What You Need To Know Before Migrating To AWS

When looking for a provider for cloud computing solutions, there are several options from which to choose. Today we’ll be looking at the solutions provided by Amazon Web Services which is the largest provider of cloud services in the world. AWS offers an extensive platform to meet the diverse needs of projects. They have been a leader in the cloud computing sphere for upwards of a decade, and the leader in market share for years. There are many points that make AWS a good choice. However, their offerings do come with several trade-offs. Today we will be examining many factors that will help you make the right decision.

Cost

The cost structure of AWS can be confusing, and depending on your needs, can sometimes even be a roadblock. There are many variables involved in calculating AWS pricing, which makes it hard to provide an accurate estimate. When deciding whether or not to leverage AWS, take caution if your software solution is going to be handling a large number of users. Managing AWS costs becomes more troublesome as your user base grows.

If you’re considering Microsoft Azure, their pricing model can be somewhat confusing as well. Google, however, is known for deep discounts which may appeal to small entities like smaller businesses and school districts. If your project budget is tight or if your user base is not going to scale greatly, AWS may not be the right fit for you. Your organization may want to evaluate other cloud providers such as Microsoft’s Azure or Google Cloud Platform.

Scale

AWS shines in the public cloud area. They have the largest global reach and can scale your solution with ease. Documentation and training for their numerous solutions is also a huge pro when comparing them with Azure, who sometimes can be known for incomplete or foggy documentation. If your organization demands a hybrid cloud or Platform as a Service (PaaS) option, you may want to look into Azure. Depending on your needs, Azure may be a good option if you’re an enterprise company that already utilizes products within the Microsoft ecosystem, such as Windows or Windows Server.

Project Scope

Amazon Web Services can serve a variety of uses within the scope of your project. While standard hosting and database services are available, AWS really stands out with the sheer number of options available. However, this can also lead to information overload. If your project demands an artificial intelligence or machine learning component, Amazon offers such solutions like DeepLens. DeepLens boasts an AI powered camera for developing and deploying machine learning algorithms. These algorithms will help you immensely with optical character, image, and object recognition.

While Amazon does offer some impressive options, we can’t overlook Google Cloud Platform and what it has to offer. If your solution needs to analyze a massive amount of data, look no further than GCP. Google specializes in high compute offerings for big data, analytics and machine learning. This power becomes essential when you need fast computing time and load balancing.

Computing Power

Amazon’s flagship compute service is Elastic Compute Cloud, or EC2. What is EC2? Amazon describes EC2 as “a web service that provides secure, resizable compute capacity in the cloud.” Leveraging EC2 is a smart decision if you like options and flexibility. EC2 boasts numerous instances, Windows and Linux support, high-performance computing, and auto scaling to name a few. EC2 is also convincing for small solutions with their free tier that includes 750 hours per month for the first year of use.

Amazon’s various container services are also increasing in popularity and it has options that support Docker, Kubernetes, and its own Fargate service that automates server and cluster management when using containers. If you’re looking for virtual private cloud options, check out Lightsail. Lightsail offers impressive managed environments, secure networking, a powerful API, and ultra fast SSD storage. However, if your solution demands the use of enterprise grade services, you may need to consider Azure, as it provides Windows Server, SQL Server, Oracle, IBM, and SAP, as well as enhanced security, hybrid cloud capabilities and integrated support for Microsoft software.

Let Us Help

There are several important aspects to consider when looking into Amazon Web Services. Flint Hills Group developers leverage industry tested technology to meet the unique needs of your project’s budget and scope. Let Flint Hills Group help find the right solution for you. We can provide you with outsourced Developers or an entire software team with a project manager. Be sure to read our reviews on Clutch, an independent platform for rating agencies. You can then review our process, and request an estimate for your project.