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File Transfer Methods

MasterCard supports several approved file transfer mechanism software packages.


MasterCard has developed proprietary file transfer methods that interface with MasterCard business systems
(MasterCard interface processor [MIPs], MasterCard File Express Client, MasterCard File Express Scheduler, and
MasterCard Data Exchange). Additionally, MasterCard supports the use of several third-party file exchange
software packages.
MasterCard does not recommend any specific file transfer method. Customers must determine which solution
best meets their budget and business model. This information is provided to help customers make informed
decisions. MasterCard supports the following file transfer mechanisms:
a) Connect:Direct (C:D)
b) InterPel
c) MIP File Transfer System (MFTS)
d) MasterCard Data Exchange (MDE)
e) MasterCard File Express (MFE)
f) FTP with SSL (FTPS)
g) Secure Shell FTP (SFTP)

Brief introduction to File Transferring


A customer Endpoint is required to be able to communicate with MasterCard's Global File Transfer System
(GFT). We however need to purchase an Endpoint directly from a MasterCard Implementation Manager.

Bulk File Naming Convention


C:D and InterPel have vendor-defined filename guidelines, whilst the rest of the services have no restrictions.

File Naming conventions for MDE, MFE, FTPS and SFTP include the following:
1. We need to avoid spaces and special characters.
2. We need to have a creation date, ICA, bulk type and endpoint information, for example:

R111.S.E0023456.D160420.T095115.A001

where R111 = The bulk type identifier, in this case 111 is Inbound Clearing Data, E0023456 is the Endpoint,
D160420 is the date in YYMMDD format, T095115 is time in HHMMSS and A001 is unique sequence number
assigned to the filename.
1. Connect:Direct (C:D)

Connect:Direct is a third-party software solution offered by Sterling Commerce (owned by IBM). It uses the
MasterCard Network (not the Internet) to establish a connection between the customer and GFT. GFT then
facilitates bulk file exchange between the customer and MasterCard applications.

How does it work?


The Connect:Direct (C:D) software resides on both the customer’s and MasterCard’s servers, and is configured
to connect directly across the MasterCard Network—using either the customer’s MIP (MasterCard Interface
Processor) or router.

Connect:Direct is unique in that it uses nodes (customer/vendor-defined names) to identify the customer’s
server to MasterCard and vice-versa. File naming conventions are defined by the Connect:Direct vendor, and
are based upon the customer’s operating system (for example, mainframe or UNIX).

Why choose it?


Connect:Direct is a commonly-used, full-featured solution, particularly suitable for customers with heavy file
transfer needs and who want to leverage their existing connection to the MasterCard Network.

2. InterPel

InterPel is a third-party software solution offered by Axway. It uses the MasterCard Network (not the Internet)
to establish a connection between the customer and GFT. GFT then facilitates bulk file exchange between the
customer and MasterCard applications.

How does it work?


The InterPel software resides on both the customer’s and MasterCard’s server. Similar to Connect:Direct,
InterPel has its own file naming convention. Similar to Connect:Direct, customers
using InterPel will also need to have either a MIP (MasterCard Interface Processor) or router installed to access
the MasterCard Network.
Why choose it?
InterPel supports specialty protocols that are used by financial institutions in the Europe region, notably the
PEL, PeSIT and Hors-SIT protocols.

3. MIP File Transfer System (MFTS)

The MIP File Transfer System (MFTS) is a MasterCard application that resides on the customer’s MIP as well as
the Global File Transfer System (GFT). It manages file exchange between the customer’s MIP and MasterCard.

How does it work?


MasterCard designates a specific port on the customer’s MIP for file transfer. In tandem with MFTS, customers
will use a MasterCard file transfer protocol known as “Bulk File Transfer Protocol” that initiates a connection
between their host and their MIP to enable it to send and receive files. Depending on a customer’s platform,
they will use different resources to implement the Bulk File Transfer Protocol, as described below.

• For customers using the mainframe, they must implement the Member Host Preparation Facility software
(referred to in Appendix B of the File Transfer Manual).
• For customers using another platform (UNIX or Windows, for example), they may implement this protocol
themselves, or obtain it from a third-party software vendor.

Why choose it?


MFTS is for customers looking for a relatively simple solution. Customers should note that MFTS is not
recommended for transferring files larger than one gigabyte.

4. MasterCard Data Exchange (MDE)

MasterCard Data Exchange (MDE) is a MasterCard application that is accessed using an Internet browser.

How does it work?


MasterCard Data Exchange resides on MasterCard’s extranet platform, MasterCard Connect. Customers order
the MDE product via the MasterCard Connect Store, and will access it using their SecurID. Customers initiate
both file pushes to and file pulls from MasterCard through the MDE web interface. MDE is only able to send
files in attended mode.
Why choose it?
MasterCard Data Exchange typically takes the shortest amount of time to implement, from 2-3 weeks.
Customers should note that that MDE is not recommended for transferring files larger than one gigabyte
(notably Clearing files). MDE is free to customers, with no additional hardware or software needed.

5. MasterCard File Express (MFE)

MasterCard File Express (MFE) is a Windows®-based desktop suite that acts as an FTP client.

How does it work?


MasterCard File Express software is ordered from the MasterCard Connect Store. It consists of two programs,
the Client and the Scheduler.

MFE session authentication is requested and performed either through a SecurID token (for the MFE Client) or
a Smart Card (for the MFE Scheduler). The Smart Card components (including the Smart Card containing a
digital certificate, and Smart Card reader) connect to the customer’s system.

Why choose it?


MFE is a relatively easy-to-install, Window-based product. Like all other MasterCard-owned products,
customers can reach out directly to MasterCard for MFE product support. MFE offers several reporting options,
including a file transmission report, audit report, and transfer log. The smart card software and hardware is
provided free of charge by MasterCard.

6. FTPS

FTP with SSL (FTPS) is an industry-standard file transfer protocol available from third-party software vendors.

How does it work?


FTPS is accessed via an FTPS-enabled computer (obtained from a third party) at the customer’s site. FTPS offers
encryption via use of a digital certificate. Customers will need MasterCard Connect access to order both FTPS
attended and unattended mode; attended mode requires SecurID for session authentication, and unattended
mode will use a file-based certificate to authenticate sessions.
Why choose it?
FTPS uses the industry standard FTP protocol and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to secure file exchange.
Unattended FTPS file exchange has the added security offered by X.509 digital certificates.

Bulk files in FTPS will usually be stored in directories using the following path structure:
/0023456/production/upload/r716:

• /0023456 is the endpoint (example)


• /production or /test is the environment
• /upload is the direction
• /r716 represents the bulk type (example)

*Implementing attended mode typically takes 2-3 weeks; unattended mode, 3-5 weeks.

As FTPS software is a third-party product, MasterCard will not be able to provide technical
support for it. Support for the product is provided by the third-party vendor.

Note: With the FTP methods (FTPS and SFTP), the customer’s client will only be allowed to establish
a single sign-on session. Any attempts to establish additional concurrent transfer sessions will be
denied.

Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic (encrypted) network protocol that allows secure remote logins
over an unsecured network. This level of encryption secures the file transfer path.

7. Secure Shell FTP (SFTP)

Secure Shell FTP (SFTP) is another file transfer protocol available from third party software vendors.

How does it work?


SFTP is accessed via an SFTP-enabled computer (procured from a third party) at the customer’s site.
SFTP is the only method supported by MasterCard that is not bidirectional; files can only be pushed by
MasterCard to the customer; it cannot be used to send files to MasterCard. This means that for SFTP,
MasterCard must authenticate with the customer (who chooses the authentication method). This can consist of
any combination of either user ID and password, or SSH key. For customers to be able to route files to
MasterCard, they must implement a second file transfer option; FTPS is recommended to provide this function

Why choose it?


SFTP is an industry standard protocol that offers the security of SSH key-based transport encryption. SFTP has
the added benefit of being a single channel network protocol, as opposed to the two-channel protocol used by
FTPS. This simplifies a customer’s network/router configuration.

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