AWS DataSync
File migration software
Cloud migration software
Data replication software
Backup software
Data integration tools
Cloud data integration software
Data recovery software
Phone data recovery software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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Pay-as-you-go
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- Media and communications
- Information technology and software
- Transportation and logistics
What is AWS DataSync
AWS DataSync is a managed data transfer service used to move files between on-premises storage, edge locations, and AWS storage services. It is typically used by IT and cloud teams for one-time migrations, recurring replication, and ongoing data movement to support hybrid workflows. The service uses an agent-based architecture for on-premises/edge sources and integrates with AWS identity, networking, and monitoring controls. It focuses on file/object transfer to AWS endpoints rather than application-level migration or end-user device recovery.
Native AWS storage integration
DataSync connects directly to common AWS storage targets such as Amazon S3, Amazon EFS, and Amazon FSx. This reduces the need for custom transfer scripts and simplifies moving data into AWS-native storage services. It also fits into AWS account governance patterns (IAM, VPC networking, CloudWatch) that many AWS-centric teams already use.
Supports hybrid and edge sources
The service supports transfers from on-premises NAS and file servers via NFS/SMB using a deployable DataSync agent. This makes it suitable for data center-to-cloud migrations and ongoing hybrid replication without replacing existing storage systems. It can also be used for edge-to-cloud movement where a local agent can be deployed.
Managed scheduling and monitoring
DataSync provides task scheduling, execution history, and operational visibility through AWS consoles and APIs. Teams can automate recurring transfers and track progress and errors without building a separate orchestration layer. Integration with AWS logging/monitoring helps standardize operations for organizations already using AWS tooling.
AWS-centric destination model
DataSync is designed primarily to move data into and within AWS storage services. Organizations needing broad multi-cloud or SaaS-to-SaaS migration patterns may find the endpoint coverage narrower than tools built for heterogeneous cloud ecosystems. Using it outside AWS-centric architectures can require additional components or alternative services.
Not a full backup platform
While it can be used as part of a backup or DR workflow, DataSync does not provide end-to-end backup features such as policy-based retention management, immutable backup controls, or application-aware backup orchestration by itself. Teams typically pair it with AWS storage features and/or separate backup tooling to meet compliance and recovery requirements. This can increase solution design complexity compared with dedicated backup suites.
No phone data recovery use case
Despite being listed under phone data recovery software, DataSync does not target mobile device data extraction, forensic recovery, or end-user phone restore workflows. It operates at infrastructure and storage layers (NFS/SMB and AWS storage endpoints) rather than consumer device interfaces. Buyers seeking phone data recovery capabilities will need a specialized product category.
Plan & Pricing
Pricing model: Pay-as-you-go (flat per-GB fee for data transferred)
Free tier/trial: No permanently free tier or time-limited trial is explicitly stated on the AWS DataSync pricing page. The page shows a "Get started for free" link that directs to AWS account/console signup, not a documented free tier or time-limited trial.
Unit prices (official page examples):
- Basic mode data transfers: $0.0125 per GB transferred.
- Enhanced mode data transfers: $0.015 per GB transferred.
- Enhanced mode tasks: $0.55 per task execution (charged per task execution).
Additional charges (from official page): Standard AWS request, storage, and data transfer charges apply when reading from or writing to AWS services (S3, EFS, FSx, etc.). You may also incur charges for AWS PrivateLink (control-plane endpoints), Amazon CloudWatch (Logs/Metrics/Events), and AWS Secrets Manager if using custom secrets.
Discounts / pricing assistance: No public committed-use or volume-discount details shown on the pricing page; the page provides a "Get pricing assistance" link to contact AWS for personalized quotes.
Notes: AWS states there are no upfront costs and no minimum charges.
Seller details
Amazon Web Services, Inc.
Seattle, Washington, USA
2006
Subsidiary
https://aws.amazon.com/
https://x.com/awscloud
https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazon-web-services/
