AWS Storage Gateway vs NetApp AltaVault comparison

AWS Storage Gateway provides hybrid cloud storage services that give users access to unlimited cloud storage. As a part of the Amazon Web Services, one of the leading on-demand cloud computing platforms, the AWS Storage Gateway allows you to use the AWS storage without the need to rewrite your applications. It does this by providing protocols like iSCSI, NFS, and SMB. It works by caching frequently accessed data on premises and simultaneously storing data on AWS, as well as optimizing data transfer in the cloud. The optimization it provides for AWS is done by sending only changed data and by compressing data.

AWS Storage Gateway provides the option for in-cloud processing by integrating with Amazon S3 and FSx for Windows File Server. It works with AWS Identity and Access Management to secure access management to services and recourse. It is also compatible with data encryption in the cloud by working with AWS Key Management Service, for monitoring with Amazon CloudWatch, and for activity of account logging with AWS CloudTrail. Through AWS Backup, you can manage backup and retention policies for AWS Storage Gateway. Users have access to a maximum supported size of local cache per gateway of up to 64 TiB on a virtual machine.

The use cases for AWS Storage Gateway include the ability to store incoming data from on-premises instruments in Amazon Simple Storage Services, as well as using AWS for data analysis. It provides the opportunity to modernize your interactive file sharing while simplifying management and reducing costs. AWS Storage Gateway is also suitable for backing up data in the cloud, giving users virtually unlimited scale.

The following services allow Amazon Storage Gateway to provide on-premises applications with access to cloud storage:

• Amazon S3 File Gateway: Using file protocols like Network File System and Server Message Block, users can store and retrieve objects in Amazon Simple Storage Service S3.
  
  
• Amazon FSx File Gateway: Store and retrieve files in Amazon FSx for Windows File Server through the Server Message Block protocol.
  
  
• Volume Gateway: AWS Storage Gateway offers users block storage for on-premises applications. Users can make copies of volumes and manage retention, as well as restore snapshots.
  
  
• Tape Gateway: Backup applications are provided with an iSCSI virtual tape library (VTL) interface that consists of virtual tape drivers, virtual tapes, and a virtual media changer.

AWS Storage Gateway Benefits

Due to its value-added features, AWS Storage Gateway has many benefits, which include:

• Ability to store data in AWS on various devices
• Provides virtually unlimited cloud storage because it's based on the AWS cloud
• Integrates with many AWS management services, such as AWS CloudTrail, AWS Identity, Access Management (IAM), Amazon CloudWatch
• Effectively optimizes data transfer to AWS storage

Reviews from Real Users

Rohit V., Associate Manager at UnitedHealth Group, says that the best part about AWS Storage Gateway is that it has flexibility, securitye, and little maintenance. His company no longer worries about security and vulnerability issues since they've started using AWS Storage Gateway.

The Chef manager at an insurance company says AWS Storage Gateway is scalable, handles large amounts of data, and has a straightforward installation. His company uses it for migration purposes from their on-premise data.

Bahattin Y., CTO at BE1 consultancy, says that AWS Storage Gateway is a flexible solution with a good response time and easy-to-use storage. His organization uses it for a crypto exchange.

NetApp AltaVault is a cloud-integrated storage solution created to increase recovery capabilities and lower cost and risks. It is better than traditional backup and recovery solutions because they are considerably slower, more expensive, risky, and can be too complex for the comprehension of many users. NetApp AltaVault solves issues related to backup, archival, and restoration. Compared to on-premises solutions, this software claims to be up to 90% less expensive while solving multiple issues related to data storage in the cloud. AltaVault presents three solutions to its customers: backup and recovery, cold storage and archives, and disaster recovery.

1. NetApp’s backup and recovery solution works with Kerne-Based Virtual Machine, Microsoft Hyper-V, and VMware vSphere, creating a solution for mid-sized businesses as well as for bigger companies that want to protect their offices in different locations. The usable local cache capacities of this solution range from 32TB to 383TB, providing clients with enough storage for their important data while giving them the option to retrieve it if something goes amiss.

2. NetApp AltaVault can be configured in cold storage mode and used for data that is not often used. The solution is scalable, thus allowing minimal costs for operating with cold data and allowing fast access to it at the same time.

3. AltaVault offers disaster recovery for Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Your data will be secured on the cloud, providing you with a secure backup if the need for disaster recovery arises.

NetApp AltaVault Features

NetApp AltaVault’s many valued features include:

• Data reduction: NetApp AltaVault applies deduplication and compression, reducing data up to a 30:1 ratio.
  
  
• Network and cloud optimization: AltaVault can increase data transfer speed by up to 4 times due to its built-in WAN optimization.
  
  
• Data restoration: Because data is restored from the local cache, recoverability is up to 32 times faster than other methods.
  
  
• Deployment and scale: Users can choose their preferred method - virtual, physical, or cloud-based in Azure or AWS. Since NetApp AltaVault starts at 2TB and can scale up to 57PB, it is one of the most scalable products in its category.
  
  
• Compatible with existing backup software: NetApp AltaVault is compatible with NetApp SnapMirror, EMC, IBM, Commvault, Veritas, and Veeam, meaning it offers a vast array of options for its users when it comes to backup software.
  
  
• Cloud choice and agility: AltaVault supports NetApp StorageGRID, Azure, Google, IBM, and AWS. This provides users with the assurance that their data is safely stored, even if their cloud provider experiences technical issues.

NetApp AltaVault Benefits

The benefits of using NetApp AltaVault include:

• Efficient solution for data reduction
• Compatible with leading public and private cloud storage providers
• Provides data encryption

Reviews from Real Users

A Pre-sales Manager at a computer software company says NetApp AltaVault has fair pricing with a good GUI and a straightforward setup.