Data transfer & migration
AWS Transfer Family vs SFTP support for Blob Storage
AWS Transfer Family maps to SFTP support for Azure Blob Storage.
Azure covers SFTP only. For FTPS, FTP, or AS2 you need a partner product or Logic Apps.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | AWS Transfer Family | SFTP support for Blob Storage |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Managed SFTP, FTPS, FTP, and AS2 endpoints, plus web apps and SFTP connectors, storing files in S3 or EFS with service-managed, Directory Service, or custom identity providers. | A per-account SFTP endpoint on port 22 for accounts with the hierarchical namespace, using local users (password or SSH key, up to 50,000 per account) or Microsoft Entra ID. Billed hourly while enabled. |
| Pricing model | Per protocol enabled per endpoint-hour, plus per GB uploaded and downloaded, and connector and web app charges. | An hourly charge while SFTP is enabled on the account, plus normal Blob storage, transaction, and egress charges. |
| Docs | AWS Transfer Family docs | SFTP support for Blob Storage docs |
| Pricing page | AWS Transfer Family pricing | SFTP support for Blob Storage pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 | AZ-104 |
Key differences
- Protocols. Transfer Family supports SFTP, FTPS, FTP, and AS2, plus web apps and SFTP connectors to remote servers. Blob SFTP is SFTP only.
- Targets. Transfer Family stores to S3 or EFS. Blob SFTP writes to a Blob Storage account with the hierarchical namespace enabled.
- Identity. Transfer Family supports service-managed users, AWS Directory Service, or a custom identity provider. Blob SFTP uses local users (password or SSH key, up to 50,000 per account) or Microsoft Entra ID.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Per protocol enabled per endpoint-hour, plus per GB uploaded and downloaded, and connector and web app charges. AWS Transfer Family pricing →
- Azure
- An hourly charge while SFTP is enabled on the account, plus normal Blob storage, transaction, and egress charges. SFTP support for Blob Storage pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 | Azure | Associate | current |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of AWS Transfer Family?
AWS Transfer Family maps to SFTP support for Azure Blob Storage. Azure covers SFTP only. For FTPS, FTP, or AS2 you need a partner product or Logic Apps.
How does pricing compare between AWS Transfer Family and SFTP support for Blob Storage?
AWS: Per protocol enabled per endpoint-hour, plus per GB uploaded and downloaded, and connector and web app charges. Azure: An hourly charge while SFTP is enabled on the account, plus normal Blob storage, transaction, and egress charges. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).