How to reduce backup cost in AWS (pls note - not using AWS native backup service)

Question

Hi All,

My query is about reducing backup cost in AWS.

I've a client who uses a third party backup tool to backup the compute services. This backup tool is deployed in one AZ, and it takes the backup of all compute resources across all availability zones. This backup traffic is routed using a TGW(AWS Transit Gateway), hence monthly network cost related to network services are quite high. Client already invested in this backup tool, hence can't change that tool and adopt AWS native backup service also. Looking for couple of options to reduce the backup costs by avoiding backup file transfer using TGW. Ultimate aim is to retain the backup for 30 days, with minimal network monthly cost.

Thanks
SVen

Accepted Answer

Where are you going to store the backups? I have seen that the majority of third-party backup tool support S3, so you can use VPC endpoints to send the backups to S3 directly without having to go through the Transit Gateway. Using a lifecycle policy with cheaper storage tiers in S3 can also reduce the cost.

Answer

Hi,

As you cannot change the backup product, my proposal would be to continue taking backups from the backup AZ and store them locally onto S3 instead of shipping them directly to the other region.

And then, use AWS DataSync to copy those S3 backups to the other region in a replica S3 bucket as soon as the backups in origin region are complete.

That would save the hourly cost of the TGW connections while easily exporting the backups to the other region, where they can be restored by the same s/w.  The cost of data transfer itself is similar between TGW and DataSync. So, you can keep the existing software in place while saving on the TGW costs.

Best,

Didier

How to reduce backup cost in AWS (pls note - not using AWS native backup service)

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