Every iPost client is configured with their own File Transfer Protocol (FTP) account which allows for quick and secure data transfers between your computer and iPost.
Why Do We Use FTP?
Here are some reasons why FTP remains valuable:
- Efficient File Transfer: allows for fast and efficient transfer of files between a client and server, especially for large files or batches of files. This reduces the time it takes to receive files, ensures the export process does not timeout, and eliminates UX issues, such as slow or lagging pages.
- Bulk Transfers: It's an efficient choice for transferring large amounts of data in bulk, such as backups or media files.
- Platform Independence: FTP is platform-independent, meaning it works across different operating systems, making it accessible for users on various devices.
- Ease of Use: FTP clients are generally straightforward to set up and use, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical users.
- Reliability: FTP has been around for a long time and is a stable and reliable protocol for transferring files securely.
- Legacy Systems: Some older systems and devices may only support FTP for file transfer, making it necessary for compatibility reasons.
Access Information
When your account is provisioned, our Support team will provide you with the login details for your main account's FTP and any linked subaccounts. This will include:
- Host name (FTP server)
- Username (client token)
- Password
- Port
Installing the FTP Client
In order to connect your computer (local host) to your account's FTP (remote host), you'll first need to download an FTP client. We highly suggest using FileZilla, which offers a free open source FTP client. You can download the FileZilla Client here.
If you need assistance choosing or installing an FTP client, we suggest working with your IT department to determine the best configuration for you and/or your team.
Once the FTP Client is installed, you should familiarize yourself with the Quick Connect Bar and configure your Local Site. Below are examples using FileZilla, however, this information can apply to any FTP Client.
Quick Connect (Login) Bar
Host: Enter your FTP server address. The format of this address is 'ftp.g00x.enterprise.ipost.com' where 'x' is your assigned instance (e.g., g001, g002, g003).
Username: The Client Token for your client or subclient. This can also be found under General Settings > Client.
Password: A unique case-sensitive password that will be provided to you. This cannot be customized or changed.
Port: This serves as the communication endpoint and data to move from your local computer to your FTP and vice versa.
Local Site Directory
The Local Site Directory is where you can find files on your computer to upload to your FTP and designate the download location for files from your FTP. The example above is set to Users > Name-of-user/owner > Downloads.
Move Files Between Your Computer and Your FTP
To move files from your computer to your FTP:
- Locate the file in your Local Site directory.
- Select the file and drag it to the appropriate directory (folder) on your FTP.
To download files from your FTP to your computer:
- Confirm the correct location is selected in your 'Local Site' directory.
- Right-click or double-click the file from your FTP to begin the download.
All file transfers will be logged in the Queued File/Failed Transfers/Successful Transfers section at the bottom of the application.
What's in my FTP?
Your account will come with a number of preset directories (folders) that are designed to work with different functions within the platform.
- CDT_IN: Import files into data tables from the UI as well as data tables that are populated via the API
- CDT_OUT: Houses files that are exported from data tables in the platform
- CONTACTS_OUT: Exported files from lists or the All Contacts database
- Export: Contains anything exported from the platform with the exception of data table and list exports.
- Import: Place files in this directory that will be imported into lists or data tables in the platform
- Logs: Contains bounce log by type of sending if the Bounce Log feature is enabled on your account (JourneySends, EmailTickets, A_B_TestSends)
- REPORTS_LIBRARY: Any report ran in the Report Library will be placed here
- ReportsExport: SmsTickets, JourneySends, FunnelReports, EmailTickets, CampaignTags, AdvancedTestSends, A_B_TestSends