DevOps on AWS: Introduction on How to Integrate Seamlessly

DevOps is one of the most used methodologies in the IT arena now. Propelled by cloud technology’s proliferation, IT companies are making the most of it. However, while DevOps has its own set of challenges, cloud technology providers are not tarrying any moment to ingrain their offerings with the best possible features. While this sounds great, it has brought an unexpected challenge: One would find it challenging to navigate through AWS, the most-used cloud, as Amazon wasted no effort refining its offering.

As DevOps spawned off DevSecOps, the approach with security at its core, AWS, too, came out with new tools to support DevSecOps. However, the above challenge continues to persist, and in this blog, we shall look at how to execute DevOps on AWS better than most.

Overview of AWS

Amazon Web Services was the first entrant in the cloud space, and it has secured the title of ‘the most-used cloud’ as it has the largest market share. Microsoft’s Azure is hot on its heels, with its unique tools and benefits. Last, but certainly not least, is Google Cloud, which, like its competition, has its offering, but more on that later.

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Introduction to DevOps on AWS

While there is no such specific section for DevOps in AWS, Amazon’s cloud offering has the tools to propel DevOps productivity. DevOps production mainly deals with the developers rolling off the deliverables as iterative and operations units making that iterative work. This iterative approach has paved the way for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). While this approach yields fruitful results, CI/CD will see DevOps storing the source code and version application files on the cloud, and AWS has not pulled any punches regarding security.

AWS is one of the most secure clouds, and it is used to store sensitive data not only by private corporations but also by governmental departments. Additionally, the DevOps team can deploy the application on their on-premises infrastructure or AWS even if the DevOps team preps the deliverables on AWS.

While there are various service categories, AWS offers all the major services and can be perceived as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). This is because it provides instant scalability and allows the customer to control the resources completely. IaaS also includes virtual servers and a variety of operating systems.

Useful Link: : AWS – Perfect Choice for Disaster Recovery

How AWS Supports DevOps

CI/CD pipeline is crucial for DevOps as much of the work happens in this area. However, it is challenging to build the pipeline when sourcing the tools from a handful of numerous vendors. From integration to compatibility, one would be compelled to address various concerns, which are more of a hassle. Furthermore, even if the CI/CD process is successfully established, there is always the potential that an update may brick the existing infrastructure as numerous third-party vendor components are involved.

These experiences have only reinforced the fact that implementing DevOps using AWS is easier, as the cloud is a one-stop solution. Aside from the security and virtual infrastructure, automation tools and automatic compatible updates across the infrastructure are just some of the benefits an AWS customer gets.

So, let’s dive deeper into AWS’s specific tools for a robust CI/CD pipeline.

AWS CodeBuild: As its name implies, CodeBuild is about creating the code that the DevOps team desires. It allows the team members to compile the source code, subject it to tests, and read the package for deployment.
AWS CodeCommit: Git is a widely used programming functionality, and AWS took cognizance of it. It built a tool that allows developers to control and give them the ability to host Git-based repositories securely. As security is involved, your DevSecOps will have to be roped in, as they have to configure the existing Git client to relay the Git codes to CodeCommit repositories.
AWS CodeDeploy: Yes, you guessed it right. CodeDeploy allows the DevOps team to deploy codes with little to no effort to automate the deployment. The deployment extends to on-premises and third-party services as well.
AWS CodePipeline: This tool is all about improving CI/CD through efficiency and security. Its heart is DevSecOps, and by utilizing this, the project members would get swift and secure software updates.
AWS CloudFormation: CloudFormation gives DevSecOps a major boost. It is a tool that allows the DevOps team to provide the infrastructure resources automatically. This tool is also for DevSecOps, as one can create a template secured by AWS for the CI/CD pipeline.
AWS Lambda: Lambda is a serverless tool that executes code whenever the trigger is detected. It can be run to conduct static code analysis and perform dynamic stack validation for the established security parameters.
Simple Storage Service or S3: AWS’s Simple Storage is a breeze to use. It allows its customers to access data and back it up while storing web data and other assets. What makes S3 better than its competition is its user interface (UI), which allows its customers to place data within buckets and manage it swiftly at any time. The data management includes complete access to the user by allowing them to modify or delete as and when required.
AWS Auto Scaling: Autoscalability is an essential feature today as the demand for various services fluctuates. While both Azure and GCP offer Autoscaling, users have noted that the experience is much more fluid on AWS, as the Amazon team is quite timely and responsive. This service creates capacity groups of servers that users can expand or reduce as needed and on-demand.
AWS CloudFront: This component provides great flexibility to its users as it works with non-AWS clouds. The tool provides content for any website or application, and this content provision extends to dynamic, streaming, and static platforms. For instance, OTT entertainment apps are in great demand, and some entertainment companies, such as Netflix, have roped in AWS to sustain the heavy global demand.

Before we conclude, let’s have a brief look at the competition.

DevOps on AWS, Azure, and GCP

While all three clouds have top-notch solutions, pricing, infrastructure, and cross-platform deployments are essential capabilities that are crucial in deciding your DevOps platform. While all three offer a pay-as-you-go billing model, AWS offers the model hourly; Azure bills its customers on a minute basis, and Google Cloud charges for the seconds the resources are used. While AWS sounds costly, it is much more cost-effective than Azure.

Gartner concluded that Google Cloud sweetens the deal for its customers by offering various discounts and better flexibility.

Although cross-platform deployment is relatively new, requirements have compelled DevOps to seek multi-cloud compatibility. This is one aspect where AWS lags while Azure and Google Cloud have made considerable progress. AWS’s competitors have released specific offerings, such as Anthos, to enable multi-cloud flexibility.

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Useful Link: Choice Your Cloud Platform: AWS Vs Azure Vs GCP

Conclusion

While DevOps is a great strategy, navigating AWS is a labyrinth as it is the oldest technology with many tools. While some of the DevOps tools were listed above, there are many more, such as Elastic Block Store and Relational Database Service, which are apt for DevOps and DevSecOps.

However, knowing which resource to use is the key to success. Often, people wind up paying more for resources they don’t even need due to a lack of knowledge or ill advice from clueless MSPs. It is pertinent that companies collaborate with capable MSPs such as Veritis to make the most of DevOps on AWS. Armed with experts who understand the unique needs of organizations of various scales, Veritis has doled out robust and productive solutions through our DevOps services.

So, reach out to us and walk away with an AWS solution that supports your DevOps strategy.

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