What is Cleo MFT?

Cleo MFT is part of what Cleo calls the Cleo Integration Cloud, which automates API and EDI integrations for different use cases. Cleo offers their solution in two deployment models: a Cloud Edition hosted on the Cleo Cloud environment and a Private Cloud Edition for installation in your own data centers or private cloud.

The solution is focused on large enterprises, with features like support for niche industry-specific protocols like OFTP, as well as integration capabilities designed for enterprise needs and processes.

What is Couchdrop?

Couchdrop is a cloud-native managed file transfer platform built as a true SaaS solution that connects directly to your existing storage systems. With no servers or infrastructure to manage, Couchdrop provides secure file transfer protocols like SFTP, FTP, and AS2, along with a no-code automation builder. The emphasis is on simplicity and scalability, with fast deployment and a streamlined feature set over complexity. 

Unlike traditional MFT solutions that use a storage layer even when transferring from cloud to cloud, Couchdrop serves as a connector. Transfers effectively "stream" files with end-to-end encryption, making it a tightly controlled, secure process between your storage platforms and external parties. 

Architectural Differences

Although Cleo mentions being in the cloud, it's not the same as a true SaaS product. While technically the software is run in the cloud in the sense that it is deployed off premises, many components, like Cleo Harmony, require running and managing VMs and running the software on those VMs. 

Couchdrop was designed for the cloud and is a true SaaS b2b file exchange platform with zero infrastructure management. This means there's no need to deploy and manage VMs or figure out how to scale as file transfer needs grow. Couchdrop does all of these things automatically and this autoscaling is a core benefit of the platform. 

The fundamental architectural difference between Cleo and Couchdrop means the two provide a very different user experience. Because Cleo follows a traditional software model that's been adapted for cloud hosting, whether deployed in Cleo's cloud or in a private environment, it still has management requirements.

Implementation and Deployment

Since Cleo's primary target is large enterprises, they follow a typical enterprise software implementation model. Trialling, deploying, and configuring the product all require hoops to jump through and engaging with representatives.

From accessing video demos to deploying Cleo, everything involves the professional service team. This means slower implementation, and although it lessens the chance of misconfiguration, it provides no opportunity to easily try the product for yourself.

Couchdrop was designed to be simple and straightforward enough for anyone to configure and start using the platform. Deployment is immediate, with a cloud-hosted server created automatically at registration. From there, everything is managed through an intuitive web interface, with no need to go through representatives or purchase professional services. 

Because of the self-serve nature of Couchdrop, most organizations can get basic deployment done in minutes or hours, and are fully operational in hours or days instead of weeks or months. 

Storage Integration Approach

Couchdrop and Cleo emphasize different kinds of integrations and are strong in different areas. Cleo includes several application connectors for enterprise systems like Amazon Seller FBA, Oracle, and TMW, along with systems like IBM DB2 and SQL servers. Cloud storage connectors are far more limited, with 6 Enterprise storage connections like Azure and Google Cloud storage. 

With Couchdrop, cloud storage connections come first, with 20 of the most used storage platforms supported. Instead of enterprise systems, Couchdrop connects to storage like SharePoint, Google Workspace, Dropbox, AWS S3, and Azure, as well as automation platforms like Zapier and Make.com. This doesn't mean Couchdrop can't connect to enterprise systems, however; any system that supports AS2, FTP/S, or SFTP protocols can be easily configured to connect to Couchdrop. 

This distinction in integrations is important because it can help you decide which platform is the better fit. For organizations that require multiple integrations with enterprise software, Cleo's integrations and pre-built processes cover many common scenarios. On the other hand, organizations that are heavily invested in cloud storage services and need a solution for secure b2b file exchange between storage platforms will likely find Couchdrop the better fit, as Couchdrop integrates seamlessly with those environments without requiring data migration or duplicating storage.

Maintenance and Management

With Cleo, customers can choose between self-management and managed services. Self-service users create and manage their own workflows and integrations, including provisioning virtual machines. With managed services, Cleo handles building and operating integrations on behalf of the organization at an additional cost.  Either way, there's ongoing management overhead, either from the maintenance or managing the representative controlling the operations. 

Maintenance and management is simple with Couchdrop, thanks to its cloud-native architecture. For many organizations, integrations and workflows are set-and-forget, with processes scaling automatically to meet any spikes in transfer requirements. If users need to make any updates or changes, everything is done in the web interface that allows for unlimited internal users to manage settings. And since integrations and workflows are simple and straightforward, management takes a minimal amount of time and effort. 

This includes updates and patching as well. All updates, security patches, scaling, and maintenance are handled automatically. With this approach, there is minimal downtime and lower risk because updates don't have to wait for servers to go offline or for someone to go in and apply patches.

Automation Capabilities

Both platforms can automate file transfer workflows, but take a different approach.  Cleo provides sophisticated integration capabilities with many pre-built templates for common business processes.  However, technical expertise or professional services are often still required, especially when pre-built templates don't suit the specific needs of the organization. 

While Couchdrop doesn't offer the same complex functionality, creating workflows is remarkably simple. Automations are created using a visual workflow builder that allows non-technical users to create multi-step automation processes without coding. These automations can include actions like encryption/decryption, file transformations, notifications, and integration with external systems. Automations can be triggered regularly on a set schedule or on an event like file upload, download, or upload link usage. 

Pricing and Cost Structure

As an enterprise-focused company, Cleo takes the traditional approach of completely customizing all aspects of pricing. The pricing structure can vary significantly depending on services required, and typically involves software licensing costs, potential professional services for implementation, and optional managed services fees. Since plans are customized, estimating costs upfront is especially challenging as costs can vary widely. 

Couchdrop offers transparent subscription pricing with plans starting at $450/month for the Business plan (up to 100 users with unlimited transfers). Enterprise plans start at $750/month and can include premium support, dedicated infrastructure, and custom SLAs. This plan can easily scale to thousands or even tens of thousands of users and the most intense file transfer workloads. 

Security and compliance

Both Cleo and Couchdrop meet several compliance standards and support secure transfer protocols like SFTP and AS2. The platforms also let trading partners upload or download files they need without having access to databases or file servers. However, Couchdrop offers several advantages. 

One of these advantages is that your files aren't stored by Couchdrop. Instead, they stay within the storage systems you already use, keeping your data in your chosen storage while providing secure transfer capabilities. Another is that patches and updates are deployed immediately without any manual processes. 

The cloud architecture and increased security of Couchdrop make it a strong choice, and helps avoid some common vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-50623 that affected several Cleo products. Couchdrop is secure by design, with platform resilience being a core characteristic along with ease of use. 

Customer reviews

Overall, users are generally happy with both products. Cleo Integration Cloud is currently rated 4.5 stars on G2. Users like the efficiency and integration capabilities, but some struggle with the complexity and steep learning curve, with a common complaint being difficulty navigating the UI. 

On G2, Couchdrop is rated 4.9 stars. Couchdrop users love the ease of setup, implementation, and that the support team is easy to get in touch with and extremely helpful. Some older mentions reference difficulties navigating the interface, but there have been no such mentions since the recent UI overhaul. 

Who Should Choose Each Solution?

Since Cleo and Couchdrop focus on different aspects of managed file transfer, they're suitable for different types of organizations. 

Cleo MFT is well-suited for:

  • Organizations with complex B2B integration requirements beyond file transfer
  • Companies with dedicated IT resources for platform management
  • Businesses that need deep customization of their integration processes with enterprise applications
  • Organizations with a preference or requirement for traditional software deployment models

Couchdrop is ideal for:

  • Organizations seeking a zero-infrastructure file transfer solution
  • Businesses looking to simplify b2b file exchange between cloud storage platforms.
  • Companies that need rapid deployment without requiring professional services
  • Teams seeking user-friendly automation without technical expertise
  • Organizations that don't want to manage infrastructure or scale manually
  • Businesses preferring predictable subscription pricing with no lock-in

Try a simpler way to manage secure file transfer workflows

Couchdrop is simple to set up and even easier to manage. The modern interface allows for quick creation of user accounts and permission structures, and the visual automation builder is easy to use even without a technical background. 

Try Couchdrop for yourself for a user-friendly, easy-to-use file transfer solution. All new accounts get a 14-day free trial with no credit card or demo required. Simply register for an account, connect your platforms, and see why a modern, zero-infrastructure MFT platform can simplify your file transfer workflows.