What Is Object Storage? S3-Compatible Buckets

Object storage keeps files, called objects, in containers called buckets, and you read and write them over HTTPS instead of through a disk attached to a server. Each object has a name (its key), its data and some metadata. It suits large numbers of files that are written once and read many times, such as uploads, backups and media.

How it works

You create a bucket, get an access key and a secret key, and use them to upload, download, list and delete objects through an API. Most object storage services speak the S3 API, the HTTP interface of Amazon S3, so the same tools work across providers: the AWS SDKs, rclone, s3cmd and many backup programs.

There are no folders in the usual sense. A key like photos/2026/cat.jpg is one name; tools show the slashes as folders. You replace an object by uploading it again, rather than editing part of it in place.

When to use it

• User uploads, images and other media for a web app.
• Off-server copies of scheduled backups and database dumps.
• Static files, exports and logs you want to keep without filling a server's disk.
• Data that several servers or apps need to read.

When not to use it

• A database's own data files. Databases need a disk; put them on the server or on a block storage volume.
• Files a program edits in place many times a second. Object storage replaces whole objects.
• Software that expects a normal filesystem path and cannot speak S3.

How it works on VeloxaHost

• S3-compatible. Use the AWS SDK, rclone, s3cmd or any S3 client with the endpoint shown on your bucket's page.
• Who can have buckets. Pay as you go allows up to 2 buckets. Buckets are also included in the Grow ($12.99 a month), Scale ($24.99 a month) and Business ($49.99 a month) hosting plans.
• A size quota per bucket. Every bucket needs a size, up to your plan's disk allowance. Storage is billed on that quota, by the hour, stopping at the monthly price each month; you can change the size on the bucket's page. Bandwidth and API requests are not charged separately. The console shows the current price under Settings, Billing.
• Access keys. Create keys on the bucket's page, as admin or read-only. The secret is shown once, so save it.
• Names. Bucket names are 3 to 63 lowercase letters, numbers and hyphens, unique within the region.

FAQ

Is VeloxaHost object storage compatible with Amazon S3?

Yes. It speaks the S3 API, so the AWS SDKs, rclone and s3cmd work with the bucket's endpoint and your access key.

Am I charged for what I store or for the bucket's size?

For the bucket's size quota, not for the bytes stored. Pick the size you need and change it later if you need more.

Is downloading from a bucket charged?

No. Bandwidth and API requests are not charged separately.

Can I use object storage with a hosting plan?

Yes. The Grow, Scale and Business hosting plans include buckets. On Pay as you go you can create up to 2.