Garage

Garage is an open-source, self-hosted distributed object storage service specifically designed for small-to-medium scale deployments. The software operates as a server that can be deployed across multiple nodes to store and manage data using an S3-compatible API.

The system is built for clusters where nodes reside in different physical locations, such as different data centers or home servers. This architecture allows for data replication across these distinct sites, ensuring the storage service remains available even if some servers become unreachable or experience hardware failure. It is designed to run on minimal hardware, making it accessible for users who do not have access to enterprise-grade server racks.

Key features

• S3 API compatibility for object storage
• Distributed architecture for multi-node clusters
• Data replication across different physical locations
• Lightweight resource requirements for minimal hardware
• High resilience to individual machine failures
• Designed for small-to-medium scale self-hosting
• AGPLv3 open-source licensing

Written in Rust, Garage focuses on ease of operation and stability. It is intended for users who need a decentralized storage solution without the complexity of large-scale cloud infrastructure. The software is developed by Deuxfleurs, an experimental small-scale self-hosted service provider, and has been used in production environments since 2020. By distributing data across three zones, the service maintains availability and data integrity even during partial network partitions or node outages.

The software is particularly suited for administrators who want to maintain full control over their data while benefiting from the scalability of a distributed system. It avoids the heavy resource footprints often associated with distributed storage, allowing it to function on modest hardware configurations while still providing the necessary redundancy for critical data.

Garage serves as a lightweight option for those seeking a distributed, S3-compatible storage layer for private infrastructure.