Object storage is a modern method of storing data, where information is saved as objects rather than files or blocks. This approach is widely used in cloud environments and is ideal for backups, log storage, media files, big data, and much more.
One of the most popular standards in this field is the Amazon S3 API — a universal access protocol supported by dozens of solutions today, including alternatives from other providers. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the right S3-compatible object storage and why the solution from Serverspace deserves your attention.
Why Use Object Storage?
Unlike traditional file or block storage systems, object storage:
- Easily scales to petabyte-level volumes
- Provides data access via HTTP/HTTPS
- Uses unique keys and metadata for object management
- Is ideal for distributed environments and cloud infrastructure
Common use cases include:
- Backups and archives
- Photo and video storage (e.g., for websites and mobile apps)
- Big data and logging
- Static content for websites and CDN distribution
What Does “S3-Compatible” Mean?
S3-compatibility means that the object storage supports the same API as Amazon S3. This brings several advantages:
- Support for popular clients: s3cmd, rclone, Cyberduck, Restic, Duplicity
- Ability to use existing code and tools without modification
- Unified configurations across hybrid or multi-cloud environments
What to Consider When Choosing S3-Compatible Object Storage
1. Location and Access Speed
Where is the data center physically located? The closer it is to your users, the faster the data transfer.
2. Pricing and Billing Transparency
Some providers charge hidden fees for operations like PUT, GET, and LIST. Make sure pricing is clear and straightforward.
3. Reliability and SLA
Check availability guarantees (e.g., 99.9%) and resilience levels such as replication, backups, and data loss protection.
4. Level of S3 Compatibility
Not all APIs are fully implemented. Verify support for features you need: multipart uploads, bucket policies, versioning, etc.
5. Security and Access Control
Essential features include HTTPS, access tokens, IAM policies, and possibly server-side encryption.
Serverspace Object Storage
Serverspace Object Storage is a highly reliable and fully S3-compatible solution that offers:
- Fast deployment and intuitive management via control panel
- Compatibility with any S3-based tools and clients
- Transparent pricing — pay only for the storage you use
- Free internal traffic between object storage and other Serverspace cloud servers
- Data center localization in Europe and the CIS — low latency and compliance with local regulations
Use case examples:
- Backup storage for servers
- Uploadable files for websites and mobile apps
- Static resources (images, JS, CSS) for web projects
How to Connect to Serverspace S3 Object Storage
- In your Serverspace control panel, create a storage bucket and generate access keys.
- Configure a client, for example:
s3cmd --configure# Enter your access key and secret, and set the endpoint (e.g., https://storage.serverspace.io)
- Upload files:
s3cmd put ./backup.tar.gz s3://my-bucket/Alternatively, use rclone, Cyberduck, or any S3-compatible API in your application.
Conclusion
Choosing an S3-compatible object storage solution is about finding the right balance of ease of use, speed, security, and transparent pricing. The solution from Serverspace provides all the key advantages — it integrates easily with existing infrastructure and supports widely used tools.
If you're looking for reliable and affordable object storage with S3 compatibility — try Serverspace Object Storage.
FAQ
- What storage capacity is available?
There are no hard limits — you only pay for the actual volume of data used. - Can I use object storage as a server backup destination?
Yes, it’s one of the most common use cases. The storage supports tools like rsync, restic, duplicity, and Veeam. - Is the storage encrypted?
Yes, you can use either server-side encryption or client-side encryption (e.g., via rclone with crypt). - Does it support file versioning?
Yes, versioning is supported via the API. You can enable it to track object changes.
