Backup an SFTP server to cloud storage (SharePoint, Google, etc.)

A lot of platforms still strictly support FTP/SFTP as a means to interact and retrieve data from. Due to this there is a driver to regularly backup the data to cloud providers such as S3, Google Drive, SharePoint, etc. This not only provides peace of mind, but also can make the data extremely accessible through native desktop sync agents and web access. Couchdrop makes connecting to your existing storage via SFTP simple and straightforward. 

SFTP that works with your cloud storage

Couchdrop itself has a cloud SFTP solution that provides you the ability to turn your Google Drive, SharePoint or Azure Blob storage into a fully functioning SFTP server. Beyond simple SFTP, it also comes with additional features such as file automation and workflows, and a secure web upload portal.

However, part of the solution also provides the ability to regularly pull data or export data from an SFTP server and upload it to a cloud storage platform and apply timestamps to file names, etc. Couchdrop makes it easy to get your files where they need to be for further action and can eliminate much, if not all, manual intervention. 

How to setup an SFTP server for Google with Couchdrop

This guide will run you through backing up an SFTP server to a Google Workspace Shared Drive as an example.

Step 1 - Create a Couchdrop account 

Before getting started, you'll need to register for a Couchdrop account if you don't have one yet. You can try it free for 14 days with no credit card required or other hoops to jump through. 

Step 2 - Mount SFTP server

Add a new storage provider under your storage management dashboard, this will be the SFTP server you back up, remember what you mount the provider as, as that name will show up in your virtual file system within Couchdrop.

Step 3 - Mount your cloud provider

Once you've added the SFTP server you want to backup, you'll next need to connect your cloud provider and specific directory you want to backup the server to. 

In this case, we are configuring a Google Workspace. Once again, remember what you mount the provider as. 

Step 4 - Configure scheduled backup/export task

In this case, we are backing up all files under the '/Remote SFTP Server' mount (you can also specify sub-folders) that will be exported into the Google Shared Drive folder ‘Google Workspace’ that we configured before. This backup will occur daily at 11:59PM UTC.

These files that are exported will retain their existing name (variable {EXISTING_NAME}) and add a timestamp. In this case, three variables were combined -- {DD} - {MM} - {YYYY} to the end of the file name. 

And that's it! The automation will check the 'Remote SFTP Server' file every day, copy the files it finds, and rename them with a timestamp. 

Checking file uploads with Audit logs

Couchdrop provides a comprehensive audit log on all events from login events through to its file automation events. You can check here for errors or to ensure your backup is operating as you would expect. You can also setup email alerts to notify you on success or failure, depending on your preference. 

Start your free 14-day trial and try backing up an SFTP server to cloud storage

It's easy to back up an SFTP server to cloud storage with Couchdrop. Setup is fast and simple and only takes minutes. Try it for yourself and register for a free trial today.