Secured Windows FTP Server with IIS Windows Server 2012
File transfer protocol (FTP) software
Data integration tools
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if Secured Windows FTP Server with IIS Windows Server 2012 and its alternatives fit your requirements.
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
Small
Medium
Large
-
What is Secured Windows FTP Server with IIS Windows Server 2012
Secured Windows FTP Server with IIS Windows Server 2012 refers to using Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) on Windows Server 2012 to host an FTP/FTPS endpoint for file transfers. It is typically used by IT administrators to provide internal or partner-facing file upload/download services integrated with Windows authentication and NTFS permissions. The solution relies on Windows Server roles/features rather than a standalone managed file transfer application, and it is commonly deployed on-premises in Windows-centric environments.
Native Windows and IIS integration
It uses built-in Windows Server and IIS components, which aligns with common Windows administration practices. It integrates with Active Directory for authentication and can apply NTFS permissions for access control. This reduces the need to introduce a separate FTP server product when basic FTP/FTPS is sufficient.
FTPS support with certificates
IIS FTP supports FTP over TLS (FTPS) using Windows certificate management. This enables encrypted control and data channels when configured correctly. It fits organizations that need encrypted FTP without adopting a separate managed file transfer platform.
Centralized management and logging
Administration occurs through IIS Manager and Windows tooling, which many IT teams already use. IIS provides configurable logging for FTP activity and can integrate with Windows eventing and monitoring practices. This can simplify operational oversight compared with ad-hoc FTP daemons on non-Windows systems.
Not a full MFT suite
IIS FTP focuses on protocol serving rather than managed file transfer capabilities such as workflow automation, partner onboarding portals, and advanced governance. Features commonly expected in enterprise MFT—like robust auditing dashboards, policy-based controls, and built-in integrations—often require additional tooling. As a result, it may not meet requirements for regulated B2B transfers on its own.
Aging platform dependency
Windows Server 2012 is an older operating system generation, and long-term support status can be a concern for security and compliance programs. Running internet-facing FTP services on older server versions increases patching and risk-management pressure. Many organizations will need to plan an upgrade path to a supported Windows Server release.
FTP protocol security tradeoffs
Even with FTPS, FTP introduces operational complexity (ports, passive mode ranges, firewall/NAT behavior) that can be difficult for external partners. Some partners prefer SFTP/HTTPS-based transfer methods, which are not the same as IIS FTP and may require separate services. This can limit interoperability compared with platforms that offer multiple protocols and a unified management layer.
Plan & Pricing
Pricing model: Included with Windows Server 2012 (IIS FTP Server / FTP Service is a feature of IIS; no separate product-level subscription or SKU listed on Microsoft site) Free tier/trial: Time-limited evaluation available (Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 evaluation ISO via Microsoft Evaluation Center) Notes / licensing: FTP Server functionality is provided as an IIS feature and is governed by Windows Server licensing (editions: Essentials/Standard/Datacenter) and related CAL/ESU/program options; Microsoft product/licensing pages do not list a separate price for the FTP service itself. For extended security updates (ESU) and volume licensing, consult Microsoft licensing/product-terms pages.
Seller details
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond, Washington, United States
1975
Public
https://www.microsoft.com/
https://x.com/Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft/
