Headline: Amazon Discontinues Snowcone and Older Snowball Data Migration Devices
AWS Phases Out Snowcone and Select Snowball Models, Signals Shift to Online Migrations
In a significant shift in its data migration strategy, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the discontinuation of its Snowcone data migration devices and several older models of its Snowball appliances. This move, effective Tuesday, marks a transition towards more cloud-focused data migration solutions, as the company observes a growing preference among customers for online migration methods over offline options.
The End of Snowcone
The Snowcone device, measuring a compact 9x6x3 inches, was designed for customers requiring a ruggedized network-attached storage (NAS) solution to facilitate data migration to the cloud. Available in 8TB hard disk and 14TB SSD versions, Snowcone devices were shipped to clients, allowing them to physically load data before sending the devices back to AWS for upload into their selected S3 buckets.
However, following the official discontinuation announcement, all related documentation and data sheets have vanished from AWS’s website. A record from the Wayback Machine indicated the devices’ specifications but now leaves users without support materials. AWS, reassuring existing customers, stated, "We will continue to support Snowcone users until this time next year." Despite this support, the urgency remains for customers to complete their data transfers to avoid having unused devices.
Sunsetting Older Snowball Models
The discontinuation does not stop with Snowcone. AWS has also chosen to retire three previous-generation Snowball Edge devices: the Snowball Edge Storage Optimized with 80GB, the Edge Compute Optimized featuring 52 vCPUs, and the Compute Optimized equipped with a GPU. Customers using these devices have until next year to return them, ensuring a smooth transition into the arms of more modern cloud initiatives.
Meanwhile, AWS reassures its clientele that not all Snowball devices are disappearing. The latest generation of Snowball Edge appliances remains available, boasting higher capacities and performances, including storage options up to 210TB of NVMe storage and compute capabilities with 104 vCPU cores. Notably, users seeking GPU-equipped models are left without options, as those devices are being retired.
A Notable Industry Shift
This strategy aligns with Amazon’s feedback from clients expressing a desire for more direct online data migration solutions. “Our customers strongly prefer online migrations to offline,” an AWS spokesperson commented. This inclination reflects a broader trend in the technology sector, where organizations increasingly seek to leverage cloud capabilities rather than invest in physical migration hardware.
In place of the retired devices, AWS suggests utilizing its established services such as DataSync and AWS Direct Connect for seamless data transitions. For organizations pursuing edge computation, the more traditional 1U and 2U on-prem Outpost systems are recommended over the Snowball’s previous suitcase-style offerings.
The Impact of AWS’s Decisions on the Industry
AWS’s decisions to phase out these devices may prompt other technology providers to reevaluate their data migration strategies. As more enterprises adopt cloud-first practices, the demand for portable data transfer solutions may decline significantly. This is particularly interesting given recent AWS initiatives, where the cost and hassle associated with physical data transfer appear to outweigh the benefits in many customer scenarios.
Notably, this announcement follows AWS’s earlier decision to discontinue its Snowmobile service, a truck-based solution intended for transferring petabyte-scale amounts of data. Instead, AWS seems determined to carve out a path towards refining services that prioritize speed, flexibility, and efficiency through online options.
Engaging with the Cloud Transition
As AWS navigates this transformative phase, businesses currently utilizing the Snowcone or older Snowball devices are encouraged to share their experiences and insights. How will the discontinuation of these products impact your cloud migration plans?
Your thoughts matter, and we invite you to engage with this conversation by leaving a comment or sharing your perspective on social media! For further reading on AWS and the evolution of data migration, explore additional resources from reputable technology outlets such as TechCrunch, The Verge, or Wired.
By staying informed and connected, we can better navigate the changing landscape of cloud technology and data migration.
