A Guide to AWS:
The Cloud Platform That's Changing the World
What Is AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud computing platform that delivers vast and ever-growing services.
This platform, which is provided by Amazon Company, addresses a variety of user requirements from Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).
It empowers businesses and individual users by offering solutions for application hosting, secure data storage, and access to a diverse range of tools and services.
History of AWS
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The groundwork for AWS began in 2002 with the development of internal infrastructure to improve efficiency and scalability.
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The public launch of AWS cloud services officially occurred in 2006, with core offerings like Amazon S3 and EC2.
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By 2012, AWS had established a strong presence in the cloud computing market, hosting its first major customer conference.
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By 2015, AWS was a well-established cloud provider with significant revenue generation of up to $4.6 billion.
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AWS continued its expansion throughout the following years, reaching $10 billion by 2016.
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By 2019, the platform boasted a vast portfolio with approximately 100 cloud services available.
How AWS Works in Cloud Computing
Global Network:
AWS builds and maintains its own extensive network infrastructure across data centers strategically located around the world. This robust infrastructure acts as the foundation for all AWS services.
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Security:
Users can leverage Amazon Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) to create secure, isolated environments for their applications within the AWS cloud.
Scalability:
Core services like Amazon EC2 (compute) and Amazon S3 (storage) offer elastic scaling capabilities, allowing users to adjust resources based on demand easily.
Dynamic Application Management:
Features like Auto Scaling and Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) enable applications to automatically scale resources up or down to handle changing workloads.
User-Friendly Management:
The AWS Management Console provides a centralized and intuitive interface for users to configure, manage, and monitor all AWS services.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
AWS Services Overview
Compute Services: These services empower application development, deployment, and scaling within the cloud platform.
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AWS EC2:
This web service enables developers to rent virtual machines and automatically adjusts the compute capacity as needed. It offers different options for CPU, memory, storage, and networking so developers can pick the perfect fit for their applications.
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AWS Lambda
AWS Lambda simplifies application development by offering a serverless computing service. This means developers can focus on writing code without the burden of server provisioning, management, or scaling.
Storage: AWS offers a web service to archive and back up your information. It's highly durable, meaning your data is safe and can be recovered in case of emergencies.
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Amazon S3
It is a popular cloud storage service for online backups. It allows developers to easily store and access data over the web, simplifying web-scale applications.
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Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS):
Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) offers high-durability storage volumes specifically designed for use with Amazon EC2 instances. It acts as a permanent storage solution for important data like databases or files, ensuring it's always accessible even if the virtual machine stops running.
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Database: AWS database services empower users to deploy cost-effective, secure, and scalable database solutions within the cloud.
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DynamoDB
It is a NoSQL database service. It provides users with a flexible, fast, and reliable option for data storage. Designed for scalability, DynamoDB eliminates concerns about managing capacity and ensures data durability. Additionally, built-in security features and backup functionalities enhance data protection and manageability.
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Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)
Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) is a web service that simplifies the setup, operation, and scaling of relational databases in the AWS Cloud.
​​​​​​​​​Networking and Delivery of Content: This fosters secure connections between the physical network and private VN within the AWS cloud environment. This facilitates high-speed data transfer for users.
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A Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)
VPC lets developers create a secure, isolated network environment for their resources. This provides them control over IP addresses, subnets, routing, and network access, while also allowing them to use both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols for their applications.
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Route 53
It is a highly available Domain Name System (DNS) web service. It simplifies routing for developers by translating domain names into the corresponding IP addresses, directing users to their cloud applications.
AWS Developer Tools: These tools automate tasks like building, deploying, and running application code. They can also manage server and instance updates based on workload demands.
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CodeStar
CodeStar simplifies application development by providing a centralized platform. Here, developers can streamline the entire workflow, from application creation to deployment within the AWS cloud.
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Code Build
For developers, AWS CodeBuild eliminates the burden of managing physical servers. This managed build service facilitates continuous scaling, enabling development teams to efficiently build, test, and package their code for deployment within the AWS cloud.
Security and Compliance: This ensures that only authorized users can access your AWS resources.
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Identity and Access Management (IAM)
It's a security system for AWS that controls who can access your resources and what they can do with them. It secures access to resources by granting specific permissions to users and applications.
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Key Management Service (KMS)
KMS lets you create and control encryption keys for your data, making it secure and easier to digitally sign things within your applications.
AWS Management Tools: This service empowers you to optimize costs, minimize risks, and automate resources for a smooth-running cloud environment.
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CloudWatch
You can manage your AWS environment with confidence using CloudWatch's comprehensive monitoring of resources and applications.
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CloudFormation
CloudFormation offers a powerful way to automate and manage complex AWS infrastructure deployments.​​​​​​​​​
Conclusion
​This introductory exploration of AWS has equipped you with the foundational knowledge of cloud computing and the vast array of services offered by this industry leader. From understanding core AWS functionalities to its management tools, you've grasped the essentials to navigate the AWS landscape.
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Remember, AWS is constantly evolving, so stay curious and explore the ever-expanding world of AWS possibilities!
About The Author
Pouya Nourizadeh
AWS Enterprise Solutions Architect
Founder, Bringdev
