Amazon Web Services (AWS) is an IaaS, commonly known as Infrastructure-as-a-Service, that is responsible for creating a huge gateway for cloud computing. This platform further specializes in services and organizational tools that range from content delivery services to cloud storage, and so on. 

But when it comes to creating cloud-ready applications, then there are a ton of things that you need to cater to, in order to ensure a smooth flow of elements and functions within the application itself. Let’s dive into the basic explanation of what’s cloud-ready and how is it different from the traditional cloud-native method.

Cloud-Ready Architecture vs. Cloud-Native

Cloud-native and Cloud-ready architecture may be branches of the same field, but they are polar opposite setups. Cloud-Native applications were originally designed for container-based deployment for the public cloud, and they use agile software development to get things done. 

Cloud-ready architecture, on the other hand, is a transformed classic enterprise application that is made to function on the cloud. They may not be able to utilize all the functions that the public cloud has to offer, but there are a significant number of productive assets that we can create and use from this transformed architecture.

However, when creating cloud applications, there are certain aspects you need to integrate and look out for in an AWS well-architected framework, to create a solid foundation that holds onto all the integral functions of the applications and caters to all the requirements of cloud-ready application architecture in AWS.

The AWS well-architected framework is designed on the 5-pillar model that ensures not only smooth transitioning but also lives up to the expectations of the client with timely and stable deliverables. Those AWS five pillars are as follows: 

1. Design and operational excellence of AWS well-architected framework

The AWS architecture best practices start from the operational excellence which includes the key objectives of your business goals and how the organization can effectively work around them to gain insight, provide the best solutions and bring value to the business altogether. The design principles are categorized as follows:

• Use of codes on all mediums of the workloads (infrastructure, applications, etc) to maintain autonomy and limit human error as much as possible. 
• Create flexibility by updating small changes and upgrades to the system which can be reversible without any damage.
• Evolve and upgrade your systems by refining the functions and procedures now and then. Set days to effectively work around and improve the system with your team to familiarize them with the changes.
• Anticipate, trigger, identify and solve all the potential failures by diving in deep and conducting frequent testings and understanding the impact it creates, and familiarizing your team with it as well.
• Share all the necessary trial and error outcomes with your team and engage them in all the learnings that you deciphered during necessary operational procedures. 

2. Consistent and reliable performance (workloads) 

It is necessary to maintain a smooth performance while building cloud infrastructure on AWS well-architected framework. Maintaining performance efficiency will lead to smooth transitioning in demand and technology, without creating any disruption of any sort and simultaneously ticking all the right boxes. To maintain the flow, a few of the best cloud designing practices are followed, they are as follows: 

• Utilize advanced technologies as services that your team can incorporate in your projects, by delegating their setup to the cloud vendors and including them in your cloud application.
• Go global by distributing your workload amongst numerous AWS regions to bring down the delay rate and make things quick at a fraction of a price.
• Discard physical servers and use wireless modern techniques like cloud technologies for service operations and reduce the transactional cost of physical servers by restricting them to traditional computing activities.
• Broaden up your horizon and dive into experiments with different configurations and more.
• Follow the mindset and approach that you deem fit for your goals and achievements.

3. Reliable architecture 

It is necessary to encompass a reliable and effective architecture on AWS that enables a consistent workflow throughout the functionality of the application. There are several principles that one needs to look into while building cloud applications on AWS. They are as follows:

• The system should enable an automatic recovery whenever a threshold is breached. With an effective automation process, the application can anticipate and conduct a remedy of the supposed failure before it affects the system.
• A test run on all the procedures is necessary, which will help fix multiple failures before they happen in real-time. 
• Reduce failure on overall workload by placing a large resource over multiple smaller ones. Scale horizontally to reduce any distribution of failures.
• Monitor your service capacity based on your workload without “assuming” anything, as it is one of the common factors of on-premises failures.
• Conduct any changes via automation, to track and review them throughout the process. 

4. Security aspect 

Security has become a crucial aspect for applications to think of, especially cloud-based applications. This security pillar helps create a safe and secure environment for the application, keeping all the data, assets, and crucial information safe from all ends. There are a few factors that one must follow to maintain a secure platform while building cloud infrastructure architecture. 

• Create a loop and traceability amongst the application and track activities in real-time.
• Application of security and verification on all aspects and layers of the application.
• Enforce strict authorization on all levels to interact with AWS resources.
• Categorize data into security levels and limit access where necessary with high-level encryption.
• Eliminate direct access to data with effective tools to reduce misuse of data. 
• Conduct a drill to test emergency security features and automatic responses, and prepare for the right responses accordingly.

5. Cost optimization

Cost Optimization is a crucial part of cloud-ready applications, mainly because it allows you to not only achieve the services at the lowest price point but also help predict the amount that will be spent in the future. It will also keep a tab on the necessary expansion and its expenses once the business takes off for good. 

Cost optimization is impossible without following a certain set of pillars, as stated below: 

• Invest time and money in cloud financial management to learn more about it. 
• Pay only for services that you use, and calculate the time that it takes on an average per day to further slash the cost.
• Calculate the workload from the associated cost, and compare the data to increase the output and further cut down on things with little to no output, to increase functionality.
• Allow AWS to cater to the heavy-lifting, and do not spend on unnecessary items that are not your forte, like IT infrastructure and all. 
• Swiftly analyze the expenses and compare them to the collective and individual usage, workload and help optimize it to increase ROI.

Final Thoughts

With our thorough description of the AWS well-architected framework, you can easily build a cloud-ready application architecture on Amazon Web Services. The 5 pillars of operating a reliable, secure, and super cost-effective system will ensure a streamlined application construction, maintain a smooth workflow, and help create a well-groomed cloud-ready application architecture.

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Cloud migration to AWS means leaving behind a major hassle of on-premise resources and the traditional cloud infrastructure that organizations used to rely on. Not only is AWS a secure way for cloud migration, but is also a sustainable way to secure your data while deploying your workload.

AWS cloud migration was one of the leading practices in 2020. As the global pandemic rose, businesses were forced to choose a stable, remote setup for sustaining their businesses in the otherwise crashing market and securing their future in the e-commerce industry. The following factors contributed to their decision:   

1. End-to-end security

Data security and privacy are two things that companies can never compromise on. Before AWS migration, customers must understand the AWS Shared Responsibility Model that the service follows. Here, AWS takes complete control over the technical features that it provides, including, but not limited to software, hardware, communication between the servers, etc. Methods like two-way authentication, data encryption, monitoring, and threat detection are all responsibilities that Amazon Web Services looks after. Meanwhile, the customer will keep an eye out for the services they opt for, and all the technicalities that come along with it, including the sensitivity of their data and all the regulations and laws attached to it. 

2. Better cost management 

AWS has always been a step ahead in terms of cost management and creating packages for businesses and users only, based on the services and resources that they provide. When it comes to cloud migration, cost plays a vital role in luring potential clients towards AWS cloud migration services. 

Even startups, with unstable funding, can take advantage of the low-cost entry which otherwise would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in services, configurations, and network equipment. Not only is this move to cloud beneficial from technical aspects, but also results in better cost management throughout your project, sitting well within your budget. 

3. Scalability 

The ability to grow in an orderly manner is one of the major benefits of cloud migration on AWS. It is designed to expand as your business grows, and downscale as per your business’s requirements without any major infrastructural changes or loss of data. AWS cloud migration will be flawless on both ends. The option for scalability on AWS will enable you to handle the toughest and the most hectic hours of the day or night, without crashing the system or leaving loopholes for the system to corrupt. 

4. Self-service model

With no physical hardware upgrades needed in an AWS cloud, organizations have complete control over the IT infrastructure. It enables them to work around the system without any restrictions and make swift changes to develop and deploy a faster and effective application for the client. To further enable organizations to maintain smooth operations, they can invest in a cloud management platform (CMP) that will overlook operations and maintain stability within the system.

5. Compliance

Another bigger advantage of AWS server migration service is its AWS compliance program, where it offers a high-end security system with compliant packages curated solely to cater to the needs of the clients based on their industry. But while the AWS cloud migration takes clients towards a more compliant environment, organizations must be prepared with a set of AWS certified IT professionals to maintain it without leaving it exposed in any way.

6. Lower latency

Amazon Web Services will decrease latency via AWS Direct Connect which allows you to link up your on-premises and private workload to an available AWS data center via your internet connection. There are numerous AWS data centers located around the globe to reduce latency, and so far it has done a tremendous job in maintaining a smooth path of migrating your existing applications to the AWS cloud.

7. Disaster recovery

Cloud migration and data handling is a risky process, and if not done effectively, can lead to severe consequences for the organization, which also includes losing a ton of data. This is where AWS steps in; precisely the thing about AWS which draws in clients from across the globe. Its ability to handle the toughest man-made and technical storms that make their way towards the cloud and the data stored within. But migrating your existing applications to the AWS cloud must be handled by an IT personnel familiar with the AWS cloud migration process. 

FAQs for Reasons why companies are shifting to AWS cloud