IBM Sterling B2B Integrator : Setting up SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)

 Setting up SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) in IBM Sterling B2B Integrator involves several steps to configure the SFTP server and client connections for secure file transfers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up SFTP in IBM Sterling B2B Integrator:

>>> Prerequisites:

1. IBM Sterling B2B Integrator Installed: Ensure that IBM Sterling B2B Integrator is properly installed and running.

2. SSH Keys: Generate SSH key pairs if you plan to use key-based authentication.

3. Trading Partner Information: Gather the necessary information about your trading partners, including their SFTP server details, user credentials, and any required keys.

>>> Steps to Set Up SFTP in IBM Sterling B2B Integrator:

Steps to Configure SFTP Server:

1) Create the SSH Host Identity Key

2) Create the SFTP Server Adapter (Deployment --> Services ---> Configuration)

3) Create the user account   (Accounts --> useraccount)

4) Create the Mailbox for customer (Deployment ---> Mailbox ---> Configuration)

5) Provide the access for those Mailboxes -- Virtual Root

6) Whitelist the Partner IP Address on SFTP Port which we are providing the  connection

If it is KeyPair Authentication:

7) Collect the Authorized User Key from the CLient System

8) Deploy the AUK in Authorized User Key section under TradingPartner ---> SSH

9) Associate the AUK with the user account

1. Access the Sterling B2B Integrator Dashboard:

   - Log in to the IBM Sterling B2B Integrator dashboard using your credentials.

2. Configure the SFTP Server Adapter:

   - Navigate to `Deployment` > `Adapters` > `Configuration`.

   - Click `New` to create a new adapter.

   - Select `SFTP Server Adapter` and click `Create`.

   - Configure the adapter settings:

     - Adapter Name: Provide a unique name for the adapter.

     - Listen Port: Specify the port on which the SFTP server will listen (default is 22).

     - Authentication: Choose the authentication method (password, public key, or both).

     - Root Directory: Specify the root directory for SFTP file storage.

     - User Management: Configure user accounts and their associated permissions.

   - Save the configuration.

3. Create SFTP Client Business Process:

   - Navigate to `Business Processes` > `Business Process Modeling`.

   - Create a new business process to handle SFTP client operations.

   - Use the `SFTP Client Adapter Service` in the business process model to define the SFTP client operations (e.g., put, get, delete).

   - Configure the service with the required parameters:

     - Host: SFTP server hostname or IP address.

     - Port: SFTP server port (default is 22).

     - Username: SFTP username.

     - Authentication: Configure the authentication method (password or key-based).

     - File Operations: Define the file transfer operations (upload, download, etc.).

   - Save and deploy the business process.

4. Configure Trading Partner Information:

   - Navigate to `Trading Partner` > `Trading Partner Management`.

   - Add or edit the trading partner profile to include SFTP details:

     - SFTP Server Details: Hostname, port, and credentials.

     - Key Management: If using key-based authentication, associate the public key of the trading partner.

   - Save the trading partner profile.

5. Set Up Routing Channel Templates:

   - Navigate to `Trading Partner` > `Routing Channel Templates`.

   - Create a new routing channel template for SFTP transfers.

   - Define the source and destination settings, including the SFTP server and business process configurations.

   - Save the routing channel template.

6. Testing the SFTP Connection:

   - Test the SFTP setup by initiating a file transfer.

   - Use the business process you created to upload or download a test file to/from the SFTP server.

   - Verify the success of the transfer by checking the file on the destination server and reviewing the Sterling B2B Integrator logs.

7. Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

   - Use the IBM Sterling B2B Integrator dashboard to monitor SFTP transfers.

   - Check the logs and alerts for any issues and troubleshoot as necessary.

>>> Additional Tips:

- Backup Configurations: Regularly backup your SFTP configurations and key pairs.

- Regular Updates: Keep your IBM Sterling B2B Integrator software up to date with the latest patches and updates.

- Security: Ensure your SFTP setup complies with security best practices, including the use of strong encryption algorithms and regular key rotations.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up SFTP communication in IBM Sterling B2B Integrator, enabling secure and efficient file transfers with your trading partners.