Ftp vs File adapters in OIC

Oracle OIC Gen3 – File Adapter vs FTP Adapter

Understand the key differences, use cases, and when to use each adapter in Oracle Integration Cloud.

Oracle Integration Cloud (OIC) Gen3 provides powerful adapters to simplify application and data integration. Among them, File Adapter and FTP Adapter are widely used for handling files and transferring data across systems. While they may look similar, their purpose and usage are different. Let’s break it down.

Quick Tip: Think of the File Adapter as working with files stored locally or mounted, while the FTP Adapter is for files exchanged with remote systems over FTP/SFTP servers.

🔹 File Adapter in OIC

The File Adapter is designed for integrations that need to read, write, or process files stored on local or network-mounted file systems.

• Works with files in local directories accessible to the OIC agent.
• Supports CSV, XML, JSON, or flat files.
• Ideal for batch processing and local file transformations.

Business Use Case: Processing daily sales transaction files dropped in a shared folder and uploading them into Oracle ERP Cloud.

🔹 FTP Adapter in OIC

The FTP Adapter allows integration with external systems using FTP, SFTP, or FTPS protocols. It’s best for securely transferring files between OIC and remote servers.

• Supports FTP/SFTP/FTPS connections.
• Used for exchanging files with partners, vendors, or third-party apps.
• Handles large file uploads and downloads securely.

Business Use Case: A retail company exchanges purchase order files with a supplier’s SFTP server for automated procurement processing.

📊 File Adapter vs FTP Adapter – Key Differences

Feature	File Adapter	FTP Adapter
Location	Local / Network-mounted directories	Remote FTP/SFTP/FTPS servers
Usage	File read/write within local environments	File exchange with external systems
Security	Depends on local access rights	Supports secure SFTP/FTPS protocols
Common Use	Batch processing, staging data	B2B integrations, vendor data exchange

💡 When to Use Which?

• ✔ Use File Adapter when working with files inside your organization’s network or staging data for internal use.
• ✔ Use FTP Adapter when exchanging files with partners, suppliers, or third-party systems over the internet.

✅ Benefits for Businesses

🔹 File Adapter: Simplifies local batch file processing and staging.
🔹 FTP Adapter: Ensures secure, automated file transfer with external systems.
🔹 Together, they enable end-to-end automation across internal and external workflows.

Conclusion

Both the File Adapter and FTP Adapter in Oracle OIC Gen3 play an important role in digital integrations. The File Adapter handles internal file operations, while the FTP Adapter ensures secure data movement with external systems. By using them wisely, organizations can automate workflows, improve efficiency, and strengthen B2B integrations.

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