In May 2022, AWS announced the availability of two additional storage locations for AWS DataSync: Google Cloud Storage and Azure Files storage.
This expansion increases AWS DataSync’s supported storage locations from 10 to 12 across on-premises, edge, and other cloud storage services. The new additions, Google Cloud Storage and Azure Files storage, are the first sources supported by AWS DataSync which are targeted to competitor services.
While AWS DataSync can now support data migration between AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure Files, users of the service will still have to deal with high data transfer fees across platforms.
Enhanced User Convenience and Flexibility
DataSync supports users’ multi-cloud workflows and data retention requirements by copying and synchronising data across different storage locations. The service also provides verification for data transfers.
Danilo Poccia, chief evangelist (EMEA) at AWS, noted that the inclusion of Google Cloud Storage and Azure Files storage would simplify data processing and storage consolidation tasks while simultaneously facilitating ease of data storage and exchange between customers, vendors, and partners.
Although DataSync’s supported storage locations were previously limited to services provided by Amazon, the interoperability of AWS, Google Cloud Storage, and Azure Files storage enhances user experience by granting customers greater convenience and flexibility when using DataSync.
Barriers to Usage Remain
However, cross-platform data transfer fees may become a significant barrier to customers hoping to make use of AWS DataSync for data migration between AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure Files.
Although there are no specific DataSync costs for the interoperable storage options, customers who aim to move data to AWS from the two additional platforms are still subject to data transfer fees on both Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Furthermore, when moving data out of AWS, customers are also charged for data transfer out of AWS Elastic Computing (Amazon EC2) onto the Internet.
Customers will also likely be concerned about the security of multi-cloud, cross-platform data transfers. According to a Tripwire survey conducted in 2021, 98% of security professionals working in multi-cloud environments expressed their concerns that the multi-cloud model increases security risks.
AWS DataSync uses Google Cloud Platform’s application programming interface to access Google Cloud Storage, and uses a communication protocol created by Microsoft to access Azure Files. Neither of these systems were made by AWS. Despite DataSync’s end-to-end security, including encryption and integrity validation, companies may find troubleshooting and resolving cyber-attacks to be more difficult if their cross-platform data storage locations were compromised.
Ultimately, regardless of potential cost and security concerns, AWS’ move to include Google Cloud and Azure Files as DataSync storage locations is an important step which acknowledges consumer demand for multi-cloud services and platforms. Future adoption and acceptance of AWS’ multi-cloud expansion remains to be seen.
