AWS cloud platform
Enterprises can choose from a vast array of Amazon Web Services offerings for IT infrastructure, software development and more. Get the latest news about this evolving cloud platform and read technical tips to manage resources and optimize application deployments on AWS infrastructure.
Top Stories
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Tip
15 Nov 2022
Compare Amazon Lightsail vs. EC2 for your web app needs
Not all developers need, or want, the full capabilities of Amazon EC2. See if the scaled-back and simplified Amazon Lightsail is the better fit for your application. Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2021
Nasdaq CIO prepares to shift financial markets to the cloud
CIO Brad Peterson said Nasdaq's experience with AWS during the past dozen years has shown that the cloud is ready to run the millisecond transactions of the global markets. Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2021
Nasdaq CIO prepares to shift financial markets to the cloud
CIO Brad Peterson said Nasdaq's experience with AWS during the past dozen years has shown that the cloud is ready to run the millisecond transactions of the global markets. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2021
Major Amazon Web Services outage downs businesses, services
An AWS outage slowed or took offline popular websites and services for several hours. The outage reportedly disrupted parent company Amazon's package delivery service. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2021
AWS to take on Microsoft Azure in private 5G
The AWS Private 5G managed service will compete with Microsoft Azure's private multi-access edge computing system. Unlike Microsoft, the AWS product focuses on an unlicensed spectrum. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2021
An overview of Amazon EC2 vs. AWS Lambda
EC2 and Lambda meet different needs in an AWS cloud environment -- but can also work together. The only limits are in the minds of cloud architects. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2021
Break down the different AWS Graviton2 instance types
AWS Graviton2 processors power a range of EC2 instance types. To select the right one, consider an application's specific compute, memory and storage requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Oct 2021
HPE GreenLake vs. AWS Outposts: 2 approaches to hybrid cloud
GreenLake and Outposts both deliver on-premises, cloudlike services, yet have stark differences in the approaches they take. Determine which fits your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2021
When to use Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling vs. AWS Auto Scaling
They sound similar, but Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling and AWS Auto Scaling have different purposes. Let's break down what each enables you to do and how exactly they differ. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2021
How to manage cloud transfer and egress charges
It's expensive -- sometimes shockingly expensive -- to move data out of the cloud. Consider these factors to avoid costly data transfer bills. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2021
How to avoid 4 common errors in EC2 Instance Connect
The EC2 Instance Connect feature enables users to securely connect instances, but there are certain pitfalls to avoid. Here are some issues to look out for. Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2021
Verizon, Microsoft partner on 5G edge
The alliance connects Verizon's 5G Edge mobile edge computing platform with Microsoft's Azure Stack Edge cloud computing product. Verizon has a similar deal with AWS. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Aug 2021
Step-by-step guide on how to create an IAM user in AWS
Learn how to make an AWS IAM user and assign an access policy to the user with a few commands. This detailed tutorial includes screenshots to guide you through the steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2021
Compare Azure Private Link vs. service endpoints
When dealing with PaaS services running within a cloud environment, private connectivity is a must to secure resources. Compare these two services to see which one is a good fit. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2021
3 AWS container security best practices
Security is crucial for container-based applications. Learn how to protect AWS container environments with best practices for ECS, EKS and the extension for on-premises deployments. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2021
DoD scraps politically fraught $10B JEDI cloud deal
The Pentagon's $10 billion cloud contract with Microsoft is no more. The DoD will solicit bids from Microsoft and AWS for a new pact called Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2021
AWS Outposts: What you need to know to get started
AWS Outposts is a managed device that brings Amazon cloud services into your data center. Review its requirements, use cases and a step-by-step guide to the installation process. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2021
Amazon Lightsail
Amazon Lightsail is an Amazon cloud service that offers bundles of cloud compute power and memory for new or less experienced cloud users. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2021
How to create Amazon EC2 security groups
Before setting up security groups for AWS resources, review rules, requirements and potential missteps. Follow these steps to properly configure security groups for EC2 instances. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jun 2021
Application Load Balancer
The Application Load Balancer is a feature of Elastic Load Balancing that allows a developer to configure and route incoming end-user traffic to applications based in the AWS public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2021
Amazon QuickSight
Amazon QuickSight is a machine learning-powered business intelligence service built for the cloud under the Amazon Web Services (AWS) umbrella. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2021
An introduction to AWS IAM best practices
Follow this AWS IAM overview to better understand Amazon's core access management service. Implement these tips to get the most out of this foundational security service. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 May 2021
When should you use AWS IAM roles vs. users?
Access management is critical to securing the cloud. Understand the differences between AWS IAM roles and users to properly restrict access to AWS resources. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 May 2021
Compare EMR, Redshift and Athena for data analysis on AWS
Trying to decide between Amazon EMR, Amazon Redshift and Amazon Athena? Check out this overview of capabilities and use cases to help narrow down your choice. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2021
Try before you buy with free tiers in cloud
Cloud services aren't cheap, and you don't want to get stuck using one that isn't the right fit. This is where the 'try before you buy' options come in. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2021
Compare VMware cloud offerings for AWS, Azure and Google
With VMware cloud offerings, enterprises can integrate on-premises and public cloud infrastructures into a common IT environment. Explore the offerings from AWS, Azure and Google. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2021
IT pros see AWS SaaS Boost as a rudimentary start
AWS SaaS Boost may give developers a place to begin, but the new open source project needs work to become more than a lock-in tool for AWS, according to industry observers. Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2021
AWS, QCI look to bridge classical and quantum computing
Quantum computing startup QCI has developed a SaaS-based offering for AWS' cloud platform in hopes of bringing classical and quantum computing platforms closer together. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Apr 2021
Elastic vs. AWS highlights open source monetization dilemma
The fight between AWS and Elastic over the commercial usage of Elasticsearch highlights how open source software vendors need to change in the era of cloud computing. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
VMware offers new subscription for hybrid cloud deployments
An offering dubbed VMware Cloud presents a new option for customers that want to pursue hybrid cloud strategies supported by a subscription model, but it has limitations. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2021
A breakdown of core AWS identity services
Given the wide range of organizations that use AWS to power their applications, it's important to understand the options AWS offers to manage access to application components. Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2021
Amazon taps Tableau CEO Selipsky to lead AWS
Amazon has named a familiar face to lead AWS in Tableau CEO Adam Selipsky. AWS is poised for massive growth under his leadership. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2021
AWS adds serverless capability to S3 object storage
Amazon introduced a feature to process data as it is being retrieved from S3. This allows use cases such as on-the-fly format conversion or PII redaction. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2021
VMware Cloud on AWS partners see ongoing opportunity
Rackspace Technology, Faction and Converge Technology Solutions help clients tap into VMware Cloud on AWS for a range of uses. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Mar 2021
Cloudflare vs. Amazon CloudFront: Which CDN is right for you?
Review the similarities and differences between CloudFront and Cloudflare to help your IT team choose between these two popular CDN services. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2021
Compare Amazon VPC vs. Azure VNet for private networking
Evaluate the core private networking services from AWS and Azure to see which one could best serve your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Mar 2021
A better way to query DynamoDB data with SQL
Not everything is a one-click solution. Review two ways to query DynamoDB with SQL, as well as what these methods reveal about AWS' future as the top cloud provider. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2021
How providers' industry-specific cloud offerings impact IT
Vertical industry offerings are a trend among the leading cloud providers. IT teams will have to learn to adapt to the complications and changes these efforts will spark. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Feb 2021
The Elasticsearch sideshow and why Algolia is the better bet
Elastic and AWS continue to make headlines over their licensing dispute, but the bickering avoids an important question: Is Elasticsearch still the right tool for the job? Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Feb 2021
Cloud security policy configuration in AWS, Azure and GCP
Explore cloud security policy configurations in AWS, Azure and GCP using native security tools in this excerpt of 'Multi-Cloud Architecture and Governance' by Jeroen Mulder. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2021
Amazon CEO Bezos to step down; AWS' Jassy will take reins
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos will step down from his role later this year. He will be succeeded by AWS CEO Andy Jassy, in a move some observers have expected. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2021
What you need to know to manage multiple AWS accounts
Explore AWS services and best practices that can optimize multi-account management across your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2021
Learn from these real-world AWS serverless examples
Check out how Equinox Media and BMW use AWS serverless tools and technologies to process and analyze data as part of their IT strategies. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
AWS Dev Hour focuses on cloud-native app building
Amazon is set to launch a new training program on its Twitch service called AWS Dev Hour: Building Modern Applications. The series targets developers building cloud-native apps. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jan 2021
Cloud providers jockey for 2021 market share
AWS and Microsoft still dominate the cloud market, but Google, IBM and Oracle aren't without merit. Learn where each provider excels to find your perfect match. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2020
Top cloud computing tips of 2020
As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Check out the articles that caught the attention of IT pros this year and learn what that says about the current state of the market. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2020
Re:Invent recap: Week 3
Another re:Invent is -- mostly -- in the books. Check out the highlights from the third week of the virtual conference, including product news and thoughts from AWS leadership. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2020
Re:Invent recap: Week 1
AWS' annual December deluge is in full swing. Check out this recap of all that happened in week one of re:Invent as you get up to speed on the biggest conference in cloud. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2020
AWS re:Invent 2020 underscores push toward cloud in pandemic
AWS re:Invent 2020 launches with a slew of public cloud news announcements, as well as new motions by the company toward hybrid and multi-cloud scenarios. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2020
How to pass the AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam
Author of 'AWS Certified Security - Specialty Exam Guide' Stuart Scott shares insights on how to prepare for the exam and reap the professional benefits of certification. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2020
Practice AWS Certified Security - Specialty exam questions
Explore the security and compliance capabilities of the AWS Config service to prepare for the wide-ranging AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification exam. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Nov 2020
What is the difference between Amazon MSK and Kinesis?
When it comes to data stream processing and analysis, AWS offers Amazon Kinesis or a managed version of Apache Kafka. Compare these two options to pick the best fit for your app. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2020
Cognito user pools vs. identity pools -- what AWS users should know
Familiarize yourself with user pools and identity pools in Amazon Cognito and learn how to better protect your workloads in a cloud environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2020
A look back at re:Invent 2019 and the year since
Catch up on some of the biggest services and feature updates AWS added to its cloud platform since re:Invent 2019 as you prepare to attend this year's virtual conference. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2020
An AWS re:Invent 2020 handbook: What you need to know
Re:Invent is more accessible than ever now that it's virtual, but recreating opportunities for networking could prove difficult. Check out these tips to get ready for the show. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Nov 2020
How do I configure AWS Lambda functions in a VPC?
Lambda and VPCs are essential to many AWS architectures, but they don't come together as intuitively as you might think. Learn how to configure Lambda functions within a VPC. Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2020
AWS Cost Management adds anomaly detection
AWS has added an Anomaly Detection service to its Cost Management suite that applies machine learning to a customer's usage and fires off alerts when thresholds are exceeded. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2020
Partner products now certified for AWS Outposts
AWS has brought more than 30 certified partner software products into the mix for Outposts, the on-premises version of its public cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Sep 2020
DynamoDB on-demand vs. provisioned capacity: Which is better?
There are two primary ways to handle capacity in DynamoDB: on-demand or provisioned. Learn the advantages, concerns and use cases for each option. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Sep 2020
How can AWS, Azure and GCP increase cloud market share?
The Big Three dominate the cloud market, but they all have room for improvement. See what each vendor needs to do to increase its market share and attract more enterprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Aug 2020
Get a quick rundown of 12 cloud developer tools from AWS
With so many available options, it can be difficult to keep track of all the developer tools AWS has to offer. Check out 12 tools that are a part of AWS' toolkit. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2020
Google enhances Cloud Spanner and other databases
Google is adding a series of enhancements to its cloud database portfolio, with new capabilities for the Bigtable data store, Firestore mobile database and other platforms. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Aug 2020
When should I use Amazon RDS vs. Aurora Serverless?
Before choosing between Aurora Serverless and Amazon RDS, consider each service's benefits and limitations to ensure you find the right use case and stick to your cloud budget. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Aug 2020
10 cloud computing experts you should follow
Get up to speed on what's happening in the cloud by following some of the top voices in the industry, including those who are building the technologies and other industry experts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2020
Use this Amazon Cognito review to assess authentication tools
Amazon Cognito isn't as user-friendly as some competitors, but it does offer some unique advantages. Explore the pros, cons and alternatives for Cognito. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2020
Top 5 cloud news stories of 2020 -- so far
As cloud outages and acquisitions rolled on in early 2020, it seemed like the news cycle would never slow down. Review the top news articles to prepare for the rest of the year. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2020
Learn how to deploy the Bottlerocket container OS in EKS
Bottlerocket is an open source, Linux-based container OS. Explore its role in AWS containerization and how it fits alongside EKS. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2020
What's behind cloud providers' push for custom hardware?
The nature of the cloud market demands innovation, and custom hardware might be the next move for the major vendors in this space. Experts weigh in on the key drivers of this shift. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2020
How Azure, AWS, Google handle data destruction in the cloud
Data destruction is a topic that has been poorly covered until recently. Regardless of which cloud service provider you use, this review of the top three CSPs' data destruction documentation should improve your due diligence. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2020
AWS Savings Plans vs. Reserved Instances, explained
AWS Savings Plans offer discounted EC2 rates to help reduce your AWS bill and compute costs. Learn why Savings Plans are a good alternative to Reserved Instances. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2020
VPC security best practices and how to implement them in AWS
To best secure network access, AWS administrators need to create rules for network resources. Learn how to implement Amazon VPC security best practices in this book excerpt. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2020
Overcome AWS security vulnerabilities with VPCs, IAM
Securing network access in AWS requires the right rules to be in place. Learn more about Virtual Private Clouds and how implementing them can prevent common cloud security attacks. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jun 2020
AWS, Microsoft and Google should retire these cloud services
Nothing lasts forever. Whether they've been supplanted by newer offerings or simply outlived their usefulness, these cloud services on AWS, Azure and GCP are ready to be retired. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2020
Step-by-step guide to develop an AWS runbook
Runbooks enable anyone on the team to execute a task and jump in when things go wrong. Learn how to create one to handle repetitive tasks like monitoring and incident response. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2020
Cloud use spikes amid COVID-19 but IaaS costs remain stable
Don't expect hyperscalers like AWS to profiteer from the COVID-19 pandemic. But enterprises must take extra precautions as they invest in cloud-based infrastructure and software, analysts say. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 May 2020
How do I store secrets in AWS so they don't appear in my code?
To secure a cloud environment, IT teams must keep their application's secrets under wraps. Learn how AWS users can keep sensitive information out of their code with tools like Secrets Manager. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2020
How do I apply ECS auto scaling to my containerized apps?
Break down ECS auto scaling options for container-based applications on AWS. Learn how to automatically scale at the service and cluster level to match user demand. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2020
How to prep for your AWS cloud certification exam
Use this guide to AWS certifications to start your exam prep. Let's make sense of all the exam resources out there. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2020
12 AWS security tools to protect your environment and accounts
AWS manages the security of the cloud, but it's your job to secure your data in the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2020
AWS brings cloud data lake services to bear against COVID-19
AWS has set up a large cloud data lake filled with information and resources on COVID-19 in an effort to help medical researchers fight the global pandemic. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2020
The future of quantum computing in the cloud
Quantum computing is the latest technology to catch the eyes of developers and cloud providers like AWS and Microsoft, but analysts predict it could still be years away from practical use. Continue Reading
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Video
07 Apr 2020
Get started with this AWS IoT tutorial for beginners
Learn how to connect a device to AWS IoT Core in this video tutorial. Go through the IoT connection, workflow and security process to get your fleet of devices up and running. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2020
AWS security options grow with Amazon Detective
AWS has released Amazon Detective, a managed threat hunting service that generates visualizations out of log data from native Amazon Web Services. Continue Reading
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Infographic
31 Mar 2020
Follow the evolution of AWS Lambda
AWS Lambda sparked the rise of serverless computing in the cloud. Explore how the function-as-a-service platform developed over time with this infographic. Continue Reading
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Infographic
31 Mar 2020
Use this EC2 instance type comparison to power your AWS apps
To get the most out of AWS, organizations need to get the most out of their EC2 instances. Use this infographic to help choose the right AWS instance type and pricing plan. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2020
What to make of AWS' multi-cloud strategy, or lack thereof
AWS eventually caved when it came to hybrid cloud. Some experts and partners say the same will happen with its multi-cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Mar 2020
The 2020 cloud acquisitions AWS, Microsoft and Google should make
The major cloud providers offer a wide range of services, but they're far from perfect. Here are the 2020 acquisitions AWS, Microsoft and Google should make to shore up their platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Feb 2020
Cloud conferences to watch out for in 2020
Cloud professionals need to keep up with the latest strategies. If you're looking to attend a few cloud conferences in 2020, these are the ones worth packing your bags for. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2020
Lower your cloud bill with these AWS cost control tips
Without an AWS cost management strategy in place, cloud bills can spiral out of control. Explore these tools and best practices to optimize your AWS spending. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2020
Use these CloudWatch features to improve AWS app monitoring
Amazon CloudWatch ServiceLens, Synthetics and Contributor Insights give users more ways to monitor their AWS applications. Find out how these features work before you get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2020
AWS Local Zones offers low latency, with clear limitations
Get to know Local Zones, the AWS infrastructure deployment service built for customers that need to run low-latency applications in specific areas far from AWS Regions. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2020
A look at AWS antipatterns: What not to do in the cloud
In this Q&A, Clive Harber, co-author of "Implementing Cloud Design Patterns for AWS," breaks down why traditional enterprises sometimes struggle to establish efficient cloud design patterns. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2020
AWS multi-account management best practices with Control Tower
With the help of AWS Control Tower, organizations who own and operate multiple cloud accounts can manage them all under one roof -- but not without challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2020
Beat vendor lock-in with a cloud exit strategy
Without a comprehensive cloud exit strategy, an organization might fall victim to vendor lock-in and find itself dependent on proprietary tools and services. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2020
Speed up AWS Lambda cold starts with these strategies
Cold starts are a common and frustrating issue for AWS Lambda users. Learn why they happen and how to prewarm Lambda environments to minimize latency. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jan 2020
AWS Serverless Application Repository explained
To address the needs of its serverless users, AWS released its Serverless Application Repository. Explore the ways users can benefit and a few best practices everyone should follow when they use this feature. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2019
Microsoft JEDI contract leaves AWS to weigh its options
Losing the $10 billion JEDI cloud computing contract to Microsoft forces AWS to consider its next steps in trying to reverse the government's surprise decision. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2019
AWS Direct Connect tiers address planned network spikes
AWS Direct Connect pivots toward higher bandwidth requirements and cuts prices on lower tiers to handle customers' seasonal workload peaks and make AWS stickier overall. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2019
Expansions to VMware Cloud on AWS continue hybrid cloud push
Wider availability of VMware Cloud on AWS to 13 worldwide regions, along with VMware's adjusted software release cadence, reflects the realities of the cloud and hybrid cloud world. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2019
Gogo's migration to AWS doesn't mean lock-in
In-flight broadband service provider Gogo has joined other companies with an all-in cloud push toward AWS, while keeping an eye on portability and its long-term options. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2019
Amazon EC2 to S3: A guide to AWS products
The AWS product list is as vast as it is confusing. Here's what you need to know about the most vital AWS products, up to and including Amazon EC2, along with pricing information. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2019
New app suite targets AWS enterprise customers
AWS wants to become more of a business adviser to its customers and plans to provide more options, thanks, in part, to an app suite currently in use by its in-house employees. Continue Reading