Nov 19, 2023
Introduction to the AWS Snow Family – Addressing Disconnected Scenarios with AWS Snow Family
In today’s interconnected world, reliable connectivity is often taken for granted. However, there are numerous scenarios where maintaining a consistent network connection is a challenge, such as remote locations, disaster-stricken areas, or environments with limited or intermittent network access. In these disconnected scenarios, organizations require a solution that can ensure data availability, enable efficient data processing, and one that will support critical operations. This is where the AWS Snow Family comes into play, providing a range of robust and versatile solutions designed specifically to address the unique requirements of disconnected environments.
In this chapter, we will explore how the AWS Snow Family empowers organizations to overcome the limitations of disconnected scenarios and seamlessly bridge the gap between on-premises infrastructure and the cloud. We will delve into the features and capabilities of AWS Snow Family offerings and discuss their use cases, benefits, and considerations. Whether it’s securely transferring large amounts of data, performing on-site data processing and analysis, or extending cloud services to the edge, the AWS Snow Family offers reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that cater to the needs of disconnected environments. Join us as we discover the power of AWS Snow to enable data-driven decision-making and unlock new possibilities in disconnected scenarios.
Here are the main headings:
Introduction to the AWS Snow Family
Using AWS Snowball Edge
Using AWS Snowcone
Introduction to the AWS Snow Family
The original AWS Snowball service was introduced in 2015. It started out as a mechanism to move large amounts of data when doing so over the network wasn’t reasonable. In the ensuing years, customer demand for new capabilities has driven the expansion of this line into different variants with use-case-specific capabilities:
Figure 4.1 – AWS Snow Family devices
All offer an interface and operating model that is consistent with Amazon EC2 and Amazon S3, and they are all designed to run autonomously. All AWS Snow Family devices operate their own local control, management, and data planes. Thus, they do not require a consistent network connection back to the AWS cloud to operate.
AWS Snow Family devices can all host local object storage buckets that utilize the same API/CLI interface as Amazon S3 buckets. When a customer orders one, it is sent to them, they copy their data to these local buckets, and then they ship the unit back to AWS. This is facilitated by an e-ink display on the unit that eliminates the need to pack it in a box or obtain a shipping label separately. When the device is received by AWS, the data is uploaded to the relevant “real version” of the Amazon S3 bucket in question.
Additionally, AWS Snow Family devices do not have the same restrictive environmental requirements as most off-the-shelf compute and storage hardware. AWS Snow Family devices are found operating in a wide variety of field situations that would be impractical with standard off-the-shelf servers. First responders heading to the site of a disaster can even check them in as luggage.
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