When Businesses generate huge amount of data, they often need to store and process that data in the cloud. But Transferring large amount of data over the internet can be slow, expensive, and difficult. This is where AWS Snowball comes in - an easy, fast, and cost-effective solution for moving large data sets to Amazon Web Services (AWS).
In the below article, we will learn What AWS Snowball is and how it helps businesses to save time, money and efforts while transferring large amounts of data to the cloud.
What is Amazon Snowball AWS Snowball - Offline Data Transfer Device
AWS Snowball is a petabyte-scale offline data transfer device designed to securely and quickly migrate large datasets to and from Amazon Web Services (AWS). Instead of transferring data over the internet, Snowball allows organizations to physically ship encrypted storage devices for efficient data ingestion.
AWS Snowball Variants
AWS offers a couple of different Snowball models to fit needs:
- Snowball Edge Storage Optimized – Designed for large-scale data migration and storage, offering up to 80 TB of usable storage per device.
- Snowball Edge Compute Optimized – Includes built-in compute capabilities such as AWS Lambda and EC2 instances for local data processing before cloud transfer.
These rugged, portable devices are ideal for industries dealing with remote storage, edge computing, and massive offline data transfers.
Features of Amazon Snowball
Amazon Snowfall is part of the AWS Snow Family, which includes other devices like Snowball Edge, Snowcone, and Snowmobile. It is rugged and secure and physical device designed to help businesses move large amounts of data into AWS Quickly, without relying on slow internet connections. This makes it perfect for large-scale data transfers, disaster recovery, media archives and edge computing.
Here are the key features that makes AWS Snowball a standout solution:
1. High-Speed Offline Data Transfer
AWS Snowball transfers terabytes or petabytes of data up to 10 times faster than traditional internet-based methods. It uses rugged, tamper-proof storage for secure and reliable transport.
2. Secure and Encrypted Storage
Data is secured with 256-bit encryption through AWS Key Management Service (KMS). Snowball’s tamper-proof hardware ensures the security of your data during offline migration.
3. Built-In Compute for Edge Processing
The Snowball Edge Compute Optimized version includes support for AWS Lambda and EC2 instances. This allows you to process data locally before migrating it to the cloud—ideal for remote locations and edge computing applications.
4. Easy Integration with NFS Support
AWS Snowball functions as an NFS (Network File System) mount point, making it easy to integrate with your on-premises servers and applications. This helps streamline file-based data migration to AWS while preserving file system metadata.
5. S3 Compatibility
AWS Snowball is S3-compatible, ensuring your applications can interact with your data using standard S3 APIs. This integration allows for seamless data management and smooth workflows.
The device supports GPU capabilities for processing complex tasks like machine learning, video analysis, and other high-performance computing applications. This is perfect for resource-intensive tasks in remote environments.
7. Automatic Data Erasure
Once the data is successfully uploaded to AWS, the device automatically erases all data from the Snowball, ensuring that no sensitive information is left behind. This provides complete protection for your data.
8. Automatic E Ink Shipping Label
The Snowball device comes with an E Ink shipping label that automatically updates with the correct destination address, reducing the chances of logistics errors and simplifying the return process.
9. Cost-Efficient
AWS Snowball offers a cost-effective solution for large-scale data movement. It avoids the expensive fees typically associated with high-bandwidth internet-based transfers, making it an affordable alternative for businesses.
10. Flexible Online & Offline Transfer Options
- Offline: Ship Snowball devices for bulk data transfer without an internet connection.
- Online: Use AWS DataSync for real-time hybrid cloud synchronization.
11. Clustering for Scalable Storage
You can cluster multiple Snowball devices to increase both storage capacity and durability. This ensures resilient data storage solutions for edge computing, even if one device fails.
How AWS Snowball Works
AWS Snowball simplifies large-scale data migration by allowing you to transfer data securely using a physical device instead of relying on slow internet connections. Follow the below steps to use AWS Snowball:
Step 1: Order the Snowball Device
- Log in to the AWS Snowball Console.
- Choose the type of device:
- AWS Snowball Edge Compute Optimized (for running applications at the edge).
- AWS Snowball Edge Storage Optimized (for large-scale data transfer).
- Create a job:
- AWS Prepares and Ships the Device:
- AWS configures the device and ships it to your location.
Step 2: Set Up the Device
- Unpack the AWS Snowball upon arrival.
- Power it up and connect it to your local area network (LAN).
- Use AWS OpsHub (a graphical user interface) to:
- Unlock the device securely.
- Manage the device settings.
- Start the data transfer or launch EC2 instances if using the compute-optimized version.
Step 3: Transfer Your Data
- Use AWS OpsHub or the AWS Snowball Client to move data from your local storage to the Snowball device.
- Monitor the transfer process to ensure all files are securely copied.
Step 4: Return the Device to AWS
- Once the data transfer is complete, shut down the device.
- Prepare it for return shipping:
- The E Ink shipping label automatically updates to display the correct return address.
- Ship the device back to AWS using the pre-paid label.
Step 5: Data Upload & Secure Erasure
- AWS receives the Snowball device at its data center.
- Your data is automatically transferred from the Snowball device to your Amazon S3 bucket.
- AWS verifies the data transfer to ensure completeness.
- Once the transfer is complete, AWS securely erases all data from the device and sanitizes it, ensuring no customer data remains.
Real-World Use Cases for AWS Snowball
AWS Snowball is ideal for a variety of industries and use cases. Here are some examples:
- Cloud Migration: If your company needs to move large datasets from on-premises storage to the cloud, Snowball makes it fast and easy.
- Disaster Recovery: Secure backups of business-critical data can be sent to AWS Snowball for long-term storage and easy recovery.
- Media & Entertainment: Snowball is commonly used by movie studios, game developers, and media companies to transfer high-resolution videos and raw media files for cloud processing.
- Edge Computing: Industries like oil and gas, mining, and research use Snowball Edge to process data locally before transferring it to the cloud.
- Healthcare & Genomics: Medical institutions and research facilities use Snowball to move large genomic datasets securely and compliantly to AWS for analysis.
Benefits of AWS Snowball
1. Simple Migration
AWS Snowball makes moving large amounts of data easy. With a pre-configured device, you can load your data, ship it back to AWS, and let the service handle the transfer, saving time and avoiding complex setups.
Snowball accelerates data migration, allowing you to move data much faster than over the internet. It reduces transfer time, making large-scale migrations more efficient.
3. Strong Data Protection
Your data is safe with AWS Snowball. It’s encrypted with 256-bit encryption, and once the device is returned, the data is securely erased, ensuring full protection throughout the process.
AWS Snowball Vs. Other AWS Data Transfer Services
AWS provides multiple data transfer solutions to meet different business needs. Below is a comparison of AWS Snowball, AWS DataSync, AWS Snowmobile, and AWS Direct Connect to help you choose the best option.
| Feature | AWS Snowball | AWS DataSync | AWS Snowmobile | AWS Direct Connect |
|---|
| Best For | Offline bulk data transfer | Automated online sync | Exabyte-scale migration | Dedicated high-speed link |
| Transfer Speed | Fast (Days for TBs-PBs) | Medium (Depends on bandwidth) | Ultra-fast (Truck-based) | Up to 100 Gbps |
| Capacity | Up to 80 TB per device | Unlimited (Depends on internet speed) | Up to 100 PB per truck | Up to 100 Gbps per connection |
| Security | 256-bit encryption, tamper-proof | End-to-end encryption | Highly secure, surveillance-equipped | Private, encrypted network |
| Internet Needed? | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Setup Complexity | Simple (Order, transfer, return) | Moderate (Requires configuration) | Complex (Requires AWS approval) | Complex (Needs network setup) |
| Use Cases | Cloud migration, disaster recovery, remote locations | Regular file transfers, hybrid cloud sync | Massive enterprise migrations | Real-time data transfer, low-latency workloads |
| Cost Efficiency | Avoids high network costs | Varies by data volume | Expensive, used for extreme cases | Best for long-term, large-scale use |
AWS Snowball Pricing
AWS Snowball pricing depends on the type of device you choose, the duration of your use, and the amount of data being transferred. Here's a general breakdown of the pricing for AWS Snowball:
1. AWS Snowball Edge Storage Optimized
- Pricing per Job: Starts at $200 per month (for a standard job duration of up to 10 days).
- Additional Charges: After the initial 10 days, a daily charge of $15 applies.
2. AWS Snowball Edge Compute Optimized
- Pricing per Job: Starts at $300 per month (for a standard job duration of up to 10 days).
- Additional Charges: Similar to the Storage Optimized model, an additional $30 per day is charged beyond the first 10 days.
3. Data Transfer and Shipping
- No Additional Data Transfer Fees: Data transfer to AWS Snowball is free, as the device itself handles the physical transfer.
- Shipping Costs: AWS covers the shipping cost both ways (for standard delivery), but expedited shipping may incur additional charges depending on location.
4. Pricing for Larger Jobs (e.g., Snowmobile for exabyte-scale transfers)
- Customized Pricing: Snowmobile is a large-scale solution and pricing is customized based on the project. Contact AWS for specific pricing.
5. Cost of Optional Services
EC2 instances (if used alongside Snowball Edge Compute Optimized) are billed separately based on usage.
Note: For Up-to-Date AWS Snowball Pricing Click Here
Conclusion
AWS Snowball is a powerful, cost-effective solution for fast, secure data migration to AWS. It’s perfect for transferring petabytes of data, ensuring security, reducing transfer times, and eliminating the challenges of slow internet speeds. Whether you need it for cloud migration, disaster recovery, or edge computing, AWS Snowball makes moving large data sets simple, fast, and affordable.
If your business is looking for an efficient way to transfer large amounts of data to the cloud, AWS Snowball is the answer. Choose AWS Snowball for secure, reliable, and cost-effective data transfer.
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