Dropbox, like most cloud storage platforms, does not support traditional file system protocols like FTP and SFTP. This can be challenging when either migrating to the cloud and you have file workflows and processes depending on this, or if you have a sudden requirement to establish an FTP server but you do not wish to stand up your own infrastructure and go through the management of one. This is where a SaaS solution like Couchdrop can help.
SFTP with Dropbox using Couchdrop
Couchdrop acts as a layer or conduit that sits on top of your Dropbox or Dropbox Business and enables you to create secure users who can interact with isolated folders within your Dropbox via traditional FTP, SFTP, and FTP/S. Couchdrop removes the need for you to manage your own infrastructure as it is fully hosted and configuration only takes a couple of minutes.
Couchdrop integrates directly with Dropbox and Dropbox Business so you can have full control of having external clients connect to a specific folder (or folders) within your personal Dropbox, a user or a team drive under your Dropbox Business account. The platform also offers file automation and workflows so that you can work with PGP or import files automatically from an SFTP server (or another cloud) into your Dropbox based on a webhook or based on time.
Quick guide to connecting to Dropbox via SFTP
To get started you will require both a Dropbox account and a Couchdrop account. Then it’s a case of following the below steps:
- Connect your Dropbox to Couchdrop
- Configure additional user(s)
- Connect via FTP, SFTP or FTP/S
Step 1. Connect your Dropbox to Couchdrop
Navigate to your Storage Connections within Couchdrop’s admin console and add a new storage connection. Select Dropbox (or Dropbox Business) and login via the OAuth window. You can also specify a specific folder within Dropbox to use as your root for the mount.
Step 2. Configure an additional user
Next jump to the User Accounts tab under Couchdrop’s admin console and create a new user. This user will need at a minimum, a username, password and to have your chosen protocol enabled. It is also recommended you select an isolated root folder for the user for security purposes.
Step 3. Connect via FTP, SFTP or FTP/S
Using your primary URL, the above-created user can now connect and interact with your Dropbox through your chosen protocol. You can also create a CNAME DNS record to customize the primary domain your customers connect to. The user can also connect through the Couchdrop interface or an SFTP client.
If you simply need a file ingestion platform, Your external clients could also upload files for you to collect via Couchdrop’s secure upload portal or even email files directly into a specific Dropbox folder.
For more information or to get started jump across to couchdrop.io or for more guides see community.couchdrop.io.
Try Dropbox SFTP with Couchdrop free for 14 days
Want to see if Couchdrop is the right Dropbox SFTP solution for you? You can try it free for 14 days. There’s no credit card required and you don’t have to go through a demo or sales call, simply sign up and go. Start your free trial now and start sending files in minutes.