A lot of businesses are starting to use cloud applications as part of their normal operations to simplify collaboration, provide more data for analysis, and prepare to transfer files with external partners. One problem with this cloud transformation though is when files originate from an on-prem file server. Getting files from a file server to the cloud can require advanced configuration, custom scripts, and/or daisy-chaining applications that each need to be set up, monitored, and managed.
But there's a simpler way with Couchdrop.
Couchdrop has multiple ways to transfer files from a file server to a cloud application. In this guide, we'll cover three methods: using an FTP or SFTP connection, sending files via email, and using the file server agent.
Bridging the cloud and on-prem gap
The main issue with moving files to the cloud from an on-prem server is that the two systems were designed for very different things. File servers give you complete control over how data is stored and handled, with the tradeoff of having limited connectivity. Cloud applications are meant to be accessible and efficient, with some tasks and control offloaded to the provider.
But this is simply a hurdle to jump over if you have the right tool set.
One tool built for situations like this are iPaaS platforms (integration platform as a service). An iPaaS platform allows different systems to communicate and send data between each other when they don't have a direct or native integration. This allows you to easily share data across platforms, applications, and systems automatically without having to alter data manually to fit different requirements.
There are a lot of different platforms out there that you can use to bridge these gaps, ranging from consumer platforms to massive applications built for enterprises. However, pure iPaaS platforms can run into some issues that make certain workflows challenging or impossible. Many have a small file size limit, for instance, which puts you back to square one.
In cases like these, Couchdrop can work as a single platform for automatically moving files to the cloud, transforming them, and even transferring them to external parties afterwards.
What to do after the files are transferred
Couchdrop acts as the catalyst to move your files to the cloud. From there, you can use Couchdrop for more steps, like running file processing workflows or passing files to partners.
Moving files from a file server to cloud storage as-is is incredibly simple with Couchdrop, and something you can do quickly. Simply connect any of the 30+ supported platforms, choose the directory, and use that virtual folder as the endpoint. With this method, Couchdrop never stores the files at any point and simply works a secure pipeline for moving data.
A common use case is to move these files into a cloud application. Couchdrop allows you to do this with several methods, such as via webhook. This includes pushing files to an externally configured workflow in platforms like Zapier or Workato.
You can also use automations to schedule transfers from the server to the cloud so it no longer has to be a manual process. Combine the transfer itself with file processing steps to completely automate workflows and watch the time savings add up.
But first, you need to get the files into the cloud.
Couchdrop method 1: SFTP or FTP files to the cloud
One of Couchdrop's greatest strengths is working as a cloud SFTP server that requires no setup, configuration, or management. Simply sign up to have your server deployed instantly, which can then be used as an endpoint for moving files to the cloud.
FTP and SFTP are extremely common protocols, so it's not uncommon for the on-prem application to support one or the other. Often, files generated from an on-prem application can be directly exported via SFTP with built-in functionality. A good place to check is in the export/admin settings, or try a quick Google search or ask an AI chatbot about your specific application to see if this is a possibility and for the specifics.
Usually, you'll need to specify a few things to connect:
- Server hostname - yourdomain.couchdrop.io
- Port number - 22 (for SFTP)
- SFTP server username - created by you
- Authentication method - password (RSA key supported as well)
You can find connection details quickly in Couchdrop by clicking the cloud icon on any page when logged in. From this screen, you can also see how to connect via other protocols such as FTP/s and SCP. The available connection options will change depending on the protocols you've enabled for the user.
If you don't have Couchdrop yet or want more information about these parameters, see our article on how to connect to an SFTP server.
Couchdrop method 2: Sending files via email
This one is mostly for the use case of applications that only support exporting files via email. If the application on your file server is one of these, you can use Couchdrop mailboxes to bridge the gap.
A mailbox is simply a dedicated email address that routes attachments to a connected directory. And like with other Couchdrop tools, this can be a tool from any supported storage platform, meaning it can be Couchdrop hosted storage or a folder in any storage you have connected. A successful mailbox transfer can also be used as an automation trigger for file workflows.
Couchdrop method 3: Using the file server agent
The file server agent is a lightweight executable that allows you to transfer files to and from an on-prem server just like any of Couchdrop's other supported platforms. This is a good option if there are several applications or folders that you'll want to connect to regularly. Like with other platforms, you can isolate the connection to a specific subfolder to limit access to specific directories.
Because the agent makes the file server act essentially the same as a cloud storage platform, you can use this method to exchange files bi-directionally between the server and cloud applications. This means that you can transfer files that are stored on the server to the cloud, but you can also move files that are generated from a cloud application back to the server. This is a fairly common use case for companies that are using a legacy or proprietary application on the file server that they either can't or don't want to use on the cloud. The agent bridges the two to allow you to exchange files securely between businesses, systems, and applications.
To connect the agent, you'll need to run it on the file server and add the unique token from Couchdrop to establish the connection. Once connected, you can freely transfer files as long as the server and the agent are running.
The Couchdrop agent is compatible with Windows and macOS file servers. For more details on how the agent works and how to configure it, see how to integrate an OSX or Windows server with Couchdrop.
Try the simple way to transfer files to the cloud
Couchdrop is a simple and reliable way to transfer files from a file server to cloud applications. With instant deployment, no infrastructure, and automatic updates/maintenance, you can set up transfers in minutes without having to code or manage advanced settings.
You can try Couchdrop for free for 14 days by starting a free trial. Get instant access to all features with no credit card required. Simply register for an account to get started.