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AWS Snowball Reviews

Vendor: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
4.4 out of 5
Badge Ranked 1
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What is AWS Snowball?

Snowball is a petabyte-scale data transport solution that uses devices designed to be secure to transfer large amounts of data into and out of the AWS Cloud. Using Snowball addresses common challenges with large-scale data transfers including high network costs, long transfer times, and security concerns. Customers today use Snowball to migrate analytics data, genomics data, video libraries, image repositories, backups, and to archive part of data center shutdowns, tape replacement or application migration projects. Transferring data with Snowball is simple, fast, more secure, and can be as little as one-fifth the cost of transferring data via high-speed Internet.

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Buyer's Guide
Cloud Migration
December 2024
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Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

AWS Snowball offers key features such as high-speed data upload, user-friendly interface, logistical efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for large data transfers. It provides exceptional security with end-to-end encryption, tamper-evident seals, and AWS Identity and Access Management controls. Flexibility and scalability are enhanced by allowing data manipulation outside AWS infrastructure. It has durable design, traceability, and TransSearch for secure data transfer. Security measures safeguard against loss, ensuring data integrity.
  • "The flexibility of AWS Snowball is valuable. Its security allows for the ability to move and secure data without concern if the device is lost and the option to trace it back to AWS data centers."
  • "The features I like best are the tool's high capacity, scalability, end-to-end encryption for data security, ease of use, durability, and cost-effectiveness. It's particularly cost-effective for transferring large amounts of data compared to high-speed internet transfers."
  • "The most valuable features of AWS Snowball for me are its security measures and its flexibility."

Room for Improvement

AWS Snowball needs improved connectivity and a better user experience for beginners. Expanding availability to more countries and enhancing data transfer setups for various industries would also help. Stability issues and prepackaging could be better addressed. Risks in data security, physical handling, and time management during transfers require attention. Enhancements in security features during transport and facilitating broader reach would allow more users to benefit.
  • "If AWS Snowball is intercepted, there is a potential risk of unauthorized access to the data."
  • "There's always room for improvement as you use the service more and gain expertise. Some challenges I've faced include the time factor (data transfer can be time-consuming), data validation after the transfer, risks associated with physical handling and shipping of the device, and ensuring data security during transit."
  • "I think AWS Snowball could improve by expanding its availability to more countries."

ROI

Users reported a significant reduction in data transfer time and costs with AWS Snowball. They mentioned streamlined operations and enhanced efficiency. The initial investment was quickly recovered due to lower operational expenses. Enhanced data security and reliability contributed to improved business continuity. Users experienced faster time-to-insight and a notable decrease in manual handling errors, validating their decision to use AWS Snowball for their data migration and storage needs, enhancing overall business performance.

Pricing

AWS Snowball's pricing structure offers flexibility with on-demand and committed upfront models, catering to diverse organizational needs. Costs may include customs fees or taxes, apart from standard charges for larger data transfers, the type of device chosen, and service fees. The pricing encompasses a flat job fee, covering the first ten days of on-site usage, while typically excluding data transfer fees. Although perceived as costly, many find the price reasonable for its capabilities.
  • "The tool's pricing depends on the type of Snowball device you choose, the amount of data you need to transfer, and the service fees involved. There’s a standard price for larger data transfers and a flat job fee, which includes the first ten days of on-site usage. Typically, there are no additional data transfer fees."
  • "It's not a cheap solution, but the price is right for the product."

Popular Use Cases

AWS Snowball is primarily used for moving large data volumes, facilitating cloud uploads, and data transformation. Many users employ it for ETL processes, adding analytical layers to data warehouses. It aids in large-scale data migrations and disaster recovery by enabling secure transfers. Despite shipping restrictions in regions like Pakistan, users find it efficient due to its reduced reliance on internet connections, accelerating data transfer to AWS from on-premises environments. Snowball is also utilized for integrating with public cloud networks.

Service and Support

AWS customer service for Snowball is praised for its knowledgeable support, especially during data transfer issues. Users often find the documentation helpful, but rely on 24/7 support for critical situations. Many have engaged other AWS products support positively. Some do not contact support directly due to in-house expertise, but when required, the response is quick. APN partners highlight exceptional support experiences. Satisfaction levels rate highly, emphasizing the value of AWS's technical assistance.

Deployment

Initial setup of AWS Snowball ranges from straightforward to complex. Some find it easy with clear instructions, while others require assistance. Setup time varies by data size and complexity, taking days to weeks. Steps include job creation, storage details, and device selection in AWS management console, with clear data encryption reminders. Deployment depends on project's scope; simple ones are in-house, complex may need external help. Users find the understanding simple but implementation challenging.

Scalability

AWS Snowball is generally perceived as highly scalable. Many users find it easy to implement elastic scalability with support for both vertical and horizontal scaling among various business sizes. Some express concern about scalability limitations once devices have been returned and emphasize the need to plan for seamless data transfers. Organizations largely rate scalability positively, typically aligning the experience with medium to large-scale usage needs. Challenges may arise if scaling is required urgently before device retrieval.

Stability

AWS Snowball is largely considered stable by users, with many experiencing no issues. Some attribute reliability to AWS infrastructure. A few suggest improvements are needed, but the majority rate stability highly, with one giving a nine out of ten. Users appreciate its capability for secure on-premises data transfer to AWS without the need for a VPN or Direct Connect. Stability remains a key strength for those looking to manage data efficiently.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Cloud Migration Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Financial Services Firm
13%
Government
9%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Retailer
6%
Insurance Company
5%
University
5%
Energy/Utilities Company
4%
Healthcare Company
4%
Educational Organization
4%
Comms Service Provider
3%
Construction Company
2%
Hospitality Company
2%
Legal Firm
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Non Profit
2%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Transportation Company
2%
Logistics Company
2%
Media Company
2%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%
Performing Arts
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%
Marketing Services Firm
1%

Learn more about AWS Snowball

AWS Snowball was previously known as Amazon AWS Snowball, Amazon Snowball, Snowball.

Product Video

AWS Snowball customers

Wazee Digital, Craftsy, Live Nation, Essess

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