When working with databases on AWS, you have two primary approaches: EC2-hosted databases and AWS managed databases. Understanding the differences is crucial for the Cloud Practitioner exam.
**EC2-Hosted Databases**
With EC2-hosted databases, you install and run database software on Amazon EC2 in…When working with databases on AWS, you have two primary approaches: EC2-hosted databases and AWS managed databases. Understanding the differences is crucial for the Cloud Practitioner exam.
**EC2-Hosted Databases**
With EC2-hosted databases, you install and run database software on Amazon EC2 instances yourself. This approach gives you complete control over the database configuration, version selection, and customization options. You are responsible for all administrative tasks including patching, backups, scaling, high availability setup, and security configurations. This option is ideal when you need specific database versions, custom configurations, or when running legacy applications that require particular settings.
**AWS Managed Databases**
AWS offers several managed database services including Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service), Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Aurora, and Amazon Redshift. With managed services, AWS handles routine database tasks such as hardware provisioning, database setup, patching, and backups. These services provide built-in high availability, automated failover, and easy scaling capabilities. You focus on your application while AWS manages the underlying infrastructure.
**Key Differences**
1. **Operational Overhead**: EC2-hosted requires more administrative effort; managed services reduce operational burden significantly.
2. **Cost Structure**: EC2-hosted involves instance costs plus your time for management; managed services have predictable pricing models.
3. **Flexibility**: EC2-hosted offers maximum customization; managed services have some limitations but provide optimized configurations.
4. **Scalability**: Managed services offer simpler scaling options with features like read replicas and auto-scaling.
5. **Backup and Recovery**: Managed services include automated backup solutions; EC2-hosted requires manual configuration.
For the exam, remember that managed databases align with the AWS shared responsibility model where AWS manages more of the stack, reducing customer burden while maintaining security and reliability.
EC2-Hosted vs Managed Databases: Complete Guide
Why This Topic Is Important
Understanding the difference between EC2-hosted databases and AWS managed database services is crucial for the Cloud Practitioner exam. This knowledge helps you recommend the right solution based on customer requirements, understand the shared responsibility model, and identify cost and operational trade-offs.
What Are EC2-Hosted Databases?
EC2-hosted databases are database systems that you install and run on Amazon EC2 instances. You have full control over the database software, configuration, and the underlying operating system.
Examples include: - Installing MySQL on an EC2 instance - Running Oracle Database on EC2 - Setting up MongoDB on EC2 instances
What Are Managed Databases?
Managed databases are fully managed services provided by AWS where AWS handles the infrastructure, patching, backups, and maintenance tasks.
EC2-Hosted Databases: - You provision EC2 instances and install database software - You manage OS patching, database patching, and updates - You configure backups, replication, and high availability - You handle scaling, both vertical and horizontal - You are responsible for security configurations at all levels
Managed Databases: - AWS provisions and manages the underlying infrastructure - AWS handles patching for the database engine and OS - Automated backups and point-in-time recovery are built-in - Easy scaling options through the console or API - AWS manages high availability and failover capabilities
Shared Responsibility Model Differences
EC2-Hosted: You are responsible for everything above the hypervisor level, including OS, database software, data, and security configurations.
Managed Services: AWS takes responsibility for the database engine, OS, and infrastructure. You remain responsible for your data, access management, and network configurations.
When to Choose Each Option
Choose EC2-Hosted when: - You need full control over database configuration - You require a database engine not available as a managed service - You have specific compliance requirements needing OS-level access - You have existing licenses you want to use (BYOL scenarios)
Choose Managed Databases when: - You want to reduce operational overhead - You need automated backups and high availability - You want AWS to handle patching and maintenance - You prefer to focus on application development rather than database administration
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on EC2-Hosted vs Managed Databases
1. Look for keywords about control: If a question mentions needing full control over the operating system or database configuration, EC2-hosted is likely the answer.
2. Identify operational overhead concerns: Questions mentioning reduced administrative burden, less management, or focusing on business logic point toward managed services.
3. Understand the cost model: EC2-hosted requires you to manage everything, which means more staff time. Managed services have higher base costs but lower operational costs.
4. Remember patching responsibility: If a question asks who patches the database engine in RDS, the answer is AWS. For EC2, the answer is the customer.
5. High availability questions: Managed services like RDS offer Multi-AZ deployments with automated failover. For EC2, you must configure this yourself.
6. Backup questions: RDS provides automated backups and snapshots. EC2 requires you to implement your own backup strategy.
7. Scaling scenarios: Managed services offer easier scaling options. Look for phrases like easily scale or automatic scaling pointing to managed solutions.
8. License flexibility: Questions about bringing your own database licenses often point to EC2 as the solution, though RDS also supports BYOL for certain engines.