Deciding between using EC2 hosted databases or AWS Managed Databases can be a bit tricky. Both offer unique advantages and have specific scenarios in which they excel. To make an informed decision, you should understand the capabilities, limitations, and potential use-cases for each. To this end, this article will serve as a guide to illuminate these aspects and help you select the best option for your business use-case consistently within the study plan for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02).
When should you use EC2 hosted databases?
An EC2 hosted database involves running your database on an Amazon EC2 instance. This approach gives you full control over the DB instance allowing you to handle the administrative chores and superintend the actions on the DB.
Here are some reasons to choose EC2 hosted databases:
- Full Control: You have comprehensive authority over your database. This control extends to database configurations, setup, security, and rigging.
- Flexibility: An EC2 database setup broadens your options. You can select a broader range of database types and versions compared to AWS managed databases.
- Direct Server Access: With EC2 instances, you are given full access to the underlying server which allows you to tightly couple your applications and databases if needed.
- Specific Database Requirements: In case your application requires a specific database setup that is not supported by AWS managed databases, EC2 may be your ideal choice.
Keep in mind, having full control also means responsibility. With EC2, you would need to manually handle DB optimization, patches, and backups.
When should you use AWS managed databases?
AWS Managed Databases, for the most part, include Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service), DynamoDB (NoSQL), Redshift (Data Warehousing), and ElastiCache (In-memory Databases).
Here are reasons to select AWS managed databases:
- Automatic Scaling: With AWS managed databases, scaling can be automatic without requiring downtime.
- Automated Backups: AWS managed databases automate backups and ensure timely recovery in the event of mishaps.
- Read Replicas: AWS managed databases make it easy to create read replicas, improving overall performance.
- Multi-AZ Deployments: Allows easy setup of highly available, fault-tolerant databases.
AWS managed databases are perfect when you want to focus more on development and less on administrative tasks.
Comparison Table: EC2 Hosted Databases vs AWS Managed Databases
| Factor | EC2 hosted databases | AWS managed databases |
|---|---|---|
| Control and Flexibility | High | Limited |
| Scaling | Manual | Automatic |
| Backups | Manual | Automatic |
| Server Access | Full | Limited |
| DB Setup | Wide Variety | Limited Variety |
| Admin Tasks | Manual | Automated |
Examples:
If you’re setting up a complex, legacy system with a unique database requirement not supported by the AWS managed databases, you’d want to go with an EC2 hosted database.
On the contrary, when launching a fully scalable web application based on the microservices architecture, employing AWS managed databases (like Amazon RDS or DynamoDB) would be prudent, as they provide easy scaling, fault tolerance, and automated backup features.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all in choosing between EC2 hosted databases and AWS managed databases. It largely depends on your project requirements, size, and how comfortable you are with managing databases. Of course, you may also choose to use a blend of both in your architecture if it suits you. Going with the AWS managed databases could allow you more time on development rather than worrying about regular database chores, while choosing EC2 could provide you with a wider setup and more authority. Your decision will ultimately hinge on the peculiar demands of your use-case.
Practice Test
AWS managed databases provide control over configurations and administrative responsibilities.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: AWS managed databases do not provide control over configurations and administrative responsibilities. It is handled by AWS, reducing operational overhead for the user.
EC2 hosted databases are ideal for applications that require maximum control over the database environment.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: EC2 hosted databases are a good choice for applications that need maximum control over the database environment. Users have full control over their configurations.
In AWS managed databases, administrative tasks like hardware provisioning, database setup, and patching are performed by the user.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In AWS managed databases, these administrative tasks are handled by AWS, reducing workload and operational complexity for the users.
What option will best suit an application with a quick scalability requirement?
- EC2 hosted databases
- AWS managed databases
Answer: AWS managed databases
Explanation: AWS managed databases, like Amazon RDS, offer easy scalability, making them ideal for applications with rapid scaling requirements.
AWS managed databases can’t provide automated backups.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: AWS managed databases provide automated backups, increasing data reliability and reducing need for manual backups.
Host-level backups and database snapshot backups are not possible with AWS managed databases.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: AWS managed databases do support host-level backups and database snapshot backups, enhancing data security and availability.
Which database hosting option allows you to choose your own database engine?
- EC2 hosted databases
- AWS managed databases
Answer: EC2 hosted databases
Explanation: EC2 hosted databases allow users to choose their own database engine. AWS managed databases provide a variety of popular database engine options but are not as flexible.
Which of the following is a security feature of AWS managed databases?
- AWS Shield
- Amazon Inspector
- Both A and B
- None of the above
Answer: Both A and B
Explanation: AWS Shield and Amazon Inspector are security services provided by AWS for all the AWS services, including AWS managed databases.
EC2 hosted databases require manual setup and management.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: EC2 hosted databases require manual setup, including installing the database software and managing database backups.
RDS, DynamoDB, and RedShift are examples of AWS managed databases.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: These are AWS managed databases. They handle tasks such as hardware provisioning, database setup, patching, and backups, reducing operational overhead.
AWS managed databases are more cost-effective than EC2 hosted databases.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The cost depends on several factors including the size and complexity of your database and your specific use case. AWS managed databases may incur additional costs for the managed services it provides.
EC2 hosted databases are preferred when you need to comply with strict regulatory requirements.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: If you have strict compliance requirements, running your database on EC2 will give you full control over the environment, allowing you to customize security settings to your requirements.
AWS does not offer any managed database services.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: AWS offers several managed database services including Amazon RDS, Amazon DynamoDB, and Amazon Redshift.
EC2 hosted databases provide high availability features.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: EC2 hosted databases can be configured to provide high availability, but this requires additional manual configuration such as setting up replicas.
Running databases on EC2 instances requires relatively less monitoring compared to AWS managed databases.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Running databases on EC2 instances requires constant monitoring and management of the database software, whereas AWS managed databases take care of these tasks.
Interview Questions
What is AWS EC2?
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) is a web service that provides secure, resizable compute capacity in the cloud. It allows developers to scale up or down capacity according to requirements.
What is an AWS managed database?
AWS managed database service provides automated backups, software patching, automatic failover, and capacity provisioning. It includes Amazon RDS, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Neptune, etc.
When should you use an AWS managed database?
An AWS managed database is suitable when you require easy setup, management, and maintenance. It is also ideal if you need automated tasks such as backup, scaling, and patching.
When is it preferable to use EC2 hosted databases?
Using EC2 hosted databases is preferable when you require full control over the database or have specialized requirements not met by AWS managed databases. EC2 allows for the configuration of database-specific performance and security settings, and customized architectural designs.
How does cost impact the decision to use EC2 hosted databases or AWS managed databases?
AWS managed databases typically have a higher cost as they include additional services such as automated backups, patching, and scaling. EC2 hosted databases could be more cost-effective if these additional services are not required.
What are the advantages of using AWS managed databases?
AWS managed databases are easy to set up, manage, and maintain. They carry out tasks such as backup, scaling, and patching automatically. They offer the possibility to offload administrative burdens and focus more on application development.
What are the downsides of EC2 hosted databases?
EC2 hosted databases require more manual intervention for tasks such as updates, patching, backup and recovery, and failover procedures. The management overhead can be significant, which can divert resources from other projects.
Can AWS managed database services be resized according to requirements?
Yes, AWS managed database services provide the possibility of easy scaling. The resources can be scaled up or down according to the demand of your application.
Can I migrate from an EC2 hosted database to an AWS managed database?
Yes, AWS provides tools like AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) which can help in migrating databases to AWS easily and securely while the source database remains fully operational.
What AWS services can I use to optimize database workloads?
AWS offers services like AWS Performance Insights and Amazon CloudWatch which can be used to monitor performance and optimize database workloads.
Is it possible to deploy both SQL and NoSQL databases using AWS managed database services?
Yes, AWS managed database services include both SQL (like MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.) and NoSQL (like DynamoDB) databases.
How does AWS assure high availability and durability for managed databases?
AWS managed databases usually offer features like multi-AZ deployments, read replicas, and automated backups to assure high availability and durability.
What is the difference in terms of security between EC2 hosted databases and AWS managed databases?
Both EC2 hosted databases and AWS managed databases deliver strong security features such as network isolation using Amazon VPC, encryption at rest and in transit. However, with EC2 you have the full control and responsibility over security policies, while managed databases services automate some of the security tasks.
Which AWS managed database service should be used for key-value store databases?
Amazon DynamoDB is the AWS managed database service that’s designed for key-value and document databases, delivering single-digit millisecond performance at any scale.
Can I run a relational database on Amazon EC2?
Yes, you can run a relational database on Amazon EC2. It offers complete control and suits use cases where there are special requirements that cannot be met by Amazon RDS, the managed service for relational databases.
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