I was asked to send data via email, but don't think that is wise. Is there a better way of sending data?

That is a great question and your instincts about the email are probably right.  I am assuming that you are sending a file with HL7 data.  If this is the case, you have to be concerned with private health information or PHI.  Email is not a secure method of sending data because you never know who is opening the email.  As a former Director of Technology, I know that emails can be open from the server without the intended recipient having any knowledge of it.  For real time interfaces, my recommendations for sending data is secure point-to-point VPN connections using encryption through the firewalls.  I can't stress enough the use of the encryption.  If you need to send batch files, I recommend sFTP servers where the data is uploaded.  In order to download the file, a user id and password is needed.  I also recommend that the files be removed from the server within 48 - 96 hours.  Certain interface engines have the ability to transmit data through software modules to other interface engines.  However, the module's communication protocols are still using the point-to-point VPN through the firewalls in the background.