> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.exavault.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.exavault.com/exavault-documentation.md).

# ExaVault Documentation

ExaVault is a self-hosted file-transfer appliance for organizations that need FTP, SFTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and browser-based file access in infrastructure they operate. It combines those connection methods with a web file manager, users and groups, folder permissions, Share Links, notifications, identity integrations, and Activity records.

Users can work through standard file-transfer clients, manage files in a web browser, or exchange files through Share Links that do not require an ExaVault account. Administrators control access, authentication, file activity, and appliance operation from interfaces designed for those responsibilities.

ExaVault is a Files.com product and is actively supported.

## Use ExaVault To

* Transfer files with [SFTP, FTP, FTPS, or WebDAV](/connection-methods.md).
* Work with files and folders through the [web file manager](/files-and-folders.md).
* Give each person the appropriate access with [users, groups, and folder permissions](/users-and-permissions.md).
* Connect authentication and account provisioning to [SAML, SCIM, Active Directory, or LDAP](/authentication-and-identity.md).
* Exchange files with people outside the appliance through [Share Links](/share-links.md).
* Track file activity with [notifications](/notifications.md) as well as [Activity records and appliance logs](/administration/logging.md).

## Get Started

Choose the path that matches what you need to do next:

* [Prepare, install, or update an appliance](/installing-and-upgrading-the-appliance.md)
* [Connect with SFTP, FTP, FTPS, or WebDAV](/connection-methods.md)
* [Set up users, groups, and folder permissions](/users-and-permissions.md)
* [Configure authentication and identity](/authentication-and-identity.md)
* [Operate and configure the appliance](/administration.md)

## Self-Hosted by Design

You deploy ExaVault in your cloud account or virtual-machine environment and operate the compute, storage, network, firewall, backups, and availability of that deployment. Stored file contents remain in the environment you control.

Every installation requires outbound HTTPS access for license checks. Those checks send limited configuration, usage, capacity, and environment information, but not file contents, passwords, or private-key contents. [License Keys](/administration/license-keys.md) documents the connection requirement and the information included.

## Free and Premium Editions

The free edition supports installations with up to 50 users. [Premium Features](/premium-features.md) add email and phone support, automatic updates, SAML single sign-on and SCIM provisioning, site-wide two-factor authentication enforcement, automatic SSL certificate management, and Syslog export.

## ExaVault or Files.com

Choose ExaVault when you need focused file transfer and sharing in infrastructure you operate. Choose [Files.com](https://www.files.com/) when you need a managed cloud file-orchestration platform with broader automation, APIs and SDKs, partner integrations, AS2, PGP or GPG workflows, or scheduled cloud-to-cloud transfers. [Migrating to Files.com Cloud](/migrating-to-files-com-cloud.md) explains the supported transition from an ExaVault appliance.

## ExaVault Interfaces

ExaVault separates file-management settings from appliance-level settings. Use the interface that owns the setting you need to change.

| Interface         | How to Open It                                                                                 | What It Manages                                                                                            |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Web interface     | Open `https://<your-appliance-hostname>/`                                                      | Files, folders, users, groups, Links, notifications, and Activity                                          |
| Admin Settings    | Sign in to the web interface as an administrator and select the gear in the upper-right corner | Branding, password requirements, session settings, terms of use, SSO, and LDAP                             |
| Appliance Manager | Open `https://<your-appliance-hostname>:9002/`                                                 | Licensing, hostname and network configuration, SMTP, Syslog, certificates, updates, and appliance restarts |
| Link pages        | Open a Link URL created by an ExaVault user                                                    | Uploading, downloading, or viewing shared content without an ExaVault user account                         |

The Appliance Manager has its own administrative password. An ExaVault administrator account for the web interface does not replace the Appliance Manager login. Restrict access to port `9002` at your firewall.

## Previous Product Names

ExaVault was previously referred to as SmartFile, FileHub, VeriStack, and Lumanox. These names are no longer in use, but you may see them in source code or older ExaVault documentation.