BizTalk and FTP

The BizTalk Utilities product suite includes a unique set of features that extends the communications reach of BizTalk to FTP servers.

How it works

The diagram below illustrates the typical process flows of a solution using BizTalk Utilities to poll and receive files via FTP on a regular basis. 

It accomplishes this by introducing two specialized components:

1.      The first, a custom Application Integration Component called “FTPAIC,” utilizes the WinInet Library to enable the BizTalk Server to perform fundamental FTP functions. For instance, FTPAIC allows for files to be uploaded to or removed from an FTP server. Files can also be downloaded directly to the BizTalk Server or, alternatively, routed to a predetermined MSMQ queue.

2.      The FTPAIC is supplemented by a custom FTP Receive Function. This part of the BizTalk Utilities FTP feature set is equipped with a Timer Thread allowing it to poll FTP servers using an interval that can range from seconds to days. The FTP Receive Function is easily set up using a Wizard providing step-by-step configuration screens. Two examples of these screens are provided below.

Summary

Using the BizTalk Utilities FTP components will allow you to incorporate internal and external FTP servers as part of your BizTalk solutions. This can leverage existing legacy environments utilizing FTP as a transport or storage medium. It will even allow you to foster new integration opportunities with business partners that rely on FTP for external communications.

To learn more about these and other features, download an evaluation copy of BizTalk Utilities