Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading public cloud platform that follows the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model. It allows developers and companies to access computing infrastructure like servers, storage, and networking via the internet.
AWS provides flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient resources, which can be shared safely using Virtual Machines (VMs).
AWS Architecture
The architecture of AWS is built using several components. Some key components are:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) | Provides virtual machines (VMs) to run cloud applications. |
| S3 (Simple Storage Service) | Offers object-oriented storage for saving data in the cloud. |
| EBS (Elastic Block Store) | Provides block-level storage for traditional applications. |
| SQS (Simple Queue Service) | Reliable message queue system used for communication between processes. |
| SNS (Simple Notification Service) | Sends messages or alerts to distributed systems or users. |
These services allow users to build, deploy, and scale cloud-based applications.
Working of AWS Components
- EC2 is used to launch and manage virtual servers.
- S3 allows users to store any type of data as objects (files, images, etc.).
- EBS acts like a hard drive for EC2 instances and stores structured data.
- SQS ensures that messages are stored safely even if the receiver is offline.
- Users can access AWS services via SOAP-enabled web browsers or client programs.
Extra AWS Services
AWS also provides additional services in 12 application areas. Some of them include:
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CloudWatch | Monitoring tool for AWS resources (e.g., CPU, disk, network). |
| ELB (Elastic Load Balancing) | Distributes incoming traffic to healthy EC2 instances. |
| Auto Scaling | Automatically adjusts the number of EC2 instances based on load. |
| RDS (Relational Database Service) | Provides managed SQL databases in the cloud. |
| Elastic MapReduce | Big data processing framework similar to Hadoop. |
| Import/Export | Allows transfer of large data by shipping physical disks. |
| CloudFront | Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster content access. |
| DevPay | Manages billing and online payments for apps built on AWS. |
| FPS (Flexible Payment Service) | Lets developers charge users using Amazon’s payment system. |
| FWS (Fulfillment Web Service) | Allows merchants to use Amazon’s logistics to fulfill orders. |
Advantages of AWS Platform
Flexibility: Developers can use AWS to run various types of applications without owning physical hardware.
Support for Startups & SMEs: Small and medium businesses can move their entire infrastructure to AWS to support users globally and earn profits.
Monitoring & Reliability:
- CloudWatch monitors EC2 and other resources.
- ELB and Auto Scaling help handle high traffic and maintain high availability.
Billing & Licensing:
- AWS offers services like DevPay and FPS for easy billing and online transactions.
- Customers can use their existing Amazon login and payment info for purchases.
Cluster Computing Support:
- In 2010, AWS introduced MPI clusters and Cluster Compute Instances.
- These use hardware-assisted virtualization, improving performance over para-virtualized instances.