EC2 Use Cases: Databases
1. Introduction
Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) provides scalable computing capacity in the cloud. It allows users to run applications on virtual servers, known as instances. One of the common use cases for EC2 is hosting databases. This lesson covers the various database options available on EC2, their specific use cases, and best practices.
2. EC2 Database Options
Database Types
- Relational Databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL)
- NoSQL Databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra)
- In-Memory Databases (e.g., Redis, Memcached)
- Data Warehousing (e.g., Amazon Redshift)
3. Use Cases
Common Use Cases for Databases on EC2
- Web Applications: Host relational databases for dynamic web applications.
- Big Data Processing: Use NoSQL databases for large-scale data analytics.
- Gaming Applications: Deploy in-memory databases for low-latency user experiences.
- Data Backup and Recovery: Use EC2 to create backups of databases and disaster recovery solutions.
- Testing and Development: Quickly spin up instances for database testing environments.
4. Best Practices
- Use Amazon RDS for managed database services when appropriate.
- Implement security groups and network ACLs to restrict access.
- Regularly back up your databases using Amazon S3 or EBS snapshots.
- Monitor database performance with Amazon CloudWatch.
- Consider using Auto Scaling to handle variable workloads.
5. FAQ
What is the difference between EC2 and RDS for databases?
EC2 provides complete control over the database and server environment, while RDS is a managed service that handles routine tasks such as backups, patching, and scaling.
Can I use EC2 for high availability databases?
Yes, you can set up EC2 instances in multiple availability zones to achieve high availability.
What are the cost implications of running databases on EC2?
Costs depend on instance type, storage, and data transfer. Take advantage of the AWS Pricing Calculator to estimate costs.