FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a simple and secure way to exchange files over the Internet. The ability to transfer files back and forth quickly makes FTP the most useful tool for sending your statements and invoices to a billing service.
An FTP address looks a lot like an HTTP, or website, address except that it uses the prefix ftp:// instead of http://.
Most often, a computer with an FTP address is dedicated to receive an FTP connection. Just as a computer that is set up to host Web pages is referred to as a Web server or Website, a computer dedicated to receiving an FTP connection is referred to as an FTP server or FTP site.
An FTP site is like a large filing cabinet. With a traditional filing cabinet, the ones who do the filing have the option to label and organize the files however they see fit. They also decide which files to keep locked and which remain public. It is the same with an FTP site.
The virtual 'key' to get into the billing service FTP site is the User ID and Password. You store this information, along with the FTP address, under the FTP Info tab on the Print Statements window for statements, and under the FTP Info tab in the Print Invoices window for invoices. Because the system interfaces with the FTP site, you will not have to enter a password each time you want to upload data to it.
See Also:
Third-Party Billing Interface Overview