ftpGrid: Storage Backend for Applications

Published {$created} by Carsten Blum

As DevOps engineers, we’re constantly evaluating tools to streamline deployments and improve application resilience. The persistent need for reliable, accessible storage often leads to complex setups. I'm finding that ftpGrid, while initially appearing as a simple file transfer solution, can function effectively as a robust storage backend for various applications, particularly where a lightweight, managed service is preferable to deploying and maintaining a full-blown object store.

Protocol Versatility and API Integration

ftpGrid's support for multiple protocols—FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and SCP—is more than a historical artifact. It provides flexibility when interfacing with existing systems or when specific protocols are mandated. SFTP, of course, is the preferred option for secure transfers, leveraging an SSH tunnel to protect data in transit. For many legacy applications that can’s easily be updated to use a modern API, SFTP provides a straightforward path to secure file storage and retrieval. Furthermore, the API access allows it to function as a cloud storage solution in most programming languages. The simple SFTP API is well-documented and easy to integrate into existing automation pipelines. We can script file uploads, downloads, and management tasks directly from our CI/CD systems. Our team recently integrated ftpGrid to offload video surveillance data, a use case previously handled by a self-managed solution; the quick start guide (https://ftpgrid.com/ftp-sftp-cloud-storage-quick-start/) highlights this ease of implementation.

Scalability and Management

Beyond the straightforward protocol support, features like quota management and user suspension (https://ftpgrid.com/features/) simplify operational overhead. The dashboard provides real-time visibility into storage and bandwidth usage, allowing for proactive resource allocation and anomaly detection. The granular control over accounts minimizes security risks and allows for precise resource allocation based on application needs. Furthermore, the ability to synchronize or mirror data to external storage (https://ftpgrid.com/backup-storage/) provides a secondary layer of protection against data loss. Given the pricing structure (https://ftpgrid.com/pricing/), ftpGrid provides a cost-effective alternative to deploying and managing a traditional storage solution, especially for teams with fluctuating storage needs.

Secure File Sharing and High Availability

Many applications require occasional secure file sharing—think large datasets for machine learning, or project deliverables. A "WeTransfer alternative for business" (https://ftpGrid.com/wetransfer-alternative-for-business/) delivered through ftpGrid's HTTPS shares, served by a global CDN, is a direct and secure solution. The high availability architecture (https://ftpgrid.com/features/) and data replication across multiple regions ensure that these shared files remain accessible and resilient.