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AWS Snowball Reviews

Vendor: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
4.2 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
January 2025
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AWS Snowball mindshare

Product category:
Cloud Migration
As of February 2025, the mindshare of AWS Snowball in the Cloud Migration category stands at 0.8%, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Cloud Migration
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

AWS Snowball offers a user-friendly interface, high-speed data upload, and cost-effectiveness. Users value its security, flexibility, and scalability, appreciating features like end-to-end encryption, tamper-evident seals, and access control through AWS Identity and Access Management. The ability to transfer and mesh data efficiently without heavy infrastructure investment is highlighted. It aids with logging, monitoring, and provides edge computing, high-capacity transfer, and portability. Managed services and innovation in AWS tools further enhance its appeal.
  • "The solution is elastic."
  • "The solution is elastic."
  • "AWS helps save time and costs, being a managed cloud provider with evolving services."

Room for Improvement

AWS Snowball could expand connectivity options for easier data movement. Beginners find it challenging, suggesting a need for improved usability and beginner support. Prepackaging industry-specific solutions instead of custom builds would enhance implementation. Stability and broader geographic availability need attention. Security during transit, handling risks, and physical vulnerabilities are concerns. More responsive support is required. Users find pricing comparisons complex, influenced by customer needs and regional service availability, especially when comparing AWS with Azure or Google.
  • "The costs of services the customer needs also matter, such as storage requirements and whether storage is rational."
  • "24/7 support is more expensive on AWS compared to Azure."
  • "AWS support could be more responsive."

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 pricing varies based on the device type, data transfer amount, and service fees. It offers on-demand and committed upfront pricing models, with a flat job fee covering the first ten days on-site. While considered expensive, especially for services like SQS, it remains a viable option for different organizations due to its affordability and adaptability. Buyers should plan and assess data needs carefully to optimize the investment in AWS Snowball.
  • "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 used for data transfer, ETL processes, and disaster recovery. It enables organizations to move large data volumes to the cloud securely and quickly. Companies benefit from an efficient way to upload and archive vast amounts of data without relying exclusively on internet connections. Some clients use AWS Snowball for secure data migration and backup storage. The device assists with integrating on-premises data warehouses with AWS Cloud for analytics and infrastructure management.

Service and Support

Many users are pleased with AWS Snowball customer service, citing a knowledgeable support team and quick response times. Some emphasize the importance of 24/7 support, especially for critical issues during data transfer. While no direct technical support is often required due to in-house expertise or community resources, those needing assistance report satisfying experiences. Although AWS support can be costlier than Azure, the reliability and effectiveness make it a valued service for many.

Deployment

Some users find AWS Snowball's initial setup straightforward and simple, requiring minimal steps. Others consider it complex, especially for non-specialists and end-users. Prior AWS knowledge may be necessary. Deployment time varies by project size, ranging from days to weeks. Steps include creating a job, specifying type, and data encryption. While AWS users find it manageable, some seek additional assistance for complex integration. The platform's accessibility is noted, with setup completion times of a few days reported by some users.

Scalability

AWS Snowball demonstrates high scalability capabilities, supporting a wide range from 100 to 10,000 users. Scalability ratings are typically high, up to nine out of ten, underscoring its effectiveness. While some users experience limitations after device return, AWS infrastructure complements Snowball’s scalability. Manual scaling might be required for certain components, yet elasticity remains a prominent feature. Organizations spanning various sizes appreciate its capacity to support diverse user bases and technical requirements.

Stability

AWS Snowball is regarded as stable by users who report minimal issues. Many find it extremely stable due to AWS infrastructure, rating it high on stability. Some note its effectiveness, especially for data transfer without AWS connection, while a few mention intermittent failures but still give decent ratings. A minority suggest improvements. Users often rate its stability between seven and nine out of ten, indicating a generally positive experience with its performance.
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

By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

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

AWS Snowball customers

Wazee Digital, Craftsy, Live Nation, Essess

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