Couchdrop's versatility allows it to connect to both cloud platforms and on-prem file servers and lets you securely transfer files between them. This guide will explain how to set up the initial connection to integrate an OSX or Windows server with Couchdrop
The Couchdrop agent
The Couchdrop agent is a low-resource executable that enables Couchdrop to connect to on-prem file servers. Once configured, directories from the file server can appear in Couchdrop's virtual file system, meaning you can transfer files to and from the server like with any other platform. This means you can use the server as a secure endpoint and use features like secure sharing, file request portals, and file transfer automations.
The file server needs to be running the Couchdrop agent in order to connect, meaning that if the agent stops running due to server settings, disconnections, or restarts, it will need to be run again to connect to Couchdrop.
Your server must also meet minimum requirements for the agent.
How to connect an OSX or Windows server to Couchdrop
Because file servers require the agent to establish connectivity, the connection process is a little different than other integrations. After the initial connection, however, OSX and Windows servers behave just like any other storage integration as long as the agent is running.
To integrate an on-prem server, you'll need to download the agent file, install and run it on the server, and then you can use the server like any other storage integration.
Step 1: Download the agent file
When adding a Windows Server connection in Couchdrop, you’ll be prompted to name the integration and choose a name for how the server integration will appear in Couchdrop.
You'll also see a button to generate an agent token. The token will only be displayed once, so make sure to record it before leaving the page.
Once you've copied/noted the token, download the agent for your operating system. The agent is called the "Couchdrop - Movebot" agent because the same agent is used both for Couchdrop and our data migration platform Movebot.
Step 2: Install and run the agent on the server
Install and run the agent on the server. Right away, you'll be asked to add your unique token. Put the token in where prompted and connect. A message will show at the bottom of the window to show that the agent is connected once Couchdrop has successfully connected.
Once connected to Couchdrop, the server acts as any other storage platform and can use all of Couchdrop’s functionality as long as the agent is running. Installing the agent as a service can help when regular connections are required.
Agent settings
Because the agent is running on an on-prem file system, it has additional settings that can be changed to help optimize how it runs on particular setups.
Clicking the gear icon at the top of the window will show settings. Here you can set proxy and concurrency settings, as well as view local logs and the config file.
Step 3: Securely transfer files between file servers and other platforms
When the agent is connected, you can use the file server as an endpoint for secure transfers between over 20 cloud storage platforms and take advantage of all of Couchdrop’s features, including Cloud SFTP, document collection, secure file sharing, and automated file transfers.