Table of Contents

1. I have Beyond FTP version 2.0.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.1.0 have in it that I may need?
   
2. I have Beyond FTP version 2.1.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.2.0 have in it that I may need?
   
3. I have Beyond FTP version 2.3.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.4.0 have in it that I may need?
   
4. I want to set up my retry list - but I don't know exactly what errors to expect.  Is there a comprehensive error list that I can print out and look at?
   
5. What encryption methods does Beyond FTP employ?
   
6. I have Beyond FTP version 2.4.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.5.0 have in it that I may need?
    
7. I have Beyond FTP version 2.5.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.6.0 have in it that I may need?
    
8. I have Beyond FTP version 2.6.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.7.0 have in it that I may need?
    
9. I have Beyond FTP version 2.7.0 what does Beyond FTP version 3.0.0 have in it that I may need?
    
10. I have Beyond FTP version 3.0.0 what does Beyond FTP version 3.1.0 have in it that I may need?

I have Beyond FTP version 2.0.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.1.0 have in it that I may need?

Beyond FTP 2.1.0 has several user interface enhancements.   Beyond FTP Address Books may be imported or exported.  WeekDays and WeekEnds script keywords have been added for greater flexibility in scheduling repetitive scripts.   Beyond FTP also supports two plug-ins that greatly improve transfer diagnostics and script editing. 

Beyond FTP 2.1.0 also provides fixes for problems encountered in version 2.0.0.

Fixes:

FTP file archiving and synchronization operate correctly.
FTP virtual directories work correctly
FTP Status Window shows more information
Beyond FTP Tools menu works correctly

Users under the 90 day warranty period and users that have purchased the Beyond FTP Subscription Service may download the Beyond FTP 2.1.0 upgrade for free.

Note: A subscription key is required to install this upgrade.

Back to Top

• New Repeat_Time options for distinguishing weekdays and weekends
• File presence checking at Sync_points.
• Conditional processing depending on the status of a Sync_point.
• Ability to send pages and mail from a script with the Alert command.
• Alternate command forms with clearer meanings.

The enhancements in the File Distribution and Collection Program include:

• Support for the new Script Language Constructs.
• Support for creating mail and page alerts.
• Improved Script Editing
• Script Wizard support for script creation
• Improved Distribution Status Display, with new icons to easily identify the elements of a distribution.
• Support for dialup networking connections to both Beyond FTP and standard FTP servers.
• Support for proxy servers that route the FTP protocol.

Users under the 90 day warranty period and users that have purchased the Beyond FTP Subscription Service may download the Beyond FTP 2.2.0 upgrade for free.

Note: A subscription key is required to install this upgrade.

Back to Top

• Simultaneous script processing.  Scripts may be run concurrently. Drag-and-drop transfers also run concurrently with scripts.
• Logging of script start and stop times, with errors. The log file is a text file so it can be easily read and processed by other applications.
• The substitution wildcard allows you to insert text from a file into the script. This makes it easy for applications to control a script without generating and scheduling the complete script.
• The Repeat_Time command now supports semi-monthly and workday only scheduling. The latter feature is supported by a holiday schedule.
• The Block_Script command prevents mutually exclusive scripts from being processed simultaneously.
• The Log command allows messages to be written to the Beyond FTP log file.
• The Time_Range command replaces the Start_Time command. It allows you to specify not only a start time but a stop time for those distributions repeating on an hourly or minute schedule. 
• The Archive command now saves up to 1000 versions of each file being archived.
• The WildCard_File command allows you to specify the name of the file that will provide the information for the substitution wildcard.
• The %T date wildcard allows you to adjust the date and/or time that will be used when inserting other wildcard values in the same action.
  

The enhancements in the File Distribution and Collection Program include:

• Support for non-standard FTP displays. You can now create templates for displaying information from FTP servers that are not automatically recognized.
• Recognition and management of default logon paths at FTP sites.
• Support for Internet standard SOCKS4 and SOCKS5 firewall traversal protocols. This is available only for links between Beyond FTP servers. 
• Support for Windows NT 4 Terminal Server Edition, and Windows 2000 Terminal Server is now included.
• Support for transfers to and from World Wide Web servers (HTTP) is now included. This allows content to be retrieved directly from web servers that are not running FTP.

Users under the 90 day warranty period and users that have purchased the Beyond FTP Subscription Service may download the Beyond FTP 2.4.0 upgrade for free.

Note: A subscription key is required to install this upgrade.

Back to Top

I want to set up my retry list - but I don't know exactly what errors to expect.  Is there a comprehensive error list that I can print out and look at?

Yes, starting with Beyond FTP 2.2.0 the file "BFTPERC.Doc" is being distributed.  This file contains a comprehensive list of Beyond FTP errors with descriptions that can be included into your retry list.   You may download this file by clicking here.

Back to Top

Back to Top

One of the major enhancements in Beyond FTP 2.5.0 is the Lock-SAFE™ Technology. Beyond FTP now has the ability to automatically encrypt and decrypt files as they are moved to and from any FTP server. This allows secure transfers to and from public FTP servers on any platform. 

•  Automatic encryption and decryption of files moving to and from any FTP server. 
  
  
• The Beyond FTP Encryption Service is now a standard part of the release. The international version supports 56-bit DES. The domestic version (which must be added) now supports both the Twofish and Advance Encryption Standard Rijndael algorithms, as well as DES.
  
  
•  Support for FTP servers that allow file transfers only from the current path. These servers cannot process path information as part of the file name. All actions are relative to the current path. This includes IBM MVS and AS400 systems. 
  
  
• The Run command now supports file expansion for parameters. The command is executed for each file in the expansion list.
  
  
• The Rename_File command now supports file renaming in scripts. This simplifies operations that once required a copy and delete action.
  
  
• The Delete_File command has been moved to the File List dialog from the Action dialog.
  
  
•  Sync_Point commands now provide conditional processing that is performed only when the syncpoint succeeds. A syncpoint may now be followed by either an On_Failure clause or an On_Success clause.
  
  
• The File List dialog now supports transfers, renames, and deletes.
  
  
• Beyond FTP servers can now process an unlimited number of scripts simultaneously. There is no longer a need to configure anything above ten scripts. 
  
  
• Firewall and proxy server support is now provided for standard FTP servers.
  
  
• Beyond FTP clients can now access network drives. They are no longer restricted to local disk drives.
  
  
• All script actions are now logged in a file with the root name of the script and a suffix of .Log. These log files are text files.
  
  
• The speed of the security data base engine has been improved markedly. This is especially apparent when saving a large number of user records.

Users under the 90 day warranty period and users that have purchased the Beyond FTP Subscription Service may download the Beyond FTP 2.5.0 upgrade for free.

Note: A subscription key is required to install this upgrade.

Back to Top

I have Beyond FTP version 2.5.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.6.0 have in it that I may need?

Version 2.6.0 of Beyond FTP includes the capabilities of Version 2.5.0 as well as the following enhancements and new capabilities.  

• Standard FTP Server
  
  The server version of Beyond FTP now includes a standard FTP server in addition to the Beyond FTP server. This provides support for standard FTP clients.
  
  The Beyond FTP Security program supports both Beyond FTP and FTP user accounts. The same account can be used for both purposes.
  
  The standard FTP server can be remotely administered from another Beyond FTP server or client installation. This includes user accounts via the Beyond FTP Security program.
   
• Script Language Enhancements
  
  The script language now supports If-Else-End_If flow control commands that may be nested. Syncpoints are also supported in the script compiler for compatibility purposes, but are no longer documented or supported in the various dialogs of Beyond FTP.
  
  A new file modifier has been added that allows files to be filtered based on the last modify date of the file. This applies to all transfer, rename, delete, append, and run commands that involve file expansion.
  
  Two new file modifiers allow you to control ASCII and binary transfers to FTP servers without reference to the file suffixes. This applies only to transfers between the local machine and standard FTP servers.
  
  The script language now supports appends when transferring files to an FTP server.
  
  Scripts can be declared as Immortal, directing the system to automatically restart the script whenever it completes.
   
• Script Processing Enhancements
  
  Beyond FTP transfers to and from a standard FTP server can now be restarted from the point of failure (assuming the FTP server supports the appropriate commands). Transfers involving Beyond FTP servers and clients have always been restartable.
  
  The script engine now supports standard UNC naming for all file commands. Drive letters are no longer required when creating scripts.
   
• Master Log File
  
  Beyond FTP now maintains a continuous master log file. This file is automatically closed at midnight. It presents information in a comma delimited form that can be easily imported into your reporting software.
   
• User Interface Enhancements
  
  The Beyond FTP Security program now supports directory renaming and creation.
  
  The Beyond FTP Console program now displays the status of the major Beyond FTP services. A number of configuration items have also been rendered unnecessary.
  
  The Beyond FTP Console program now displays connections to remote FTP servers as well as connections to other Beyond FTP servers and clients.
  
  Both the security and console programs have been converted from 16-bit to 32-bit.

Users under the 90 day warranty period and users that have purchased the Beyond FTP Subscription Service may download the Beyond FTP 2.6.0 upgrade for free.

Note: A subscription key is required to install this upgrade.

Back to Top

I have Beyond FTP version 2.6.0 what does Beyond FTP version 2.7.0 have in it that I may need?

Version 2.7.0 of Beyond FTP includes the capabilities of Version 2.6.0 as well as the following enhancements and new capabilities.  

The major changes are a completely new mechanism for maintaining and distributing private encryption keys, an option for using NT security in place of Beyond FTP security, and expanded support for proxy servers on the FTP client side.   Download Beyond FTP 2.7.0.

Secure FTP Protocol Enhancements

• Beyond FTP now supports the standard SSL 2.0 and 3.0 protocols, the TLS 1.0 protocol and the PCT 1.0 protocol for secure communications, with support for up to 128-bit encryption.
   

Encryption Key Enhancements

• Current key settings are now displayed. This allows display keys to be compared and verified when problems are suspected.
   
• Multiple keys (up to 5) are now maintained for each server. This allows keys to be changed at different times on different servers without interfering with communications.
   
• Centralized key maintenance is now supported. Installations can be designated as key clients and/or key servers. Key clients retrieve new keys from a key server on a daily schedule. Key changes at the central key server are propagated across the network without administrative intervention at the remote client sites.
   
• Specific errors related to key mismatches are reported. This allows much quicker identification of key related encryption problems.

NT Security Support
 

• Beyond FTP running on a Windows NT/2000/XP platform now supports NT security accounts and access restrictions. You can choose between the traditional Beyond FTP security accounts or NT accounts.

Script Language Enhancements
 

• You can now Define your own commands, with parameters, in the script language. These definitions can contain any other script commands.
   
• You can now read and write encrypted, compressed archives using the Encrypt_Files and Decrypt_Files commands.
   
• The Alert command now accepts a second parameter that can be inserted into the message. In addition, the most recent error value, error text, and file name can also be inserted into the message dynamically when constructing an Alert Message.
   
• The File_Properties command allows you to change the access rights to files on other Windows machines and on Unix FTP servers that support the CHMOD command.
   
• The FTP_Command command allows you to send any FTP command to your server.

User Interface Enhancements
 

• The Action Commands dialog has been redesigned. You now select the command from a list, and a separate dialog is presented to support each command.
   
• Server addresses in Address Book entries can now be tested for connectivity. This test uses a built-in ping program that will attempt to resolve and ping the address
   
• The address edit dialog has been redesigned to allow quick access to key generation and troubleshooting documentation.
   
• Current script editor settings can now be saved as the default settings which are automatically applied to new scripts.
   
• Changing file properties is now supported for Unix FTP servers that accept the CHMOD command.  The properties dialog varies by server type.
   
• Unix style file attributes are now displayed as part of the file list, where applicable.
   
• FTP initialization commands can now be included as part of an FTP Server address book entry. These commands are sent to the FTP server following a successful logon.
   

Miscellaneous
 

• Proxy server management for standard FTP servers has been upgraded to support servers that require the user to login before providing connection information.
   
• Network drives can now be mapped directly in Beyond FTP.
   
• Scripts may now be compiled when they are submitted using the Queue_Distribution command. This allows you to run a script without previously compiling it into distribution.
   

I have Beyond FTP version 2.7.0 what does Beyond FTP version 3.0.0 have in it that I may need?

Beyond FTP Version 3.0.0  includes the capabilities of Version 2.7.0 as well as the following enhancements and new capabilities:

General Program Enhancements

• The Beyond FTP Program has been implemented in 32-bit code. The operation will be familiar to anyone who has used prior versions of Beyond FTP.
   
• Drive letter mapping has been changed and is now controlled within Beyond FTP. Existing configurations running under user accounts other than the Local System account are converted to the new format.
   
• Beyond FTP now controls any drive letters that are used to provide network access to scripts or foreground programs. Please read the section Beyond FTP Drive Mapping.
   
• Drive letters may be mapped in the Beyond FTP Security Administrator. Choose the Tools Menu.
   
• The FTP client interface has been changed to allow multiple transfers for a single logon. This improves throughput in situations where establishing a connection is time-consuming (e.g. SSL connections).
   
• The Help system has been modified to display command syntax information in a separate window. In addition, the help screen sizes are adjusted to the display resolution when you install Beyond FTP. There are now a number of different window configurations that can be displayed.
   
• File names are no longer limited to 192 characters. The maximum combined path and file name is 448 characters. This is more than enough for current Windows based systems and should accommodate any reasonable FTP environment as well.
   
• Robustness in high volume applications has been significantly improved.

Script Editor

Script programming has been greatly simplified.  Script templates allow you tailor examples to your specific needs. Script command forms are provided for every command that accepts parameters. Individual commands may be chosen by simply typing a few characters.

• A completely new Script Editor is now included that provides a host of improvements. This is a separate program and may be run from the Start menu or from Beyond FTP.
   
• You can now edit multiple scripts . The script display window is tabbed, making it easy to change from one script to the next.
   
• Available scripts and templates, as well as compiled scripts and scheduled scripts, are now displayed in a toolbar window.
   
• Scripts can be compiled, run and/or scheduled from the toolbar or several context sensitive menus.
   
• Script templates, provide examples of various scripting commands, as well as a mechanism for tailoring a script while inserting a template.
   
• Script commands are supported by individual forms. Any command can be inserted into the script by simply typing a colon “:” as the first character on a line and selecting the command from the resulting list. A form is displayed for any command that has parameters. Otherwise the selected command is inserted into the script.

Script Language Enhancements

Legacy scripts must now be explicitly identified as TypeI by including that command in the script. This includes any script still using the sync_point commands and any script that will generate a DCF file to be run on a version prior to Beyond FTP 3.0.0.

• Server names are no longer treated any differently than other data. You may include them in variables or retrieve them from wildcard files. This allows you to tailor the operation of the script at run time.
   
• The While command provides a looping capability. The command can depend on a conditional expression or it can step through a list of files, processing one file at a time.
   
• The Break command provides a way to exit a While loop at any time.
   
• The Wait_For_Completion command waits until all prior actions are complete before allowing the script to proceed.
   
• The Assign command allows variables to be assigned values. A variable must be assigned a value before it can be used.
   
• Variables provide access to dynamic run-time values that can be used to control the operation of the script.
   
• The If command now includes the ability to test conditional expressions.
   
• Transfer modifiers now have scope and persist ONLY for the duration of the block within which they are declared.
   

Users under the 90 day warranty period and users that have purchased the Beyond FTP Subscription Service may download the Beyond FTP 3.0.0 upgrade for free.
 

Back to Top

I have Beyond FTP version 3.0.0 what does Beyond FTP version 3.1.0 have in it that I may need?

Beyond FTP Version 3.1.0  includes the capabilities of Version 3.0.0 as well as the following enhancements and new capabilities:

General Program Enhancements

• The Beyond FTP Program no longer includes any script edit or status functions. It is basically used to manage the address book and its associated configuration, and to perform ad hoc transfers and actions.
   
• The Beyond FTP Script Editor now provides buttons for indenting and/or commenting multiple lines at once.
   
• The Beyond FTP Script Editor now implements a number of keyboard shortcuts for marking and inserting text.
   
• The Standard FTP Server now supports encrypted connections using SSL/TLS. This is automatically available when the FTP server is enabled. Both implicit and explicit connections are supported.
   
• The Beyond FTP Console program now includes several debugging and trace options that are useful to the APT support staff in understanding and resolving problems.

Script Status

The status of running and completed scripts is now managed and displayed in the Script Status Program. All distribution status functions have been removed from the Beyond FTP program. Results for each script are displayed in separate windows. The source lines of the script are color-coded and associated with their actions.

 
Beyond FTP Script Status Program

• The Script Status program is a separate program that supports the management of scheduled, running and completed scripts. It may be run from the Start menu or from Beyond FTP.
   
• Script results are now automatically refreshed in the background. The current status is always available. There is no longer the need to engage auto-refresh for local scripts.
   
• The actions and events associated with the script are displayed with the script source code. This makes the results far more understandable.
   
• A separate script workspace lists all scripts on the local machine. Various tabs divide this list into scripts that are active, scheduled, and completed with an error.
   
• Scripts can be run or scheduled from the toolbar or several context sensitive menus.
   
• Script results can be managed at remote servers. Separate remote updating selections provide control over the manner and frequency of remote refreshes.
   
• Script status can automatically open and close active scripts and cycle through the results of currently running scripts. Control of these functions is found on the main button bar.

Script Language Enhancements

• The Write command provides the ability to append strings to a file, and to add/modify entries in the wildcard file.
   
• The Recompile command forces automatic recompilation of a script before each run. This is especially useful when combined with the Server_List command.
   
• The Server_List command now provides for the loading of server lists directly from the address book. This allows fully dynamic server lists based directly on the contents of the address book.
   
• The Wait_For_Completion command now implements a delay option that stops the script for the number of specified seconds.
   
• The Next command forces a while loop to process the next iteration.
   
• Two predefined variables have been added to give you control over the error value that is returned on script completion, and access to the name of the script that is running.
   
• Four new file name parsing operations are available in the Assign command.
   

Users under the 90 day warranty period and users that have purchased the Beyond FTP Subscription Service may download the Beyond FTP 3.0.0 upgrade for free.
 

Back to Top