This blog is the first in a 4-part series exploring cloud storage cost optimization. The series was originally published in the Journal of Artificial Intelligence & Cloud Computing on March 20. 2024
Journal of Artificial Intelligence &
Cloud Computing
The evolution of the digital landscape has propelled cloud storage to the forefront of modern data management. Its inherent virtues of unparalleled scalability, ubiquitous accessibility, and remarkable flexibility have empowered organizations to surpass on-premises infrastructure and embrace a dynamic, data-driven future. However, cost optimization is a critical challenge in cloud storage usage. Uncontrolled cloud storage expenses can swiftly escalate, eroding profitability and negatively affecting the economic advantages of the cloud model.
Multiple businesses need help navigating pathways for cloud storage cost optimization. This blog series strives to dissect this issue, focusing on cost reduction across the three significant cloud realms – Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Through a comprehensive lens, this blog series dissects the nuanced spectrum of cloud storage options, empowering readers to select the optimal storage type for their specific workloads – the high-performance demands of block storage, the cost-effective scalability of blob/object storage, or the familiar file system access of NFS solutions.
- Block Storage: This storage solution is the bedrock for applications requiring high-performance and persistent data access (e.g., databases, virtual machines). Providers like AWS EBS, Azure Managed Disks, and GCP Persistent Disks offer robust solutions, but navigating cost optimization within this realm demands a strategic approach. This storage solution effectively works on structured data such as relational and transactional databases. While offering low latency and high performance, block storage comes with a higher cost per gigabyte and requires complex management due to its granular block-level data access.
- Blob/object Storage: This storage solution effectively deals with the ever-growing deluge of unstructured data that demand cost-effective storage solutions (e.g., backups, archives, and media files). Object storage offers unparalleled scalability and affordability. However, mastering cost optimization within this expansive realm requires a strategic approach due to its limitations in traditional file system access and retrieval fees. Examples include AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, and GCP Cloud Storage.
- File (NFS) Storage: Network File System is a reliable protocol offered by services like Amazon EFS, FSx for Lustre, NetApp ONTAP, Azure NetApp Files, and GCP Cloud Filestore. This network-attached storage solution provides a shared file system, allowing multiple users to collaborate, access, and modify files. However, while the interface may be familiar, cost optimization within this realm demands a fresh perspective. Furthermore, scaling poses challenges when accommodating massive datasets.
The figure below comprehensively compares the three primary storage options – block, blob/object, and file, summarizing the key characteristics of each and highlighting the distinct use cases to help users make informed storage decisions.
Selecting the optimal cloud storage type for your specific workload transcends mere technical configuration. It represents a strategic decision with profound ramifications for cost optimization, performance efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness. Embracing a profound understanding of the three primary cloud storage types – block, blob/object, and file (NFS) – empowers you to make informed choices that unlock many benefits.
You can optimize your budgetary allocation by paying solely for the features and performance your workload demands. Your applications can experience unparalleled acceleration, seamlessly supported by storage infrastructure tailored to their specific requirements. Operational streamlining becomes a reality, minimizing management complexities and allowing you to prioritize where it truly matters – your data and applications.
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This journey toward unlocking the optimal cloud storage cost optimization solution demands a deep dive into each type of storage. Now that we’ve provided a baseline for cloud storage options and their use cases, the remainder of the blog series will focus on cost optimization techniques for each storage type, Block, Blob/Object, and File (NFS) storage.
If you have any questions about how Sunnylabs can help your teams optimize your cloud storage costs, feel free to contact us!
