Couchdrop is the leading cloud SFTP server thanks to instant deployment with no infrastructure, a huge range of connectors to popular cloud platforms, and an easy-to-use, modern web interface. But if you have a Couchdrop account, you can also use it as an SFTP and FTP client to connect to other servers.
How to use Couchdrop as an online SFTP client
Couchdrop doesn't connect to SFTP servers the same way as most clients, where you download a desktop app and connect to a server from there. Instead, everything is done entirely online, just like with any other platform feature. The way to use Couchdrop as a client is the same as connecting to a remote SFTP server.
When connecting to the remote server, you'll need to have a user account on the server already. Start by adding the required SFTP server information in the connection screen. Here, you can also include optional parameters like SSH keys and enabling SFTP download prefetching when setting up your connection.
Once the server is connected, the server will appear as a folder in Couchdrop's virtual file system, and Couchdrop essentially acts as an SFTP client afterwards, where you can browse, upload files to the server, and/or download files based on your permissions.
Why use Couchdrop as an SFTP client?
Just like the server component, using Couchdrop as the client is simple, modern, and connects to your existing storage.
Easy to use
The first reason to use Couchdrop as an SFTP/FTP client is that it's easy to use. Just like other aspects of Couchdrop, simplicity is a fundamental characteristic.
With Couchdrop, the SFTP server you connect to is displayed as a folder in the virtual file system. Whenever you click into the folder, Couchdrop will establish the connection to the server in the background. You don't have to re-enter your connection details or select the user again, or manually choose to make the connection to the server.
Uploading files is as easy as drag and drop. You can also create new folders and manage the file structure from Couchdrop (if you have the right permissions), and you don't have to worry about using command-line tools or going through a complex configuration.
Everything just works without having to manage the complexities.
Modern
Most SFTP and FTP clients are feeling a bit dated now, without any significant updates to the interface or functionality in years. Couchdrop is a fully modern file transfer platform that is constantly being updated and improved. All transfers, management, and features are handled in the web interface that looks and feels like a modern web app.
Another way that Couchdrop improves on the traditional client-server model is through the zero infrastructure approach. What this means is that there are no virtual machines to provision or hardware to manage. The server is immediately deployed at signup and autoscales to meet any transfer need, and you can connect to the server and any remote servers directly online.
This is because Couchdop is also a completely online FTP client. There are no downloads and nothing to install. Simply log in to your account and access the server through the file browser view, with all connection details managed online.
Connects to cloud storage platforms
Connectivity is another highlight of Couchdrop, and you can use the platform to bridge connection gaps. When using Couchdrop as a client, you can connect to remote AS2, SFTP, and FTP servers, whether those servers are on-prem or in the cloud. Connecting to any server type is simple and only takes a minute to set up, and you'll then be able to access those files at any time without adding connection details again.
The same goes for any of the other 25+ storage connections. After the initial connection, you'll have a virtual folder in Couchdrop's file browser where you and external users can directly access files in the cloud directory. Move files between folders at will, and directly download or upload files to any connected storage, including remote SFTP servers.
Because all of these platform connections are in one place, you can easily move files between them securely. Move files between your own connections, or have external parties upload files directly to your storage platforms. No files are ever stored on Couchdrop's infrastructure. Instead, the files are transferred directly between storage endpoints without the disadvantages of a temporary storage layer.
Both an SFTP Server and SFTP client
Couchdrop functions both as an S/FTP client and S/FTP server and can work interchangeably. Accept files into your own server and let users connect to cloud storage directories via SFTP, or integrate external servers and access them by using Couchdrop as the client.
You can then move files to their final destination easily by combining with other Couchdrop features. For instance, you can create an automation to automatically connect to your partner's server on a regular schedule and download new files, then route those files to SharePoint, Google Drive, or even an on-prem file server.
Depending on the specifics, you can even eliminate the need for using an SFTP client in the traditional sense with this method, as the connection, download, transformation, and routing can all be automated.
Try Couchdrop for a modern online SFTP client
Couchdrop simplifies secure file transfers by acting as either an SFTP client, the server, or both. Add connections for multiple users or servers and access them all from the web interface, where Couchdrop works as a simple, easy-to-use SFTP client.
You can try Couchdrop for yourself for free with no credit card required. Get instant access for 14 days by signing up for a new account and see why Couchdrop is the modern solution for secure file transfers. To get started, sign up for an account now.