AWS Elastic File System (EFS): From Sun Microsystems to Modern Cloud Storage

AWS Elastic File System (EFS): From Sun Microsystems to Modern Cloud Storage

Historical Context: Sun Microsystems Legacy

Sun Microsystems dominated high-performance computing in the 1980s and 1990s, contributing significantly to modern computing through:

• Creation of the Java programming language

• Development of the Solaris operating system

• Pioneering work in virtualized computing

• Introduction of Network File System (NFS) in 1984 as part of SunOS

Understanding EFS (Elastic File System)

Core Characteristics

• Modern implementation of the NFS file share protocol

• Elastic storage capacity with pay-for-what-you-use pricing

• Distributed across multiple Availability Zones (AZs) within a region

• Configurable mount points in single or multiple AZs

Key Differences from EBS

• No need to pre-provision storage space (unlike EBS)

• Approximately 3x more expensive than EBS

• Approximately 20x more expensive than S3

• Higher availability and redundancy across AZs

Connectivity Options and Security Considerations

1. On-premises Connection Requirements:

   • Recommended: Direct Connect for stable, fast connection

   • Not recommended: Raw internet connection without security

   • NFSv4: Some features not supported (check documentation)

2. Amazon DataSync Integration:

   • Purpose-built protocol for secure synchronization

   • Supports syncing between:

     • On-premises storage to EFS

     • On-premises storage to S3

     • EFS to EFS

   • Works over Direct Connect or internet

Sample Architecture: Dynamic Web Application

Components

1. On-site Elements:

   • Web developers

   • Staging location on on-site data store

2. AWS Infrastructure:

   • DataSync for on-prem to EFS synchronization

   • EFS mount points across multiple AZs

   • Fleet of web servers accessing EFS via NFS

   • PHP application requiring dynamic storage

Benefits

• Scalability across zones

• Built-in redundancy

• Consistent data access for web servers

• Secure synchronization with on-premises systems

Best Practices and Considerations

• Review cost implications before implementation

• Verify NFSv4 feature compatibility

• Ensure secure connectivity for on-premises access

• Consider DataSync for secure data transfer

• Plan mount point distribution based on availability needs