Hot Cloud Storage

Basic Information

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is a universal, one-size-fits-all cloud object storage service. It provides a highly available environment for various business use cases, treating all data equally without confusing storage tiers.

• Model: Cloud Object Storage Service
• Version: Not applicable (continuously updated service)
• Release Date: Wasabi Technologies, co-founded by David Friend and Jeff Flowers, launched with its first data center in 2017.
• Minimum Requirements: For client-side tools like Wasabi Cloud NAS, a 64-bit (x64) processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 60 MB of available hard disk space are required.
• Supported Operating Systems: For client tools such as Wasabi Cloud NAS, supported operating systems include 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7/Server 2008 R2/Windows 8/Server 2012/Server 2012 R2/Windows 10/Server 2016/Server 2019/Windows 11/Server 2022/Windows Server 2025.
• Latest Stable Version: Not applicable for a cloud service; features and APIs are continuously updated.
• End of Support Date: Not applicable for the core service.
• End of Life Date: Not applicable for the core service.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable for a cloud service.
• License Type: Wasabi offers predictable pricing through a reserved capacity model (e.g., 25TB, 50TB, 75TB, up to 10PB increments) or a pay-as-you-go option. There are no additional fees for data transfer (egress) or API requests.
• Deployment Model: Public cloud object storage. Connectivity options include the public internet, Wasabi Direct Connect, and AWS Direct Connect for private, high-speed connections.

Technical Requirements

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is a cloud service; therefore, technical requirements primarily apply to client-side access and integration tools.

• RAM: A minimum of 4 GB of physical RAM is required for client applications like Wasabi Cloud NAS.
• Processor: A 64-bit (x64) processor is necessary for client applications such as Wasabi Cloud NAS.
• Storage: A minimum of 60 MB of available hard disk space is needed for client application installation (e.g., Wasabi Cloud NAS).
• Display: Standard display capabilities are sufficient for management consoles.
• Ports: Outbound TCP ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) are used for communication with the object storage target. Port 445 is used for communication with Server Message Block (SMB) network share targets.
• Operating System: Client applications like Wasabi Cloud NAS support 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7/Server 2008 R2/Windows 8/Server 2012/Server 2012 R2/Windows 10/Server 2016/Server 2019/Windows 11/Server 2022/Windows Server 2025.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for client-side interaction with Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage are generally modest, aligning with standard modern computing environments. This ensures broad compatibility for users and organizations accessing the cloud service. The reliance on standard network ports (80, 443) simplifies network configuration for most environments. The 64-bit processor and 4GB RAM requirement for client tools like Wasabi Cloud NAS are typical for contemporary business applications, indicating that most up-to-date systems can easily integrate with Wasabi's offerings.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: As a cloud service, Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is continuously updated, providing the latest features and API capabilities without traditional version releases.
• OS Support: Wasabi's S3-compatible API allows integration with a wide range of applications and operating systems. Specific client tools, such as Wasabi Cloud NAS, support various 64-bit Windows operating systems.
• End of Support Date: Not applicable for the core cloud service.
• Localization: Wasabi integrates capacity-based storage with AI-based metadata auto-tagging and multilingual transcription.
• Available Drivers: Wasabi provides an S3-compatible API, enabling seamless integration with existing S3-compatible applications and tools. SDKs and client tools like Wasabi Cloud Sync Manager and Wasabi Cloud NAS are also available.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage demonstrates strong compatibility, primarily due to its Amazon S3-compatible API. This compatibility allows for easy integration with a vast ecosystem of existing applications, backup tools, and platforms across various operating systems. The provision of client-side tools for popular operating systems like Windows further enhances accessibility. The continuous nature of the cloud service means users benefit from ongoing updates and feature enhancements without concerns about end-of-life dates for the core service.

Security Status

• Security Features: Wasabi employs encryption for data at rest (AES256-bit) and in transit (HTTPS, TLS 1.2 or higher). It includes Object Lock for data immutability, protecting against ransomware and accidental deletion. Account security features comprise Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Multi-User Authentication, Identity & Access Management (IAM) policies, and Single Sign-On (SSO). Access control mechanisms include bucket policies and Access Control Lists (ACLs). Versioning and bucket logging are also supported.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific known vulnerabilities are publicly disclosed in the provided information.
• Blacklist Status: No information regarding blacklist status is available.
• Certifications: Wasabi is SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS compliant. It also complies with major data privacy regulations such as GDPR, UK GDPR, FERPA, HIPAA, and CJIS.
• Encryption Support: All data is encrypted at rest using AES-256 and in transit using TLS 1.2 or higher. Server-Side Encryption with Customer-provided keys (SSE-C) is supported, allowing users to manage their encryption keys.
• Authentication Methods: Supports user authentication, MFA, Multi-User Authentication, IAM, and SSO options.
• General Recommendations: Wasabi advocates for a defense-in-depth security strategy to protect data at every layer, from account access to infrastructure and data transactions.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage maintains a robust security posture, characterized by comprehensive encryption, stringent access controls, and adherence to numerous industry and regulatory compliance standards. The automatic encryption of data at rest and in transit, combined with support for customer-managed keys (SSE-C), provides strong data protection. Key features like Object Lock offer critical defense against ransomware and accidental data loss, enhancing data integrity. The array of authentication methods and IAM policies ensures secure access management. Overall, Wasabi demonstrates a high commitment to data security, making it a reliable choice for sensitive data storage.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Wasabi claims to offer performance that is as fast as or faster than hyperscalers like Amazon S3. Performance testing indicates Wasabi outperforms S3 in most write (PUT) use cases.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: The service is described as "insanely cost effective and fast cloud object storage" with quicker upload and download speeds compared to Amazon S3. It offers low latency, measured in milliseconds.
• Power Consumption: Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is architected for optimal power consumption and data center space efficiency. It utilizes maximum density in specialized equipment racks to reduce energy consumption and minimize CO2e footprint.
• Carbon Footprint: Wasabi partners with Zero Circle to provide an invoice-based carbon footprint calculator, allowing customers to assess their estimated CO2 footprint based on actual data stored. The company emphasizes its energy-efficient architecture and collaboration with data center partners committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Wasabi positions itself as significantly more affordable (up to 80% cheaper) and faster than competitors like Amazon S3, Azure, and Google Cloud, notably by eliminating egress and API request fees. It offers comparable performance and reliability to Amazon S3 at a fraction of the cost.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage delivers strong performance, particularly in terms of speed for data uploads and downloads, often surpassing major hyperscalers. Its "hot cloud storage" model ensures low latency and immediate data availability. A significant advantage is its cost-effectiveness, achieved by a flat-rate pricing model that excludes egress and API request fees, which can lead to substantial savings compared to tiered storage providers. Furthermore, Wasabi demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient data center design and tools for customers to monitor their carbon footprint. This combination of high performance, cost efficiency, and environmental consciousness makes Wasabi a compelling option for cloud object storage.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage generally highlight its strengths in cost-effectiveness, performance, and ease of use, while also pointing out areas for improvement.

• Strengths: Users consistently praise Wasabi for its affordable and predictable pricing, especially the absence of egress and API request fees, which simplifies budgeting. Its speed for data transfers and low latency are frequently cited as major benefits. The service's S3 compatibility makes integration with existing tools seamless. Many users appreciate its reliability for backups and the Object Lock feature for ransomware protection. The straightforward setup and user-friendly interface are also noted.
• Weaknesses: Some users mention that Wasabi lacks the extensive depth of features and integrations found in larger hyperscale providers like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud. Areas for improvement include scalability for third-party application compatibility, enhanced user reporting capabilities, and better flexibility for retention periods. The web interface for file management can be improved, with some users noting difficulty in finding files/folders and a limitation to downloading only one file at a time.
• Recommended Use Cases: Wasabi is highly recommended for data backup, media storage, active archives, offsite backups, and hybrid cloud storage solutions. It is also considered suitable for HIPAA-compliant storage and managing large datasets, including video surveillance data.

Summary

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is a compelling cloud object storage solution, distinguished by its aggressive pricing model, high performance, and robust security features. Its primary strength lies in its cost-effectiveness, offering a flat rate for storage without additional charges for data egress or API requests, which significantly simplifies cost prediction and management. Performance is another key advantage, with users reporting fast upload and download speeds and low latency, making it ideal for frequently accessed data. The service boasts strong security, including AES-256 encryption at rest and in transit, Object Lock for immutability, and comprehensive compliance with standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. Its S3-compatible API ensures broad compatibility with existing applications and workflows. Wasabi also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient infrastructure and tools for carbon footprint measurement.

However, Wasabi's focus on streamlined, cost-effective object storage means it may not offer the same breadth of advanced features and integrations as larger hyperscale cloud providers. Some users note limitations in the web interface for file management and reporting.

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is highly recommended for organizations prioritizing cost-effective, high-performance object storage for use cases such as data backup, media archives, and hybrid cloud strategies, particularly where predictable billing and S3 compatibility are crucial. It is an excellent choice for businesses looking to reduce cloud storage costs without compromising on speed or security.

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.