Amazon EFS Introduces Lower Cost Storage Class

Amazon EFS Infrequent Access (EFS IA) is a new storage class for Amazon EFS that is cost-optimized for files that are accessed less frequently.

Amazon EFS provides a simple, scalable, elastic file system for Linux-based workloads for use with AWS Cloud services and on-premises resources. Customers can now use EFS IA to more cost-effectively store larger amounts of data in their file systems, expanding their ability to use Amazon EFS to an even wider set of applications. EFS IA reduces storage costs for files not accessed every day, with savings up to 85% compared to the EFS Standard storage class. With EFS IA, customers can now easily and cost-effectively store and access all their files in a file system, eliminating the need to move or delete data to manage costs.

Customers can use EFS IA by creating a new file system and enabling Lifecycle Management. With Lifecycle Management enabled, EFS automatically will move files that have not been accessed for 30 days from the Standard storage class to the Infrequent Access storage class. The EFS IA storage class enables storing infrequently accessed files and actively used files in the same file system without requiring changes to applications or workflows. EFS IA and Lifecycle Management give customers a simple way to store and access file-based data in AWS while significantly reducing storage costs for files not accessed every day.

EFS IA is ideal for use cases where data isn't accessed frequently but needs to be readily available. Examples include satisfying audit or retention requirements, performing historical analysis, backup and recovery, and document management/reporting systems. To quickly load data into an EFS file system, we recommend using AWS DataSync, an online data transfer service that makes it easy for you to automate moving data between on-premises storage and EFS.

EFS Infrequent Access is available in all Amazon EFS regions. For pricing information in your region, please visit the Amazon EFS pricing page, and see the AWS Region Table for complete regional availability information. To learn more, visit the latest blog, product documentation, and the Amazon EFS FAQ page.