What is EC2 EC2, also known as Elastic Compute Cloud, is a service launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that offers users to lease virtual machines (VMs) across many different regions. This innovative solution (when it was first launched) liberates businesses from the constraints of physical hardware, enabling them to scale computing resources with unparalleled programmable flexibility. With services like EC2, organizations can:
adapt to changing demands provision and deprovision VMs on-demand optimize performance possibly optimize cost efficiency using its hybrid pay-as-you-go and reservation pricing model As an integral part of the AWS ecosystem, EC2 seamlessly integrates with other AWS services, offering a world of possibilities in virtual networking. It provides primitives that can establish secure virtual networks, manage traffic flows, and interconnect various applications and resources within the cloud environment. With EC2, businesses can architect sophisticated infrastructures tailored to their software needs, fostering enhanced connectivity and seamless data exchange.
However, the intricacies of EC2 extend far beyond this initial overview. Delving deeper, one encounters a diverse landscape of instance types, pricing models, security measures, and advanced networking options. These facets, while nuanced, are critical to unlocking the full potential of EC2 within cloud deployments. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive exploration, as we unravel the complexities and delve into the details that will empower you to harness the true capabilities of EC2 within your cloud computing endeavors.
When should I use EC2 over Serverless primitives in AWS When deciding between EC2 and serverless primitives in AWS, consider the following factors:
Use EC2 when you need fine-grained control, have legacy applications or specialized software, or deal with long-running, predictable workloads. Opt for serverless primitives, like AWS Lambda, for event-driven, short-lived workloads that benefit from automatic scaling and pay-per-execution pricing. Consider performance, cost, security, and your development team's familiarity with each option. For more detailed guidance, refer to my posts on deploying to EC2 below.