Getting started with Amazon EC2 - Virtual server on the cloud

For somebody as new to AWS as I am, AWS seems to be that magical word that has completely transformed the way business is run today. I view hundred of posts on LinkedIn specifying how Netflix is using AWS for all their storage needs, recommendation engines & analytics. How Cathey Pacific Airways utilized AWS to improve the website scalability, security and experience of buying airline tickets using website-based booking engines.

The results have been superb. AWS consists of many cloud services that can be use in combinations tailored to meet various organizational needs. This part shall introduce the most featured service that AWS offers - Amazon EC2 - Virtual server on the cloud.

Amazon EC2 is a secure and resizable compute capacity in the cloud that can launch applications when needed without traditional upfront commitments. It even provides complete control of the computing resources (its inline ability to start, stop, terminate instances etc.). As the computing requirements changes, EC2 allows super quick scaling of capacity, both up and down.

The magical EC2 instances have following key features :

1. Concrete reduction in the time required to obtain and boot new instances to minutes
2. Super quick scaling of capacity, both up and down, as the computing requirements changes
3. Provide developers and sysadmins tools to build failure resilient applications and isolate themselves from common failure scenarios
4. Amazon EC2 provides you with flexible, cost effective, and easy-to-use data storage options for your instances. Each option has a unique combination of performance and durability. These storage options can be used independently or in combination to suit your requirements
5. Secure login information for your instances using key pairs (AWS stores the public key, and you store the private key in a secure place)

Considering the fast changing needs of today's world, it is designed to make web-scale cloud computing easier. Amazon EC2’s simple web service interface allows you to obtain and configure capacity with minimal friction.

It provides you with complete control of your computing resources and lets you run on Amazon’s proven computing environment.