

It is integrated as a distinct storage class within the S3 list of storage classes dedicated to long-term data storage. The S3 Glacier Flexible Retrieval is no longer a stand-alone storage solution. It also uses the S3 storage bucket as a repository for metadata of the Glacierbased cold-stored objects, making the metadata retrieval (and subsequently, data listing), much faster when compared to the legacy Vault-based Glacier storage.

S3 Glacier Flexible Retrieval uses S3 APIs for data management. S3 Glacier Flexible Retrieval Storage ClassĪs the name implies, the Amazon S3 Glacier Flexible Retrieval (formerly known as just " S3 Glacier") is a combination of both S3 and Glacier storage solutions into one ecosystem with a single set of APIs. The vault where the data is stored can also be applied with a vault lock which prevents locked data deletion for a specified period.ĭespite Glacier Vault storage is no longer actively developed by Amazon, it is still functional.Īt MSP360, we recommend to our clients use more modern Glacier storage solutions described below, and the ones adequate to their particular use cases as well as data retrieval time and cost expectations. Typically, it takes about 4 hours to retrieve metadata which in turn clears the way for full or partial retrieval of the dataset (that requires additional time in correspondence with the chosen retrieval policy). Once uploaded, the dataset stored in the Glacier vault can be listed by requesting the metadata with an API request. However, both of these properties can be influenced by applying a retrieval policy specific to the use case: either a standard, bulk (aimed at cost-effective retrieval of big datasets), or expedited policy (aimed at faster retrieval of data). It uses storage containers named vaults (opposed to S3 buckets) and its own set of APIs for data uploading and retrieving.Īs the storage price is cheaper compared to S3, data retrieval is more expensive and time-consuming. Glacier Vault is an archive storage solution independent from AWS S3. Amazon Glacier Storage solutions support in MSP360 (CloudBerry) Backup products and services.

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With the introduction of the Amazon S3 Glacier storage class, some confusion persisted among AWS customers: what exactly was changed, and how to apply these changes properly? Below are a few simple answers to state the most notable points of difference between the Glacier-related AWS storage solutions. This article brings you a better understanding of the difference between Amazon S3 Glacier storage classes for the regular S3 storage and the legacy Glacier Vault storage. Amazon S3 Glacier Storage Classes and Glacier Vault Differences Explained
