Handling massive amounts of data across on-premises and cloud environments can slow down operations and increase the risk of costly mistakes. AWS DataSync tackles this challenge by enabling fast, automated, and secure data movement. In this article, we’ll explore how it works, its key features, and how it can help your business stay agile.
What is AWS DataSync
AWS DataSync is a fully managed data transfer service that simplifies and accelerates the process of moving data between on-premises storage, edge locations, other cloud providers, and AWS storage services such as Amazon S3 and Amazon Elastic File System (EFS).
Rather than manually managing scripts or servers, DataSync automates data migration and synchronization tasks for one-time transfers or continuous updates. This makes it particularly useful for large-scale data movement, hybrid storage setups, or cloud adoption projects requiring efficiency and reliability.
How AWS DataSync Seamlessly Moves Your Data
At the core of AWS DataSync is the DataSync agent, a lightweight software component installed on your on-premises servers or Amazon EC2 instances. The agent securely connects the AWS DataSync service to handle data transfer and synchronization.
Using the AWS Management Console or SDKs, you can configure DataSync tasks that define your source and destination locations, along with optional parameters such as encryption, bandwidth limits, or scheduling preferences. Once configured, DataSync will automatically orchestrate and manage the entire transfer process.
The service supports key features like data encryption (in transit and at rest), built-in integrity verification, and incremental transfers, which only move changed files after the initial sync. You can also set up recurring schedules for continuous data synchronization to ensure your environments
Key Features That Make DataSync Ideal for Your Business
AWS DataSync provides flexible and high-performance data transfer capabilities to support a variety of business needs. Its core functions include.
Data Migration
Move large, active datasets quickly into AWS storage services. DataSync ensures secure delivery with automatic encryption and integrity checks, so your data arrives safely and ready for use.
Archiving Cold Data
Transfer infrequently accessed or legacy data from on-premises storage to durable, low-cost AWS storage classes such as Amazon S3 Glacier Flexible Retrieval or S3 Glacier Deep Archive. This helps free up local storage space and reduces the need to maintain outdated systems.
Data Replication
Copy and synchronize data across different AWS storage options. You can replicate data to Amazon S3, Amazon EFS, or Amazon FSx (including FSx for Windows File Server, FSx for Lustre, and FSx for OpenZFS), creating a cost-effective standby system or backup repository.
Hybrid and In-Cloud Data Processing
Efficiently transfer data between environments for real-time analytics, processing, or training. This is especially useful for hybrid workflows in areas such as Machine Learning, media production, financial analytics, and seismic data processing, where timely access to data is critical.
Why Businesses Rely on AWS DataSync
AWS DataSync offers both performance and operational efficiency through the following advantages.
Automated Data Movement
DataSync eliminates the need for manual transfers or custom scripts by automating both the data transfer process and the supporting infrastructure. It’s designed for high throughput and reliability, reducing administrative effort and human error.
Enhanced Security
With end-to-end encryption and built-in data integrity validation, DataSync ensures your files are transferred securely and accurately. It integrates with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) for controlled access and supports VPC endpoints to enable private data transfers without going through the public internet.
Accelerated Performance
DataSync uses a purpose-built network protocol and parallel, multi-threaded architecture to move data significantly faster than traditional methods. Whether it’s for cloud migration, data analytics, or ongoing synchronization, DataSync helps shorten transfer times and improve overall workflow efficiency.
The Strategic Advantage of Choosing DataSync
AWS DataSync is built for organizations that need to move data at scale, securely, efficiently, and without unnecessary complexity. Instead of developing custom scripts or maintaining costly transfer tools, DataSync provides a ready-to-use solution that automates large-scale data movement between on-premises systems, AWS services, and other cloud environments.
Designed to handle millions of files and petabyte-scale datasets, DataSync simplifies complex transfer processes by managing encryption, validation, and synchronization in the background. This makes it ideal for using cases such as migrating legacy systems to the cloud, archiving or freeing up local storage, maintaining synchronized datasets across locations, and supporting ongoing disaster recovery operations.
Beyond just moving files, DataSync’s incremental synchronization ensures that only changed data is transferred, saving time and bandwidth while keeping all environments up to date. By removing the manual effort of managing data transfers, teams can focus more on analyzing and leveraging their data, rather than just moving it from one place to another.
Also Read: Scale Smarter, Spend Less: How AWS Auto Scaling Transforms Cloud Infrastructure
Choosing the Right AWS Tool for Your Data Needs
AWS offers several options for transferring and managing data between on-premises systems and the cloud, each suited to different needs. Among them, AWS DataSync stands out as the best choice for automated, online data transfers. It moves active or frequently updated data between on-premises systems and AWS quickly and securely, ideal for cloud migration, replication, archiving, or real-time processing.
In contrast, AWS Snowball Edge is used for offline transfers, especially when internet bandwidth is limited or connectivity is unavailable. It’s suitable for remote sites or disconnected environments.
AWS Direct Connect, on the other hand, provides a dedicated network link between your data center and AWS. It ensures stable, low-latency connectivity and can be combined with DataSync for high-speed, private transfers.
AWS Storage Gateway (File Gateway) complements DataSync by giving on-premises applications direct access to cloud-stored data. A common setup is to use DataSync for the initial migration, then File Gateway for ongoing, low-latency access.
Also Read: Amazon Redshift: Move Beyond Spreadsheets
Quick Answers to Help You Master Data Transfers with DataSync
What are the resource requirements for the AWS DataSync agent?
The DataSync agent requires a supported virtual machine environment (such as VMware, Hyper-V, or Amazon EC2) with sufficient CPU, memory, and network resources. Generally, it needs at least 4 vCPUs, 32 GB of RAM, and a stable network connection for optimal performance.
How does AWS DataSync access my Amazon S3 bucket?
DataSync uses an AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) role to access your S3 bucket. You can let DataSync automatically create this role or set it up manually. The IAM policy attached to the role defines what actions DataSync is allowed to perform.
Can I filter the files and folders that AWS DataSync transfers?
Yes. You can use to include or exclude filters to control which files or folders are transferred. Alternatively, you can use a manifest file (in CSV format) to specify an exact list of files or objects to transfer. Note that filters and manifests cannot be used together in the same task.
How fast can AWS DataSync copy my file system to AWS?
Transfer speed depends on data size, source and destination performance, and available network bandwidth. Under optimal conditions, a single DataSync task can fully utilize a 10 Gbps network link.
Partner with CTM as an AWS Advanced Partner in Malaysia
As an AWS Advanced Partner and part of CTI Group, Computrade Technology Malaysia (CTM) helps businesses in Malaysia maximize the value of AWS services, including AWS DataSync.
Our certified experts guide you through the entire process, from assessing your current infrastructure and planning the best migration strategy, to implementing and integrating data transfers seamlessly.
By partnering with CTM, you can accelerate your cloud adoption and focus on leveraging insights from your data, while we take care of the technical complexities.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn how CTM can help your business harness the power of AWS.
Author: Wilsa Azmalia Putri – Content Writer CTI Group
