Outposts
💡 Definition
AWS Outposts is a fully managed service that offers the same AWS infrastructure, AWS services, APIs, and tools to virtually any datacenter, co-location space, or on-premises facility for a truly consistent hybrid experience.
🔑 Key Concepts
- Hybrid Cloud: Bridges the gap between on-premises and the cloud.
- Physical Hardware: AWS sends you a rack of servers (the same hardware used in AWS Data Centers) to install in your own facility.
- Extension of Region: It functions as an extension of an AWS Region.
- Low Latency: Allows you to run applications on-premises for very low latency requirements while still managing them via the AWS console.
⚙️ How it Works
- Order: You order an Outpost configuration from the console.
- Install: AWS delivers and installs the rack.
- Connect: You connect it to your local network and power.
- Launch: You can now launch EC2 instances, RDS databases, etc., onto your Outpost using standard AWS APIs.
🎯 Use Cases
- Low Latency: Manufacturing automation, real-time medical imaging, high-frequency trading.
- Data Residency: Storing data on-premises for regulatory reasons while using cloud tools.
- Local Data Processing: Processing huge datasets locally before sending results to the cloud.
💰 Pricing Model
- Charged for the Outposts capacity (rack) over a 3-year term (All Upfront, Partial Upfront, No Upfront).
📝 Exam Tips (CLF-C02)
- Think "AWS hardware on-premises".
- It brings the AWS experience to your local data center.
- Used for hybrid scenarios requiring low latency or local data processing.
See Also: * Local Zones * Wavelength * Region