# Azure Blob

## Overview

Azure Blob is supported natively with Couchdrop. Couchdrop allows users of Azure Blob to upload and download files and Azure Blob customers can easily configure and manage secure access to Azure Blob files and folders for access and use via SFTP, FTP, Automations and Web Access with granular user management and controls through a user-friendly web interface.

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## Requirements

Configuring access to Azure Blob is a simple process in Couchdrop. Lets get you up and running - you will need.

1. An active Couchdrop account
2. An active **Azure Storage Account**.
3. Access to create a **Container** (or use an existing one).
4. **Connection details** you’ll need:
   * Storage account name
   * Access key **or** a SAS token
   * Container name

## Configuration Steps

**Step 1: Create an Azure Blob Container - or Use an existing container**

1. In the Azure Portal - Navigate to **Storage accounts** → select your storage account.
2. In the left menu, click **Containers**.
3. Click **+ Container**, give it a name, and set access level to **Private** (recommended).

**Step 2. Generate Credentials for Azure**

Option A: Access Key (simple but broad permissions)

1. In the storage account, go to **Access keys**.
2. Copy the **Storage account name** and **Key1**.

Option B: SAS Token (more secure / scoped)

1. In the storage account, go to **Shared access signature**.
2. Select:
   * Allowed services: **Blob**
   * Allowed resource types: **Container** and **Object**
   * Allowed permissions: **Read, Write, List, Delete** (depending on Couchdrop use)
   * Set start and expiry date.
3. Click **Generate SAS** and copy the **SAS token**.

**3. Connect Couchdrop to Azure**

1. Log in to your **Couchdrop dashboard**.
2. Click **+ Create** -> **Connect to Storage** -> choose **Azure Blob**.
3. Enter the required details:
   * Couchdrop Folder (this is where Couchdrop will present the Azure bucket)
   * **Storage Account Name**
   * **Container Name**
   * **Authentication Method**:
     * If using Access Key → paste the key.
     * If using SAS Token → paste the full SAS URL or token.
4. Optionally choose a folder in Azure

You will now see your Azure blob container as a folder in Couchdrop.&#x20;

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## Frequently Asked Questions

<details>

<summary>Can we configure multiple users with different access permissions for SFTP with Azure?</summary>

Yes - Couchdrop supports configuring as many users as you need and each user can have different folder level access to Azure Blob.&#x20;

Along with comprehensive permissions - Couchdrop also supports extensive auditing on user activity.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>How does Couchdrop connect to Azure Blob?</summary>

Couchdrop uses the official REST api provided by Microsoft to connect with Azure - via the internet. Data is transferred securely using +TLS 1.2.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does Couchdrop store data when integrating with Azure Blob?</summary>

No - when uploading or download data via Couchdrop with Azure - data is not stored on Couchdrops infrastructure at rest. You can think of Couchdrop in this context as a bridge or pipe for your data.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can we use FTP or FTPs with Azure Blob?</summary>

Yes - Couchdrop supports FTP and FTPs natively as well.&#x20;

</details>

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## Supported Features

Couchdrop has comprehensive support for interacting with Files in Azure Blob

| Feature                   | Supported in Couchdrop               |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Uploading Files           | Yes                                  |
| Downloading Files         | Yes                                  |
| Listing files and folders | Yes                                  |
| Creating folders          | Yes                                  |
| Deleting folders          | Yes                                  |
| Deleting Files            | Yes                                  |
| Azure Access Controls     | Supported via static IP in Couchdrop |