B2B Connect

Learn how the B2B Connect feature works

Introduction

B2B Connect creates a direct pairing with an external party to allow the sending party to directly send files to the receiving party's connected directory without sharing storage account access.

Pairing configurations are handled automatically by Couchdrop. The invited party simply has to click a link in their invitation email and will be guided through setup on their own Couchdrop account.

Requirements

To set up a B2B Connect pairing, you will need the following:

• Both parties need a Couchdrop account. Invitees without an account will be prompted to create one when accepting an invitation.

• Email address for the B2B Connect partner

• The receiver must have a location for the files to be uploaded to. These credentials are securely stored and never shared with the other party.

Initiating a B2B Connect Pairing

Sending files configuration (Outbound B2B connection)

1. Select B2B Connect. Choose to initiate a connection and then to send files.

2. Add the email address for your business partner. Name the connection and give a name for how the outbound folder will appear in Couchdrop's file browser.

3. Your partner will be sent an invitation email and a link to finish the configuration. They will need to connect a storage platform in their own Couchdrop account and specify the directory where they want to receive the files.

4. Once connected, files can be sent directly from the B2B connection page or uploaded into the virtual outbound folder created in Step 1. This folder acts as a virtual outbox; any file uploaded to it will be immediately transferred to the directory your partner connected.

For security purposes, neither party can manage or view files/folders in the other party's storage by default.

The receiver can choose to give viewing permission by editing an existing connection and checking the option to allow paired connections to view files in the folder.

Receiving files configuration (Inbound B2B connection)

1. Select B2B Connect. Choose to initiate a connection and then to receive files.

2. Add the email address for your business partner. Name the connection and choose a path where files sent to you will be stored.

3. Your partner will be sent an invitation email saying you want to receive files from them. They will be asked to name the connection in their own Couchdrop account and provide a name for the outbox folder that will appear in Couchdrop's file browser.

4. Partners do not need to connect a storage account to send files. They can send them directly from the B2B connection page or upload them to the outbound B2B connection folder.

After creating a new B2B connection, an outbound user icon will appear next to the connection in the B2B Connect list. This icon will disappear once the other party finishes their configuration, indicating that the connection is ready to use.

Accepting a B2B Connect Request

1. Your partner will need to complete the initiation steps, which will generate an invitation email.

2. Click the link in the invitation to be taken to the configuration screen in your Couchdrop account. A B2B connection with the unique token will be created and preconfigured.

   1. To accept an invitation to send files, add names for the connection and outbound folder.

   2. To accept an invitation to receive files, add a name for a connection and select the directory for receiving files.

If you or your partner wish to configure the connection manually instead of using the invitation email, the initiating party can provide the token directly. The other party will then need to select/add a B2B connection, choose to accept a pair request, and paste the token in the field.