Data Connection: SFTP or Fivetran?

For data integration or recurring data feeds, Cascade Debt offers two options to seamlessly connect and sync to a user’s database, namely SFTP and Fivetran. An outline of these two options is provided below:

What is SFTP?

SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, is a secure method for transferring files over a network.

SFTP uses SSH (Secure Shell) to encrypt both the data being transferred and the authentication credentials, ensuring a secure connection between the client and server. Unlike regular FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SFTP offers an added layer of security through encryption, making it more suitable for transferring sensitive data.

Key features of SFTP include:

Secure Data Transfer: SFTP uses encryption to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the files being transferred.
Authentication: SFTP typically uses public key or password authentication to verify the identity of the user.
Firewall-Friendly: SFTP operates over a single port (typically port 22), making it easier to configure in secure environments where firewalls are used.
Reliability: SFTP allows for the resumption of interrupted transfers, making it a more reliable protocol for transferring large files over unreliable networks.

For Cascade Debt, users can choose SFTP when they prefer a direct, file-based method of transferring information like loan tapes. This option is ideal for organizations with established secure file transfer workflows, or for those who need to comply with specific regulations that mandate the use of encrypted file transfer protocols.

What is Fivetran?

Fivetran is a fully managed data integration platform designed to streamline the process of data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL/ELT) for businesses. It automatically replicates data from various sources such as databases, cloud applications, and event streams into data warehouses, without the need for complex manual setups or ongoing maintenance. Fivetran simplifies the integration process by offering connectors that are pre-built for numerous systems, which reduces the burden on users to develop custom scripts for data ingestion.

With Fivetran, users benefit from:

Automated Data Syncing: Fivetran keeps data up to date in near real-time by automatically syncing it from the source system into the target warehouse.
Scalability: The platform is built to scale with data needs, handling large volumes of data efficiently.
Schema Replication: It automatically adjusts to any changes in the schema (structure) of the source data, ensuring consistency between the source and destination.
Ease of Use: Fivetran offers a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to both technical and non-technical users.
Security: With encryption at rest and in transit, Fivetran ensures that the data it handles is secure.

For Cascade Debt, Fivetran allows users to automate the transfer of loan tapes and other sensitive financial data, integrating it seamlessly with the company's existing data infrastructure, such as its data lake on AWS and Databricks.

Choosing Between SFTP and Fivetran

When transferring data to Cascade, users can select either SFTP or Fivetran depending on their needs.

SFTP is suitable for users who prefer more direct control over the file transfer process, or who need a secure, one-time or periodic transfer mechanism for their data.
Fivetran is ideal for those who need automated, ongoing data syncing between systems and want to leverage cloud-based data integration without much manual effort.

Both methods ensure that sensitive financial information is securely transferred to Cascade Debt, allowing flexibility based on the user's infrastructure and preferences.

The Cascade Debt implementation team will provide instructions on how to complete either the SFTP or Fivetran setup.