SFTPPlus MFT vs Azure Storage SFTP

This comparison covers the SFTPPlus MFT server on a single VM or two VMs with a load balancer, and the managed SFTP endpoint for Azure Blob Storage. The estimates include software licences, support, and hosting for SFTPPlus MFT, or the Azure SFTP endpoint charge.

SFTPPlus MFT Server (single VM)

First year
$2,850
Following years
$950

Licensing

Hosting cost (already included in estimate)Annual hosting already included in the header totals, based on Linux B2als v2 VMs with OS disks and a public IPv4 address. Hosting is paid separately to your cloud provider and varies with the VM size. These estimates use Azure hosting rates.
$479.46
PerpetualSFTPPlus MFT has a perpetual production licence. Azure charges for each hour that its SFTP endpoint is enabled. Details
Yes
Licence portabilityTransfer the existing SFTPPlus MFT licence when moving between Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, or your own servers. No replacement licence is required and SFTPPlus imposes no cloud lock-in. Azure SFTP is an Azure service. Details
Yes
Included non-production instancesSFTPPlus includes development, pre-production, and cold disaster recovery licences. Azure also bills enabled SFTP endpoints used for testing. Details
Yes

Runtime and deployment

Software as a ServiceThe whole infrastructure is managed for you.
No
Windows ServerSFTPPlus runs on Windows Server. Azure Blob Storage SFTP is a managed service, with no server software to install on Windows. Details
Yes
Linux, Docker & KubernetesDeploy SFTPPlus on Linux, in Docker, or in Kubernetes. Azure operates its SFTP endpoint within the storage platform. Details
Yes
Any cloud deploymentUse the same SFTPPlus MFT product across Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and your own infrastructure. Azure Storage SFTP runs only within Azure. Details
Yes
Migration to another cloud or on-premiseMove the full SFTPPlus deployment with its services, automation, users, and security configuration. Update environment-specific paths and connections. Moving away from Azure Storage SFTP requires a replacement service and adapted configuration. Details
Yes

File transfer protocols

Multiple protocols on one serverRun SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, HTTPS, AS2, and WebDAV services in one SFTPPlus installation. Azure's managed SSH endpoint provides SFTP; Blob Storage REST APIs are available separately. Details
Yes
SFTPAccept secure file transfers over SSH using standard SFTP clients. Details
Yes
Legacy SSH algorithmsSFTPPlus can accept older SSH algorithms such as hmac-sha1 for legacy SFTP clients. Azure requires clients to use its supported algorithms and excludes hmac-sha1. Details
Yes
FTPAccept connections from legacy FTP clients. Azure Blob Storage SFTP does not provide an FTP endpoint. Details
Yes
FTP with TLS/SSL (FTPS)Accept FTP connections protected by TLS. Azure Blob Storage SFTP does not support FTPS. Details
Yes
End-user HTTP/S Web ClientSFTPPlus includes a browser file client for end users. Azure offers storage browsing in its portal, rather than an equivalent MFT web client. Details
Yes
AS2Exchange EDI and other business files using AS2. This protocol is not provided by the Azure SFTP endpoint. Details
Yes
WebDAVAccess files using WebDAV over HTTP or HTTPS. This protocol is not provided by the Azure SFTP endpoint. Details
Yes

Administration and integration

Web administrationManage via a web service. Details
Yes
Command-line administrationManage SFTPPlus through its command-line tools. Azure supports Azure CLI and PowerShell. Details
Yes
Configuration formatReuse the SFTPPlus INI configuration when deploying or migrating to another cloud. Azure resource settings must be translated for a different file transfer product. Details
INI file
HTTP Control APISFTPPlus exposes a JSON-RPC management API. Azure provides REST APIs for storage-account and local-user administration.
Yes

Automation

Event SupportReact to file activity with SFTPPlus event handlers. Azure routes Blob Storage events through Event Grid to other services or custom handlers. Details
Yes
Email NotificationSFTPPlus can send activity alerts by email. Azure workflows require notification services or automation configured separately.
Yes
Folder Automation EventsRun actions for files found in monitored folders. Azure requires separate workflow services or code for comparable scheduled processing.
Yes
PGP encryption and validationEncrypt, decrypt, sign, and verify files with OpenPGP. Azure SFTP does not perform PGP file processing. Details
Yes

Security and identity

LDAP and Active DirectorySFTPPlus authenticates against LDAP or Active Directory. Azure SFTP has no direct LDAP authentication connector. Details
Yes
Entra ID/Azure AD SSOSFTPPlus supports Entra ID for HTTPS file access and Web Manager. Azure SFTP uses short-lived OpenSSH certificates issued after Entra ID authentication. Details
HTTPS services
Okta/Google SSOSFTPPlus supports Okta and Google identity providers for HTTP-based services. Azure SFTP uses local users or Entra ID, without a direct Okta or Google connector. Details
Yes
RADIUSSFTPPlus can delegate authentication to RADIUS services. Azure SFTP does not provide a RADIUS connector. Details
Yes
CRL & CA SupportSFTPPlus can validate TLS certificates against configured certificate authorities and revocation lists. Azure SFTP uses SSH, not TLS client certificates. Details
Yes
Configurable SFTP login auto-banningSFTPPlus includes IP filtering and automatic blocking. Azure Storage provides network and IP allow rules, without equivalent configurable SFTP login auto-banning. Details
Yes

Other features

Virtual directoriesSFTPPlus can map directories into a user home folder. Azure SFTP sessions are restricted to one container and do not support cross-container virtual folder mappings. Details
Yes
Users & GroupsKeep SFTPPlus application users, groups, and permissions with the deployment across cloud providers. External directories can also supply users. Azure supports storage-account local users, or users and groups managed through Entra ID. Details
Yes
User configuration portabilityReuse SFTPPlus application accounts and access rules after a cloud migration without recreating them in a provider-specific identity service. Move associated keys and certificates, and reconnect external directories as needed. Details
Yes
Password PoliciesSFTPPlus lets administrators define local password rules. Azure generates local-user passwords; Entra ID policies apply when using Entra ID authentication. Details
Yes
File Retention PoliciesDelete files according to age or retention rules. Azure Blob Storage provides lifecycle management policies. Details
Yes
Ad Hoc File SharingSFTPPlus has no built-in public sharing links. Azure can issue time-limited HTTPS links using shared access signatures through its storage tools.
No
User self password changeSFTPPlus users can update their password. Azure local-user passwords are regenerated by an administrator; Entra ID recovery follows tenant policy.
Yes
Non-Blob storageStore data on block storage or Azure Files without requiring a separate Blob container.
Yes

High availability and audit

Server ReplicationThe SFTPPlus deployment with a load balancer includes the cluster controller licence for configuration synchronization across its two instances. The single-VM deployment requires that additional licence to form a cluster. Azure manages replication within its storage platform. Details
No
Advanced Stats & ReportingInspect transfer activity and audit records. Azure offers metrics, log queries, and reports through Azure Monitor. Details
Yes
Detailed LogsRecord transfer and file activity. Azure resource logs require diagnostic settings and a configured destination.
Yes
SQL Database CaptureSFTPPlus can capture audit events in SQLite. Azure resource logs use configured destinations such as Log Analytics or Storage; SQL database capture requires an additional pipeline.
Yes

Support

Phone & EmailSFTPPlus includes phone and email assistance with support. Azure technical support requires a paid support plan. Details
Yes
On-call supportSFTPPlus standard support includes two scheduled on-call events per year. Azure coverage depends on the purchased support plan. Details
Yes
24/7/365 Severity 1 SupportContinuous critical-incident support requires extended SFTPPlus support or an eligible paid Azure support plan.
Add-on support
Remote support and troubleshootingSFTPPlus offers remote troubleshooting sessions. Azure troubleshooting assistance depends on the support plan and case.
Yes
Onboarding and configuration assistanceSFTPPlus support includes configuration guidance. Azure guidance and advisory services depend on the support plan.
Yes
Migration supportSFTPPlus support assists with moving deployments between clouds and migrating from other file transfer products. Azure assistance depends on the support or consulting engagement. Details
Yes

SFTPPlus MFT Server with load balancer

First year
$4,934
Following years
$1,894

Licensing

Hosting cost (already included in estimate)Annual hosting already included in the header totals, based on Linux B2als v2 VMs with OS disks and a public IPv4 address. Hosting is paid separately to your cloud provider and varies with the VM size. These estimates use Azure hosting rates.
$1,134.12
PerpetualSFTPPlus MFT has a perpetual production licence. Azure charges for each hour that its SFTP endpoint is enabled. Details
Yes
Licence portabilityTransfer the existing SFTPPlus MFT licence when moving between Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, or your own servers. No replacement licence is required and SFTPPlus imposes no cloud lock-in. Azure SFTP is an Azure service. Details
Yes
Included non-production instancesSFTPPlus includes development, pre-production, and cold disaster recovery licences. Azure also bills enabled SFTP endpoints used for testing. Details
Yes

Runtime and deployment

Software as a ServiceThe whole infrastructure is managed for you.
No
Windows ServerSFTPPlus runs on Windows Server. Azure Blob Storage SFTP is a managed service, with no server software to install on Windows. Details
Yes
Linux, Docker & KubernetesDeploy SFTPPlus on Linux, in Docker, or in Kubernetes. Azure operates its SFTP endpoint within the storage platform. Details
Yes
Any cloud deploymentUse the same SFTPPlus MFT product across Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and your own infrastructure. Azure Storage SFTP runs only within Azure. Details
Yes
Migration to another cloud or on-premiseMove the full SFTPPlus deployment with its services, automation, users, and security configuration. Update environment-specific paths and connections. Moving away from Azure Storage SFTP requires a replacement service and adapted configuration. Details
Yes

File transfer protocols

Multiple protocols on one serverRun SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, HTTPS, AS2, and WebDAV services in one SFTPPlus installation. Azure's managed SSH endpoint provides SFTP; Blob Storage REST APIs are available separately. Details
Yes
SFTPAccept secure file transfers over SSH using standard SFTP clients. Details
Yes
Legacy SSH algorithmsSFTPPlus can accept older SSH algorithms such as hmac-sha1 for legacy SFTP clients. Azure requires clients to use its supported algorithms and excludes hmac-sha1. Details
Yes
FTPAccept connections from legacy FTP clients. Azure Blob Storage SFTP does not provide an FTP endpoint. Details
Yes
FTP with TLS/SSL (FTPS)Accept FTP connections protected by TLS. Azure Blob Storage SFTP does not support FTPS. Details
Yes
End-user HTTP/S Web ClientSFTPPlus includes a browser file client for end users. Azure offers storage browsing in its portal, rather than an equivalent MFT web client. Details
Yes
AS2Exchange EDI and other business files using AS2. This protocol is not provided by the Azure SFTP endpoint. Details
Yes
WebDAVAccess files using WebDAV over HTTP or HTTPS. This protocol is not provided by the Azure SFTP endpoint. Details
Yes

Administration and integration

Web administrationManage via a web service. Details
Yes
Command-line administrationManage SFTPPlus through its command-line tools. Azure supports Azure CLI and PowerShell. Details
Yes
Configuration formatReuse the SFTPPlus INI configuration when deploying or migrating to another cloud. Azure resource settings must be translated for a different file transfer product. Details
INI file
HTTP Control APISFTPPlus exposes a JSON-RPC management API. Azure provides REST APIs for storage-account and local-user administration.
Yes

Automation

Event SupportReact to file activity with SFTPPlus event handlers. Azure routes Blob Storage events through Event Grid to other services or custom handlers. Details
Yes
Email NotificationSFTPPlus can send activity alerts by email. Azure workflows require notification services or automation configured separately.
Yes
Folder Automation EventsRun actions for files found in monitored folders. Azure requires separate workflow services or code for comparable scheduled processing.
Yes
PGP encryption and validationEncrypt, decrypt, sign, and verify files with OpenPGP. Azure SFTP does not perform PGP file processing. Details
Yes

Security and identity

LDAP and Active DirectorySFTPPlus authenticates against LDAP or Active Directory. Azure SFTP has no direct LDAP authentication connector. Details
Yes
Entra ID/Azure AD SSOSFTPPlus supports Entra ID for HTTPS file access and Web Manager. Azure SFTP uses short-lived OpenSSH certificates issued after Entra ID authentication. Details
HTTPS services
Okta/Google SSOSFTPPlus supports Okta and Google identity providers for HTTP-based services. Azure SFTP uses local users or Entra ID, without a direct Okta or Google connector. Details
Yes
RADIUSSFTPPlus can delegate authentication to RADIUS services. Azure SFTP does not provide a RADIUS connector. Details
Yes
CRL & CA SupportSFTPPlus can validate TLS certificates against configured certificate authorities and revocation lists. Azure SFTP uses SSH, not TLS client certificates. Details
Yes
Configurable SFTP login auto-banningSFTPPlus includes IP filtering and automatic blocking. Azure Storage provides network and IP allow rules, without equivalent configurable SFTP login auto-banning. Details
Yes

Other features

Virtual directoriesSFTPPlus can map directories into a user home folder. Azure SFTP sessions are restricted to one container and do not support cross-container virtual folder mappings. Details
Yes
Users & GroupsKeep SFTPPlus application users, groups, and permissions with the deployment across cloud providers. External directories can also supply users. Azure supports storage-account local users, or users and groups managed through Entra ID. Details
Yes
User configuration portabilityReuse SFTPPlus application accounts and access rules after a cloud migration without recreating them in a provider-specific identity service. Move associated keys and certificates, and reconnect external directories as needed. Details
Yes
Password PoliciesSFTPPlus lets administrators define local password rules. Azure generates local-user passwords; Entra ID policies apply when using Entra ID authentication. Details
Yes
File Retention PoliciesDelete files according to age or retention rules. Azure Blob Storage provides lifecycle management policies. Details
Yes
Ad Hoc File SharingSFTPPlus has no built-in public sharing links. Azure can issue time-limited HTTPS links using shared access signatures through its storage tools.
No
User self password changeSFTPPlus users can update their password. Azure local-user passwords are regenerated by an administrator; Entra ID recovery follows tenant policy.
Yes
Non-Blob storageStore data on block storage or Azure Files without requiring a separate Blob container.
Yes

High availability and audit

Server ReplicationThe SFTPPlus deployment with a load balancer includes the cluster controller licence for configuration synchronization across its two instances. The single-VM deployment requires that additional licence to form a cluster. Azure manages replication within its storage platform. Details
Yes
Advanced Stats & ReportingInspect transfer activity and audit records. Azure offers metrics, log queries, and reports through Azure Monitor. Details
Yes
Detailed LogsRecord transfer and file activity. Azure resource logs require diagnostic settings and a configured destination.
Yes
SQL Database CaptureSFTPPlus can capture audit events in SQLite. Azure resource logs use configured destinations such as Log Analytics or Storage; SQL database capture requires an additional pipeline.
Yes

Support

Phone & EmailSFTPPlus includes phone and email assistance with support. Azure technical support requires a paid support plan. Details
Yes
On-call supportSFTPPlus standard support includes two scheduled on-call events per year. Azure coverage depends on the purchased support plan. Details
Yes
24/7/365 Severity 1 SupportContinuous critical-incident support requires extended SFTPPlus support or an eligible paid Azure support plan.
Add-on support
Remote support and troubleshootingSFTPPlus offers remote troubleshooting sessions. Azure troubleshooting assistance depends on the support plan and case.
Yes
Onboarding and configuration assistanceSFTPPlus support includes configuration guidance. Azure guidance and advisory services depend on the support plan.
Yes
Migration supportSFTPPlus support assists with moving deployments between clouds and migrating from other file transfer products. Azure assistance depends on the support or consulting engagement. Details
Yes

Azure Blob Storage SFTP

First year
$2,628
Following years
$2,628

Licensing

Hosting cost (already included in estimate)Annual hosting already included in the header totals, based on Linux B2als v2 VMs with OS disks and a public IPv4 address. Hosting is paid separately to your cloud provider and varies with the VM size. These estimates use Azure hosting rates.
Included in endpoint charge
PerpetualSFTPPlus MFT has a perpetual production licence. Azure charges for each hour that its SFTP endpoint is enabled. Details
No
Licence portabilityTransfer the existing SFTPPlus MFT licence when moving between Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, or your own servers. No replacement licence is required and SFTPPlus imposes no cloud lock-in. Azure SFTP is an Azure service. Details
No
Included non-production instancesSFTPPlus includes development, pre-production, and cold disaster recovery licences. Azure also bills enabled SFTP endpoints used for testing. Details
No

Runtime and deployment

Software as a ServiceThe whole infrastructure is managed for you.
Yes
Windows ServerSFTPPlus runs on Windows Server. Azure Blob Storage SFTP is a managed service, with no server software to install on Windows. Details
No
Linux, Docker & KubernetesDeploy SFTPPlus on Linux, in Docker, or in Kubernetes. Azure operates its SFTP endpoint within the storage platform. Details
No
Any cloud deploymentUse the same SFTPPlus MFT product across Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and your own infrastructure. Azure Storage SFTP runs only within Azure. Details
No
Migration to another cloud or on-premiseMove the full SFTPPlus deployment with its services, automation, users, and security configuration. Update environment-specific paths and connections. Moving away from Azure Storage SFTP requires a replacement service and adapted configuration. Details
No

File transfer protocols

Multiple protocols on one serverRun SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, HTTPS, AS2, and WebDAV services in one SFTPPlus installation. Azure's managed SSH endpoint provides SFTP; Blob Storage REST APIs are available separately. Details
No
SFTPAccept secure file transfers over SSH using standard SFTP clients. Details
Yes
Legacy SSH algorithmsSFTPPlus can accept older SSH algorithms such as hmac-sha1 for legacy SFTP clients. Azure requires clients to use its supported algorithms and excludes hmac-sha1. Details
No
FTPAccept connections from legacy FTP clients. Azure Blob Storage SFTP does not provide an FTP endpoint. Details
No
FTP with TLS/SSL (FTPS)Accept FTP connections protected by TLS. Azure Blob Storage SFTP does not support FTPS. Details
No
End-user HTTP/S Web ClientSFTPPlus includes a browser file client for end users. Azure offers storage browsing in its portal, rather than an equivalent MFT web client. Details
No
AS2Exchange EDI and other business files using AS2. This protocol is not provided by the Azure SFTP endpoint. Details
No
WebDAVAccess files using WebDAV over HTTP or HTTPS. This protocol is not provided by the Azure SFTP endpoint. Details
No

Administration and integration

Web administrationManage via a web service. Details
Yes
Command-line administrationManage SFTPPlus through its command-line tools. Azure supports Azure CLI and PowerShell. Details
Yes
Configuration formatReuse the SFTPPlus INI configuration when deploying or migrating to another cloud. Azure resource settings must be translated for a different file transfer product. Details
Azure resource configuration
HTTP Control APISFTPPlus exposes a JSON-RPC management API. Azure provides REST APIs for storage-account and local-user administration.
Yes

Automation

Event SupportReact to file activity with SFTPPlus event handlers. Azure routes Blob Storage events through Event Grid to other services or custom handlers. Details
Yes
Email NotificationSFTPPlus can send activity alerts by email. Azure workflows require notification services or automation configured separately.
No
Folder Automation EventsRun actions for files found in monitored folders. Azure requires separate workflow services or code for comparable scheduled processing.
No
PGP encryption and validationEncrypt, decrypt, sign, and verify files with OpenPGP. Azure SFTP does not perform PGP file processing. Details
No

Security and identity

LDAP and Active DirectorySFTPPlus authenticates against LDAP or Active Directory. Azure SFTP has no direct LDAP authentication connector. Details
No
Entra ID/Azure AD SSOSFTPPlus supports Entra ID for HTTPS file access and Web Manager. Azure SFTP uses short-lived OpenSSH certificates issued after Entra ID authentication. Details
SFTP via SSH certificates
Okta/Google SSOSFTPPlus supports Okta and Google identity providers for HTTP-based services. Azure SFTP uses local users or Entra ID, without a direct Okta or Google connector. Details
No
RADIUSSFTPPlus can delegate authentication to RADIUS services. Azure SFTP does not provide a RADIUS connector. Details
No
CRL & CA SupportSFTPPlus can validate TLS certificates against configured certificate authorities and revocation lists. Azure SFTP uses SSH, not TLS client certificates. Details
No
Configurable SFTP login auto-banningSFTPPlus includes IP filtering and automatic blocking. Azure Storage provides network and IP allow rules, without equivalent configurable SFTP login auto-banning. Details
No

Other features

Virtual directoriesSFTPPlus can map directories into a user home folder. Azure SFTP sessions are restricted to one container and do not support cross-container virtual folder mappings. Details
No
Users & GroupsKeep SFTPPlus application users, groups, and permissions with the deployment across cloud providers. External directories can also supply users. Azure supports storage-account local users, or users and groups managed through Entra ID. Details
Groups via Entra ID
User configuration portabilityReuse SFTPPlus application accounts and access rules after a cloud migration without recreating them in a provider-specific identity service. Move associated keys and certificates, and reconnect external directories as needed. Details
No
Password PoliciesSFTPPlus lets administrators define local password rules. Azure generates local-user passwords; Entra ID policies apply when using Entra ID authentication. Details
No
File Retention PoliciesDelete files according to age or retention rules. Azure Blob Storage provides lifecycle management policies. Details
Yes
Ad Hoc File SharingSFTPPlus has no built-in public sharing links. Azure can issue time-limited HTTPS links using shared access signatures through its storage tools.
HTTPS SAS links via storage tools
User self password changeSFTPPlus users can update their password. Azure local-user passwords are regenerated by an administrator; Entra ID recovery follows tenant policy.
no for local users.
Non-Blob storageStore data on block storage or Azure Files without requiring a separate Blob container.
No

High availability and audit

Server ReplicationThe SFTPPlus deployment with a load balancer includes the cluster controller licence for configuration synchronization across its two instances. The single-VM deployment requires that additional licence to form a cluster. Azure manages replication within its storage platform. Details
Yes
Advanced Stats & ReportingInspect transfer activity and audit records. Azure offers metrics, log queries, and reports through Azure Monitor. Details
Via Azure Monitor
Detailed LogsRecord transfer and file activity. Azure resource logs require diagnostic settings and a configured destination.
Via diagnostic settings
SQL Database CaptureSFTPPlus can capture audit events in SQLite. Azure resource logs use configured destinations such as Log Analytics or Storage; SQL database capture requires an additional pipeline.
No

Support

Phone & EmailSFTPPlus includes phone and email assistance with support. Azure technical support requires a paid support plan. Details
Additional support plan
On-call supportSFTPPlus standard support includes two scheduled on-call events per year. Azure coverage depends on the purchased support plan. Details
Additional support plan
24/7/365 Severity 1 SupportContinuous critical-incident support requires extended SFTPPlus support or an eligible paid Azure support plan.
Additional support plan
Remote support and troubleshootingSFTPPlus offers remote troubleshooting sessions. Azure troubleshooting assistance depends on the support plan and case.
Additional support plan
Onboarding and configuration assistanceSFTPPlus support includes configuration guidance. Azure guidance and advisory services depend on the support plan.
Additional support plan
Migration supportSFTPPlus support assists with moving deployments between clouds and migrating from other file transfer products. Azure assistance depends on the support or consulting engagement. Details
Additional support plan

Features and pricing checked on 7 September 2026. Contact us and we will update the page.

Comparison criteria ​

Azure Storage SFTP provides a managed SFTP endpoint within Azure. Automation can use Blob Storage events with services such as Event Grid, Azure Functions, and Logic Apps. These services require separate configuration, and their costs depend on the workflow and usage.

Header totals include SFTPPlus MFT licences, support, and estimated hosting for one VM or two VMs with a load balancer. The hosting component is also shown separately under Licensing. Optional client licences, additional Azure services, and paid Azure support are identified where relevant.

Why choose SFTPPlus MFT over Azure Storage SFTP? ​

SFTPPlus MFT provides multiple file transfer protocols on Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, or your own servers. You control where the product runs, how it is configured, and where your data is stored.

SFTPPlus MFT imposes no cloud lock-in. You can move the licence, product, and full configuration to another cloud without buying a replacement licence. Reuse the complete product configuration, including application users, groups, permissions, services, and automation rules. Move the associated keys and certificates, update paths and storage connections, and reconnect external identity providers as needed. Your administration tools stay the same, and you do not need to recreate application users in a cloud-specific account system.

One SFTPPlus MFT installation can provide SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, HTTPS, AS2, and WebDAV. Partners can use the protocols their systems support while administrators manage the services together in a unified web interface.

Why choose Azure Storage SFTP over SFTPPlus MFT? ​

Azure Storage SFTP can suit teams that need SFTP access to Blob Storage and prefer managed infrastructure. Azure operates the endpoint, so you do not need to provision or patch SFTP server VMs, install server software, or manage load balancers. You still configure storage, access permissions, and network restrictions.

If you only need the SFTP protocol and only blob storage, files arrive directly in Blob Storage, where applications can also access them through Azure APIs and SDKs.

For workloads that transfer many files concurrently, Azure can increase throughput without requiring you to add SFTP VMs.

There is no upfront software licence purchase. For occasional transfers, you can disable SFTP between transfer windows to reduce endpoint charges. The table assumes the endpoint stays enabled throughout the year; storage and usage charges are separate.

Evidence and updates ​

The Azure information is based on Microsoft's documentation for SFTP support, local-user authorization, Entra ID access, performance, and known limitations. The Azure price is taken from the Microsoft retail prices API. Hosting rates are from the Microsoft retail prices API for the Linux B2als v2 VM, E6 LRS OS disk, and Standard public IPv4 address. Load-balancer rates use the Standard SKU retail meters, which Microsoft lists under the Global billing region for regional load balancers. Azure features and prices can change, so confirm current requirements and charges before selecting a service.