If you missed our previous session, you can always catch up here. This week, we took a deeper dive into AWS Fundamentals picking up where we left off. Let’s continue, shall we?
AWS Essentials Explained
Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides the building blocks that modern businesses use to design scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions. From running applications to storing data, monitoring systems, and controlling costs, AWS offers services that work together seamlessly to support workloads of all sizes.
Compute Service Overview
Compute services provide the processing power required to run applications and workloads in the cloud. AWS offers multiple compute models to suit different use cases.
1. Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud)
EC2 provides resizable virtual servers in the cloud.
Use Case Example:
A startup launches EC2 instances to host its backend API and scales up during peak traffic hours using Auto Scaling.
2. AWS Lambda
A serverless compute service that runs code in response to events.
Use Case Example:
An e-commerce platform uses Lambda to process image uploads without managing servers.
3. Amazon ECS & EKS
Managed container orchestration services.
Use Case Example:
A fintech company deploys microservices using Docker containers orchestrated with Amazon EKS (Kubernetes).
4. AWS Elastic Beanstalk
A platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that handles deployment and scaling automatically.
Use Case Example:
Developers deploy a web application without worrying about infrastructure management.
AWS Storage Solutions
AWS storage services are designed for durability, scalability, and high availability.
1. Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service)
Object storage for files, backups, and static content.
Example:
A media company stores images and videos in S3 and serves them globally using CloudFront.
2. Amazon EBS (Elastic Block Store)
Block storage for EC2 instances.
Example:
A database server uses EBS volumes for fast and reliable disk storage.
3. Amazon EFS (Elastic File System)
Managed file storage for shared access.
Example:
Multiple EC2 instances access the same shared filesystem for application logs.
4. Amazon Glacier
Low-cost archival storage.
Example:
Compliance data stored for long-term retention at minimal cost.
AWS Database Offerings
AWS provides managed databases for virtually every workload.
1. Amazon RDS
Managed relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server).
Example:
A transactional application uses Amazon RDS for reliable, automated backups.
2. Amazon Aurora
High-performance relational database compatible with MySQL and PostgreSQL.
Example:
An enterprise application migrates to Aurora for better performance and scalability.
3. DynamoDB
Serverless NoSQL key-value database.
Example:
A gaming application stores player session data in DynamoDB for low-latency access.
4. Amazon Redshift
Data warehousing and analytics.
Example:
Business intelligence teams analyze large datasets for reporting.
CloudWatch Monitoring Essentials
Amazon CloudWatch is AWS’s primary monitoring and observability service.
Key Capabilities
Collect metrics and logs
Set alarms
Visualize performance
Trigger automated actions
CloudWatch Metrics
Tracks CPU usage, memory, disk I/O, and network traffic.
Example:
Trigger an alert if CPU utilization exceeds 80%.
CloudWatch Logs
Centralized log storage for applications and services.
Example:
Developers troubleshoot errors using application logs stored in CloudWatch.
CloudWatch Alarms
Automate responses to issues.
Example:
Automatically scale EC2 instances when traffic increases.
AWS Cost Management Strategies
Managing AWS costs is as important as building scalable systems.
1. Pay-As-You-Go Pricing
Only pay for what you use.
2. Right-Sizing Resources
Reduce over-provisioned services.
Example:
Downsize EC2 instances with consistently low utilization.
3. Reserved Instances & Savings Plans
Lower costs for predictable workloads.
4. Use Auto Scaling
Scale resources dynamically based on demand.
5. Spot Instances
Use unused AWS capacity at steep discounts.
6. Monitor with Cost Explorer & Budgets
Track and forecast spending.
Example:
Set alerts when monthly spend exceeds a threshold.
7. Serverless Adoption
Reduce idle costs with AWS Lambda.
Why These AWS Essentials Matter
Understanding compute, storage, databases, monitoring, and cost control helps teams:
Build reliable cloud architectures
Scale efficiently
Reduce operational overhead
Maintain system visibility
Control cloud spending
These services form the foundation of most AWS-based solutions.
AWS provides a rich ecosystem that enables businesses to innovate rapidly while maintaining control over performance and cost. By mastering AWS compute models, storage options, database services, monitoring tools, and cost management strategies, cloud professionals can design systems that are both powerful and sustainable.
From my next article onward, we’ll be going fully hands-on with AWS, working through a range of beginner-friendly to intermediate projects designed to build real-world cloud skills.
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I’m Ikoh Sylva, a passionate cloud computing enthusiast with hands-on experience in AWS. I’m documenting my cloud journey from a beginner’s perspective, aiming to inspire others along the way.
If you find my contents helpful, please like and follow my posts, and consider sharing this article with anyone starting their own cloud journey.
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