Today, most companies rely on a variety of software tools to manage their operations. These tools often generate or collect data that needs to be transferred between systems, such as shipping information that must be processed for inventory and stocking.

In the past, integrating these platforms required APIs, SDKs, and software development resources. But now, iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) solutions simplify this process by easily connecting most of a company’s systems.

Boomi is one such iPaaS platform. There are three primary ways to use Boomi with Files.com:

Files.com - Boomi Partner Connector

Files.com offers a partner connector that allows you to copy, create, delete, download, list, move, update, and upload files and folders using just an API key. This official Boomi integration streamlines the process of managing files across systems.

Since the connector uses an API key, it inherits the permissions of the user associated with that key, such as a site admin. Be mindful of permission levels when setting up the connection to ensure appropriate access.

A key advantage of the partner connector is its use of intelligent Files.com file transfer methods, like chunking and automatic retries. These features are especially valuable for large files, as they improve transfer speed and reliability, ensuring that files reach their destination accurately.

A common use case for many Files.com customers is generating secure share links for partners without requiring login credentials. Through the connector, Boomi can pick up, send, or process files automatically, with no need for manual intervention.

SFTP Connector

Boomi also provides a generic SFTP connector that works with Files.com. While this connector encrypts all data, the encryption overhead can be intensive, placing a heavy load on the Boomi runtime and making it less scalable.

However, SFTP can be useful when working with legacy servers that don’t support other systems. It’s a good option if needed but can be slow and less efficient compared to other methods.

HTTP Client

The HTTP client connector offers high performance because it is API-based, scales well, and integrates seamlessly with Files.com.

The downside is that it calls the raw API directly, which means it lacks out-of-the-box intelligence features like file chunking and retries for large file transfers. If you choose to use the HTTP client, you’ll need to program these features manually to match the capabilities of the Files.com partner connector.

Best Practices for Using Boomi and Files.com

To maximize performance, avoid using the SFTP connector unless absolutely necessary. While functional, it is slower and less efficient, particularly when handling many transactions.

Files.com uses asynchronous operations to optimize user experience by allowing tasks to run in the background. This means that transfers may not be completed immediately, even after control is returned to the processor. We recommend waiting and verifying that transfers are complete before proceeding with subsequent steps.

Additionally, while Files.com and Boomi don’t impose file size limits, Boomi is optimized for handling many small transactions. Its runtime typically has a memory limit of 1GB, so it may struggle with large files. For better scalability and performance, consider optimizing your file sizes and transaction volumes.