AWS Storage Gateway – Tape Gateway

• Enables organizations to keep existing tape-based backup workflows while moving storage to the cloud.

• Presents a Virtual Tape Library (VTL) through the iSCSI protocol, compatible with most backup software.

• Virtual tapes are stored in Amazon S3 and can be archived to Amazon Glacier for long-term retention.

Architecture

• The on-premises Backup Server communicates with the Tape Gateway via iSCSI, emulating a Media Changer and Tape Drive.

• Data is sent securely over HTTPS to AWS.

• Recently used virtual tapes remain in S3, while archived tapes transition to Amazon Glacier for cost optimization.