Amazon EBS Snapshots
A backup of an Amazon EBS volume that captures the data at a specific point in time.
Description
Amazon EBS Snapshots are a feature of Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows users to create point-in-time backups of their Elastic Block Store (EBS) volumes. These snapshots are stored in Amazon S3, providing durable, cost-effective storage for backups. When a snapshot is created, it captures the entire state of the volume, enabling users to restore their data to a previous state or create new EBS volumes from the snapshot. Snapshots can be incremental, meaning that only the changes made since the last snapshot are saved, which optimizes storage costs. These snapshots can also be used to replicate data across different AWS regions, enhancing data redundancy and disaster recovery strategies. Businesses often utilize EBS snapshots for various purposes, including system recovery, data migration, and compliance requirements, ensuring that critical data remains safe and accessible even in the event of a failure.
Examples
- A tech startup uses EBS snapshots to back up their application data daily, ensuring minimal data loss in case of unexpected crashes.
- An e-commerce company creates snapshots before major updates to their infrastructure, allowing them to roll back changes if new features cause issues.
Additional Information
- Snapshots can be scheduled using AWS Backup to automate the backup process, ensuring regular protection of data.
- Users can share EBS snapshots with other AWS accounts or make them public, facilitating collaboration and data sharing across different teams or organizations.