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Cloud storage services: Google Drive vs. Amazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive

Quick Verdict

Google Drive is better suited for users needing fast access to their data and seamless integration with Google's ecosystem, while Amazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive is ideal for long-term, infrequently accessed data where cost is a primary concern and slower retrieval times are acceptable.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeGoogle DriveAmazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive
Storage Cost per GBFree: 15 GB shared. 100 GB: $1.99/month. 200 GB: $2.99/month. 2 TB: $9.99/month. Google Cloud Storage: $0.01/GB/month.Around $0.00099 per GB/month
Data Retrieval Cost$0.12 per GB from Google Cloud StorageBulk retrieval: Around $0.0025 per GB; Standard retrieval: Around $0.01 per GB; $0.05 per 1,000 requests
Data Durability99.999999999%Designed for 99.999999999% (11 nines)
Data AvailabilityNot availableDesigned for 99.99% availability
Data RedundancyData is distributed across many computers in different locations. Data is chunked and replicated over multiple systems. Minimum of three copies of each file are maintained.Data is redundantly stored across multiple physically separated AWS Availability Zones within an AWS Region
Access SpeedFile access speed is crucial for application performance. Max upload speed is 45 MB per second. Factors affecting speed: Computer, browser, internet speed, and network traffic.Retrieval times range from 12-48 hours (Standard retrieval: 12 hours; Bulk retrieval: 48 hours)
Integration with Other ServicesIntegrates seamlessly with Google services like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Integrates with Google Workspace. Integrates with 3rd-party apps through the Google Workspace Marketplace. Integrates with Zapier.Integrates with Amazon CloudTrail, AWS Storage Gateway, and AWS Backup. Integrates with data management and lifecycle policies in Amazon S3
Security FeaturesEncryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest. AES 128-bit and 256-bit keys are used. Access Controls: Granular controls for administrators to define permissions. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Supported. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Tools to scan files for sensitive information and enforce restrictions. Audits: Regular audits. Malware Scanning: Scans externally shared files for malware and phishing threats. IRM: Information Rights Management.Data encryption at rest and in transit (AES-256); Integration with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) to control access; Supports S3 Object Lock for immutable backups
Compliance CertificationsAdheres to global compliance standards.Complies with industry standards like ISO, HIPAA, and GDPR
ScalabilityStorage scales from 15 GB to 5 TB per user.Virtually unlimited scalability
Ease of UseUser-friendly interface for managing and accessing data. Allows users to upload, open, share, and edit files from any device. Offers AI-powered search.Can be used with existing S3-compatible applications and tools; Supports S3 Lifecycle policies for automated transitions between storage classes
Data Lifecycle ManagementData Loss Prevention (DLP) tools are available to automate data retention and deletion policies. Admins can enforce security settings and policies to mitigate data exfiltration risks.S3 Lifecycle policies automate data transitions between storage tiers

Overall Comparison

Google Drive: $0.01/GB/month (via Google Cloud Storage), 45 MB/s upload speed. Amazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive: $0.00099/GB/month, 12-48 hours retrieval time, 99.99% availability, 99.999999999% durability.

Pros and Cons

Google Drive

Pros:
  • Competitively priced
  • Integrates seamlessly with other Google services
  • Integrates with many third-party apps
  • Offers encryption
  • Granular access controls
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Data loss prevention tools
  • Regular audits
  • User-friendly interface
  • AI-powered search
Cons:
  • No major disadvantages reported.

Amazon S3 Glacier Deep Archive

Pros:
  • Lowest cost storage option in AWS for long-term, infrequently accessed data
  • High data durability (99.999999999%)
  • Data redundancy across multiple Availability Zones
  • Integration with other AWS services (CloudTrail, Storage Gateway, AWS Backup)
  • S3 Lifecycle policies for automated data management
  • Data encryption at rest and in transit
  • Integration with AWS IAM for access control
  • Support for S3 Object Lock for immutable backups
  • Compliance with industry standards (ISO, HIPAA, GDPR)
  • Virtually unlimited scalability
Cons:
  • Slow access speeds (12-48 hours retrieval times)
  • Unsuitable for applications requiring immediate access
  • Data retrieval costs vary based on retrieval speed

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