Amazon Web Services leads the way in cloud computing technology. Today, we explore how AWS hosting can improve your business’ cloud storage management, data analytics and security in the digital age.

What is Amazon Web Services?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s leading cloud computing service provider. Created as a subsidiary of Amazon in 2006, AWS has grown to be one of Amazon’s most profitable arms. In the second quarter of 2021, AWS brought in a record $14.8 billion in net sales, accounting for just over 13% of Amazon’s total. It’s certainly popular…

But what exactly is cloud computing?

Put simply, cloud computing is the process of using multiple remote servers hosted on the internet – to store, manage and process data. This is opposed to local servers or personal computers.

But it’s also much more than this…

Today, AWS provides hundreds of different cloud computing services for all business types and organisations. AWS primarily offers services in cloud storage, but it also incorporates server management, cloud contact centres, website hosting, security, databases… and even quantum computing!

AWS: A digital transformation.

According to a recent survey from Flexera on IT budgets in 2021, Amazon Web Services was the top choice for cloud-based computing services. This places AWS in front of other cloud-computing tech-giants such as Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

AWS also leads the way in the post-pandemic “digital transformation”. As workforces continue remotely, demand for flexible, reliable video-conferencing and collaborative cloud storage has boomed.

Designed as an “on-demand cloud platform” on a pay-as-you-go basis, AWS has quickly monopolised the business market. It now accounts for over a third of cloud usage with an estimated one million active users.

What AWS services are available?

There are SO many branches to the AWS tree that it can be difficult to know where to start. This is particularly the case if you’re not an IT Wizz!

Let’s begin with one of the most fundamental and widely used services offered by AWS – cloud storage management.

1. Cloud data storage.

By outsourcing your storage, you can continue to scale your business, safe in the knowledge that your data is backed up securely.

Once secured, AWS is able to analyse your data using machine learning to categorise information automatically and help with database management. This can also streamline your storage costs based on how often, and how you access your data.

Essentially, you can leave the heavy lifting of operating and organising a complex IT infrastructure to AWS and it’s virtual servers. This leaves you with more time to focus on your day-to-day business needs – a win for any business owner.

2. Data analysis.

AWS is way more than a virtual box to store things in…

It constantly evolves and analyses your information using “Big Data” algorithms that can help optimise your activities. This can relate to product development, marketing campaigns, financial management, staff training and media content – whatever you want to look at!

Over time, AWS is proven to generate more revenue for business by enabling them to become more streamlined and make better business decisions.

3. Financial tools.

Many financial institutions in banking and insurance sectors have built their automated platforms using Amazon Web Services. This isn’t just for multinationals though!

Thousands of small businesses, right through to financial giants such Allianz and Barclays utilise AWS services to optimise their critical banking operations, website hosting, conduct secure transactions and utilise cloud financial management tools.

AWS creates a digital platform from which businesses of all types and sizes are able to launch new products and mobile/web payment options – giving confidence to investors and consumers alike.

4. Media processing.

Being able to process, store and stream video content is essential for organisations in the game tech, media and entertainment sectors.

AWS provides companies like Netflix with powerful cloud solutions for video processing that facilitate their streaming services and give developers an opportunity to create content in “on-demand” formats.

In the age of social media, producing high-quality video content and live streaming is a fast-growing industry that’s open to businesses large and small. It’s just one area that a reliable, cloud network can give the processing power necessary to set your company apart from the crowd.

5. Security and reliability.

A major advantage of using AWS is that it represents a far more secure and reliable platform than a company hosting its own website or cloud storage.

Amazon has sought to diversify its data centres across the globe, keeping them continuously monitored. AWS stores your data across multiple secure sites to ensure that a disaster affecting one area wouldn’t cause any data loss or a breach in security.

Reliability is another key factor.

Imagine your business launches a new product or gets some great publicity… and it’s an amazing success! Thousands of customers are now attempting to gain access to your website and purchase your products across multiple platforms, applications and locations.

This runs the risk of web servers crashing, lost sales and irrevocable reputational damage. Situations like this are avoided with AWS, as any capacity surges or sudden changes in scalability to your network can be spread out and managed by Amazon’s servers.

Amazon Web Services: Pricing.

AWS running costs are priced on a pay-as-you-go approach, where you pay only for the individual services you require for as long as you need them. AWS also offers volume based discounts – so the more services you use, the less you pay.

This is useful for many SMEs.

This is because you don’t have to enter a fixed long-term contract. It allows businesses to adapt their cloud services (choosing from over 160 options) depending on present needs rather than future forecasts.

For example.

If a significant number of your workforce suddenly need to work from home (requiring remote computing and server access from multiple locations), AWS can easily adapt to such requests via something like the Amazon EC2 virtual server program.

In summary.

AWS is an astounding product – offering a massive array of services and opportunities to small business owners. Given the large number of business solutions available, it’s worthwhile reaching out to discuss your individual needs. 

The digital tools offered by AWS facilitate cloud storage, data analysis, video media processing (and so, so much more). If you’re thinking of cloud computing for your organisation, AWS is a transformative service that’s well worth taking a closer look at.