B2 Cloud Storage

Basic Information

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage is an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offering that provides hot cloud object storage. It is designed for storing unstructured data and offers rapid and frequent data access. The service was launched in 2015.

• Model: Cloud Object Storage Service
• Version: Continuously updated service, no specific version number.
• Release Date: 2015
• Minimum Requirements: As a cloud service, direct hardware requirements are not applicable. Client access is via web UI, Command Line Interface (CLI), or Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
• Supported Operating Systems: The service itself is OS-agnostic, accessible from any computer and operating system. Third-party client applications for accessing B2 typically support Windows (7, 8, 10, 11), macOS (Sierra 10.12.x to Sonoma 14, Sequoia 15), and various Linux distributions.
• Latest Stable Version: Not applicable for a cloud service.
• End of Support Date: Not applicable for a continuously updated cloud service.
• End of Life Date: Not applicable for a continuously updated cloud service.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable for a continuously updated cloud service.
• License Type: Pay-as-you-go model, including a free tier for initial storage and downloads.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-based (IaaS), hot object storage.

Technical Requirements

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage operates as a cloud service, meaning it does not impose direct hardware requirements such as RAM, processor, storage, display, or ports on the end-user's device. Access to the service occurs over an internet connection. Client applications or integrations that interact with Backblaze B2 run on standard computing hardware, with their specific requirements determined by the application developer. The service is accessible through a web interface, command-line tools, and APIs, making it compatible with a wide range of devices and configurations.

• RAM: Not directly applicable to the service.
• Processor: Not directly applicable to the service.
• Storage: Not directly applicable to the service, as it provides the storage.
• Display: Not directly applicable to the service, depends on client device.
• Ports: Standard internet connectivity ports (e.g., HTTPS/443) for API and web access.
• Operating System: OS-agnostic for service access. Client applications support Windows (7+), macOS (10.12+), and Linux.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: The asset's technical requirements are minimal from a user perspective, as it is a cloud service. The primary "requirement" is internet connectivity. Any device capable of running a web browser or API client can interact with Backblaze B2. This broad compatibility simplifies deployment and reduces local infrastructure overhead for users.

Support & Compatibility

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage offers broad compatibility and support through its API-driven architecture and S3 compatibility.

• Latest Version: Not applicable for a continuously evolving cloud service.
• OS Support: The service is operating system agnostic. Client-side tools and integrations support Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.
• End of Support Date: Not applicable for a continuously updated cloud service.
• Localization: Primarily English-based documentation and interfaces, with global accessibility.
• Available Drivers: Backblaze B2 provides both a Native API and an S3-Compatible API, allowing integration with a vast ecosystem of tools and software. Numerous third-party applications and libraries offer direct integration or act as drivers, such as those for Python, rclone, Veeam, MSP360, Arq, Commvault, Veritas, iconik, LucidLink, Synology, Fastly, Cloudflare, and ExpanDrive.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Backblaze B2 demonstrates strong compatibility, largely due to its S3-compatible API. This allows seamless integration with existing S3-aware applications and workflows, reducing the learning curve and migration effort for users familiar with other object storage services. The availability of both native and S3-compatible APIs, alongside extensive third-party integrations, ensures flexibility across diverse computing environments and use cases. While direct OS support is not a factor for the service itself, the wide array of client software and tools ensures broad accessibility.

Security Status

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage incorporates a comprehensive suite of security features designed to protect data at rest and in transit, manage access, and ensure data integrity.

• Security Features:
  • Encryption at Rest: Server-Side Encryption (SSE) with AES-256, offering Backblaze-Managed Keys (SSE-B2) or Customer-Managed Keys (SSE-C).
  • Encryption in Transit: All data transfers utilize Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2 and 1.3.
  • Object Lock: Provides immutability using a Write Once, Read Many (WORM) model, protecting data from deletion or modification for a defined retention period, offering ransomware protection.
  • Access Management: Fine-grained API key controls, Single Sign-On (SSO), Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC).
  • Anomaly Alerts: (Private preview) AI-powered detection of unusual usage patterns that may indicate a breach.
  • Event Notifications: Real-time alerts on changes to bucket contents.
  • Multi-Bucket and Scalable Application Keys: Granular control over bucket access and generation of short-lived keys.
  • Bucket Access Logs: Detailed visibility into actions performed on objects for monitoring and compliance.
  • Redundancy: Data is stored across multiple drives, servers, and locations within data centers for durability.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific known vulnerabilities are publicly highlighted in the provided information.
• Blacklist Status: No indication of blacklist status.
• Certifications: SOC 2 Type 2 certified. The service is also HIPAA and PCI-DSS friendly/compatible.
• Encryption Support: AES-256 for server-side encryption at rest (SSE-B2, SSE-C). TLS 1.2/1.3 for data in transit. Users can also implement client-side encryption.
• Authentication Methods: API key authentication, Single Sign-On (SSO), and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
• General Recommendations: Users are encouraged to leverage Object Lock for ransomware protection, utilize fine-grained API key controls, enable 2FA/SSO, and consider client-side encryption for highly sensitive data.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: Backblaze B2 offers a robust and enterprise-grade security posture. The combination of strong encryption for data at rest and in transit, immutable storage options (Object Lock), and comprehensive access controls (API keys, SSO, 2FA, RBAC) addresses critical security concerns. Certifications like SOC 2 Type 2 and compatibility with HIPAA/PCI-DSS standards further affirm its commitment to data security. Ongoing enhancements like Anomaly Alerts demonstrate a proactive approach to threat detection. Overall, Backblaze B2 provides a secure environment for cloud object storage.

Performance & Benchmarks

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage focuses on delivering cost-effective performance, often comparing favorably against larger cloud providers in specific scenarios.

• Benchmark Scores: Recent improvements show Backblaze B2 uploads can be 10-30% faster than AWS S3 for small files (1MB or less). For 1TB virtual machine backups, it demonstrated a 40% faster performance compared to S3 in specific tests.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Average upload times in the U.S. East region were 118ms for 256kB files and 137ms for 1MB files. Download speeds are generally comparable to competitors like Wasabi.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed in publicly available information.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed in publicly available information.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Cost: Significantly more affordable than Amazon S3, Azure Blob Storage, and Google Cloud Storage, particularly for storage and egress fees. Backblaze B2 offers free egress up to three times the monthly average storage.
  • Speed: While upload speeds have seen significant improvements, especially for smaller files, hyperscalers like Amazon S3 or Azure Blob Storage may still offer faster upload speeds in some contexts.
  • Features: Backblaze B2 offers a simpler, single-tier storage model compared to Amazon S3's extensive range of storage classes. Amazon S3 may offer more advanced options, compliance certifications, and potentially superior scalability and disaster recovery features for certain enterprise needs.
  • Ease of Use: Users often find Backblaze B2 more user-friendly and simpler to use than Amazon S3.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: Backblaze B2 delivers competitive performance, particularly for its price point. Recent optimizations have significantly boosted upload speeds for smaller files, making it a strong contender for backup and archival workflows. While it may not always match the raw speed of hyperscalers for all operations, its straightforward pricing model, including generous free egress, provides excellent value. The service is reliable and designed for high durability, making it suitable for various data storage needs where cost-efficiency is a priority.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage generally highlight its value proposition and ease of use, with some common points regarding its feature set compared to larger providers.

• Strengths:
  • Affordable Pricing: Consistently praised for its low storage costs and transparent, predictable pay-as-you-go model, often cited as significantly cheaper than competitors like Amazon S3.
  • Ease of Use & Simplicity: Users find the setup intuitive, the interface simple, and integration with existing workflows (e.g., rclone, backup software) seamless.
  • Reliable Performance: Many users report reliable performance for backups and data recovery.
  • S3 Compatibility: The S3-compatible API is a major advantage, allowing easy integration with a wide range of tools and applications.
  • Advanced Security Features: Object Lock for ransomware protection and various encryption options are well-regarded.
  • Scalability: Accommodates growing data needs without significant operational changes.
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited Global Data Center Presence: Compared to hyperscalers, Backblaze B2 has fewer data center regions, which might impact latency for some global users.
  • Fewer Advanced Features: Some users note that it offers fewer advanced features or storage classes compared to more comprehensive cloud providers.
  • Download Fees: While competitive, download fees can accumulate, especially for large-scale data retrieval.
  • Management Complexity: Some users find the overwhelming choices may complicate advanced tasks or that the lack of multiple admins in a single account is a limitation.
  • Support Options: Concerns exist regarding the lack of direct phone support and limited chat hours.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Offsite Backup & Archiving: Ideal for cost-effective, long-term data archiving and offsite backups for businesses and individuals.
  • Media Storage & Distribution: Suitable for storing and distributing large media files (images, videos) with CDN integrations for faster access.
  • Data Lakes & Analytics: Cost-effective option for storing massive volumes of unstructured data for data analytics.
  • Application Storage: Used for building applications and serving content.
  • Ransomware Protection: Object Lock feature makes it valuable for immutable backups.
  • Hybrid & Multi-Cloud Strategies: Integrates well into hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures.

Summary

Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage stands out as a highly cost-effective and user-friendly hot cloud object storage solution. Its primary strengths lie in its transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing model, which is significantly more affordable than many competitors, particularly for storage and egress. The service offers robust security features, including AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit, along with critical data integrity tools like Object Lock for ransomware protection and comprehensive access controls. Its S3-compatible API ensures broad compatibility and seamless integration with a vast ecosystem of third-party applications and tools, making it accessible across various operating systems and workflows. Performance is competitive, with recent improvements showing faster upload speeds for smaller files compared to AWS S3 in certain benchmarks.

However, Backblaze B2 does have some limitations. Its global data center footprint is smaller than that of hyperscale providers, which might affect latency for geographically dispersed users. While feature-rich, it may not offer the same depth of advanced storage classes or specialized services found in more complex cloud platforms. Some users note that download fees, though low, can accumulate with high data retrieval volumes, and the support options are primarily online.

Backblaze B2 is highly recommended for organizations and individuals seeking an affordable, reliable, and secure solution for offsite backups, long-term archiving, media storage, data lakes, and general application storage. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it an excellent choice for those looking to optimize cloud storage budgets without compromising essential security and performance. It serves as a strong alternative to more expensive cloud storage options, especially for use cases where predictable costs and ease of management are paramount.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.