In chapter 3, we learned about hosting IT infrastructure on AWS, methods of deploying and operating in AWS, and how the AWS global infrastructure works to provide secure and reliable cloud computing services. In this chapter, we continue learning about different parts of the AWS Cloud by identifying core compute, storage, database, networking, and content delivery services and the different AWS management tools available.
Some of the most widely used AWS services are its compute services. As the name suggests, AWS’s compute services provides cloud-based computational resources to its customers. Previously, to acquire computing power, you had to physically purchase a computer or server with technical specifications that matched your needs.
This process was both costly and time-consuming because purchasing a physical machine required upfront capital, and the procurement process could take weeks, if not months. You had to choose the appropriate machine, get it approved by the bosses/finance/management, make the order, and receive the order. Now, thanks to cloud computing’s pay-as-you-go model, you only pay for what you use without long-term contracts or complex licensing that bloats costs in legacy IT infrastructure.