# Create an Open Source AWS S3 Server

URL: https://www.sylvainkalache.com/content/create-an-open-source-aws-s3-server

Category: article
Date: 2016-09-21
Publication: Linux.com
Sylvain Kalache's role: author
Reading time: 5 minutes

[Original source](https://www.linux.com/topic/cloud/create-open-source-aws-s3-server/)

Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) is a powerful online file storage web service from Amazon Web Services. However, it requires credit card information and paid usage. Several open source alternatives exist that emulate the S3 API.

## Open Source S3 Alternatives

**Fake S3** is a Ruby gem that installs in seconds. It's great to get started but does not implement all S3 commands and is not suited for production usage.

**HPE Helion Eucalyptus** offers comprehensive AWS services emulation including S3 support. It's enterprise-oriented but heavyweight for individuals and small businesses, running only on CentOS.

**Scality S3 Server** is the recommended option. Available via Docker, it's super easy to start and distribute. It works for individuals getting started in seconds, plus enterprises needing production-ready, scalable solutions.

## Getting Started with Scality S3 Server

### Requirements

- Docker installed
- Ruby installed

### Launch the Server

Run the Docker container:

```bash
docker run -d --name s3server -p 8000:8000 scality/s3server
```

Verify it's running with `docker ps`.

### Install AWS SDK

```bash
gem install aws-sdk
```

### Create and Upload a File

Create a test file and a Ruby script (`s3_script.rb`):

```ruby
#!/usr/bin/ruby
require 'aws-sdk'
s3 = Aws::S3::Client.new(
  :access_key_id => 'accessKey1',
  :secret_access_key => 'verySecretKey1',
  :region => 'us-west-2',
  :endpoint => 'http://0.0.0.0:8000/',
  :force_path_style => true
)
s3.create_bucket({bucket: "mybucket"})
File.open('myfavoritefile', 'rb') do |file|
  s3.put_object(bucket: 'mybucket', key: 'myfavoritefile', body: file)
end
resp = s3.list_objects_v2(bucket: 'mybucket')
puts resp.contents(&:key)
```

Run it: `ruby s3_script.rb`

The script creates a bucket, uploads a file, and lists bucket contents — demonstrating a functional S3-compatible server running locally.


## Topics

- [Open Source](https://www.sylvainkalache.com/topics/open-source.md)
- [Cloud Native](https://www.sylvainkalache.com/topics/cloud-native.md)
- [Developer Tools](https://www.sylvainkalache.com/topics/developer-tools.md)