What is Object Storage? Read our review of the top 5 players in 2023

July 11, 2023,
Object storage image

S3 object storage review

The amount of data your BOBcloud backups generate will grow exponentially in 2023.

Therefore, we have had a quick refresh of the most popular S3 object storage services.

We have been using deduplication since 2021 and continue to improve it. Not only is this technically sensible, but it also reduces restores times (fewer data to download and stitch together) and costs. Object storage services are now the only cloud storage medium we recommend, and it outclasses file storage \ SMB in every aspect.

Object storage offers a cost-effective and highly scalable storage option. In 2023, the best object storage providers offer a combination of features such as scalability, security, ease of use, and affordability.

Amazon Web Services S3 (Simple Storage Service) is the most significant player in the object storage market.

S3 is a highly scalable and cost-effective storage solution that can store and retrieve data anywhere. It also provides multiple storage classes, each designed for different use cases, making it a flexible solution for businesses of all sizes.

Not only does S3 provide scalability and affordability, but S3 also offers the required levels of security.

These include data encryption in transit and at rest and access controls that can be customised (generally on a role basis).

Microsoft’s Azure blobs are a very similar offering to S3. Microsoft’s Azure S3 offering is known as Blob Storage. Azure Blob Storage offers identical features to S3, such as scalability, security, and flexibility.

Google Cloud Storage is among the top three contenders in the object storage space. It provides scalable and durable storage options, with multiple storage classes to suit various use cases. Google Cloud Storage also offers advanced features such as automatic data encryption and lifecycle management, making it a secure and efficient option for businesses.

B2 Backblaze Pricing Vs Wasabi Storage Pricing. Full comparison, test and benchmark.

Backblaze B2 offers an affordable and highly scalable storage solution different from their standard cloud backup service. B2 provides advanced security features, such as two-factor authentication and server-side encryption, making it a secure option for businesses of all sizes.

One of the unique features of Backblaze B2 is its integration with several third-party tools, such as BOBcloud, making it a versatile solution for businesses that require integration with other services.

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is undoubtedly one of our top tips as an object storage service. Wasabi offers highly scalable and cost-effective storage options with no egress* fees or API request charges. It also provides robust security features, including encryption of data both in transit and at rest and access controls that can be customised based on the organisation’s needs.

Conclusion

The best object storage service in 2023 is one that offers a combination of scalability, security, ease of use, and affordability. Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure Blob Storage, Google Cloud Storage, Backblaze B2, and Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage are all strong contenders, each offering unique features and benefits that can make them a good fit for different businesses and use cases.

A significant factor to consider is the level of security and compliance the storage service offers. This is especially important for businesses that deal with sensitive data, such as healthcare or financial organisations. Amazon S3, Azure Blob Storage, Google Cloud Storage, Backblaze B2, and Wasabi offer robust security features, including data encryption both in transit and at rest and access controls that can be customised based on the organisation’s needs.

Cost is essential for all organisations when choosing an object storage service. Our winner We pick Wasabi every time. Their persistence and durability of data are matched by the top three, and we have always retained a file from their network.

They are also the lowest-cost provider and the only one without extra charges. *They charge egress if you download more data than you have stored. The other three have additional charges, such as IO transactions and egress charges up to £50 per TB!

>Maybe this comes from them being a ‘master’ of one skill. They don’t provide VPS’ and are purely a cloud storage company.