What is the term "cloud computing"?

Cloud computing is the pay-per-use online access to a variety of computing resources, including software, hardware (real or virtual servers), data storage, networking, application development tools, and AI-powered analytic tools.

Additionally, cloud computing is now essential in all corporate contexts, from start-ups to multinational corporations. Among its many business applications are the following: it provides the massive processing power and other resources required to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and quantum computing; it creates the framework for seamless omnichannel customer engagement; and it enables remote work by making data and applications accessible from anywhere.

Cloud services providers (CSPs) are companies that oversee cloud-based technological services that are hosted in a remote data center. They usually charge a monthly subscription fee or pay-as-you-go for these resources.

Types of Cloud Computing

There are four main types of cloud computing: private clouds, public clouds, hybrid clouds, and multi clouds. There are also three main types of cloud computing services: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

DaaS - Desktop as a Service

Desktop as a Service, or DaaS, is a method of providing users with virtual desktops via the cloud.

Consider it as renting a cloud-based workstation as an alternative to owning a desktop computer. Any device with an internet connection, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, can access this virtual desktop.

Advantages of DaaS:

• Economical: Purchasing and maintaining physical computers has no up-front costs. Usually, each user has a monthly subscription cost.
• Scalability: Virtual desktops can be added or removed with ease as your company's needs evolve.
• Security: The cloud securely stores data, and desktop access is managed by the provider.

DaaS is a good option for businesses of all sizes that want a more flexible and manageable way to deliver desktops to their employees.

AWS - A Brief Overview

One Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) product that Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers is called AWS WorkSpaces. Here is a brief summary of its main attributes:

• Offers virtual desktops: With AWS WorkSpaces, you can create cloud-based virtual desktops that are reachable from any internet-connected device. You have a desktop running Linux or Windows.
• Managed service: Hardware, software, and security patches for the underlying infrastructure are handled by AWS. You are relieved of the responsibility of keeping up physical desktops as a result.
• Scalability: You may simply scale up or down your deployment to suit your requirements. Paying is limited to the WorkSpaces that you initiate.
• Security: A virtual private network (VPN) is used to access desktop computers, and data is safely stored in the cloud.
• Many ways to access: Users can use web browsers, thin clients, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers to access their WorkSpaces.
• Persistent storage: Users' files and apps are always accessible to them because their WorkSpaces are linked to persistent storage.
• Options for integration: enables users to access WorkSpaces using their current login credentials by integrating with Active Directory and other directory services.

All things considered, giving your staff remote access to virtual desktops is safe and scalable with AWS WorkSpaces.

Relevance to Today's Time

As of April 25, 2024, AWS (Amazon Web Services) is not only relevant, but also essential in the modern world. This is the reason why:

• Cloud Dominance: AWS is the industry leader in cloud computing, providing a dependable and expandable environment for companies to store and execute their applications. This is crucial in a world where digital solutions are used more and more.
• Encourages Innovation: Businesses are able to innovate and experiment more readily thanks to AWS's extensive range of services, which include computation, AI, and machine learning. Being agile is essential to being competitive in the fast-paced world of today.
• Expense-effectiveness: With AWS, companies can only pay for the IT resources they really utilize, unlike with traditional on-premises systems. This adaptability lowers expenses and releases resources for use in other areas.
• Increases Productivity: Maintaining IT infrastructure can be a resource guzzler. By handling that, AWS frees up companies to concentrate on their core skills and increase productivity.
• Security at Scale: Nowadays, businesses' main priority is security. Sensitive data is safe on AWS since it has strong security measures and an architecture that is continuously checked.

Given the increasing significance of digital transformation, AWS is a vital resource for companies of all sizes to meet their objectives and remain competitive.

Traditional Desktops

Hardware, software, and storage are all required for a physical computer, which is needed by every user. Purchasing and maintaining this can be costly, particularly for large enterprises.

• Limited Scalability: Physically adding or removing desktops necessitates relocating equipment, which can be a laborious and rigid process.
• Security Concerns: User behavior and desktop physical security are key components of data security. Every computer needs to have security updates and patches managed by IT teams.
• Dependency on Location: Users are usually restricted to using the physical desktop computer that they have been allotted.
• Hardware Dependency: The hardware configuration of every desktop computer may have an impact on performance.

AWS WorkSpaces on AWS (DaaS)

Cloud-based: By hosting virtual desktops on the AWS cloud, real workstations on each user's desk are superseded.

High Scalability: Businesses may scale their installations up or down to meet changing needs since adding or deleting virtual desktops is quick and simple.

Enhanced Security: The AWS cloud offers strong security measures, centrally controlled updates, and safe data storage.

Device Agnostic: Users can use laptops, tablets, and even thin clients to access their virtual desktops from any device with an internet connection.

Flexible Performance: To satisfy the demands of their customers, businesses can select from a range of virtual desktop configurations with varying degrees of processing power and memory.

Get started with AWS WorkSpaces quick setup

1. Log in to the AWS Management Console AWS Management Console.
2. In the search bar, type "WorkSpaces" and select the service.
3. Click on the "Launch WorkSpaces" button.
4. Directory Type: Choose your directory type. Here quick setup offers two options:
• Simple AD: For creating a basic directory within AWS WorkSpaces.
• Connect to Existing Directory: If you already have an Active Directory.
5. Directory Details: Fill out the directory details based on your selection in step 4.
6. Subnets: Choose two subnets from different Availability Zones within your VPC (Virtual Private Cloud).
7. Note: If you haven't set up a VPC yet, you can do so while creating WorkSpaces during Quick Setup.
8. Self-Service Permissions: (Optional) Decide if you want to allow users to manage their WorkSpaces (e.g., stop/start, change volume size).
9. Amazon WorkDocs (Optional): Enable Amazon WorkDocs for document collaboration within WorkSpaces.
10. Click "Create Directory" (for Simple AD) or "Review" (for existing directory).
11. WorkSpaces Bundle Selection: Choose a WorkSpaces bundle that includes the desired operating system (Windows or Linux) and pre-installed applications.
12. Create Users (Optional): You can create new users here or use existing users from your directory.
13. Review and Launch: Review your configurations and click "Launch WorkSpaces" to provision your virtual desktops.

Consult the official AWS WorkSpaces guide for more thorough instructions and sophisticated setup options.

Additionally, AWS provides a video tutorial for the Quick Setup procedure: How AWS Workspaces are configured.

Best Practices for Continuous Integration and Deployment on AWS

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• Automated Testing
• Version Control and Branching Strategy
• Build and Artifact Management
• Continuous Deployment with AWS CodePipeline
• Infrastructure Automation with AWS CloudFormation
• Monitoring and Logging

Companies Using AWS

Company	Website	Country	Employee Size	Revenue
ESPN	espn.com	United States	4,000	$1 billion
Netflix	netflix.com	United States	11,300	$20.1 billion
Pfizer	pfizer.com	United States	79,000	$81.2 billion
Walt Disney	thewaltdisneycompany.com	United States	190,000	$67 billion
Johnson & Johnson	jnj.com	United States	141,700	$93 billion
General Electric	ge.com	United States	168,000	$90.2 billion
Airbnb	airbnb.com	United States	6,132	$5.9 billion
McDonald’s	mcdonalds.com	United States	200,000	$21.3 billion
Epic Games	epicgames.com	United States	3,000	$869 Million
NASA	nasa.gov	United States	17,000	$23 billion
Reddit	reddit.com	United States	1,300	$312 Million
Pinterest	pinterest.com	United States	3,225	$2.5 billion
Kellogg’s	kelloggs.com	United States	31,000	$13.5 billion

Challenges in AWS

• Cost management: AWS offers numerous services, making it easy to exceed budget if not monitored closely. Use tools like AWS Cost Explorer for expense tracking and optimization.
• Security: While AWS has strong security measures, setting them up correctly and protecting data is ultimately the user's responsibility.
• Complexity: AWS's extensive range of services can be daunting, especially for beginners. Learning and experience are required to understand the various services and their interactions.
• Data Migration: Transferring large datasets to AWS can be challenging and time-consuming.
• Performance: Continuous monitoring and careful configuration are necessary to ensure optimal performance for cloud-based applications.
• Network Connectivity: Reliable, fast internet connectivity is essential for maximizing the benefits of AWS services like WorkSpaces.

Best Practices for Managing Virtual Desktops

• Recognize User Requirements: Determine the needs of different user groups to select the appropriate virtual desktop type and setup.
• Select the Appropriate Deployment Model: Consider factors like cost, security, and manageability when choosing between DaaS and VDI.
• Enhance Desktop Image: Create a lean desktop image with essential apps and OS components to improve boot times and reduce resource consumption.
• Standardization: Standardize virtual desktop setups for easier management and upgrades.
• Security: Implement MFA, encrypt data, apply frequent security patching, and use granular access controls to protect sensitive information.
• Monitoring: Monitor resource usage, user sessions, and desktop image management to identify and address performance issues.
• End-user Training: Educate end users on safe virtual desktop operation and security procedures.

Troubleshooting Resources

• Troubleshooting resources - AWS Support
• Troubleshooting EC2 instances - Amazon EC2
• Troubleshooting - AWS Management Console

AWS vs Microsoft Azure

• Market Maturity and Share: AWS leads in market share and has a longer history, offering more features and services. Azure may be more affordable for Windows workloads.
• Cost: Azure may be more cost-effective, especially for Windows Server and SQL Server workloads. AWS generally offers a pay-as-you-go model but can be more expensive.
• Usability: Azure is often seen as having an easier-to-use interface, particularly for users familiar with Microsoft products.
• Safety: Both AWS and Azure provide strong security features and measures.

Future Outlook of DaaS and AWS

• Leadership in DaaS and AWS: AWS is likely to maintain its leadership position in the DaaS industry through sustained innovation and focus on security.
• Emphasis on Hybrid and Multi-Cloud: AWS may enhance WorkSpaces to easily interface with other cloud platforms and on-premises equipment as companies adopt multi- and hybrid-cloud strategies.
• Security at the Front: AWS will continue to prioritize security investments to provide a safe environment for DaaS consumers.

Pros of AWS

• Market Leader: AWS boasts the largest market share and the most extensive range of services.
• Scalability and Reliability: Known for its reliability and ability to scale up or down based on needs.
• Security: Strong focus on security with robust features and compliance certifications.
• Innovation: Constantly innovating and introducing new services and features.
• Pay-as-You-Go Model: Flexible pricing model allows for cost-efficiency by paying for only what you use.

Cons of AWS

• Complexity: Vast array of services can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Cost Management: Easy to overspend without careful monitoring and management of resource usage.
• Vendor Lock-In: Migrating away from AWS can be complex, potentially locking users into the ecosystem.
• Limited Customer Support for Free Tier: Free tier accounts may have limited access to customer support.

For IT specialists: "Secure, scalable desktops can empower your staff. Use AWS WorkSpaces to embrace the job of the future."

Leaders in business: "Pay attention to your business, not your desktops. AWS DaaS offers a managed, reasonably priced option for an efficient workforce."

Citations

• Thomson Data. "Companies That Use AWS - Companies Using AWS." Thomson Data, 22 Aug. 2022.
• Global, Bdcc. "Best Practices for Continuous Integration and Deployment on AWS." Medium, 19 June 2023.
• IBM. "What Is Cloud Computing?"
• Red Hat. "Types of Cloud Computing."