Storage on AWS: What s new, is it too complicated? Can it help defend against ransomware?
Just after re:Invent, we talk with storage VP Mai-Lan Tomsen Bukovec about the intricacies and future of the AWS storage platform
Tim Anderson Wed 6 Jan 2021 // 10:02 UTC Share
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Interview At its virtual re:Invent conference, AWS presented faster block storage based on its custom Nitro hardware, strong consistency in its longstanding S3 (Simple Storage Service), and a solution for users forced to buy more storage capacity when all they needed was greater throughput.
Although storage is less trendy than areas like artificial intelligence, getting it right has a big impact on performance and cost. Just after re:Invent, we spoke to Storage VP Mai-Lan Tomsen Bukovec about the range of options on AWS, including new ones just announced. Do customers struggle to make the best choices?
The movement to the cloud means access to data anywhere, enhanced data recovery, flexibility for collaboration, and less of a burden on IT staff. But, while cloud providers boast that their storage services or “buckets” offer added application security, they have also consistently proven vulnerable.
A bucket is a virtual storage unit provided and
partly maintained by a cloud services provider. Much like a file folder on your computer, buckets store data in place of on-location IT infrastructure. As cloud computing has become increasingly popular, bucket breaches have exposed millions of records to the public Internet. The good news: most cloud bucket vulnerabilities are due to misconfiguration and are manageable with appropriate attention to detail.
As AWS storage revenue nears $10B, legacy players feel the heat
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The storage business as we know it has changed forever.
The storage business as we know it has changed forever. On premises, external storage was once a virtually unlimited and untapped bastion of innovation, VC funding and lucrative exits. Today it is a shadow of its former self and the glory days of storage in the data center will not return. We believe AWS’ storage business is around $6.5-$7B today and will approach $10B annually on a run rate basis by the end of next year. While several trends are affecting the traditional storage business, but by far, AWS’ moves are the most notable.