‘Cloud Computing’ - a modern-day concept from the world of technology, with which all of us are connected in some or the other way. But seldom do we know what exactly it is and how it works. Maybe, because its often explained and spoke about in technical language, which alienates the common man from understanding it. So, let us share a brief understanding of cloud computing and Amazon Web Services (AWS) - one of the largest public cloud platform that exists.
So, have you ever shared images on Google drive post a trip? Binged watched a series on Netflix? Booked a stay on Airbnb? Well, each of these is a part of cloud computing. Anything that does not require space on local hardware for data storage and is directly stored over the internet is what we call cloud computing. And AWS is one such platform providing cloud computing space to different organisations. Some of the major companies using AWS includes Adobe System, BMW, Docker, Hitachi, Johnson & Johnson, Netflix, Nasa, et al. There must be some amazing parameters of AWS, which makes it an unparalleled choice for each of these companies. Let us take you through some of these features of AWS, briefly!
Compute
There are multiple services available for computing when it comes to AWS viz. Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud(Amazon EC2), Amazon EC2 Container Service(ECS) and Lambda. The Amazon EC2 allows the organisations to select from an array of operating systems and resource configurations that best suits the requirement of the application. ECS is one such cloud computing service, which enables the developers to deploy and manage applications with the help of API calls and task definition. Last but not least, Lambda is an automatically computing platform on AWS cloud meant for back-end web developers.
Storage
Storage space holds a vital role when it comes to cloud computing and AWS offers the same in huge amount, to meet the requirement. The Amazon Simple Storage Service(Amazon S3) provides the object storage, which is highly durable and scalable in order to meet the increasing demand of the same. It is versatile enough to store a variety of data types including HTML pages, image files, encrypted data, et al. It also includes other complimentary features like backup and recovery, disaster recovery, content distribution, nearline archive, and big data analytics.
Database
When it comes to the database service, AWS has two major services available viz. Amazon Relational Database Service(RDS) and Amazon DynamoDB. The RDS provides a fully managed relational database. It is also a very cost-effective option to manage database since it cuts down on the time spent on manually doing the operational tasks like administration, backups, software patching, monitoring, scaling, et al. DynamoDB is another database-related service, which is fast as well as flexible. It manages the database wholistically, including documents as well as key/value data models. This is an apt option for mobile, gaming, IoT, ad-tech and other such products/organisations.
Networking and Content Delivery
Organisations can opt from multiple networking and content delivery services as offered by AWS, which includes Amazon Virtual Private Cloud(Amazon VPC), Amazon CloudFront, Amazon Route 53 and Amazon API Gateway. The Amazon VPC is where the organisation can choose a virtually independent and isolated network for itself and also have thorough control over it. Amazon CloudFront is what enables the user to easily distribute content with other users across the world. Amazon Route 53 is one of the most trusted and scalable services by Amazon for Domain Name System(DNS). Amazon API Gateway is one the most smooth ways to create, publish, maintain, monitor and secure API of various scale.
Management & Governance
The Amazon CloudWatch is one of the services by Amazon that helps in the management and governance of their application. It is with this service that the user can attain insights like resource utilization, application performance, operational health, et al, which ultimately helps in running the application smoothly. Another service, called Amazon Auto Scaling, helps in automatically altering the resources as per the workload and much more. Similarly, the AWS CloudTrail is yet another service helps in recording the AWS API calls to keep an account of the same and also sends them across for audit and review.
Security, Identity & Compliance
Security is another major concern when it comes to cloud computing and AWS has multiple services that take care of it. AWS Identity and Access Management(IAM) is one such service that enables the user to securely control the access of the services and resources of AWS. On the other side, to Amazon Cognito provides identity and sync services for the mobile and web-based applications. Then there’s AWS Certificate Manager, which enables the user to request, manage and deploy the SSL/TLS certificate. The AWS Key Management Service(KMS) helps in creating the encryption keys and also secure them.
Application Integration
Multiple services for integrating application, the Amazon Simple Notification Service works on sending the messages/notification to the set list of recipients. The other service, by the name of AWS Simple Queue Service, is a highly scalable, fast and reliable method of sending messages. There’s also this Amazon Simple Workflow Service(SWS), which is a fully-managed state tracker and task coordinator on the cloud.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Amazon Web Services (AWS) stand out from other cloud platforms?
AWS stands out due to its vast services, scalability, and global infrastructure. It offers a comprehensive suite of cloud solutions that cater to diverse business needs, making it a top choice for organizations worldwide.
How can AWS benefit my business, especially if I'm new to cloud computing?
AWS simplifies cloud adoption for businesses of all sizes. It provides cost-effective solutions, scalable infrastructure, and a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for those new to cloud computing while offering advanced features for seasoned users.
What specific features does AWS offer for data storage and management?
AWS boasts powerful storage solutions like Amazon S3 and Amazon EBS, enabling secure, scalable, and highly available data storage. These features cater to various storage needs, from simple file storage to complex database management.
How does AWS ensure the security of my data and applications?
AWS prioritizes security with robust measures such as data encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and compliance certifications. It provides a secure foundation; users can control their security settings to align with their specific requirements.
Can AWS handle the demands of my growing business?
Absolutely. AWS's scalability is one of its key strengths. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, AWS allows you to scale your resources up or down based on demand, ensuring your infrastructure grows seamlessly with your business.
How user-friendly is AWS for someone without a technical background?
AWS offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation, making it accessible for users with varying technical expertise. Additionally, AWS provides various tools and services designed for ease of use, allowing users to manage their resources efficiently.
What role does AWS play in supporting innovative technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence?
AWS offers services dedicated to machine learning and AI, such as Amazon SageMaker and AWS DeepLens. These services empower businesses to integrate cutting-edge technologies into their applications without extensive expertise.
Can AWS help minimize downtime and ensure high availability for my applications?
AWS provides services like Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling and Amazon RDS Multi-AZ deployments that enhance application availability and minimize downtime. These features contribute to creating a resilient and highly available architecture.
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