Amazon Web Services

Cloud Computing Provider

AWS starts with ‘A’ because it’s the ideal cloud provider or platform to begin your cloud learning journey or migration to the cloud. In fact, when it comes to anything cloud-related, start with ‘A’ — start with Amazon Web Services. I may sound like I’m advertising them, but fear not, it’s just an ethical, heart felt endorsement.

The Origins of AWS

Every super hero has an origin story, and AWS is no different. Amazon Web Services, Inc was officially launched in 2006, by its parent company Amazon (.com).

The first service that was officially launched by AWS is Simple Storage Service (S3), a simple storage service as the name implies, and then came compute power.

Did you know about it’s South African Origins in Cape Town? So, Cape Town is considered the birthplace of Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (more affectionately known as EC2), the second service offered by AWS.

This origin story traces back to the founding of the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) service in 2004, which is now regarded as one of the fundamental pieces of cloud computing technology. A passionate team of AWS developers and engineers in Cape Town, South Africa, created a single virtual server instance allowing South African customers to access practically unlimited cloud computing capacity without needing an on-premises data center. It was a watershed moment for AWS, and it changed the trajectory of cloud computing worldwide.

…And then came databases, and then this, and then that…

Categorical List Of Services Offered By AWS

Infrastructure and Computing Services

Compute: Scalable processing power for applications and workloads.

Containers: Portable, lightweight, and standalone application packaging.

Storage: Secure and durable data storage solutions.

Data Management and Analytics

Database: Organized data storage and management systems.

Analytics: Insights and patterns extraction from data.

Security and Compliance

Security: Protection from cyber threats and data breaches.

Identity & Compliance: Access management and regulatory adherence.

Application Development and Deployment

Application Integration: Connecting apps and services seamlessly.

Front-end Web & Mobile: Building user interfaces and mobile apps.

Game Development: Creating immersive gaming experiences.

Emerging Technologies

Blockchain: Decentralized and secure data ledger technology.

Machine Learning: AI-powered predictive modeling and automation.

Quantum Technologies: Next-gen computing and cryptography.

Robotics: Autonomous systems and machine learning integration.

Networking and Content Delivery

Networking: Reliable and high-performance network infrastructure.

Content Delivery: Fast and secure global content distribution.

Satellite and Internet of Things

Satellite: Space-based connectivity and data transmission.

Internet of Things (IoT): Interconnected devices and sensors.

Customer Support and Enablement

Customer Enablement: Empowering customers with knowledge and support.

Financial Management and Migration

Cloud Financial Management: Optimizing cloud costs and resources.

Migration and Transfer: Seamless transition to the cloud.

AWS initially launched with only Elastic Compute Cloud and Simple Storage (EC2 and S3, the bedrock of AWS), but have since expanded to a highly available global infrastructure comprising hundreds of services…

The Global Infrastructure of AWS

The cloud pioneer, AWS, currently dominates the global cloud landscape with the most regions, availability zones and edge locations, providing high availability and disaster recovery for their consumers and clients.

Regions

This vast global network is divided into physical, independent regions, each containing multiple availability zones (AZs).

Availability Zones

These AZs are essentially clusters of data centers that are interconnected and redundant, providing reliable and fault-tolerant infrastructure.

Edge Location

Additionally, AWS has edge locations scattered across the globe, which serve as strategic caching points for content, reducing latency and accelerating delivery for applications that require ultra-fast performance.

This tiered infrastructure enables AWS to offer a robust and responsive platform for applications and workloads of all kinds.

Top Companies That Use AWS

Here are some popular companies that leverage the global infrastructure of AWS and deliver seamless content and services to their customers.

Netflix

Netflix relies on AWS to power its streaming service, handling over 250 million hours of video content daily. AWS enables Netflix to scale rapidly, ensuring seamless streaming and personalized recommendations for its global audience.

Pinterest

Pinterest utilizes AWS to manage its vast image and video repository, leveraging machine learning and analytics to enhance user experience. AWS helps Pinterest handle massive traffic spikes and provides real-time insights to improve content discovery and engagement.

Uber

Uber depends on AWS to fuel its ride-sharing platform, processing millions of requests and coordinating rides in real-time. AWS enables Uber to scale its infrastructure dynamically, ensuring reliable and efficient services for its drivers and passengers worldwide.

Airbnb

Airbnb leverages AWS to power its global accommodation marketplace, handling millions of listings and bookings. AWS enables Airbnb to provide personalized search results, scalable infrastructure, and secure payment processing, ensuring a seamless experience for hosts and guests alike.

Spotify

Spotify uses AWS to power its music streaming service, delivering millions of songs and podcasts to users worldwide. AWS enables Spotify to handle massive traffic, provide personalized recommendations, and scale its infrastructure dynamically, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.

Additional Advantages of Starting with AWS

Community Support

AWS boasts the largest and most active community, both online and offline, ensuring you’ll have a comprehensive support network throughout your cloud journey.

Comprehensive Learning Resources

AWS offers a diverse range of learning materials, catering to various learning styles, including bite-sized videos, step-by-step tutorials, workshops, detailed documentation, gamified learning, and informative blogs. This wealth of resources guarantees you’ll find a learning approach that suits your needs.

Diverse Career Opportunities

The AWS cloud ecosystem presents a wide range of career paths, from cloud development and engineering to independent contracting, freelancing, tutoring, technical writing, and more.

The possibilities are endless, and your career aspirations are within reach.

Why Do Some Services Start With AWS and Others With Amazon?

Once you get started with AWS, you might notice the naming system, and ask, “Why do some services start with AWS and others with Amazon.”

Answer: …because they can, next.

There are several theories around it and for every one of those theories you can find an exception.

The one aspect that stands out the most is that most services with an Amazon prefix can function independently, without requiring other services to operate (consider Amazon S3, Amazon EC2, Amazon SQS, Amazon Quicksight, etc.).

From a user’s perspective, these services can be used as standalone solutions. On the other hand, AWS-prefixed services often rely on additional services to function at all, serving as “building blocks” that AWS frequently mentions.

For instance, AWS AppSync is a GraphQL API, but it requires integration with backend services or AWS Step Functions, which act as a control plane for other services. There are exceptions, such as AWS Lambda, which can now be used standalone (thanks to function URLs introduced in 2022), while others argue that Amazon API Gateway is largely useless without accompanying backend services. — Markus Ostertag (AWS Community Hero)

I know it’ll be tempting to try to identify a pattern to simplify your learning, but don’t spend too much time attempting to decipher a pattern, okay? Instead, focus on understanding the function and purpose of each service. It’s like wondering why the sky is called the sky and the sea is called the sea, rather than simply appreciating and enjoying your day at the beach with your delicious ice cream.

At this point AWS needs to release an official statement so that we stop getting lost in the sauce of speculation.

Putting it All Together with An Analogy

Imagine AWS as an International Property Developer in a futuristic Earth, where the cloud is land…

Like a Property Developer…: AWS

Acquires land in multiple locations worldwide: AWS has data centers and infrastructure in over 25 regions globally.

Builds properties: AWS builds cloud services like EC2, S3, etc., in each location.

Manages and maintains the properties: AWS manages and maintains the cloud infrastructure) across the globe.

Rents out properties to tenants: AWS provides cloud services to customers) in different regions

Connects properties with high-speed transportation routes: (AWS’s global network and edge locations enable fast data transfer)

Allows tenants to easily expand or move their operations between properties: AWS’s global infrastructure enables easy scalability and migration

Continuously develops and expands the property portfolio: AWS innovates and adds new services.

Offers flexible lease terms: Consumption-based model: pay-only-for-what-you-use, pay-as-you-go.

Provides move-in ready spaces, all you have to do is show up: Ease of entry: easy to sign up and start using services.

Fosters a community: AWS community: support forums, meetups, and shared knowledge.

Let’s Build: Set Up Your Personal AWS Account

I know (hope) you’re eager to set something up, so in this practical, hands-on-tutorial, we will observe the ease of entry by setting up an AWS Root Account for Administration and Billing, an IAM Account for Development purposes and Multifactor Authentication for securing your accounts.

Prerequisites

1. An Email Address
2. Debit or Credit Card
3. Authenticator App (you can choose from the list of compatible applications) for Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Set Up Your Personal AWS Account

Your personal AWS account is your own space where you can explore, create, and innovate freely. It’s perfect for learning and experimenting with new skills, working on personal projects, developing and testing applications, hosting your website or blog, and storing and managing your personal data. With your personal AWS account, you have the freedom to try new things, showcase your talents, and bring your ideas to life.

Step 1: Open your favourite web browser and type in: aws.amazon.com

There are so many links (you think).

But, don’t worry, just focus on the top right corner, there should be an orange button, waiting for you to click on it.

Step 2: Click on the Create AWS Account button on the top right corner of your screen.

After you click on the Create AWS Account button, you should be redirected to the portal, where you will create your AWS account.

Step 3: Enter your Root user email address & your preferred AWS Account Name, and click Verify Email Address.

Step 4: Confirm your email address with the Verification Code in order to proceed.

The code is valid for 10 minutes, so ensure you provide it timeously, or request a new one.

Once you have verified your email address, you will move on and create your password.

Step 5: Create Your Password.

Create Your Password and click continue, and you will find the Contact Information page.

Step 6: Select Personal — for your own projects under “How do you plan to use AWS?”

Then fill out the rest of the form accordingly with your personal details.

Read and agree to the AWS Customer Agreement.

Click Continue.

Step 7: Enter your Billing Information

Make sure you have a valid payment method.

Click Continue.

Step 8: Confirm your identity via text message or call.

Click Continue.

Step 9: Select a Support Plan: Select Basic support — Free.

Click Complete Sign Up.

Step 10: Congratulations! That’s what you should see next, as AWS starts activating your account, it won’t take long at all, if you followed the steps properly.

You will receive an email when your account has been activated.

Step 11: Click Go to the AWS Management Console button, while you wait for your activation email.

Step 12: Welcome to Amazon Web Services, says the activation email. Now head back to the AWS Management Console and log in with the Root User Email Account and Password that you configured in Step 3 and Step 5.

Step 13: Click Sign In.

Step 14: There it is, in all it’s glory, the AWS Management Console!

The AWS Management Console

The AWS Management Console is your one-stop shop for managing your AWS services and resources! From this central hub, you can easily monitor, manage and modify your resources, applications and services, all in one place. It’s designed to be easy to use, even if you’re new to AWS, so you can get started right away!

Step 15: Quickly familiarize yourself with the console.

Categorical List of Services Offered By AWS: On the left side of the menu, click on ‘Services’ to see a list of all the amazing services AWS offers, organized by category.

Step 16: Click on the circled question mark button (?) to see some of the official support resources offered by AWS.

Step 17: On the right, click on N. Virginia, and marvel at the numerous regions that contribute to AWS’s global infrastructure.

Oh, by the way, a new region in Taiwan is reportedly coming soon.

Step 18: On the farthest right, click on your Account Name, and this is where you’ll find the more advanced administrative controls for your account, such as Billing and Account creation.

Step 19: Navigate back to the top left corner. Click on Services.

Step 20: Select Security, Identity & Compliance on the left side of the drop down menu.

Create an IAM (Identity And Access Management) User

Your IAM account is your gateway to secure and controlled access to your AWS resources. With an IAM account, you can share access with others while maintaining granular control over permissions, ensuring that each user has only the access they need.

Step 21: Select IAM.

You should be redirected to the IAM Dashboard.

Step 22: Navigate to the left side, under Access Management, select Users.

Step 23: Click the Create Users button.

Step 24: Specify User Details.

Step 24.1: Create a relevant user name.

Check: Provide user access to the AWS Management Console — optional

Step 24.2: “Are you providing console access to a person?”

Click I want to create an IAM User.

Step 24.3: Console Password.

Select a Custom Password, that follows the password principles, that you can see below the text-area.

Step 24.4: Users must create a new password at next sign-in — Recommended: make sure that this is checked, and click Next.

Step 25: You are now in the Set Permissions screen.

It is best practice to attach policies to a group, but since you’re creating your first user, and have no groups yet, select Attach Policies directly.

Step 26: Search for and select IAMFullAccess.

It is considered a best practice (important and necessary) to select the most restrictive policy as this ensures that users and applications only have the permissions they need, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. You will incrementally add the relevant permissions as time goes on.

Click Next.

Step 27: Review and Create your User Details and Permissions summary, and click Create User.

Step 28: Congratulations. You have created an IAM User.

Step 29: Copy the Console Sign-In URL, Username and Password.

Step 30: Enter the Console Sign-In URL in your browser, so that you can sign in as the IAM user you just created.

Note: If you are using one browser, you will be signed out of your previous session as a root user.

Step 31: Sign in as IAM User.

Enter the Account Alias or AccountID.

Enter the IAM Username.

Enter the Password.

Click Sign In

Step 32: Since you selected : “Users must create a new password at next sign-in’’ in Step 24.4 You must change you password to continue.

Enter the Old Password.

Create Your New Password.

Confirm Password and Sign-in.

Step 33: Welcome to the AWS Management Console as an IAM user.

How do you know that you’re logged in as an IAM User?

Check the top right corner, it should say username @ accountname, if you click on it, you will see the Account ID, and your IAM Username.

Enable Multifactor Authentication

Multifactor authentication (MFA) boosts account security by demanding more than just a password to log in, much like accessing a safe requires both the combination and a physical key. Just as a password is like the combination, MFA adds a second form of verification — like a code, biometric scan, or app-generated code — to ensure only authorized individuals can unlock and access their accounts.

This way, even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to get into your account without that second form of verification. It adds an extra layer of security to keep your account safe, providing an additional barrier against unauthorized access and giving you peace of mind that your personal information is protected

Step 34: On the top left corner, click on the Services button.

Step 35: Select Security, Identity & Compliance on the left side of the drop down menu.

Step 36: Select IAM.

Step 37: Navigate to the left side, under Access Management, select Users.

Step 38: Click on the User you just created.

Step 39: Navigate to the Security Credentials Tab.

Step 40: Click Assign MFA device.

Step 41: Give your device a name in Device Name.

Step 42: Under MFA Device, select Authenticator App.

Click Next.

Step 43: Set Up Device: Download an authentication application.

Personally, I recommend Authy because you can seamlessly access it from multiple devices and it’s an authenticator app that hasn’t given me problems; however, you can choose from the list of compatible applications presented to you, or use your existing authenticator app.

Step 44: Scan the QR code.

Step 45: Enter two Consecutive Codes from your MFA device to validate it.

Step 46: Click Add MFA.

Step 47: Congratulations: MFA Device Assigned.

End of Step by Step Guide

Building Tutorial Overview

We covered the basics of account creation and security on AWS. The root user account serves as the master administrator with unlimited access, while the IAM user is created to perform specific roles and tasks with limited permissions.

To add an extra layer of security, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is used, requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. By understanding and utilizing these components, you can effectively manage access to your cloud resources and ensure the security of your account.

Summary

In summary, Amazon’s quest for a scalable infrastructure solution led to the development of AWS, which was initially designed to support their own e-commerce platform but eventually evolved into a robust cloud computing platform shared with merchants and the global community, and me, and you…

And as you have discovered, getting started with AWS is rather quite simple.

Prerequisites:

You’re fascinated by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and eager to explore its capabilities, with a desire to learn more about cloud computing.

Theory:

1. The Origins of AWS
2. Categorical List of Services Offered By AWS
3. The Global Infrastructure of AWS
4. Additional Advantages of Starting with AWS
5. AWS Naming System
6. Putting It All Together with an Analogy

Hands-On:

1. Create an AWS Account
2. Create an IAM Account
3. Set Up MultiFactor Authentication (MFA)

Additional Resources

The Story of AWS

Amazon Web Services wasn’t any one person’s single idea. No proverbial apple fell on some Newton’s head, no Henry Ford or Steve Jobs-like character had a brainstorm. Instead, it rather emerged. The idea grew organically out of the company’s frustration with its ability to launch new projects and support customers.

The Origins of AWS

That’s why we launched Amazon Web Services in the spring of 2006, to rethink IT infrastructure completely, so that anyone — even a kid in a college dorm room — could access the same powerful technology as the world’s largest and most sophisticated companies.

The South African Origins of AWS

AWS’s story is incomplete without acknowledging the legendary role of an independent team of engineers and developers in Cape Town. This South African team was assembled and led by Chris Pinkham, a South African who had proposed a novel web infrastructure service for Amazon as the engineer in charge of its global infrastructure.

Concluding Remarks

I hope you do the hands-on tutorials, because active learning is essential in cloud computing.