Podcast

Link: https://on.soundcloud.com/MmySYqqdv7sJ35Vq9

Notes

Hello everyone! Today we'll explore the basics of AWS cloud computing.

This podcast consists of 4 main parts: First, we'll familiarize ourselves with the concept of cloud computing. This is an important foundation for understanding AWS. Next, we'll dive deep into AWS and its popular services. This is the core part of the podcast. The third part will focus on design principles and management of workloads on AWS cloud. This knowledge is crucial for using AWS effectively. Finally, we'll learn about job positions in AWS cloud projects and the latest trends.

The podcast aims to help you:

• Understand cloud computing concepts, especially in the context of AWS

• Master AWS and some of its popular services

• Understand basic principles for designing and managing systems on AWS

• Prepare necessary skills to keep up with AWS cloud technology trends

Part 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing

Have you ever wondered how we can store tons of photos on our phones without needing massive storage? Or how small startups can operate websites serving millions of users without having their own server room? The answer lies in cloud computing - technology that's changing how we use computers and the internet.

Cloud computing is like a massive technological warehouse on the network. Instead of buying and installing everything on your computer, you just "rent" what you need, when you need it, through the internet. It's similar to using electricity - you just plug in and pay for what you use, without worrying about how electricity is produced or distributed.

Compared to traditional IT, cloud computing has these advantages:

• Flexibility in usage

• Reduced initial investment costs

• Easy scalability when needed

Some real-world examples of cloud applications in business include:

• Online banking: Providing safe, convenient services

• Stock trading: Fast, accurate data processing

• Risk management: Effective data analysis and prediction

Next, let's explore the amazing benefits of cloud computing:

1. First, cloud computing drives growth. It provides flexible scalability and creates conditions for developing new products and services.

2. Second, cloud helps improve operational efficiency. Businesses can optimize processes and focus on core business activities.

3. Third, cloud enables access to advanced technology. Users get to use the latest technologies, with automatic security updates and features. Cloud also facilitates the development of new products and services, especially digital business models.

Common cloud deployment models in practice:

1. Public cloud: This model is owned and operated by major providers. It's open for everyone to use and charges based on usage. Typical examples include AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or even Google Drive that many people use daily.

2. Private cloud: Unlike public cloud, private cloud is owned and operated by the business itself. This allows for tighter control. For example, companies can use VMware vSphere or OpenStack to build their own private cloud.

3. Hybrid cloud: This is a combination of public and private clouds. This model is often adopted by financial institutions and governments - where both public cloud flexibility and private cloud security are needed. Hybrid cloud leverages advantages of both models and allows for flexible deployment.

4. Community cloud: A less common model. This is a cloud shared between multiple organizations with similar needs, such as government agencies sharing a cloud system.

Cloud computing has three main service types:

• IaaS is like renting an empty apartment. You have space (virtual servers) and utilities (network, storage), but must furnish and manage it yourself. Example: Amazon EC2.

• PaaS is like renting a furnished apartment. You just bring your personal items (code) to move in. Example: Google App Engine.

• SaaS is like staying at an all-inclusive hotel. Everything is ready, you just use it. Example: Gmail, Dropbox. Each type suits different needs, from high flexibility to maximum convenience.

Part 2: Introduction to AWS and Popular Services

Think of AWS as an online technology supermarket where you can find over 200 different services, from basic things like virtual servers to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and smart devices. Whether you're an individual, small business, or large corporation, AWS can meet all your technology needs.

So why choose AWS?

• Flexibility and Convenience: AWS is like an endless resource. Need more servers? Just a few clicks. Want to reduce costs? Just as easy. You only pay for what you use, no more no less.

• Reliable and Secure: AWS has a global network of data centers, ensuring your services always run stably and your data is protected securely.

• Cost-effective: With AWS, you don't need to make large investments in technology infrastructure. You can start small and scale up as needed, helping save significant costs.

As you can see in the diagram, this is a simple example of AWS architecture, showing how AWS services work together:

• Region: We start with a Region, which is a geographical area where AWS data centers are located.

• VPC: In this Region, we create a VPC (Virtual Private Cloud), an isolated private network on AWS cloud.

• Subnets: In the VPC, we divide into two subnets: Public subnet allowing internet access and Private subnet that's protected, with no direct access from outside.

• EC2: In the Public subnet, we have a Webserver (EC2 - Elastic Compute Cloud), this is a virtual server where our web application runs.

• RDS: In the Private subnet, we have a Database (RDS - Relational Database Service), this is a managed database for storing application data.

• S3: Finally, we have S3 (Simple Storage Service), an object storage service for storing static files like images, videos, or backup files. This architecture shows how users can access the web application through the Webserver, which then interacts with the Database to retrieve data and can use S3 to store or retrieve additional files.

Let's learn about each main service:

Amazon VPC

Think of Amazon VPC as a "virtual plot of land" you own on AWS cloud. On this land, you can build and manage your own network, separate from other AWS users.

Benefits of using Amazon VPC:

• Enhanced security: Like building a fence around your house, VPC helps protect your applications and data from unauthorized access.

• Flexibility: You can design the network as you wish, like freely planning routes on your own land.

Key features of Amazon VPC:

• Customizable IP address range: You can choose your own IP range for your network.

• Subnet division: Divide the land into smaller areas for easier management and access control between areas.

• Internet Gateway: Allow servers in VPC to access the Internet.

• Access control with Firewall: Set "house door" rules (Security Group) and "gate" rules (Network ACL) to control data flow in and out.

• VPN, DX connections: Secure connections to your existing network infrastructure (if any).

Amazon EC2

Think of EC2 as a "virtual server warehouse." When you need a server to run a website, application, or anything else, you just go to this "warehouse" and "rent" one. When you're done, you can "return" it.

Benefits of EC2:

• Quick: Need a server urgently? EC2 responds immediately, no waiting.

• Flexible: You can "rent" as many servers as you like, rent when needed, return when not, very convenient.

• Cost-effective: You only pay for the time you use the server, helping optimize costs.

Amazon S3

Amazon S3 is like a versatile cloud cabinet where you can store all types of data: images, videos, documents... You can access this data from anywhere, anytime you need.

Benefits of Amazon S3:

• Safe and Reliable: Your data is protected securely and available whenever you need it, almost 100% of the time.

• Flexible: You can store unlimited amounts of data, from tiny files to extremely large ones.

• Cost-effective: You only pay for the storage space you actually use, no need to worry about buying additional hard drives or storage devices.

Amazon RDS

A service that helps you manage databases easily on AWS cloud. Instead of having to install, configure, backup, and handle technical issues yourself, RDS takes care of all that for you.

Benefits of Amazon RDS:

• Enhanced management efficiency: RDS helps you save time and effort by automating database administration tasks.

• Reduced administrative work: You don't need to worry about software updates, data backups, or handling technical issues, RDS handles it all.

Key features of Amazon RDS:

• Supports many popular database types: RDS is compatible with many common database management systems like MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, helping you easily choose the type that suits your needs.

• Automated administrative tasks: RDS automatically performs tasks like installation, configuration, backup, and software updates, helping you save time and effort.

• Backup and data recovery: RDS automatically backs up data and allows you to restore data to any point in the past, helping protect your data safely.

• Flexible scalability: You can easily increase or decrease database resources according to usage needs, ensuring your application always runs stably.

AWS IAM

A service that helps manage access rights, protecting your accounts and resources on AWS cloud. IAM helps you strictly control who can do what on your cloud.

Benefits of AWS IAM:

• Enhanced security: IAM helps prevent unauthorized access, protecting your data and resources.

• Detailed control: You can grant specific access rights to each user or group of users, ensuring they can only perform necessary actions.

• Easy management: IAM helps you manage access rights easily, even when your system is complex and has many users.

Key features of AWS IAM:

• User and access rights management: IAM allows you to create and manage users, user groups, and grant them access rights.

• Create and manage roles: You can create roles with specific access rights and assign them to users or AWS services.

• Set up detailed security policies: IAM allows you to set up detailed security policies to control access to your AWS resources.

Part 3: Design Principles and Cloud Workload Management

The Shared Responsibility Model

Imagine you're renting a serviced apartment. The landlord (AWS) handles: Building security, utility systems, elevators... - things common to everyone. You (the customer) handle: Protecting belongings inside, locking doors carefully, using utilities reasonably... - things specific to you.

Similarly on AWS:

• AWS: Ensures infrastructure safety, network, basic services (servers, hard drives, databases...).

• You: Data security, applications, access control... - what you put on the cloud. Both AWS and Customers share responsibility for keeping everything safe!

Why should we care about the shared responsibility model? Understanding who is responsible for what helps us:

• Use services more effectively: Knowing the "rules of the game" helps us maximize cloud services, avoid wasting resources and money.

• Operate systems more safely: When we know our responsibilities, we'll proactively implement appropriate security measures, minimizing risks.

• Solve problems quickly: When issues occur, we know right away who needs to handle them, avoiding blame and saving time.

AWS Well-Architected Framework

Think of this as a "compass" that helps you build and operate systems on AWS cloud effectively and safely.

6 Main Pillars:

1. Operational Excellence: Ensures your system operates smoothly, efficiently, and is easy to maintain. Like keeping the house clean, tidy, and equipment working well.

2. Reliability: Ensures your system operates continuously, with quick recovery capability when issues occur. Similar to building a house capable of withstanding earthquakes, storms.

3. Performance Efficiency: Uses resources efficiently, ensures the system responds well to user needs. Like designing a house with good ventilation, utilizing natural light to save electricity.

4. Cost Optimization: Manages and optimizes cloud service usage costs. Similar to choosing appropriate building materials, using energy-efficient equipment to reduce living costs.

5. Security: Protects your data and systems from threats. Like installing security systems, locking doors carefully to protect the house.

6. Sustainability: Minimizes the system's environmental impact. Similar to using environmentally friendly materials, designing energy-efficient houses to protect the environment.

Practical Application Examples:

1. Operational Excellence:

• Automation: Instead of manual work prone to errors, we use tools to automatically deploy and update systems.

• Centralized management: Use tools to manage multiple servers simultaneously, easily patch bugs or install new software for all.

2. Security:

• Encryption: Sensitive data is "scrambled" so if stolen, it can't be read.

• Access control: Each user can only see what they need, preventing information leaks.

3. Reliability:

• Load balancing: Website automatically distributes traffic to multiple servers, avoiding overload when many users access simultaneously.

• Backup systems: Having multiple servers in multiple locations, if one fails others still operate, ensuring service isn't interrupted.

4. Performance:

• Caching: Temporarily store frequently used data for faster access, like keeping books near your study area to avoid searching far.

• Auto-adjustment: System automatically increases or decreases power when needed, ensuring just enough without waste.

5. Cost Optimization:

• Resource utilization: Use cheaper server types for non-urgent tasks, saving costs.

• Monitoring and control: Use analysis tools to know exactly where money is being spent, then find ways to save.

6. Sustainability:

• Selection: Prioritize placing servers in locations using more renewable energy, contributing to environmental protection.

• Auto-adjustment: System automatically shuts down unnecessary servers, avoiding energy waste.

Part 4: Cloud Project Positions and New Cloud Trends

Key Positions in Cloud Computing

• DevOps Engineer: Connects development and operations teams, helping everything run smoothly and quickly.

• DevSecOps Specialist: Security expert, ensuring system safety from development.

• FinOps Analyst: Financial manager, helps optimize cloud usage costs, avoiding waste.

• CloudOps Engineer: Manages and operates systems on the cloud, ensuring everything works stably 24/7.

• CCOE Architect: Architect, plans strategy and guides cloud project implementation.

Emerging Technology Trends

1. AI and Machine Learning on Cloud

• Helping businesses analyze large amounts of data for smarter decisions

• Creating intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants

• Enhancing customer experience

2. Edge Computing

• Processing data at the source

• Reducing latency and increasing response speed

• Particularly useful for IoT devices

3. Financial Industry Transformation

• Supporting risk analysis

• Detecting fraud

• Automating processes

• Making transactions faster and safer

4. Cross-Industry Applications

• Healthcare: Quick access to electronic medical records

• Education: Anytime, anywhere learning platforms

• Agriculture: Precision farming for increased yields

• Retail: Enhanced customer experience

Required Skills for Cloud Computing

Basic Knowledge:

• Understanding of cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)

• Familiarity with major providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

• Awareness of benefits and challenges

Technical Skills:

• Data analysis: Storage, querying, processing, and visualization

• Business and management: Cost-benefit analysis, project management, compliance

• Security: Data protection, access control, risk prevention

Conclusion

In this podcast, we've covered:

• AWS's position as a leading cloud service provider

• Fundamental principles like the Shared Responsibility Model and Well-Architected Framework

• Various cloud-related job positions and their importance

• Latest trends including AI/ML, Edge Computing, and Serverless computing

The cloud computing field offers exciting opportunities for those willing to learn and adapt. Remember, every skill mentioned can be learned with dedication and practice. Start your cloud journey today!