An SAP Consultant

• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to exchange and manipulate files over a TCP/IP based network, such as the Internet.
• FTP is built on client-server architecture and utilizes separate control and data connections between the client and server applications.
• FTP uses the Internet's TCP/IP protocols to enable data transfer.
• FTP is most commonly used to download a file from a server using the Internet or to upload a file to a server (e.g., uploading a Web page file to a server).

Purpose

The objective of FTP, as outlined by its RFC, are:

• To promote sharing of files (computer programs and/or data).
• To encourage indirect or implicit use of remote computers.
• To shield a user from variations in file storage systems among different hosts.
• To transfer data reliably, and efficiently.