Object Storage is storage in which data is kept as objects in containers/buckets instead of traditional folder structures. It is designed for large-scale, efficient and scalable storage, making it ideal for backups, media files and log files. You can easily store and access data, wherever and whenever you want. Want to see the differences between block, file and object storage? Read Block, file and object storage compared.
The Object Store is S3-compatible and also supports the Swift API. This lets you work with the same data via two widely used APIs: S3 (broad software and tool support) and Swift (fully integrated with OpenStack).
TransIP’s Object Store implementation is based on OpenStack Swift and stores your data redundantly across three different data centres, keeping your files safe even if a data centre were to fail.
Quick start with Object Store
Follow the steps below to get up and running with Object Store:
- Collect the login details and other information that you receive by email after placing your order.
- Optionally create an (additional) S3 token in the TransIP control panel.
- Optionally create an (additional) S3 bucket/container.
- Upload and download your first files via the command line.
- Manage your projects, users and S3 tokens in the TransIP control panel.
When should you use S3 or Swift for Object Store?
Use S3 when you work with software or tools that support the S3 standard, such as backup or synchronisation tools.
This is the most commonly used method and is suitable for most use cases.
Use Swift when you work within an OpenStack environment or need specific API integrations. Swift offers more control over users, projects and access levels.
If you’re not currently using either and both options are suitable for your project, we recommend using S3. S3 is the most widely supported standard and many third-party tools only support S3.
Information to connect to your Object Store
After your order you will receive an email with the login details you need to use your Object Store:
- Your login details for a standard OpenStack user. You will only receive these if this is your first OpenStack project. Do you already have an existing OpenStack project? Then use your existing OpenStack user.
- The Access key, Secret key and Endpoint URL for S3 access.
- The name of your bucket/container.
You will only receive the last two if you selected this option during the ordering process (default).
- Do you want an (additional) S3 token or did you untick this during the order process? Then follow the steps in this article to create an S3 token via the TransIP control panel.
- Didn’t create a bucket/container during ordering, or want to create one yourself? First follow the guide for creating a bucket via S3 or a bucket via Swift.
The table below shows an overview of the hostname, port and the authentication method you need to connect to your Object Store.
| Protocol | Hostname | Port | Authentication method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S3 | <project-id>.objectstore.eu | 443 (HTTPS) | Access key & secret key | Ideal for applications and backups |
| Swift (v3) | auth.teamblue.cloud | 443 (HTTPS) | Username / API key | Ideal for OpenStack tools |
For S3 users: Use the Endpoint URL as the hostname. You can also find the Endpoint URL in the TransIP control panel. Want to use S3 but haven’t created an S3 token yet? Then complete this guide first.
Optional: create an S3 bucket/container
Before you can upload or manage files, you must first create a Bucket/Contianer. Unless you untick the option, this is done automatically for you as part of the Object Store ordering process. If you want to create an (additional) bucket/container, you can use one of the following options:
Windows, Linux, macOS
- Create an S3 bucket/container via the AWS CLI tool (easiest)
- Create an S3 bucket/container via s3cmd
Uploading and downloading objects via S3 or Swift
Object Store supports both S3 and Swift and once connected you can easily upload (store) and download (retrieve) objects in buckets/containers via the chosen protocol.
Follow one of the guides below to connect to your Object Store and to upload or download objects (e.g. files):
Command line:
- Upload and download objects via the S3 API with s3cmd
- Upload and download objects via the S3 API with AWS CLI
We will add GUI alternatives to this guide shortly.
Additional articles to manage your Object Store
The following articles help you manage users, access and security within your OpenStack projects.
- Manage access to an OpenStack project
- Change an OpenStack user password
- Configure 2FA for an OpenStack user
- Create and/or delete an OpenStack user
- Enable or disable an OpenStack user
You’ve reached the end of this article. You learned what the OpenStack S3 Object Store is, what you can do with it and how to connect to it.