Advanced AWS resources to guide your cloud journey

Having chosen AWS as your cloud platform, this guide aims to deepen your understanding and utilization of its advanced resources. AWS offers a vast array of services designed to meet the diverse needs of organizations, from basic storage and computing to sophisticated analytics and machine learning.

Basic concepts of AWS and IaaS

AWS provides a comprehensive suite of global cloud-based products, covering everything from compute power and storage to more complex solutions involving analytics, networking, mobile, developer tools, management tools, IoT, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications. The flexibility of AWS's pay-as-you-go model allows you to scale resources according to your needs, optimizing costs while expanding capabilities.

Key AWS Services for Not-for-Profits

Storage Solutions

• Object Storage: Utilize Amazon S3 for scalable object storage. It's ideal for hosting static websites, storing, and retrieving any amount of data, including backup and disaster recovery.
• File Storage: Implement Amazon EFS for managed file storage that can be accessed concurrently by multiple EC2 instances.
• Block Storage: Use Amazon EBS to provide block-level storage volumes for persistent data storage when using EC2 instances.

Compute Options

• EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud): Launch virtual servers as you need them, choosing from a variety of OS and configurations based on your requirements.
• AWS Lambda: Run code without provisioning or managing servers with this serverless compute service. Perfect for building applications that respond quickly to new information and events.
• Elastic Beanstalk: Deploy and manage applications in the AWS Cloud without worrying about the infrastructure that runs those applications.

Analytics

• Amazon Redshift: Set up a fully managed data warehouse that makes it simple and cost-effective to analyse all your data using standard SQL and existing BI tools.
• AWS Lake Formation: Build a secure data lake in days, ingesting, cataloguing, and preparing data for analytics.
• Amazon Quick Sight: Fast, cloud-powered business intelligence service for 1-click visualization and quicker insights.

Additional Advanced Services

• AWS Blockchain: Choose managed blockchain services to easily create and manage scalable blockchain networks.
• AI and Machine Learning: Leverage services like Amazon SageMaker to build, train, and deploy machine learning models at scale.

AWS Training and Certification

AWS provides extensive training options tailored to different roles and expertise levels within an organization, from business professionals to technical staff. Here’s how you can leverage these resources.

AWS Training Programs

• AWS Training and Certification: Explore a wide range of training courses that cater to different aspects of AWS, from beginners to advanced users. Courses are available in both digital and classroom settings. AWS also offers learning paths that are role-specific, guiding learners through the necessary courses to master skills relevant to their job functions.
• AWS Skill Builder: This digital training program offers over 500 free courses, along with learning plans and a personalized dashboard to track learning progress.

AWS Certifications

• Foundational Level: Start with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, ideal for individuals looking to validate their overall understanding of the AWS Cloud.
• Associate and Professional Levels: Dive deeper with associate-level certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or AWS Certified Developer, and professional-level certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional.

Practical Experiences

• AWS Labs and Builders Sessions: Engage in hands-on labs and builder sessions to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, enhancing practical skills and understanding.
• AWS GameDay: A collaborative learning exercise that tests skills in implementing AWS solutions through gamified, risk-free environments.

AWS Educate

• AWS Educate: Provides institutions, educators, and students with resources for building skills in cloud technology at no cost. It's particularly beneficial for creating pathways in technology education and ensuring that the upcoming workforce is equipped with essential cloud skills.

Learning Resources and Community Events

• AWS Events and Webinars: Participate in AWS events, webinars, and new feature introductions to stay updated on the latest AWS technologies and best practices.
• AWS User Groups and Forums: Connect with a global community of AWS users to share insights, best practices, and practical tips.
• AWS Learning Needs Analysis: Use the Cloud Readiness Assessment Tool (CART) to tailor your organization's learning paths and cloud strategy.
• Cost Management Tools: Explore tools and resources like the AWS Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator and business case templates to plan and justify your migration and investment in AWS.

Advanced capabilities in AWS offer not-for-profits the tools to innovate, scale, and improve efficiency across operations. By strategically implementing and leveraging these resources, your organization can maximize the benefits of AWS services, ensuring you are well-equipped to meet current and future challenges in the cloud.