AWS Resource Access Manager (AWS RAM)

AWS Resource Access Manager (AWS RAM) is a service that simplifies resource sharing between AWS accounts and within your AWS Organization. It enables you to share AWS resources, such as Amazon EC2 instances, Amazon RDS databases, and Amazon VPC subnets, with other AWS accounts or within your AWS Organization.

Why AWS RAM is important:
1. Streamlines resource sharing across accounts and within organizations
2. Eliminates the need to create duplicate resources in multiple accounts
3. Helps maintain security and compliance by controlling access to shared resources
4. Reduces operational overhead and costs associated with resource management

How AWS RAM works:
1. Create Resource Share: The resource owner creates a Resource Share and specifies the resources to be shared and the principals (AWS accounts, organizational units, or organizations) with whom to share.
2. Accept Resource Share: The principals who are granted access to the shared resources receive an invitation to join the Resource Share. They can accept the invitation to access the shared resources.
3. Access Shared Resources: Once the invitation is accepted, the principals can access the shared resources according to the permissions defined in the Resource Share.
4. Manage and Monitor: The resource owner can manage and monitor the Resource Shares, including updating permissions, adding or removing resources, and revoking access.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on AWS RAM
1. Understand the benefits of using AWS RAM for resource sharing, such as simplified management and reduced costs.
2. Know the types of resources that can be shared using AWS RAM, including EC2 instances, RDS databases, and VPC subnets.
3. Be familiar with the process of creating and accepting Resource Shares.
4. Recognize scenarios where AWS RAM can be used to share resources across accounts or within an AWS Organization.
5. Understand how permissions and access controls are managed through AWS RAM.