DataCache billing covers two phases: creating a DataCache and using it. Each phase involves different billable items.
For an overview of DataCaches, see Overview.
How billing works
A DataCache lets you pull large datasets — such as machine learning training models — into a snapshot before creating Elastic Container Instances (ECIs). When you create an ECI from a DataCache, the data is already available locally, which eliminates the pull step and speeds up instance startup.
A DataCache corresponds to a snapshot. Its lifecycle matches the snapshot lifecycle. Snapshot billing applies for as long as the DataCache exists and stops when you delete the DataCache.
Billable items
Creating a DataCache
| Billable item | Details | References |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary resources | The system automatically creates a temporary ECI (2 vCPUs, 4 GiB memory) and a temporary disk (by default, a PL1 Enhanced SSD (ESSD)) to build the DataCache. Both are released automatically after the DataCache is created and are no longer charged. Billing method: pay-as-you-go. See the billing formula below. | Elastic container instances, Block storage devices |
| Snapshot | The DataCache is stored as a snapshot. Snapshot charges apply for as long as the DataCache exists. | Snapshots |
Billing formula for temporary resources:
Price = (Unit price of vCPUs × 2 + Unit price of memory × 4 + Unit price of disk × disk capacity) × run duration| Resource | Unit price |
|---|---|
| vCPU | USD 0.0000077/second |
| Memory | USD 0.00000096/GiB/second |
| Disk (PL1 ESSD) | See the Storage tab on the Pricing tab of the |
Formula variables:
Disk capacity equals the size of the DataCache.
Run duration is the time the temporary instance takes to pull the data. A larger DataCache takes longer to process, which increases the run duration and temporary resource cost. Billing for temporary resources stops when the DataCache is created successfully.
Using a DataCache
| Billable item | Details | References |
|---|---|---|
| Disk | When you create an ECI from a DataCache, the system mounts a pay-as-you-go PL1 ESSD with storage capacity equal to the DataCache size. You can change the performance level (PL). The disk is created and released with the ECI. | Block storage devices |
Billing example
The following example is for reference only. The prices in your bills take precedence.
Scenario: A 20 GiB DataCache created in China (Hangzhou), retained for 3 days. The temporary instance runs for 5 minutes (300 seconds). The corresponding snapshot stores 15 GiB.
Creation costs
Temporary resource charges:
| Item | Calculation | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| vCPU | USD 0.0000077 × 2 vCPUs × 300 seconds | USD 0.00462 |
| Memory | USD 0.00000096 × 4 GiB × 300 seconds | USD 0.001152 |
| Disk (PL1 ESSD) | USD 0.05/100/3600 × 20 GiB × 300 seconds | USD 0.000833 |
| Temporary resource total | USD 0.006605 |
Snapshot charges:
| Item | Calculation | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| Snapshot storage | USD 0.02/30 × 15 GiB × 3 days | USD 0.03 |
Total creation cost: USD 0.006605 + USD 0.03 = USD 0.0366050.040256 + 0.18 = 0.220256 CNY
Usage costs
When an ECI runs for 3 hours using this DataCache, the disk charge is:
| Item | Calculation | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| Disk (PL1 ESSD, 20 GiB) | USD 0.05/100 × 20 GiB × 3 hours | USD 0.03 |