How to build flexible and scalable web apps in AWS
Creating a scalable web application has never been simpler. In the past, projects or websites expecting high traffic levels or rapid spikes in activity would need significant planning and investment to build an infrastructure capable of handling those peaks. Today – it is possible to build a very low cost solution that will both scale up with traffic, and tie your costs to your need.
AWS has lowered the barrier to cloud computing considerably. Really, anyone with a credit card, internet access and some technical know-how can whip up a web application in a few minutes. Whether that application is scalable, resilient or cost-effective is a completely different story.
We spoke to some real-life AWS experts to find out their top tips for building high-powered, killer web apps using Amazon Web Services. This is what they said...
"Always use custom AMIs. Standard configurations often expire, which can cause problems when automation tools and scripting are deployed. You can gain back control of your application estate by working with someone who can create your own bespoke images."
"Set limits on cost. Cloud resources are not necessarily cheaper, and the typical cost-savings are based solely on metered usage. Newcomers to AWS are often unaware of the different pricing models that can save considerable money over time. Reserved instances, for example, are great if you have an expectation of demand and the resources required to meet it."
"Ensure scalability by segregating storage. By de-coupling file content from web servers or databases using Amazon's Simple Storage Service (S3), web applications can scale quicker, easier and more successfully. This can help to optimise web applications and ultimately decrease load times."
"Use two-factor authentication for increased security. AWS offer both free and premium device based Multi Factor Authentication services but there are also 3rd party services such as Google Authenticator which can significantly increase the security of your environment."
Read the full '9 Top Tips for Scalable Web Apps in AWS' here.