AWS DataSync Enhanced mode adds OpenZFS, NFS 4.2 and metadata controls

AWS announced three additions to DataSync Enhanced mode on October 13, 2026: Amazon FSx for OpenZFS locations, NFS version 4.2 support and an ObjectMetadata option for object storage transfers. The update expands supported transfer configurations while giving operators more control over copying object user metadata. AWS announcement

OpenZFS transfers gain an Enhanced mode path

FSx for OpenZFS can now serve as either a source or destination for Enhanced mode tasks. According to AWS, transfers to or from FSx for OpenZFS were previously limited to Basic mode.

NFS 4.2 support covers on-premises NFS servers and FSx for OpenZFS file systems. AWS says this allows transfers from NFS 4.2 servers without reconfiguring them to an older protocol version. AWS announcement

For engineers, these are distinct compatibility changes: one expands the storage locations available to Enhanced mode, while the other can remove a protocol-version workaround. Evaluate those compatibility requirements separately from workload-specific performance requirements.

Object metadata becomes an explicit decision

The new ObjectMetadata option controls whether an object’s user metadata is copied to the destination. AWS identifies two uses: keeping destination metadata intact, including for buckets served by AWS Storage Gateway, and avoiding source metadata keys that are incompatible with destinations such as Azure Blob Storage. AWS announcement

Treat this as an application-compatibility decision, not simply a transfer preference. Before choosing whether to copy user metadata, identify which fields downstream consumers require and which destination-side fields must survive the transfer.

Availability follows Enhanced mode’s regional footprint

AWS says these capabilities are available for Enhanced mode tasks in all AWS Regions where that mode is supported. Existing tasks remain unaffected and continue to run as scheduled, according to the announcement. AWS announcement

Before changing production task settings, validate protocol compatibility and inspect the resulting destination metadata using a representative dataset.