EBS Snapshot Features: Snapshot Archive and Recycle Bin

EBS Snapshot Archive

The EBS Snapshot Archive is a feature that helps you save costs by moving older, less frequently accessed snapshots to a lower-cost storage tier. Normally, snapshots are stored in standard storage, which is more expensive. But if you have snapshots that you rarely use, you can archive them to save money.

Key Features:

• Cost-efficient: Moving snapshots to the archive tier can reduce storage costs by up to 75%.

• Restoration: Archived snapshots can be restored when needed, though it might take some time (up to 72 hours).

• Lifecycle Management: You can automate the process of moving snapshots to the archive tier after a certain period using Amazon Data Lifecycle Manager (DLM).

Recycle Bin for EBS Snapshots

The Recycle Bin is like a safety net for deleted EBS Snapshots. It ensures that when you delete a snapshot, it doesn’t disappear immediately. Instead, it is moved to the Recycle Bin, where it stays for a certain period before permanent deletion. This gives you the chance to recover snapshots that were deleted accidentally.

Key Features:

• Retention Period: You can set how long deleted snapshots stay in the Recycle Bin before they are permanently removed.

• Snapshot Recovery: If you mistakenly delete a snapshot, you can easily recover it from the Recycle Bin.

• Protection from accidental deletion: It helps prevent data loss by giving you an extra layer of protection.

How These Features Help

1. Cost Savings: The EBS Snapshot Archive helps you optimize storage costs by moving less-used snapshots to cheaper storage.

2. Data Protection: The Recycle Bin feature ensures that deleted snapshots aren’t lost forever, giving you peace of mind.

3. Automation: Using lifecycle policies, you can automate snapshot management, making it easier to handle backups and storage.