Alma - Configuring a SFTP Connection

Some multicampus Alma libraries are not compatible with the BrowZine publishing profile in Alma and must use an alternate method for transmitting their holdings to our server. These libraries may use the Alma Export Job function to transmit the data to our SFTP server instead.

The first step is to configure a SFTP Connection in Alma. A unique connection will be required for EACH campus that has an instance of BrowZine/LibKey.

The general process for configuring the SFTP Connections in Alma include these steps:

1. Request SFTP credentials from support@thirdiron.com (note which campuses/instances will require credentials)
2. Add the "sftp.thirdiron.com" hostname to the "Allowed S/FTP connections" list in Alma
3. Configure a unique SFTP Connection for each campus

Once you have your SFTP credentials from our support, please see below for step-by-step details on completing steps 2 and 3.

Add our server hostname as an allowed S/FTP connection

Note: These instructions may vary slightly for users on the new Alma UI. These instructions are specific to the classic Alma UI. We will update the instructions for the new UI once those are made available to us.

1. Click on the Configuration cog wheel in the bottom left corner.
2. Click on General, then "Allowed S/FTP connections"
3. Click on "+ Add Row"
   
4. In the panel that opens up, add these values:
   • FTP Hostname / IP: sftp.thirdiron.com
   • FTP Hostname / IP description: BrowZine FTP (this can be any label of your choosing - use a label that will be familiar to your Alma admins)
5. Hit "Add Row"
6. You should see the "sftp.thirdiron.com" Hostname show up in the list. Make sure the Enabled toggle is ON
7. Hit the Save button on the top right of the window to save the new hostname
   

Configure a unique S/FTP Connection

Please follow these steps for EACH campus/instance

1. Click on the Configuration cog wheel in the bottom left corner if needed (if you see the word "Back" instead of "Configuration" then skip this step)
2. Click on General, then "S/FTP definitions"
3. Click on "+ Add S/FTP connection:
   
4. Complete the settings as follows: (all other values not mentioned can remain as the default setting)
   
   • Name: BrowZine FTP (you can customize this to any label of your choosing, but we recommend "BrowZine FTP for consistency)
   • Description: Used for exporting eJournal holdings to update BrowZine and LibKey
   • Server: sftp.thirdiron.com
   • Port: 22
   • Sub-directory: (leave blank - this is important)
   • FTP Passive Mode: Un-checked
   • FTP Server Secured: Checked
     • Authentication method: Username/password authentication
   • UserName / Password: (As provided by Third Iron Support)
5. Before hitting Save, click on "Test Connection" to make sure it's successful
   
   • If the Test fails then please check your settings. If it persists, please send us a screenshot of your FTP connection settings to support@thirdiron.com for troubleshooting help.
6. Once the connection test is successful, click on the Save button to save the connection. You are all set!

Ex Libris documentation

You can find more information on configuring SFTP connections in the ExLibris help document here:

https://knowledge.exlibrisgroup.com/Alma/Product_Documentation/Alma_Online_Help_(English)/Administration/050Configuring_General_Alma_Functions/External_Systems