Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

AWS Snowball VS Microsoft SQL Server Compact

Compare AWS Snowball VS Microsoft SQL Server Compact and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

AWS Snowball logo AWS Snowball

AWS Snowball is a petabyte-scale data transport service that uses secure devices to transfer large amounts of data into and out of the AWS cloud.

Microsoft SQL Server Compact logo Microsoft SQL Server Compact

Bring Microsoft SQL Server 2017 to the platform of your choice. Use SQL Server 2017 on Windows, Linux, and Docker containers.
  • AWS Snowball Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-12
  • Microsoft SQL Server Compact Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-26

AWS Snowball features and specs

  • High Data Transfer Speed
    AWS Snowball allows for rapid data transfer, capable of moving petabytes of data securely and quickly, often faster than transferring over the internet.
  • Security
    Snowball devices use tamper-evident enclosures, 256-bit encrypted data transfer, and secure data erasure once the data has been uploaded to AWS, ensuring data security during transit.
  • Cost-Effective
    Compared to high-bandwidth internet connections, especially in regions with poor connectivity, AWS Snowball can be a more cost-effective solution for large-scale data transfer.
  • Scalability
    Users can request multiple Snowball devices simultaneously to move larger volumes of data efficiently. This makes it scalable to meet the needs of significant data transfer projects.
  • Ease of Use
    AWS provides a simple, user-friendly interface for ordering, tracking, and managing Snowball devices, making the service accessible even to users without deep technical expertise.
  • Offline Data Transfer
    Snowball operates offline, meaning that data can be transferred without relying on internet connectivity, which is particularly beneficial in areas with limited or unreliable connectivity.

Possible disadvantages of AWS Snowball

  • Limited Data Sizes Per Device
    Each Snowball device has a maximum capacity (currently up to 80TB per device), so extremely large datasets may require multiple devices and therefore multiple shipments.
  • Shipping Time
    The physical shipment of Snowball devices can take several days depending on the location, which may not be suitable for projects requiring immediate data transfer.
  • Initial Cost and Complexity
    There may be an initial investment and learning curve involved in setting up and understanding how to use AWS Snowball, which might be a barrier for smaller organizations or those with limited technical expertise.
  • Geographical Limitations
    AWS Snowball may not be available in all regions or countries, limiting its usefulness for organizations based in or needing to ship data to/from unsupported locations.
  • Handling and Physical Security
    Despite its tamper-evident features, physical shipment adds a layer of risk related to potential loss or damage in transit, as well as the need for secure handling and storage until the data transfer is complete.
  • Data Transfer Time
    Once the device arrives, transferring data to and from the Snowball can be time-consuming depending on the volume of data and the local network setup.

Microsoft SQL Server Compact features and specs

  • Lightweight and Portable
    Microsoft SQL Server Compact is a lightweight database solution that can be easily deployed with applications, making it ideal for desktop, mobile, and small-scale web applications.
  • In-Process Database Engine
    The database engine runs within the application process, which eliminates the need for a separate server, reducing system complexity and resource usage.
  • Zero-configuration Needed
    SQL Server Compact requires no installation or configuration, which simplifies deployment for developers and end users alike.
  • Free to Use
    It is free, which makes it a cost-effective solution for small projects or for inclusion in commercial and non-commercial applications.
  • Integration with Visual Studio
    Offers seamless integration with Microsoft Visual Studio, providing an easy-to-use development experience for .NET developers.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft SQL Server Compact

  • Limited Features
    It lacks some advanced features found in other editions of SQL Server, such as stored procedures, triggers, and advanced security features, which may be necessary for more complex applications.
  • Not Suitable for Large Applications
    Designed for smaller, single-user applications, SQL Server Compact is not suitable for large, multi-user, or distributed database scenarios.
  • End of Life Considerations
    With advancements in other Microsoft data solutions and no major updates being released for SQL Server Compact, developers may need to consider future migration strategies.
  • Limited Storage Capacity
    The maximum database size is constrained, limiting its ability to handle extensive data storage needs.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Being an older technology, it might face compatibility issues with newer technologies and platforms.

AWS Snowball videos

AWS Snowball Edge Overview

More videos:

  • Review - DigitalGlobe Moves Petabytes of Data Quickly and Securely Using AWS Snowmobile
  • Review - AWS Snowball | Snowball Edge | Snowmobile - Amazon AWS Large Scale Datasets Migration

Microsoft SQL Server Compact videos

No Microsoft SQL Server Compact videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to AWS Snowball and Microsoft SQL Server Compact)
B2B SaaS
100 100%
0% 0
Databases
0 0%
100% 100
Business & Commerce
100 100%
0% 0
NoSQL Databases
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using AWS Snowball and Microsoft SQL Server Compact. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, AWS Snowball seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 22 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

AWS Snowball mentions (22)

  • Architecting the Far West: A Roadmap for Sudurpaschim as Nepalโ€™s Regional AWS Cloud Hub
    AWS Snowball | Secure Edge Computing and Offline Data Transfer | Amazon Web Services, accessed on March 11, 2026,. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • WD Ultrastar Transporter: Briefcase with 368TB of NVMe SSD, 128GB RAM, 1300W PSU
    This is still a common thing. Amazon has AWS Snowball [1] (up to 210 TB), Backblaze has Fireball [2] (96 TB), and I'm sure there are others. [1]: https://aws.amazon.com/snowball/ [2]: https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-storage/features/fireball-data-migration. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • AWS To Provide Free Data Transfer Out To Internet
    If you have extremely large amounts of data to transfer, such as hundreds of petabytes or into exabytes, AWS Snowmobile can move up to 100PB at once via a ruggedized shipping container. The ruggedized shipping container is tamper-resistant, water-resistant, temperature controlled, and GPS-tracked. The service was announced in 2016, and one of the trucks shown during a presentation that year at AWS re-Invent:. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • AWS To Provide Free Data Transfer Out To Internet
    AWS Snowball has a number of devices optimized for edge computing and data transfer. The service allows you to order a ruggedized device that can hold multiple terrabytes to petabytes of data, to transfer to AWS. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • AWS To Provide Free Data Transfer Out To Internet
    If you have extremely large amounts of data to transfer, such as hundreds of petabytes or into exabytes, AWS Snowmobile can move up to 100PB at once via a ruggedized shipping container. The ruggedized shipping container is tamper-resistant, water-resistant, temperature controlled, and GPS-tracked. The service was announced in 2016, and one of the trucks shown during a presentation that year at AWS re-Invent:. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
View more

Microsoft SQL Server Compact mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Microsoft SQL Server Compact yet. Tracking of Microsoft SQL Server Compact recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing AWS Snowball and Microsoft SQL Server Compact, you can also consider the following products

Net Solutions - Where innovation meets expertise. Award-winning digital solutions built for growth.

CompactView - Viewer for Microsoftยฎ SQL Serverยฎ CE database files (sdf)

OpenLayers - A high-performance, feature-packed library for all your mapping needs.

ObjectBox - ObjectBox empower edge computing with an edge device database and synchronization solution for Mobile & IoT. Store and sync data from edge to cloud.

Revenue River - We help organizations compete and win online with digital marketing and sales innovation strategy and execution.

Realm.io - Realm is a mobile platform and a replacement for SQLite & Core Data. Build offline-first, reactive mobile experiences using simple data sync.