This article is relevant if you are looking to use NetSuite’s sFTP library and you are seeking to connect to a remote system that demands IP restrictions.

Background

Shortly after SuiteScript 2.0 was released, a new module, “N/sftp”, offered the ability to programmatically connect and transmit files with the SSH Secure File Transfer Protocol (sFTP).  The library has improved over time.  Readers may be interested in these related articles:

1. Learn about NetSuite sFTP Module Password Challenges
2. Overcome NetSuite sFTP Programming Challenges

Since many of our clients ask us to help them implement NetSuite’s Electronics Bank Payments API to help produce bank files to produce inbound and outbound financial payments, many want to automate the transmission and distribution of the generated files.

We developed an sFTP toolkit that we give to our clients license-free.  See my article, NetSuite sFTP Transfers Made Easy.  When we can, we use this toolkit to accelerate a file transfer implementation project.

Key Challenge, sFTP IP Restrictions

However, many bank systems and other parties demand that their sFTP systems be connected only with known IP addresses.   This is not something that can be reliably offered in the NetSuite infrastructure.  While you technically can discover the originating IP address of your NetSuite account, because NetSuite has data centers located around the globe, your NetSuite origin IP address is subject to change.   Thus, it is a risky proposition to try and build a reliable solution by discovering your NetSuite IP address.

When we encounter these situations, we revert to alternatives.  The good news is that since 2015, we have a license-free tool with our Apache Camel services.  In this model, we stand up a virtual server that acts as a middleware that sits between NetSuite and the remote sFTP system.  Because it is all robust open-source software, we can take care of any nuances that are demanded between parties.

One client uses this platform to connect with 4 different remote FTP and sFTP systems;  it’s highly reliable and scalable because we can control the scheduling frequency and mechanics of file management.  Not only do they use it for bank transactions, but they also manage a global network of third-party logistics companies that use batch techniques to send and receive inventory movements.

Get sFTP IP Address Connectivity

Since 2008, acting as a NetSuite Systems Integrator, our commitment is to help clients realize the NetSuite promise afforded by the platform.  To that end, we keep solving problems — and as we do, we bring those solutions to our existing and prospective clients as accelerators.   As such, the real value is the ingenuity offered by our thinking and the practical skills held by our team.

If you found this article valuable, feel free to sign up for notifications for new articles as I publish them.  If you are ready to tackle your NetSuite connectivity challenge, let’s have a conversation.

Marty Zigman

Holding all three official certifications, Marty is regarded as the top NetSuite expert and leads a team of senior professionals at Prolecto Resources, Inc. He is a former Deloitte & Touche CPA and has held CTO roles. For over 30 years, Marty has produced leadership in ERP, CRM and eCommerce business systems. Contact Marty to set up a conversation.

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