Hybrid storage gateways
AWS Storage Gateway – Amazon FSx File Gateway vs Azure File Sync
Amazon FSx File Gateway, closed to new customers since Oct 28, 2024, maps to Azure File Sync.
File Sync caches Azure file shares on your own Windows Servers, with cloud tiering.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | AWS Storage Gateway – Amazon FSx File Gateway Maintenance | Azure File Sync |
| Lifecycle | No longer available to new customers since Oct 28, 2024. Existing customers can keep using it. | Generally available |
| What it is | An on-premises cache for FSx for Windows File Server shares over SMB. | Agent on Windows Server that syncs local shares to an Azure file share, with cloud tiering (only hot files cached locally) and multi-site sync through the cloud. |
| Pricing model | Existing customers pay gateway charges plus FSx charges. | Per registered server per month, plus Azure Files charges. |
| Docs | AWS Storage Gateway – Amazon FSx File Gateway docs | Azure File Sync docs |
| Pricing page | AWS Storage Gateway – Amazon FSx File Gateway pricing | Azure File Sync pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 | AZ-104 |
Key differences
- FSx File Gateway is an appliance in front of FSx for Windows File Server. Azure File Sync is an agent you install on existing Windows Servers, which then act as the cache.
- Azure File Sync syncs multiple sites through the cloud and keeps the full namespace visible, recalling tiered files when they're opened.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Existing customers pay gateway charges plus FSx charges. AWS Storage Gateway – Amazon FSx File Gateway pricing →
- Azure
- Per registered server per month, plus Azure Files charges. Azure File Sync pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 | Azure | Associate | current |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of AWS Storage Gateway – Amazon FSx File Gateway?
Amazon FSx File Gateway, closed to new customers since Oct 28, 2024, maps to Azure File Sync. File Sync caches Azure file shares on your own Windows Servers, with cloud tiering.
How does pricing compare between AWS Storage Gateway – Amazon FSx File Gateway and Azure File Sync?
AWS: Existing customers pay gateway charges plus FSx charges. Azure: Per registered server per month, plus Azure Files charges. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).