AWS Expands Cloud Services with Physical Data Upload Locations for Customers

At its re:Invent 2024 conference in Las Vegas, Amazon announced a new service for Amazon Web Services (AWS) customers: Data Transfer Terminal. This physical solution enables customers to upload large amounts of data to the AWS cloud by plugging in their storage devices at designated locations.

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How it Works

To use the Data Transfer Terminal, customers must first reserve a time slot through the AWS management console. They can also assign process and data transfer specialists from their organization to accompany them during the upload process. Upon arrival at the location, customers will be escorted by building staff to the reserved room.

"Don’t be surprised if there are no AWS signs in the building or room," explained Channy Yun, a principal developer advocate at AWS. "This is for security reasons to keep your work location as secret as possible."

The initial Data Transfer Terminal locations have been opened in New York City and Los Angeles, with more locations planned for the future.

Features of Data Transfer Terminal

Each Data Transfer Terminal location is equipped with a patch panel, fiber optic cable, and a PC for monitoring data transfer jobs. The service delivers fast upload speeds of up to 400 Gbps via a secure, high-throughput connection.

Pricing and Charges

While the service offers fast upload speeds, customers must pay for the privilege. Amazon charges per-port hour for usage of ports in Data Transfer Terminal locations during a reservation, even when no data is being transferred.

"At a minimum, you’ll be charged per port hour for the number of hours reserved," according to an Amazon support page. "You’ll be charged for port hours for each port you use and/or request as part of your reservation."

The pricing structure varies depending on the location:

U.S. to U.S. data transfers (i.e., uploads to a U.S.-based AWS data center): $300 per port hour
U.S. to EU transfers (uploads to an EU region): $500 per port hour
Transfers to other regions: Prices not listed

Benefits of Data Transfer Terminal

The Data Transfer Terminal offers several benefits for AWS customers, including:

Fast upload speeds: With the ability to transfer data at speeds of up to 400 Gbps, customers can quickly and efficiently move large amounts of data to the cloud.
Security: The secure, high-throughput connection ensures that customer data is protected during transfer.
Convenience: By providing a physical location for uploading data, customers can avoid the hassle of arranging for shipping or managing complex data transfer processes.

Conclusion

The Data Transfer Terminal is an innovative solution for AWS customers who need to upload large amounts of data to the cloud. With its fast upload speeds and secure connection, this service provides a convenient and efficient way to move data to the cloud.

Future Developments

As the Data Transfer Terminal continues to evolve, Amazon plans to expand the service to more locations worldwide. This expansion will provide customers with greater access to the service and enable them to take advantage of its benefits in even more regions.

AWS re:Invent 2024 Conference

The re:Invent 2024 conference returned to Las Vegas for a series of reveals and keynotes through December 6, 2024. The conference featured updates on various AWS services and products, including the Data Transfer Terminal.

Live Updates from Amazon’s Biggest Event

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements from the re:Invent 2024 conference:

Follow TechCrunch for live coverage of the event
Visit the AWS website for updates on new services and products
Connect with other attendees on social media using hashtags like #AWSreInvent

Get Involved

To learn more about the Data Transfer Terminal or to get involved in the AWS community, visit:

The AWS website: https://aws.amazon.com/
The re:Invent 2024 conference page: https://reinvent.awstrack.com/

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