What is the difference between AWS DataSync and AWS Storage Gateway?

AWS DataSync is a data transfer service that automates moving data between on-premises storage, Amazon S3, EFS, and FSx at high speeds. AWS Storage Gateway is a hybrid cloud storage service that enables on-premises applications to seamlessly use AWS cloud storage — keeping data on-premises while tiering to the cloud.

When should I use AWS DataSync vs Storage Gateway?

Use AWS DataSync for: one-time or scheduled bulk data migrations to AWS, replication between AWS storage services, and archiving data to S3. Use Storage Gateway when you need: continuous on-premises access to cloud storage, low-latency local caching, hybrid workflows where applications need both local and cloud storage simultaneously.

What protocols does AWS Storage Gateway support?

AWS Storage Gateway supports multiple protocols depending on the gateway type: S3 File Gateway (NFS, SMB), FSx File Gateway (SMB, Active Directory integration), Volume Gateway (iSCSI block storage), and Tape Gateway (virtual tape library for backup applications using iSCSI VTL).

How fast is AWS DataSync for data migration?

AWS DataSync can transfer data at speeds up to 10 Gbps per DataSync task, with automatic network optimisation, parallelisation, and encryption in transit. It's significantly faster than manual tools like rsync and includes built-in data integrity verification to ensure complete, accurate transfers.

AWS DataSync vs AWS Storage Gateway: Key Differences Explained

September 10, 2021 / Nirav Shah

What Is AWS DataSync? Features & Use Cases Explained	What Is AWS Storage Gateway? Overview & Key Features
Online data transfer service	Hybrid cloud storage service
Can be data transfer between on-premises to AWS Between AWS services	Data only transfer between On-premises to AWS
Agent : VM (software agents only) 4 agents: VMware ESXi KVM Hyper-V EC2	Agent : VM 4 agents: VMware ESXi KVM Hyper-V EC2 Or can purchase hardware appliance from Amazon AWS Storage Gateway Hardware Appliance: When to Use It 5 TB SSD 12 TB SSD
Transfer Destination : S3, EFS,Fsx	Transfer Destination: S3,Glacier,Glacier Deep Archive
No types	3 types : 1.File gateway ( file storage in s3) 2.Volume gateway ( block storage as EBS snapshot) – Cached volumes gateway (Low-latency access to your most recently used data.) – Stored volumes gateway (On-premises data with scheduled offsite backups.) 3.Tape gateway ( S3 and can be archived to Amazon S3 Glacier or Amazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/BPBzFZCrVJEgeH6r7	https://photos.app.goo.gl/jimv5SnphzeFzTW26
Protocol : NFS, SMB, or using the Amazon S3 API.	Protocol : iSCSI, SMB, and NFS.
Network performance less compare to storage gateway ,Less secure , High latency	Network performance ,More secure , Low latency and Durable
Encryption : AWS KMS	Compression, encryption, and bandwidth management are built in

Just FYI : FORMULA 1 uses AWS DataSync and AWS Storage Gateway for backup and archiving

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Nirav Shah

Nirav Shah is the Director of Eternal Web Pvt Ltd, an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner and certified Odoo Partner based in the UK. With over a decade of experience in cloud computing, digital transformation, and ERP implementation, Nirav helps enterprises adopt the right technology to solve complex business challenges. He specialises in AWS infrastructure, Odoo ERP, and web development solutions for businesses across the UK and beyond.