Moving workloads to the cloud is crucial for CIOs aiming to enhance agility, foster innovation, bolster security, and cut costs. Many organizations with infrastructure in remote offices, edge locations, and data centers seek to leverage cloud services. Veritis accelerates this transformation by offering hybrid cloud storage services and integrating on-premises infrastructure with AWS.
Some applications migrate easily to the cloud, while others remain on-premises due to performance, regulatory compliance, or integration needs. Businesses are exploring hybrid cloud storage solutions for seamless on-premises access to AWS data, extending cloud benefits to data centers and edge environments.
AWS Storage Gateway is a robust hybrid cloud storage solution that bridges on-premises systems and the cloud. It enables on-premises applications to interface with cloud storage through low-latency data access and standard storage methods. A local cache keeps frequently accessed data on-premises, while the cloud offers scalable storage with top-tier protection, durability, availability, security, and performance.
The gateway is easy to deploy and access, providing a seamless entry into cloud integration. It supports configurations such as File Gateway, Volume Gateway, and Tape Gateway, each tailored to specific use cases. File Gateway stores files as objects in Amazon S3, Volume Gateway presents cloud-backed iSCSI block storage volumes, and Tape Gateway offers cost-effective and scalable tape backup solutions. Organizations can unify storage infrastructure by adopting AWS Storage Gateway, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing operational efficiency.
At Veritis, we understand that data is the lifeblood of your organization, fueling innovation and growth. AWS Storage Gateway seamlessly connects on-premises storage with AWS, ensuring data is always accessible, secure, and scalable. This service empowers your team to focus on core responsibilities without concern about the underlying infrastructure.
AWS Storage Gateway offers unparalleled flexibility and cost-efficiency. It streamlines backup processes, enables seamless disaster recovery, and optimizes data transfer. It bridges current AWS storage solutions with future cloud possibilities, transforming your storage strategy and driving your business forward confidently and efficiently.
What is AWS Storage Gateway?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Storage Gateway is a hybrid cloud storage service that seamlessly connects your on-premises environment with the AWS Cloud. It enables businesses to integrate on-premises workloads with enterprise cloud storage, offering a unified and scalable solution for data management. By bridging local infrastructure with AWS cloud services, Storage Gateway provides a versatile and efficient way to manage data storage, backup, and disaster recovery.
A) A Versatile Bridge to the Cloud
AWS Storage Gateway supports various storage protocols and interfaces, making it an adaptable solution for diverse environments. It allows seamless integration with popular storage access protocols, including NFS (Network File System), SMB (Server Message Block), and iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface). This flexibility ensures compatibility with various on-premises applications and workloads, from Windows servers to AWS S3 (Simple Storage Service) as the backend for your data. This integration simplifies the management of applications and data, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
B) Four Configuration Modes for Diverse Needs
AWS Storage Gateway offers four distinct configuration modes to cater to different use cases:
1) S3 File Gateway: This mode enables NFS and SMB access to files stored in Amazon S3. It is ideal for businesses leveraging cloud storage without modifying their existing applications.
2) FSx File Gateway: Provides seamless access to on-premises infrastructure by allowing access to shares managed in Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
3) Tape Gateway: This configuration replaces physical tape libraries with virtual tapes stored in Amazon S3 and Glacier, making it perfect for backup and archival purposes.
4) Volume Gateway: Delivers block storage volumes mounted as iSCSI devices on local servers, offering a robust solution for block storage needs.
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Why Choose AWS Storage Gateway?
AWS Storage Gateway is an excellent introduction to AWS managed services for organizations transitioning from legacy on-premises environments. It supports hybrid solutions, mainly through file gateways, enabling a smooth transition to the cloud. Once you register and verify your AWS account, the AWS Console Management provides the tools to create resources and services, including the AWS cloud gateway.
A) Enhancing Security and Connectivity
Securing your AWS account is paramount. Utilize features like two-factor authentication to safeguard your login credentials. Before configuring AWS Storage Gateway, decide the connection method between your on-premises data center and the AWS cloud. Standard methods include setting up a VPN (site-to-site) with AWS that provides dual encrypted connection tunnels for enhanced security or using the public Internet. However, this may be less desirable due to governance and compliance requirements.
B) Integration With On-premises Infrastructure
You can select the appropriate gateway, such as Amazon S3 File Gateway or Amazon FSx File Gateway, and choose the virtualization technology (hypervisor) in your on-premises infrastructure using the AWS Console Management. Supported hypervisors include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Linux KVM. After configuring the virtual appliance, you can seamlessly share data with AWS services. Both cloud-native and legacy applications can access and interact with S3, eliminating the need for extensive code rewrites.
C) Considerations and Limitations
While AWS Storage Gateway offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to understand its limitations. For instance, in environments where file servers are based on the active directory for authorization and authentication, the gateway supports a maximum of 10 Windows ACLs per file or folder and up to 50 shared folders. Therefore, evaluating your specific use case and environment is crucial before fully committing to AWS Storage Gateway.
Amazon Web Services Storage Gateway is a powerful tool for businesses looking to integrate on-premises storage with the cloud. It offers flexibility, scalability, and enhanced data management capabilities. Organizations can effectively leverage this service to meet their AWS hybrid cloud storage needs by understanding its features, configuration options, and potential limitations.
Key Features of AWS Storage Gateway
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AWS Storage Gateway offers powerful features to help businesses optimize their storage strategies, enhance data protection, and seamlessly integrate AWS hybrid cloud architectures. Let’s explore some of its most notable features, highlighting its capabilities and technical intricacies.
1) Volume Gateway
Volume Gateway provides block storage volumes that can be mounted as iSCSI devices, enabling on-premises applications to use cloud storage as if it were local. This feature supports both cached and stored volume modes:
- Cached Volumes: Store frequently accessed data locally while keeping the total volume in the AWS Cloud, reducing latency for critical applications.
- Stored Volumes: Store the entire dataset on-premises and asynchronously back up point-in-time snapshots to AWS, ensuring data durability and protection.
2) File Gateway
File Gateway offers a file-based interface to Amazon S3, facilitating seamless integration with existing file-based applications. It supports standard file protocols like NFS and SMB, making it easy to store and retrieve files from S3:
- NFS (Network File System): This widely supported protocol for Unix and Linux systems enables effortless data transfer to the cloud.
- SMB (Server Message Block): This protocol is compatible with Windows-based applications and ensures smooth interoperability between on-premises and cloud environments.
3) Tape Gateway
Tape Gateway presents a virtual tape library (VTL) interface to backup applications, enabling organizations to move away from physical tape infrastructure and leverage the cloud for archival:
- Virtual Tape Library (VTL): Emulates physical tape drives and libraries, allowing backup software to interact with virtual tapes stored in Amazon S3 and Amazon Glacier.
- Amazon S3 and Glacier Integration: Provides scalable, affordable solutions for long-term data retention and disaster recovery.
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Benefits of AWS Storage Gateway Over Traditional Approach
1) Seamless Data Transfer
AWS Storage Gateway simplifies data transfer between on-premises environments and the cloud using AWS Direct Connect or VPN, ensuring secure and high-bandwidth connections. This facilitates efficient data migration and synchronization across hybrid infrastructures, enabling smooth and reliable data movement without compromising security or performance.
2) Integrated Security
The AWS cloud gateway integrates advanced security measures, including data encryption at rest and in transit, to comply with stringent regulatory standards. Integrating AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) provides granular control over access permissions. This robust security framework guarantees that your data is secured and accessible only to authorized users, minimizing the likelihood of data breaches and unauthorized access.
3) Scalability
AWS Storage Gateway offers unparalleled scalability, enabling organizations to adjust real-time storage capacity based on business needs. Unlike traditional storage solutions that require significant upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure, AWS Storage Gateway allows for effortless scaling in the cloud. This flexibility ensures that businesses can manage growing data volumes and accommodate fluctuations in storage demands without incurring substantial capital expenditures.
4) Simplified Management
The AWS Console Management and APIs offer comprehensive tools for configuring, monitoring, and managing your storage gateway. This simplifies administrative tasks and provides real-time insights into storage usage and performance. The centralized management capabilities reduce the complexity of storage operations, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives and improve overall efficiency.
5) Cost-effectiveness
Traditional data migration methods often entail high upfront hardware, software, and personnel costs. On the other hand, AWS Storage Gateway adopts a pay-as-you-go pricing model, ensuring that businesses only pay for the storage they use. This process eliminates the need for significant capital investments and allows organizations to optimize storage costs based on actual usage. AWS’s cost management tools also help monitor and control expenditures, enhancing cost efficiency.
6) Data Protection
AWS Storage Gateway emphasizes robust data protection, integrating advanced security measures to safeguard valuable data against cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Built-in encryption, both in transit and at rest, access controls, and seamless integration with AWS security services ensure comprehensive data security. These features enable businesses to comply with industry regulations and standards effortlessly, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of their data.
7) Hybrid Cloud Integration
AWS Storage Gateway facilitates seamless hybrid cloud integration, enabling businesses to extend their on-premises storage to the AWS cloud while maintaining performance and security. This hybrid approach allows organizations to leverage cloud scalability and cost-efficiency without abandoning existing on-premises investments. It ensures consistent and secure data access across hybrid environments, optimizing resource utilization and operational flexibility.
8) Simplified Management and Automation
AWS Storage Gateway offers centralized management and automation capabilities, simplifying the administration of storage resources. Businesses can easily configure, monitor, and manage storage gateways through the AWS Console Management and APIs. Automation features, such as lifecycle policies and backups, reduce administrative overhead and enhance operational efficiency, allowing IT teams to concentrate on strategic projects.
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Use Cases for AWS Storage Gateway
Explore the multiple applications of AWS Storage Gateway across various business scenarios. Learn how this innovative AWS service empowers organizations to excel in the digital age.
1) Backup and Archive
AWS Storage Gateway provides a cost-effective solution for backing up on-premises data to AWS cloud storage. Businesses can efficiently archive data for long-term retention, leveraging Amazon S3 and Glacier for scalable, durable, and secure storage. This approach reduces reliance on physical tape libraries and ensures quick and reliable data recovery when needed.
2) Disaster Recovery
For disaster recovery purposes, AWS Storage Gateway enables replication of critical data to AWS, ensuring business continuity during outages or data loss. By replicating data to Amazon S3 or Amazon EBS (Elastic Block Store), businesses can quickly restore operations and minimize downtime, protecting against disruptions and maintaining service availability.
3) Data Migration
Simplify the migration of large datasets to AWS using AWS Storage Gateway. It facilitates seamless data transfer between on-premises environments and the cloud, reducing the complexity and risk associated with large-scale data migrations. This capability is crucial for businesses transitioning to cloud-native architectures or consolidating data centers.
4) Hybrid Cloud Workloads
AWS Storage Gateway supports hybrid cloud deployment workloads, enabling businesses to run applications on-premises and in the cloud. This flexibility allows organizations to optimize workload placement based on performance, cost, and regulatory requirements. Hybrid cloud deployment workloads can leverage local resources while benefiting from cloud scalability and advanced AWS services.
5) DevOps and Testing Environments
AWS Storage Gateway enhances DevOps and testing environments by providing scalable and flexible AWS storage solutions. Development and testing teams can quickly provision and de-provision storage resources, enabling rapid iteration and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows. This agility accelerates development cycles and improves software quality.
6) Analytics and Big Data Processing
For analytics and big data processing, AWS Storage Gateway enables seamless data ingestion from on-premises sources to AWS analytics services like Amazon Redshift and Amazon EMR (Elastic MapReduce). This integration allows businesses to leverage advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities, transforming raw data into actionable insights and driving informed decision-making.
AWS Storage Gateway is a transformative solution that offers numerous advantages over traditional storage methods. Its scalability, cost-effectiveness, robust data protection, and hybrid cloud integration capabilities make it an essential tool for modern businesses. By exploring its diverse use cases, organizations can harness the full potential of AWS Storage Gateway to thrive in the digital era.
Conclusion
AWS Storage Gateway is a game-changing solution for businesses looking to integrate on-premises storage with the cloud. Its scalability, cost-effectiveness, robust data protection, and hybrid cloud integration capabilities make it an essential tool for modern enterprises. With its versatile configuration modes—S3 File Gateway, FSx File Gateway, Tape Gateway, and Volume Gateway—organizations can efficiently manage their data storage, backup, and disaster recovery needs.
Veritis, a proud Globee Business Award and American Business Award winner, is dedicated to assisting companies in navigating the complexities of cloud integration. By leveraging AWS Storage Gateway, Veritis empowers businesses to seamlessly extend their on-premises infrastructure within AWS, fostering innovation, enhancing agility, and ensuring data security.
Trust Veritis to accelerate your journey to the cloud with our expert hybrid cloud storage services, driving your business forward in the digital domain.
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