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Cloud Storage
S3 Compatible

Mastering S3 Compatible Object Storage for Large Files in a Sovereign EU Cloud

17.09.2025

8

Minutes
Thomas Demoor
CTO Impossible Cloud
How to achieve cost predictability, regulatory compliance, and performance for petabyte-scale data under new EU rules.

Enterprises managing petabytes of data face two growing challenges: unpredictable cloud bills and increasing regulatory pressure for data sovereignty. Traditional S3 compatible object storage for large files can lead to spiraling costs from hidden egress and API fees, which can represent 15% of a total cloud bill. Furthermore, with the EU Data Act and NIS-2 directive taking effect in 2025, ensuring data resides under European legal control is no longer optional. This article explores a modern approach that combines full S3 compatibility with a predictable cost model, all within a sovereign EU framework designed for resilience and performance.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose EU-sovereign S3 compatible object storage to ensure compliance with GDPR, the EU Data Act, and NIS-2, while avoiding CLOUD Act exposure.
  • Eliminate unpredictable cloud costs for large file storage with a model that has zero egress fees, no API call charges, and no minimum storage durations.
  • Leverage an "Always-Hot" storage architecture to ensure all data is immediately accessible, simplifying operations and improving the reliability of backups and restores.

Secure Data Sovereignty for Large-Scale Workloads

Storing data in strictly EU-controlled facilities is the most certain method for compliance. Our platform operates exclusively in certified European data centers, providing country-level geofencing. This design ensures your S3 compatible object storage for large files is shielded from non-EU laws like the CLOUD Act. This EU-centric governance provides essential legal certainty for regulated industries. This approach directly addresses the 80% of EU decision-makers demanding European solutions for critical infrastructure. This foundation of digital sovereignty is critical for modern data strategy.

Achieve Full S3 Compatibility Without Compromise

True S3 compatibility protects your technology investments and eliminates migration risks. Our platform supports advanced capabilities like versioning, lifecycle management, and event notifications across any API, CLI, or SDK. This ensures your existing data pipelines and applications continue to run without a single code rewrite. For enterprises, this means a seamless transition to a more predictable and sovereign cloud. You can explore our enterprise-grade S3 object storage to see how these features work. This deep compatibility is the key to unlocking operational stability.

Eliminate Unpredictable Costs with a Transparent Model

Cloud egress fees create significant budget uncertainty for data-intensive operations. We eliminate this problem with a pricing model that has zero egress fees, no API call costs, and no minimum storage durations. This transparency is especially valuable when managing large file archives or backups. Our “Always-Hot” object storage model makes all data immediately accessible without restore delays or tiering fees. This simplified approach avoids the hidden operational costs common in complex, tiered architectures. You can learn more about cost-efficient backup solutions on our blog. This model delivers true financial predictability for your storage needs.

Build Resilient Operations with an Always-Hot Architecture

An architecture built for consistency ensures performance under demanding workloads. Our platform delivers strong read/write consistency and predictable latencies for millions of small files or petabyte-scale objects. This model avoids the fragility of automated tiering, which often causes restore delays and API timeouts. Here is how this architecture benefits your operations:

  • Guarantees all data is immediately accessible, reducing operational complexity by 100%.
  • Eliminates lifecycle policy drift that can corrupt backup and recovery workflows.
  • Ensures third-party tools, like backup software, remain stable with consistent data access.
  • Provides multi-AZ replication, eliminating any single point of failure for enhanced resilience.

This robust foundation is essential for building a reliable enterprise backup storage target. It prepares your infrastructure for future growth and unexpected demands.

Navigate 2025 EU Regulations with a Compliant-Ready Platform

New EU regulations demand proactive compliance from cloud providers and their customers. Our platform is designed to meet these emerging standards for S3 compatible object storage for large files. We help you align with two key pieces of legislation:

  1. The EU Data Act (from September 2025): This regulation mandates data portability and interoperability to prevent vendor lock-in. Our open standards and exportable formats provide a real exit path, ensuring you retain control.
  2. The NIS-2 Directive: This directive requires continuous security processes, including supply-chain assurance and incident reporting. Our operations incorporate these principles, from multi-layer encryption to immutable storage with Object Lock.

This regulatory readiness offers a distinct competitive advantage. It allows you to focus on your business, not on compliance gaps.

Empower Channel Partners with a Predictable and Scalable Model

We built our platform to help MSPs, resellers, and system integrators succeed. The predictable cost model, with zero egress or API fees, allows for stable and defensible margins on Backup-as-a-Service and archiving solutions. Our multi-tenant partner console simplifies management with features like RBAC, MFA, and automated reporting. Fast onboarding and API/CLI automation enable partners to scale their services quickly. With distribution partners like api in Germany and Northamber plc in the UK, we are expanding local access for our channel network. This partner-centric approach drives mutual growth.

Implement a Modern Strategy for Large File Storage

Transitioning to a sovereign cloud requires a clear, practical plan. Start by evaluating your current data storage policies and identifying workloads that handle sensitive or regulated information. A 3-2-1 backup strategy can be enhanced by making your offsite copy immutable within an EU-only data center. Test the migration process for a non-critical dataset to validate S3 API compatibility and performance. Document endpoint configurations and IAM policies to ensure a smooth cutover. This methodical approach ensures a successful migration to S3 compatible cloud storage. Taking these steps will position your organization for a more secure and cost-effective future.

FAQ

Is your object storage truly 100% S3 compatible?

Yes. Our platform provides full S3 API compatibility, supporting not only basic object operations but also advanced features like versioning, lifecycle management, Object Lock, and event notifications. This ensures your existing applications and scripts work without modification.

How do you ensure my data stays within the EU?

We are a European company operating exclusively in certified European data centers. We offer country-level geofencing, allowing you to restrict your data to specific EU regions to meet strict data residency and sovereignty requirements.

What are the primary use cases for your storage?

Our core use cases include Backup & Disaster Recovery, tape-to-cloud modernization, long-term archiving, and building a resilient defense against ransomware using our Immutable Storage (Object Lock) feature.

How does your pricing model work?

Our pricing is transparent and predictable. We charge based on the amount of storage you use, with no added fees for data egress (outbound transfers) or API calls. There are also no minimum storage duration requirements.

What tools can I use to manage my storage?

You can use any S3-compatible tool, including the AWS CLI, SDKs for various programming languages, and our intuitive web-based console. We also have out-of-the-box integrations with leading backup software vendors like NovaBackup.

How do you help MSPs and channel partners?

We provide a partner-ready platform with a multi-tenant console, full automation via API/CLI, and a predictable pricing model that protects margins. Our distribution network, including partners like api (Germany) and Northamber plc (UK), provides local support for resellers.

Would you like more information?

Send us a message and our experts will get back to you shortly.