S3 (Simple Storage Service) is a data transfer protocol developed by Amazon. Also — object storage. Its uniqueness lies in storing a huge amount of data in its original format without hierarchy and splitting into separate directories. S3 storage has no scaling restrictions.
Amazon S3 is a virtual storage system that can be accessed from anywhere where there is an Internet connection. Users configure the storage to meet their requirements and set priorities for objects.
Features
Amazon S3 has built-in options for end users:
- Storage Lens. A monitoring and analytics tool to provide the client with detailed information about the use of disk space on leased storage. Provides the user with practices to reduce financial rental costs, improve the profitability of storage, and recommends relevant information protection measures.
- Intelligent-Tiering. The service optimizes the amount of disk space on the selected virtual storage. If the data has not been requested by the user within 30 days, it is automatically moved to the “infrequent” access area. After 90 days, the information is transferred to the “archive data” area (Archive Access level), and after 180 days — to the Deep Archive Access level. This is how the user works with data, the speed of access to which is maximum.
- Access Points. Allows clients to create unique node names (identifiers) that make it easier to manage the amount of information on virtual storage. Thanks to this technology, users can scale storage, implement dedicated access zones or delimit rights.
- Batch Operations. The tool is an analogue of group policies. Administrators create a task (policy), prescribe rules and select application objects. Tasks can be grouped into alternate lists, prioritized, and changes recorded in the event log.
- Block Public Access. The service closes access to public data based on the user’s choice. The lock object is a storage item, a directory, or a user account. In the latter case, access to all information that is linked to the account is blocked.
Classes
Amazon S3 splits data into classes depending on user requirements:
- The first (Standart) is a traditional data storage option. It is suitable for the classic data storage model in the cloud or for startups.
- The second model (Standard Infrequent Access) is used to back up information or restore it from backups.
- The third option (One Zone-Infrequent Access) is suitable for objects that are rarely accessed, but the information is needed urgently. This class moves information to a special area where reading speed is a priority.
- The fourth (Glacier) is used for long-term data storage, which is rarely accessed, and they are not a priority. This is a complete analog to tape libraries.