Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers cloud computing services to customers across the globe. However, it’s fair to say that ‘cloud computing services’ is a pretty broad scope. Scratch the surface, and you’ll find over 90 services, covering a plethora of different tasks, tools and resources.
In this post, we’ll look at the different services on offer through AWS.
Storage
Starting with the simplest service, Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3) offers cloud storage for a range of data and file types. Files can be accessed instantly for analytics and regularly updated for back-up. They can also be archived with infrequent access storage at a smaller cost.
Compute
One of the most popular AWS services is the Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2). EC2 provides ‘instances’, which are virtual computing environments. These instances are built for different application types, allowing them to be deployed and run in the cloud. Customers can launch as many instances as they want, so the service is completely scalable.
Messaging
The Simple Queue Service (SQS) was one of AWS’s first products. It enables users to send, receive and store messages between software components without the need for additional services. Queues scale automatically, with a choice of standard queues or ‘first in, first out’ (FIFO).
Data
Customers can also create databases in the cloud using Amazon’s Relational Database Service (RDS). RDS makes it easier to set up and run cloud-based databases, managing and automating backups, patching, failure detection and recovery.
AWS also provides a broad set of analytic services:
- Amazon Athena – Interactive analysis
- Amazon EMR – Big data processing
- Amazon Redshift – Data warehousing
- Amazon Kinesis – Real-time analytics
- Amazon Elasticsearch Service – Operational analytics
- Amazon QuickSight – Dashboards and visualisations
Migration
Within AWS, there are also a range of tools to help customers migrate their applications, data or servers to the cloud. That includes the AWS Migration Hub – a single place to track migration process for multiple applications with different partners. The hub is complete with metrics to track the progress of migrations, giving customers complete visibility of their portfolio.
Developing
AWS has an arsenal of tools for developers to create bespoke applications. CodeBuild and CodeDeploy allow developers to build, test and deploy code, while CodeCommit provides private repositories for code storage. CodePipeline enables continuous delivery of software, with Command Line Interface to manage the whole process.
Security
Security is paramount for any business. It’s also one of customers’ primary concerns when it comes to working in the cloud. So, what are AWS services doing to address these concerns? AWS has you covered, with a variety of services dedicated to governance and security. Identity and Access Management (IAM) allows admins to manage AWS users and groups. Create permissions to allow or deny access to specific resources or data.
AWS also benefits from Amazon Inspector and Amazon Macie. Inspector automatically assesses AWS environments for any vulnerabilities, while Macie uses machine learning to automatically classify and protect data stored through AWS.
AI
Amazon AI is a full suite of tools for AI development and delivery. Amazon Lex allows users to build their own conversational interface using voice and text, while Amazon Polly turns text into lifelike speech. Translation – developers can create applications that talk with AWS. Amazon Rekognition even equips users with image and facial analysis technology.
IoT
AWS offers a selection of tools to facilitate Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. In short, that’s extending internet connection to physical objects – like appliances, speakers or cameras. AWS IoT allows users to design, create and manage IoT solutions within the AWS cloud. With IoT functionality, you can collect and analyse data from all kinds of devices, whether it’s industrial operations, home security or traffic monitoring.
Want to find out more?
With over 90 products, it’s almost impossible to go through every AWS service in depth. If you’ve got a more specific query and want to talk about AWS in more detail, the team at Green Cloud Hosting can help.
We are cloud hosting specialists, with more than a decade’s experience in the industry. As part of the AWS Partner Network, we can assist with consultancy, migration, DevOps, management and cost optimisation. Give us a call on 0161 979 0691 or email info@greencloudhosting.co.uk to find out more.
