic access to file operations
  • HTML Customization - Brand the web interface

Events, Automation & Scripting

Event-Driven Actions

  • Email Notifications - Send emails on file uploads, downloads, errors
  • Process Triggers - Execute external programs/scripts on events
  • Scheduled Events - Run automated tasks on schedule
  • File Movement - Auto-move files based on rules
  • Custom Event Handlers - Write custom event processing logic

Scripting & Programming

  • PowerShell Integration - Execute PowerShell scripts on events
  • Batch Script Support - Windows batch file execution
  • JSS Scripting - JavaScript server-side programming
  • FTP Scripting - Automated FTP command sequences
  • .NET Extensions - Full .NET programmability

Security & Compliance

Advanced Security

  • IP Filtering & Geo-blocking - Control access by IP/location
  • Client Certificates - FTPS client certificate authentication
  • Advanced SSL/TLS - Custom cipher suites, certificate chains
  • Security Auditing - Comprehensive security event logging
  • Brute Force Protection - Advanced auto-banning features

Compliance Features

  • Audit Trails - Detailed logging for compliance requirements
  • Data Loss Prevention - Control what files can be uploaded/downloaded
  • Retention Policies - Automated file retention and deletion
  • Encryption Standards - FIPS compliance and enterprise encryption

Enterprise Management

Clustering & High Availability

  • Server Clustering - Multi-server clusters for high availability
  • Load Balancing - Distribute load across multiple servers
  • Failover - Automatic failover to backup servers
  • Session Sharing - Share user sessions across cluster nodes
  • Disaster Recovery - Backup and recovery strategies

Advanced Site Management

  • Multiple Sites - Run multiple FTP sites on one server
  • Site Templates - Standardize site configurations
  • Protocol-Specific Tuning - Fine-tune each protocol separately
  • Traffic Shaping - Control bandwidth usage per site/user
  • Connection Pooling - Optimize connection handling

Monitoring & Analytics

Advanced Monitoring

  • Real-Time Dashboards - Live monitoring of server activity
  • Performance Metrics - CPU, memory, bandwidth monitoring
  • Connection Monitoring - Track active connections and sessions
  • Alert Systems - Notifications for system issues
  • SNMP Integration - Enterprise monitoring system integration

Reporting & Analytics

  • Usage Reports - Detailed usage statistics and trends
  • Custom Reports - Design custom report layouts
  • Data Export - Export data for external analysis
  • Historical Analytics - Long-term trend analysis
  • Bandwidth Reporting - Track data transfer volumes

Administration & DevOps

Remote Administration

  • Web Admin Interface - Browser-based administration
  • REST API - Complete API for automation
  • Remote CLI Access - Secure remote command-line access
  • Multi-Administrator - Multiple admin users with different permissions
  • Configuration Backup - Automated configuration backups

DevOps Integration

  • Configuration as Code - Script-based configuration management
  • Automated Deployment - CI/CD pipeline integration
  • Infrastructure as Code - Terraform/Ansible integration
  • Container Support - Docker containerization options
  • Monitoring Integration - Prometheus, Grafana integration

Advanced Protocols & Standards

Protocol Extensions

  • SSH Terminal Access - Full shell access via SSH
  • SSH Port Forwarding - Tunnel other protocols through SSH
  • Custom FTP Commands - Implement custom protocol commands
  • HTTP Method Extensions - Support additional HTTP methods
  • WebDAV Support - Web-based file access protocol

Standards Compliance

  • FIPS 140-2 - Government-grade encryption standards
  • Common Criteria - Security certification standards
  • SOC 2 - Service organization controls compliance
  • GDPR - Data protection regulation compliance
  • HIPAA - Healthcare data protection

Getting Started with Advanced Features

CLI Access

All advanced features are accessible via the completeftp CLI using commands like:

# Database authentication example
completeftp site set default databaseConnectionString="server=..."
completeftp site set default authenticationType="Database"

# S3 folder integration example
completeftp folder add /S3Bucket AmazonS3 bucketName=mybucket

# Email notification example
completeftp notification add fileupload email recipient=admin@company.com

Documentation Resources

  • Windows User Guide - Comprehensive feature documentation (concepts apply to Linux)
  • CLI Reference - Complete command-line syntax guide
  • API Documentation - REST API reference for automation
  • Extension Development - Guides for custom extension development

Professional Services

For complex implementations of advanced features:

  • Consulting Services - Expert guidance on advanced configurations
  • Custom Development - Tailored extensions and integrations
  • Training Programs - Administrator and developer training
  • Support Services - Enterprise-level technical support

Feature Availability by Edition

Standard Edition

  • Basic authentication and user management
  • Standard protocols (FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP/HTTPS)
  • Basic folder mapping and permissions
  • Email notifications and basic events
  • SSL/TLS encryption

Professional Edition

  • Advanced authentication (LDAP, database)
  • Cloud storage integration
  • Web file manager
  • Advanced events and scripting
  • Basic clustering (2 nodes)

Enterprise Edition

  • Full clustering and high availability
  • SAML SSO and advanced security
  • Custom extensions and development
  • Advanced monitoring and reporting
  • Professional services and priority support

Next Steps

To implement advanced features:

  1. Review Requirements - Determine which advanced features you need
  2. Plan Architecture - Design your advanced configuration
  3. Test in Development - Set up a test environment
  4. Consult Documentation - Reference Windows User Guide for concepts
  5. Use CLI Commands - Implement via completeftp commands
  6. Consider Support - Engage professional services for complex setups

Remember: CompleteFTP for Linux provides the same powerful feature set as the Windows version, just managed through the CLI rather than a GUI. The capabilities are extensive and enterprise-ready.