In today’s data-driven world, efficient storage solutions are essential for organisations dealing with large-scale data. CLIMB-BIG-DATA recognises the importance of an optimal storage system and recommends the use of S3 (Simple Storage Service) object storage over traditional volume storage. This article will outline the key advantages of S3 object storage and explain why it is the preferred option for our users.

• Cost-effectiveness: S3 object storage offers a significant cost advantage over traditional volume storage. With S3, you can make the best out of your budget.
• Seamless Data Sharing: S3 object storage simplifies data sharing by enabling easy access and collaboration with others. Traditional volume storage often involves complex access control and permission settings, limiting data accessibility. In contrast, S3 allows you to share data with specific individuals or even make it publicly accessible to everyone. This streamlined sharing process promotes collaboration and accelerates data-driven decision-making.
• Universal Accessibility: One of the standout features of S3 object storage is its ability to be accessed from anywhere. Whether you are working on notebooks, virtual machines, or other systems, S3 ensures seamless integration and accessibility. Even if your notebooks and S3 storage are located in different regions on the CLIMB-BIG-DATA infrastructure (i.e. notebooks at Birmingham and S3 at Cardiff), you can operate seamlessly without duplicating data. This flexibility enhances productivity, allowing users to work efficiently across diverse environments.
• Flexibility and Scalability: As data volumes continue to grow, scalability becomes crucial. S3 object storage provides a highly scalable solution where additional storage capacity can be easily allocated when needed. Unlike traditional volume storage that requires creating new volumes and splitting data across different locations, S3 allows for storage to be expanded within a single bucket. This flexibility eliminates the complexities of data management, ensuring a hassle-free experience for users.
• Compatibility with Virtual Machines: While S3 object storage is not natively mountable by virtual machines (VMs), there are tools available that bridge the gap for those users who are still using VMs. These tools provide the necessary abstraction layer, enabling seamless interaction between your system and S3 objects. By leveraging these tools, CLIMB-BIG-DATA users can effortlessly integrate S3 object storage with their virtual machine environments.

In conclusion, S3 object storage offers numerous advantages over traditional volume storage for CLIMB-BIG-DATA users. Its cost-effectiveness, simplified data sharing, universal accessibility, scalability, and compatibility make it an ideal choice for storing and managing large-scale data. By adopting S3 object storage, users can leverage its benefits to enhance collaboration, improve data availability, and streamline their workflows.