A Guide to Transferring Data from Amazon EFS to Amazon S3 using AWS DataSync

Overview

In the ever-evolving landscape of cloud computing, seamless and efficient data transfers are essential for organizations seeking to optimize their storage solutions. This guide explores the intricacies of transitioning data from Amazon Elastic File System (EFS) to Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) using AWS DataSync.

Introduction

AWS Datasync: AWS Datasync is an online data transfer service that simplifies, automates, and accelerates moving data between storage systems and services. Datasync can copy data to and from Network File System (NFS) file servers. Server Message Block (SMB) file servers.

Amazon EFS: Amazon Elastic File System (Amazon EFS) is a simple, serverless, set-and-forget, elastic file system. There is no minimum fee or setup charge. You pay only for the storage you use, for read and write access to data stored in Infrequent Access storage classes, and for any provisioned throughput.

Amazon S3: Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) is an object storage service that offers industry-leading scalability, data availability, security, and performance. You can use Amazon S3 to store and retrieve any amount of data at any time, from anywhere.

Prerequisites

Before initiating the process of transferring data from Amazon Elastic File System (EFS) to Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) using AWS DataSync, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the necessary prerequisites. Ensuring these prerequisites will help facilitate a smooth and successful data transfer. Here are the key prerequisites:

AWS Account:

Ensure you have an active AWS account with the necessary permissions to create and manage AWS resources, including AWS DataSync, Amazon EFS, and Amazon S3.

AWS DataSync Agent:

Deploy an AWS DataSync Agent in a network that has access to both the source Amazon EFS file system and the destination Amazon S3 bucket. This agent acts as a bridge between the source and destination, facilitating the secure data transfer.

AWS IAM Roles and Permissions:

Set up AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) roles with the necessary permissions. Ensure that the AWS DataSync Agent has permission to read data from the source Amazon EFS file system and write data to the destination Amazon S3 bucket.

Amazon EFS Configuration:

Confirm that the source Amazon EFS file system is properly configured and accessible. Ensure the AWS DataSync Agent has the required permissions to access the Amazon EFS file system.

Amazon S3 Bucket:

Create the destination Amazon S3 bucket where you want to transfer the data. Configure the Amazon S3 bucket settings, such as access control and storage class, based on your specific requirements.

Steps to create Amazon S3, Amazon EFS, and AWS Data sync

Step 1: Create one bucket in any region you want.

Step 2: Go to the Amazon EFS and click Create a file. Select the single AZ. Select the Availability Zone.

Step 3: Click on Create.

Step 4: Create one Linux server and go to the security group of the Amazon EFS, click on edit inbound rules, click on add rule, select the nfs, and attach the Amazon EC2 security group.

Step 5: SSH into the Linux server, install the nfs-client inside the server, and create one EFS directory.

Step 6: Select the Amazon EFS and click on attach then, you will get some commands for nfs. Copy it, go to the Amazon EC2 server, and run the command.

Step 7: Create some files touch file1.txt.

Step 8: Go to the AWS DataSync console. Click on create a task. Select the source location.

Step 9: Select the destination location and select the bucket name.

Step 10: Click on autogenerate for the AWS IAM role and click on next.

Step 11: Give a task name.

Step 12: You can select some custom cron job to run the AWS DataSync, but the minimum AWS DataSync cron job is scheduled for 1 hour.

Step 13: Click on next.

Step 14: Review it and click on Create task.

Step 15: Select Start with defaults if you want to run it manually.

Note: There will be no data transfer cost if Amazon S3 and Amazon EFS are in the same region. You will also get charged for the data transfer cost if they are in different regions.

Benefits

Transferring data from Amazon EFS to Amazon S3 using AWS DataSync offers organizations a scalable and cost-effective solution for managing their evolving data storage needs. With Amazon S3’s virtually limitless storage capacity and various storage classes catering to different access patterns, businesses can optimize costs while ensuring the adaptability of their storage infrastructure. AWS DataSync facilitates this transition by automating the data transfer process, allowing scheduled transfers to maintain data consistency between Amazon EFS and Amazon S3. The efficient network utilization and built-in verification features ensure that data integrity is preserved during the transfer. Real-time monitoring tools provide visibility into the transfer progress, giving organizations confidence that their data is securely and promptly moved between the two storage solutions.

The benefits extend to the flexibility of Amazon S3, making transferred data accessible for various use cases such as data analytics, archival, and serving static websites. The secure data transfer protocols, including encryption in transit, enhance overall data security. This solution meets the current storage requirements and positions organizations to adapt to changing needs, thanks to the user-friendly interface and integration with other AWS services. In essence, the Amazon EFS to AmazonS3 data transfer through AWS DataSync empowers businesses with a robust, scalable, and adaptable data management strategy that aligns with the dynamic nature of the digital landscape.

Conclusion

By adopting this approach, businesses can optimize costs, enhance data accessibility, and maintain data integrity, positioning themselves to meet current and future storage demands. The amalgamation of AWS DataSync’s user-friendly interface and the versatile nature of Amazon S3 creates a powerful synergy, empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of modern data management with confidence and efficiency.

Drop a query if you have any questions regarding Data Transfer and we will get back to you quickly.

About CloudThat

CloudThat is a leading provider of Cloud Training and Consulting services with a global presence in India, the USA, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Specializing in AWS, Microsoft Azure, GCP, VMware, Databricks, and more, the company serves mid-market and enterprise clients, offering comprehensive expertise in Cloud Migration, Data Platforms, DevOps, IoT, AI/ML, and more.

CloudThat is recognized as a top-tier partner with AWS and Microsoft, including the prestigious ‘Think Big’ partner award from AWS and the Microsoft Superstars FY 2023 award in Asia & India. Having trained 650k+ professionals in 500+ cloud certifications and completed 300+ consulting projects globally, CloudThat is an official AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, AWS Training Partner, AWS Migration Partner, AWS Data and Analytics Partner, AWS DevOps Competency Partner, Amazon QuickSight Service Delivery Partner, Amazon EKS Service Delivery Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner, AWS Microsoft Workload Partners, Amazon EC2 Service Delivery Partner, and many more.

To get started, go through our Consultancy page and Managed Services Package, CloudThat’s offerings.