Small Business Advice: A Starter Guide to AWS

There’s still time to jump onto the cloud technology bandwagon. In fact, it has become more accessible than ever due to how the technology has evolved and the number of cloud providers available. One such provider is found in the form of Amazon Web Services (AWS).

With the mighty Amazon name behind it, it should come as no surprise that AWS is a global leader within both the Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) industries. This should also go some way to explaining why you’re exploring the possibility of using AWS and reading this guide.

If you’re looking to jump in with AWS, here’s a guide that covers this powerful – and highly beneficial – technology.

What does AWS offer?

First of all, it’s essential you gain an understanding of what AWS has to offer. Without this knowledge, you’ll be unaware of the ways in which it can help your business. Below is an overview of some of the main ways AWS is used:

  • Analytics: You can gain valuable insights into your website and business by measuring analytics. With AWS, you can track real-time analytics to gain easy, informative statistics about website activities – including who is visiting the site, where they’re from, and the interactions they’re doing when on the site.
  • Blockchain: It is possible to put together a scalable blockchain network with AWS. This technology can be used to resolve different types of customer needs, where you can keep track of application data changes and other alterations to records.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI): A range of machine learning and AI services are provided by AWS. With AI on your side, it can take care of demanding challenges for you, which also frees up time for you to work on other areas of your business.
  • Internet of Things (IoT): With AWS, you are supplied with a comprehensive set of tools to build IoT solutions. These solutions can be made for various devices, ultimately turning these into smarter devices – ones that don’t require an internet connection to use various solutions.

The benefits of AWS

For entrepreneurs that are willing to learn and adopt AWS as part of their operations, they can expect to gain various benefits for their troubles. These benefits all combine to assist your business in lowering IT costs, the ability to scale applications, and ultimately grow faster.

Here’s a quick look at the main advantages gained from AWS – particularly for beginners:

No commitment required

With other platforms, you have to put down a sizeable lump sum before you can get up and running. That isn’t the case with AWS. In fact, there is no financial commitment or requirement to sign a lengthy contract. You are simply charged by the hour based on your server-based requirements. No more or less. This means you only pay for what you receive – you won’t be overspending on additional services or storage you don’t require.

The fact there’s no commitment is also great if you test out AWS, realize it’s not for your business, and back out of using the platform. You’d only pay for the time you used AWS, whether that was just one hour, three months, or longer.

Easy to scale

The scalability of AWS services is great news for every sized business. Whether you operate a small startup or a global organization, you can instantly jump onto the AWS train. That isn’t the only advantage gained from this scalability, either. It also means you can effortlessly increase or decrease your AWS requirements.

Not only is this beneficial for any business that is steadily growing – and needs more storage and flexibility as a result – but it’s also ideal for those with fluctuating requirements over the year.

Enhanced security features

Keeping all of your data secure is imperative when working on the cloud. Fortunately, Amazon recognizes this with AWS – and that’s why it packs in a wide assortment of enhanced security features. These features include a built-in firewall, IAM services that allow for tracking user access, round-the-clock access to data experts, and multi-factor authentication.

Although even with these features, the security can still be breached if anyone in your business takes their eye off the ball. With this in mind, Sonrai Security has put together a guide that details AWS cloud security best practices. By following these tips, this further strengthens your defenses – minimizing the possibility of cyberattacks impacting your business as a result.

Customization to match all needs

Along with scalability, AWS features fantastic customization options for customers. With a range of tools and settings available to match all cloud-based requirements, the platform can be tweaked and altered to match the needs of all business types.

AWS is also known as a user-friendly cloud platform, which makes it a great solution for those starting out in the world of cloud computing.

Reliability

With the Amazon brand behind it, there’s no shock that AWS is one that delivers ample reliability and support. Due to the experts working behind the scenes, you won’t have any issue receiving assistance whenever necessary. You can also be safe in the knowledge you’ll always have reliable, secure connections to your data.

As a newcomer to AWS, it’s likely you will hit a few bumps along the way. When you do need help, and you cannot find an answer after a quick Google search, you can get in touch with the AWS team. They’ll be able to guide you through any issues and get you back on track as soon as possible.

In conclusion

Cloud technology can be intimidating for newcomers, and AWS doesn’t escape from that general feeling. However, it is also undoubtedly one of the most accessible cloud computing services on the market today, making it an excellent choice for those starting their cloud adventure.

With robust features and impeccable service, this Amazon vehicle can transport your business to the next level. It allows you to scale effortlessly, reduce costs, and make your company much more productive.

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