What AWS does
AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a cloud platform offering a wide range of infrastructure and application services. Operated by Amazon, it provides compute power, storage, networking, databases and development tools via the cloud, letting businesses run software and manage resources without owning physical servers. Companies use AWS to scale up workloads, create new applications, migrate from on-premises infrastructure or add more resilience to their operations. AWS serves a global customer base, from startups to large enterprises, across multiple industries, supporting a broad set of cloud-based solutions.
What sets it apart
Provides an extensive global infrastructure and the widest range of cloud services available.
Key features
- ◆Virtual machine hosting
- ◆Object and block storage
- ◆Managed databases
- ◆Developer tools
- ◆Global content delivery
- ◆Identity and access management
- ◆Autoscaling infrastructure
What teams use it for
- Run production workloads in the cloud
- Host websites and web applications
- Store and archive large datasets
- Migrate on-premises workloads to the cloud
- Develop and test applications remotely
Pros
- +Extensive global data centre network
- +Broad service selection for diverse needs
- +Wide range of compliance certifications
- +Flexible resource scaling options
Cons
- −Pricing complexity can cause unexpected costs
- −Service learning curve for newcomers
- −Support plans vary in access and cost
- −Interface may be overwhelming for small teams
Integrates with
Our verdict
AWS suits organisations looking for a highly scalable and mature cloud platform with a comprehensive service catalogue. Those with complex integration or cost management concerns may wish to carefully evaluate alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
What types of services does AWS provide?+
AWS offers services including computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, application development and deployment tools.
Is AWS suitable for small businesses?+
AWS can fit a range of business sizes, though smaller companies may find some services more complex or costly than alternatives.
How is AWS billed?+
AWS uses a pay-as-you-go model, charging based on actual consumption. For detailed pricing, see the official AWS pricing page.
What support options are available?+
AWS support ranges from basic documentation to dedicated account managers and enterprise support plans, depending on your needs.
AWS alternatives
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