iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is Amazon’s cloud computing platform: a collection of online services for computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, security, and more. Instead of buying and maintaining all the underlying hardware, customers choose and configure the AWS resources their workloads need. Most services use pay-as-you-go pricing, but the bill depends on what is provisioned and used.
What is AWS in simple terms?
AWS is a platform for renting technology resources over the internet. It is not a single application: a business might use one AWS service to run a website, another to store files, and others to manage databases, networking, or security. AWS says its platform includes more than 200 services; the portfolio changes over time, and not every service is available in every Region.
AWS began offering IT infrastructure services in 2006, according to its overview of Amazon Web Services. In AWS’s cloud model, the provider operates the underlying infrastructure while customers select and configure resources for their applications.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHow does Amazon Web Services work?
AWS operates data centers and the hardware, networking, and software that support its services. Customers create an AWS account, select services and locations, configure resources, and access them through AWS interfaces and APIs. They can adjust or stop resources as needs change, subject to each service’s behavior and pricing. AWS describes cloud computing as on-demand delivery of IT resources over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing.
#1 Best Overall
Regions, Availability Zones, and edge locations
AWS groups its infrastructure into geographic Regions, which contain Availability Zones. Edge locations support certain services, such as content delivery. On its Global Infrastructure page, AWS listed 39 Geographic Regions and 124 Availability Zones as of October 7, 2026. These are live counts, not permanent totals; check the page for current infrastructure and announced expansions. A service’s availability and the best location for a workload depend on the specific service and requirements.
What are the main AWS products?
AWS offers services across categories including compute, storage, databases, analytics, networking, developer tools, management tools, Internet of Things, security, and enterprise applications. Two familiar examples illustrate the difference between the platform and its individual products:
- Amazon EC2: virtual compute instances that customers configure to run workloads.
- Amazon S3: object storage for data and files.
These are examples, not a complete catalog. Service features and regional availability evolve, so check the relevant official service page before designing around a particular capability.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How much does AWS cost?
AWS pricing varies by service. AWS says most services use pay-as-you-go pricing, while some offer flat-rate plans, tiered pricing, or commitment discounts for eligible services. The practical meaning is that charges generally follow the resources used and the time they are used—not that every workload is inexpensive or that the final amount is automatically predictable.
Rank #3
For an estimate, use the AWS pricing information and AWS Pricing Calculator. Include the choices that materially affect a workload’s bill, such as Region, compute or storage configuration, hours of use, data transfer, redundancy, and any commitment terms. An estimate is only as useful as its assumptions; compare it with the actual architecture and operating costs.
What are the advantages of AWS?
- Fast provisioning: customers can access resources without first purchasing and installing physical infrastructure.
- Adjustable capacity: resource use can change as workload needs change, rather than being fixed to a hardware purchase made in advance.
- Broad service choice and geographic reach: AWS spans many technology categories and operates infrastructure in multiple Regions and Availability Zones.
- Potentially lower upfront infrastructure spending: provider infrastructure can replace some capital purchases with operating expenses. Whether total costs fall depends on the workload, architecture, usage, and pricing choices.
What are the disadvantages and trade-offs?
- Usage-based costs need active management. Charges vary with service choices and consumption; data transfer, storage tiers, and commitments can affect the total.
- Customers still manage important security tasks. Using AWS does not transfer responsibility for every application, permission, or configuration.
- There is less direct control over physical hardware. AWS operates the provider infrastructure; organizations running their own data centers own and maintain hardware, with the associated lifecycle and operating work.
- Location and architecture choices matter. Latency, service availability, costs, and data-location requirements vary by service and Region. A global footprint does not remove the need to design for a workload’s requirements.
Who is responsible for AWS security?
AWS calls its division of cloud security responsibilities the Shared Responsibility Model: AWS is responsible for “security of the cloud,” while customers are responsible for “security in the cloud.” The division depends on the service being used.
For example, with Amazon EC2, AWS operates the underlying infrastructure, but the customer manages the guest operating system and its patches, installed applications, and security-group configuration. Do not assume the same customer tasks apply identically to every managed AWS service; consult the AWS Shared Responsibility Model and the documentation for the service in question.
How should you compare AWS with on-premises infrastructure or another cloud?
Compare options against the expected workload and the organization’s constraints, rather than assuming one approach is always cheaper or easier. AWS’s cloud-versus-on-premises guidance highlights ownership and configuration control as important distinctions. Evaluate:
Best Value
- Cost: expected utilization, service charges, data transfer, hardware lifecycle, and operating costs.
- Operational responsibility: which infrastructure and workload tasks the provider handles, and which require in-house skills or outside support.
- Control: how much direct control over physical infrastructure and configuration the organization needs.
- Location and latency: where data and users are, and whether service availability and data-location requirements are met.
- Resilience and security: how the workload will be designed, configured, and operated to meet its requirements.
AWS also notes that customers may work with AWS Partner Network providers for software or services, including security management. A partner can be an option when implementation or ongoing support is needed, but the provider and its scope should be evaluated for the particular workload.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
