What is AWS? Features to know when considering cloud computing and key points for deciding whether to adopt it

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a group of cloud services provided by Amazon. Even if you understand the cloud as an option, many people are unsure of which cloud to choose and whether AWS is right for their company.

This article does not explain the general benefits of the cloud, but focuses on how to position and decide on AWS as the next step after considering a cloud. We will organize the features of AWS, how it differs from other clouds, what it can do, points to note, and cases in which it is suitable, so please use this as information when considering implementation.

What is AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the collective name for the cloud services offered by Amazon. In addition to infrastructure such as servers and storage, it offers a wide range of functions necessary for IT infrastructure, including databases, networks, security, operational automation, analysis, and AI.

Amazon's cloud services, the world's No. 1

AWS is a leading cloud service used by companies and organizations around the world. It has a wealth of implementation experience and has accumulated a large amount of use cases, best practices, and technical information. There are many companies, partners, and experienced users in Japan, and the environment is easy to proceed from consideration to operation.

Not just a server rental, but a collection of parts that accelerate your business

AWS is not just a service that provides virtual servers. It also provides components that include operational and security-related functions, such as secure data storage, access control, system monitoring, automated backups, and load-based expansion. AWS's unique feature is that you can combine the necessary functions to build a system that meets your company's requirements.

Why so many companies choose AWS as their first cloud solution

AWS allows you to start small and then expand on the same platform as your business and systems change. One of its strengths is that it allows you to introduce it without limiting your options, even when your future configuration and scale have not yet been finalized.

The large number of companies using the service, the availability of information on design and operation, experienced personnel, and external partners also support the decision to implement it. Even if you are unsure about a decision during the consideration or operation process, there is an environment where you can easily find reference cases and support.

Basic security and operational functions are provided as standard, and you can gradually improve them as you use it, without having to build a complete system from the beginning. Because these prerequisites are in place, AWS is often chosen in the early stages of cloud adoption.

What makes AWS different from other cloud services?

The most commonly cited points are that they are designed not for a single function or price, but for a wide range of options and the premise that they can be used continuously. Here, we will summarize the differences that are likely to directly affect the decision to introduce them.

The range of areas and services we can handle is overwhelmingly wide

AWS offers over 200 services, ranging from basic infrastructure like compute and storage to databases, networking, security, monitoring, analytics, machine learning, and generative AI.

Even if you start using it for limited purposes at first, you can add the functions you need later, so one of its features is that you don't have to switch to another service even if your uses expand.

The advantage of being able to use the same platform from small startups to large corporations

AWS allows everyone from small startups to large corporations to use the same cloud infrastructure. Services are not separated by scale, and configurations and usage can be changed as the business grows.

Therefore, this cloud is well suited to the approach of "starting small and scaling as your business expands."

The concept of "availability zones" that supports global expansion and availability

AWS is designed to deploy multiple "Availability Zones (AZ)" within a single region. This is the idea behind building a system based on physically separated bases to prevent failures from concentrating in one location. This design philosophy is useful not only for domestic use, but also for future overseas expansion and when high availability is required.

An environment where the pace of evolution is fast and you can always try out the latest technologies (AI, etc.)

AWS frequently adds new services and improves functionality, providing new technologies at a practical level at a relatively early stage. In recent years, options have expanded in areas such as data analysis and generative AI. Another reason AWS is highly rated is that it allows you to partially try out new technologies while maintaining stable operation of your existing systems.

What can you do with AWS?

AWS is often referred to as a "cloud that can do anything," but when considering implementation, it's important to understand specifically where you can start using it. Here, we'll summarize some of the most common uses that are often chosen in practice.

Use as the foundation for websites and business systems (migration/new)

AWS is widely used as the infrastructure for corporate websites, e-commerce sites, internal business systems, and more. In some cases, it is used to migrate from an existing on-premises environment, while in other cases, new systems are built from the beginning with the cloud in mind. AWS's unique feature is its ability to flexibly adjust server configuration and performance, making it easy to respond to changes in access levels and business requirements.

Start with backup and BCP (Business Continuity Plan) measures

Rather than migrating all systems at once, many companies start using AWS for backup purposes and disaster recovery (BCP). For purposes such as data storage and remote backup, you can take advantage of the benefits of the cloud in a relatively simple way while minimizing the impact on your existing environment.

Prepare a development and testing environment quickly and delete it when it is no longer needed

AWS is well suited to quickly setting up development and testing environments, which can then be shut down or deleted once their purpose is fulfilled. Because it can be used only for as long as necessary and costs can be kept low when not in use, it is also well suited to testing and proof-of-concept (PoC).

Use in areas with high added value, such as data analysis and generative AI

An increasing number of companies are using AWS in high-value-added areas, such as data analysis infrastructure and generative AI utilization. You can start with infrastructure use and gradually expand into areas such as analysis and AI, and use it as you grow.

Benefits of choosing AWS

AWS is chosen not only for its wide range of features, but also for its benefits in terms of ongoing ease of use when considering actual operations and business growth.

Necessary functions can be added later, allowing the system to keep up with changes in business.

You don't need to have all the features right from the start. You can start with a minimum configuration and gradually add the services you need as your business grows and your requirements change. It's easy to implement even when your future direction hasn't been solidified, and it's well suited to companies that want to consider their IT infrastructure with the assumption that it will change.

Automation and operational support mechanisms are standard equipment

AWS comes standard with mechanisms to support and automate operations such as monitoring, backups, scaling, and fault response. This makes it easy to reduce tasks that tend to rely on manual labor, and allows you to aim for stable operation while reducing operational load, which is an advantage when considering long-term operation.

There are many Japanese-language information, books, and experienced staff, making it easy to resolve problems.

It has many domestic users and has a wealth of official documentation, books, and case studies in Japanese. It also has many experienced developers and external partners, making it easy to find someone to consult with regarding design and troubleshooting. Compared to services with limited information, it is also highly rated for its ease of reducing anxiety during the operation phase.

AWS precautions and common misconceptions

If you use AWS incorrectly, you may find that it's not what you expected. Here are some points to keep in mind before implementing it.

Simply migrating can be expensive

There are cases where simply migrating an on-premises environment to AWS does not provide cost benefits. The cloud is effective when you "use only what you need" and "optimize the configuration," but migrating without reviewing the design can easily result in excess resources and waste due to constant operation.

It is necessary to take into account the impact of exchange rate fluctuations (weak yen)

It's important to note that AWS fees are denominated in US dollars, making them susceptible to the effects of a weak yen. Even if your usage volume remains the same, your payment amount may fluctuate depending on the exchange rate. If you plan to use the service for a long period of time, you should include a certain buffer in your cost estimates and regularly review your usage.

Security is based on a "shared responsibility model," with AWS and users sharing security responsibilities.

AWS security is based on a "shared responsibility model," where AWS protects the infrastructure, and users are responsible for OS configuration, permission management, and application design.

While you cannot leave everything to AWS, the scope of what needs to be protected is clearly divided, which makes it easier to organize the points that need to be addressed.

High degree of freedom means design guidelines are important

AWS offers a wide range of options and a high degree of freedom, but if you start using it without deciding how to design it, the configuration tends to become complicated. By defining design policies and operational rules to a certain extent at an early stage, it becomes easier to prevent future expansion and an increase in operational load.

Companies that AWS is suitable for and not suitable for

AWS may not be ideal for all cases, so it's important to consider your company's situation and policies before making a decision.

Cases where AWS is suitable

AWS is a cloud that is well-suited to companies that want to consider their IT infrastructure based on future changes. Even in cases where there is a possibility of business expansion or service changes, the configuration can be flexibly revised to accommodate them. For companies that want to take a "start small and grow big" approach, the advantage is that they can expand gradually while keeping the initial configuration small.

For companies that want to train in-house engineers or that want to operate with external partners, the comprehensive information and support system is a factor in their decision.

Cases where AWS may not be a good fit

On the other hand, if your requirements are completely fixed and you don't anticipate future changes, you may not be able to take full advantage of AWS's flexibility. If you are planning on just installing a server and being done with it, and don't want to be involved in daily operations or improvements, another option may be more suitable.

Even if you want to strictly fix and control your initial investment and operating costs over the long term, the variable factors unique to the cloud may feel like a burden.

What to think about next when considering AWS

It is important to not only decide whether to implement it, but also to organize how to proceed afterwards. Here we will summarize the points you should keep in mind during the consideration phase.

Determine whether your company's problem is "infrastructure" or "applications"

It is necessary to distinguish whether the issues your company is facing are due to infrastructure issues or to application or business design issues. If the issues are server aging or operational load, the main goal will be to improve the infrastructure, but if the issues are business efficiency or a lack of functionality, you will also need to consider reviewing the application side.

Deciding the scope of "where to start (PoC)" on AWS

Rather than aiming for a full-scale implementation from the start, it is more realistic to start with a small scale proof of concept (PoC). For example, by setting a scope that limits the extent of impact, such as migrating only the development environment to AWS or testing it for backup purposes, you can proceed with verification while reducing risk.

Deciding whether to operate in-house or use a partner

You can run AWS yourself or use an external partner, and you should consider which option is best for you based on your internal resources, skills, and desired level of involvement.

By outsourcing billing and operation and maintenance to a partner, you can reduce your operational burden while still utilizing AWS. It is important to decide early on on the operation method that best suits your company's structure.

My Feelings, Then and Now

AWS is not just an infrastructure service, but a cloud service that can be used continuously as your business grows and changes. Many companies choose it because it offers a wide range of services and can be expanded from a small start to full-scale operation on the same platform.

On the other hand, costs and operational burdens may increase depending on the migration method and design. AWS is not a panacea, and you should choose a service that suits your company's challenges and structure.

When considering AWS, you will need to clarify what you want to solve, where you will use it from, and who will operate it, and then position it as one of your company's options.