Object storage review in 2023
The amount of data your BOBcloud backups generate will continue to grow exponentially in 2023, therefore, we have had a quick refresh of the most popular S3 object storage services.
We have been using dedupe since 2021 and continue to improve it. Not only is this technically sensible, but it also reduces restores times (less data to download and stitch together), and reduces your 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 are those that offer a combination of features such as scalability, security, ease of use, and affordability.
The largest player in the object storage market is Amazon Web Services’ S3 (Simple Storage Service). S3 is a highly scalable and cost-effective storage solution that can store and retrieve any amount of data from 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, S3 offers the required levels of security needed. These include encryption of data in transit and at rest, and access controls that can be customised (normally 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 similar features to S3, such as scalability, security, and flexibility.
Google Cloud Storage is the other in 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.
Backblaze B2 offers an affordable and highly scalable storage solution which is different to 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 certainly 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 customized based on the needs of the organisation.
Round-up?
The best object storage service in 2023 will likely be 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 very important factor to consider is the level of security and compliance offered by the storage service. 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 all offer robust security features, including encryption of data both in transit and at rest, and access controls that can be customized based on the needs of the organisation.
Cost is an important consideration for all organisations when choosing an object storage service.
Our winner
We pick Wasabi every time. Their persistence and durability of data is matched by the top three and we have never lost a file from their network.
They are also the lowest-cost provider and the only one without extra charges. *They do charge egress if you download more data than you have stored. The other three have extra 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 a purley a cloud storage company.