Recently, as an AWS cloud architect, I was required to move and store data efficiently in AWS, and that’s when I had the opportunity to choose between AWS DataSync and AWS Storage Gateway. In this article, let me try explaining AWS Datasync vs Storage Gateway. Which one to choose when.
AWS Datasync vs Storage Gateway
Both help organizations manage data flow between on-premises environments and the AWS cloud, but they serve different purposes and use cases.
AWS DataSync is good at high-speed data transfer for migrations and ongoing data processing, while Storage Gateway provides seamless hybrid storage integration for applications that need consistent access to cloud data.
What is AWS DataSync
AWS DataSync is a data transfer service that simplifies, automates, and is good at moving data between on-premises storage systems and AWS storage services.
It handles the complex aspects of data migration, including network optimization, data validation, and infrastructure management.
DataSync service can move data to Amazon S3, Amazon EFS, or Amazon FSx at speeds up to 10 times faster than traditional tools.
The primary use cases for DataSync include:
- One-time data migrations to AWS
- Periodic data transfer for processing in the cloud
- Data replication for business continuity
DataSync provides built-in security features, including encryption during transit and compatibility with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM).
Features of AWS Datasync
Automated Data Transfer enables seamless migration between on-premises storage and AWS services. Datasync handles file permissions, timestamps, and metadata preservation automatically.
Transfer Speeds are impressive, with capabilities of up to 10 Gbps per task. This makes it ideal for large datasets that must move quickly across environments.
Data Validation occurs during every transfer through MD5 checksums. This ensures data integrity and helps prevent corruption issues when moving critical information.
Parallel Transfers allow multiple files to move simultaneously. This architecture dramatically reduces transfer times compared to traditional methods.
The service supports multiple storage types, including:
- NFS
- SMB file servers
- Amazon S3
- Amazon EFS
- Amazon FSx
- Object storage
Scheduling Options let you automate transfers regularly. You can set up hourly, daily, or weekly transfers to match your workflow needs.
What is AWS Storage Gateway
AWS Storage Gateway connects on-premises environments with cloud storage, seamlessly integrating existing applications with the AWS Cloud. It is a hybrid storage service that bridges the gap between local infrastructure and AWS.
Storage Gateway offers three main configurations:
| Gateway Type | Primary Function | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| File Gateway | NFS/SMB interface to S3 | File shares, application data |
| Volume Gateway | iSCSI block storage | Backup, disaster recovery |
| Tape Gateway | Virtual tape library | Replacing physical tape backups |
Each configuration maintains local copies of frequently accessed data while storing the complete dataset in AWS. This approach delivers low-latency access to active data while leveraging cloud storage’s durability and scalability.
Storage Gateway integrates with existing backup applications and workflows, making it easier for organizations to adopt cloud storage without disrupting established processes.
AWS Storage Gateway connects on-premises environments with cloud storage, offering a seamless bridge between your local data center and AWS services. It provides various gateway types to address storage needs while maintaining performance and security.
The Different Types of Gateways
AWS Storage Gateway has three distinct types, each designed for specific use cases.
File Gateway provides a file interface to Amazon S3, allowing users to store and retrieve objects using standard file protocols like NFS and SMB. This gateway is perfect for maintaining file shares that need cloud backup or expansion.
Volume Gateway offers iSCSI block storage volumes backed by Amazon S3, with two operating modes: cached and stored volumes.
Cached volumes keep frequently accessed data locally while storing the complete dataset in the cloud. Stored volumes maintain the entire dataset locally while asynchronously backing up to AWS.
Tape Gateway presents a virtual tape library interface, replacing physical tape infrastructure with cloud storage. Organizations can use their existing backup applications with this virtual solution, eliminating the need for physical tape management while preserving familiar workflows.
Each gateway type includes local caching capabilities to ensure low-latency access to frequently used data.
Key Differences Between DataSync and Storage Gateway
While both services connect on-premises environments with AWS, they serve distinct purposes. DataSync is optimized for efficient data transfer and migration, while Storage Gateway provides ongoing hybrid storage functionality.
DataSync is ideal for:
- Large-scale data transfers
- Periodic data synchronization
- One-way data movement to AWS
- Migration projects with defined endpoints
Storage Gateway is good at:
- Providing continuous access to cloud data
- Maintaining on-premises performance with cloud storage
- Supporting existing applications without modification
- Implementing hybrid backup and recovery solutions
The performance characteristics also differ significantly. DataSync prioritizes throughput for bulk transfers, while Storage Gateway balances performance with integration capabilities, maintaining compatibility with existing applications.
Cost structures vary, too. DataSync charges per GB transferred, making it cost-effective for migrations. Storage Gateway has ongoing instance costs plus storage and data transfer fees, reflecting its role as a permanent connection between environments.
Find some critical differences between AWS Data Sync and AWS Storage Gateway in a tabular format.
| AWS Datasync | AWS Storage Gateway |
| You can consider AWS Datasync as an online data transfer service. | Provides you with three storage interfaces File, Tape, and Volume. |
| Helps you to copy your data from different storage services via the Internet or AWS Direct Connect. | AWS Storage Gateway can help you to establish a connection between Your on-premises environment with AWS S3 to transfer your data. |
| Provides you three types of storage interfaces File, Tape, and Volume. | |
| Connects with the storage using different protocols like SMB, NFS, or the API provided by Amazon S3. | You can get different storage protocols: NFS, iSCSI, SMB, etc. |
| You must pay based on storage, data transfer rates, and your standard requests to read/write data to/from AWS. | You must pay based on the request, storage type, storage amount, and the data transferred amount outside of AWS. |
Security and Compliance
DataSync and Storage Gateway implement robust security measures to protect your data during transit and at rest while meeting various regulatory requirements.
Data Security in AWS DataSync and Storage Gateway
DataSync ensures your data remains secure through multiple protective measures.
All data is encrypted during transfers using TLS 1.2, creating a secure tunnel between your storage and AWS.
Your data never travels unprotected across the public internet.
For data at rest, DataSync works seamlessly with the encryption capabilities of your chosen AWS storage service.
This means your files in S3 can use SSE-S3, SSE-KMS, or customer-provided keys for encryption.
Storage Gateway provides similar security features but adds some unique protections.
The gateway appliance encrypts all data before sending it to AWS using SSL/TLS.
Your stored volume data and cached data use AES-256 encryption.
Both services support AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) for access control.
This allows you to define who can access which resources through detailed permission policies.
Compliance and Data Protection
DataSync performs automatic data validation during transfers. It uses checksums to verify that source and destination data match exactly, providing confidence that nothing was corrupted during transit.
Storage Gateway offers point-in-time recovery options through EBS snapshots. This feature protects against data loss and helps satisfy compliance requirements for data recovery capabilities.
Both services integrate with AWS CloudTrail for comprehensive activity logging.
Every API call is recorded, creating an audit trail that can help demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.
Both services work within AWS’s regional framework for businesses with specific data residency requirements, allowing you to control exactly where your data is stored and processed.
Use Cases
Let’s examine where AWS DataSync and Storage Gateway work in real-world implementations.
Hybrid Architecture Implementation
Organizations often need to maintain data both on-premises and in the cloud.
Storage Gateway excels in these hybrid scenarios by seamlessly integrating local infrastructure and AWS cloud storage.
For file-sharing applications, File Gateway offers NFS/SMB interfaces to local applications while storing data in S3. This approach maintains low-latency access for frequently used files through local caching.
Volume Gateway functions effectively for organizations with VMware or Hyper-V environments. It creates iSCSI block storage backed by Amazon EBS, enabling teams to use existing backup applications while gaining cloud benefits.
Tape Gateway stands out for companies with legacy backup systems using physical tapes. It replaces physical media with virtual tapes stored in S3 and Glacier, preserving existing backup workflows without hardware changes.
Backup and Disaster Recovery
DataSync is an efficient pipeline for backup operations, regularly transferring on-premises data to AWS for protection.
Its scheduling capabilities automate incremental backups to minimize resource usage.
For organizations with strict recovery time objectives (RTOs), Storage Gateway provides immediate local access to frequently used backup data while maintaining a complete copy in AWS.
Many financial institutions implement Storage Gateway with point-in-time snapshots to meet compliance requirements while ensuring business continuity.
These snapshots can be restored to recover from ransomware or data corruption incidents.
The combination of both services often yields the most robust disaster recovery approach.
Storage Gateway handles regular backups with low-latency recovery for critical systems, while DataSync efficiently transfers larger datasets for comprehensive protection.
Pricing Model
AWS DataSync and Storage Gateway have different pricing structures that impact your overall cloud budget.
AWS DataSync charges based on the amount of data you transfer.
Current pricing is around $0.0125 per GB for data transferred.
Data copied within the same AWS Region is free of charge, which can significantly reduce costs for local operations.
DataSync also doesn’t charge for the discovery process when scanning your data sources.
Storage Gateway’s pricing is more complex.
You pay for three components: storage used, data transfer, and request costs.
For File Gateway, you’ll pay S3 storage rates plus a small fee per GB stored in the gateway cache. Tape Gateway costs include virtual tape storage in S3 and S3 Glacier. Volume Gateway pricing depends on whether you’re using stored or cached volumes.
Both services offer free tiers for new AWS users.
DataSync includes a limited amount of free data transfer in your first year, while Storage Gateway provides a small amount of free storage.
FAQs
What are the primary differences between AWS DataSync and Storage Gateway?
AWS DataSync is primarily a data transfer service designed for moving large amounts of data between on-premises storage and AWS. It focuses on fast, automated data migration and replication.
On the other hand, Storage Gateway is an on-premises solution that integrates with AWS cloud storage. It provides file, volume, and tape gateway types that connect your local applications to cloud storage.
The main difference lies in their purpose – DataSync moves data, while Storage Gateway provides ongoing storage access with a cloud backend.
When is it more appropriate to use AWS Transfer Family instead of Storage Gateway?
Use AWS Transfer Family when external parties need to transfer files to your AWS environment using standard protocols like SFTP. It’s ideal for business-to-business file exchanges.
Choose Transfer Family when you need custom authentication or need to maintain existing file transfer workflows without changing client-side processes.
Storage Gateway is better when you need local applications to access cloud storage as if it were local storage. It provides storage interfaces rather than transfer protocols.
Transfer Family focuses on the secure movement of files, while Storage Gateway creates hybrid storage environments.
Conclusion
Choosing between AWS DataSync and Storage Gateway depends on your specific data management needs.
DataSync works best for one-time migrations or regular transfers between on-premises systems and AWS storage. It’s efficient for moving large datasets quickly.
Storage Gateway offers continuous access to cloud storage while maintaining local performance. It’s ideal for organizations that need hybrid solutions with local caching.
DataSync uses a pay-per-use model based on data transferred. Storage Gateway involves ongoing charges for the gateway instance and associated storage.
DataSync provides faster throughput for bulk transfers. Storage Gateway optimizes access patterns with local caching to reduce latency.
The right choice ultimately depends on your specific use case, budget constraints, and performance needs.
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I am Rajkishore, and I am a Microsoft Certified IT Consultant. I have over 14 years of experience in Microsoft Azure and AWS, with good experience in Azure Functions, Storage, Virtual Machines, Logic Apps, PowerShell Commands, CLI Commands, Machine Learning, AI, Azure Cognitive Services, DevOps, etc. Not only that, I do have good real-time experience in designing and developing cloud-native data integrations on Azure or AWS, etc. I hope you will learn from these practical Azure tutorials. Read more.
