Google Cloud SFTP/FTP and File Automation Gateway

By default Google Cloud does not offer a SFTP/FTP gateway. There are solutions out there that enable you to spin up a virtual machine and run their software, or you can attempt to configure your own SFTP server. The downside to both is the cost, you have to manage the infrastructure and pay fees, whether this software, the virtual machine or the transfer of data. Over time these add up and can be costly, especially when there are hidden costs that fluctuate month on month. Couchdrop works as a simple and affordable alternative.

Challenges with SFTP/FTP and Google Cloud

Finding a compatible solution for SFTP/FTP with Google Cloud is challenging enough. To make it harder, there aren’t many client friendly SFTP/FTP servers that enable you to connect to your Google Cloud storage and allow external users to send and receive data.

One solution to this is Couchdrop. Couchdrop is the only SFTP/FTP server that integrates with all the major cloud storage providers by default, enabling you to turn them into your SFTP endpoint.

Other features include granular security and permissions, the ability to restrict users to specific folders, a fully featured API (and webhooks) that you can use to automate and into build workflows, and a branded portal which can be used for customers or external users to upload files and have them routed to a specific directory in your cloud storage. 

Configuring Google Cloud Storage as an SFTP with Couchdrop

To configure your Google Cloud storage as an SFTP literally takes less than a minute. In short, all you need to do is create a bucket, enter your bucket name and upload your service account JSON file.

Register an account and configure GCP

To get started, register an account at Couchdrop and then head to your storage tab and select Google Cloud. You'll need to specify your Google Cloud button as well as upload your service account JSON file to allow Couchdrop to access the bucket. 

Create additional users (optional)

You can create additional users here. Additional settings you have are permissions, firewall to restrict IP access, limit protocol access (disable FTP), and restrict the user to a specific folder as their root directory.

SFTP/FTP into your connected Google Cloud Storage

Once Google Cloud is successfully connected to Couchdrop, you can access Google Cloud via SFTP. You can do this by connecting through SFTP by your method of choice such as any SFTP client. For connection details, simply click on the Connect button in Couchdrop.

If you haven't set any additional users, your credentials will be the email and password you use to log in to Couchdrop. Along with Google Cloud, you can use SFTP to connect to any other compatible storage meaning a user could access Google Cloud, Google Workspace, Dropbox, SharePoint, and more with SFTP.

Try Couchdrop and simplify Google Cloud SFTP/FTP

Couchdrop makes Google Cloud SFTP/FTP easy, and you start a trial and see the results for yourself. At Coucdrop we believe in keeping things simple, so you can trial the full-featured product free for 14 days with. no credit card and without having to book a sales car. Simply sign up and go. Start your free trial today.