# Migrating files to Amazon FSx for OpenZFS using Amazon DataSync
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We recommend using Amazon DataSync to transfer data between FSx for OpenZFS file systems. DataSync is a data transfer service that simplifies, automates, and accelerates moving and replicating data between self-managed storage systems and Amazon storage services over the internet or Amazon Direct Connect. DataSync can transfer your file system data and metadata, such as ownership, timestamps, and access permissions.

You can use DataSync to transfer files between two FSx for OpenZFS file systems, and also move data to a file system in a different Amazon Web Services Region or Amazon account. You can also use DataSync with FSx for OpenZFS file systems for other tasks. For example, you can perform one-time data migrations, periodically ingest data for distributed workloads, and schedule replication for data protection and recovery.

In DataSync, a *location* is an endpoint for an FSx for OpenZFS file system. For information about specific transfer scenarios, see [Working with locations](https://docs.amazonaws.cn/datasync/latest/userguide/working-with-locations.html) in the *Amazon DataSync User Guide*.

## Prerequisites
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To migrate data into your FSx for OpenZFS setup, you need a server and network that meet the DataSync requirements. To learn more, see [Requirements for DataSync](https://docs.amazonaws.cn/datasync/latest/userguide/requirements.html) in the *Amazon DataSync User Guide*.

## Basic steps for migrating files using DataSync
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Transferring files from a source to a destination using DataSync involves the following basic steps:
+ Download and deploy an agent in your environment and activate it (not required if transferring between Amazon Web Services services).
+ Create a source and destination location.
+ Create a task.
+ Run the task to transfer files from the source to the destination.

For more information, see the following topics in the Amazon DataSync User Guide:
+ [ Data transfer between self-managed storage and Amazon](https://docs.amazonaws.cn/datasync/latest/userguide/how-datasync-works.html#onprem-aws)
+ [ Creating a location for Amazon FSx for OpenZFS](https://docs.amazonaws.cn/datasync/latest/userguide/create-openzfs-location.html)
+ [ Deploy your agent as an Amazon EC2 instance](https://docs.amazonaws.cn/datasync/latest/userguide/deploy-agents.html#ec2-deploy-agent)