Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of the e-commerce company, Amazon. AWS provides a vast array of cloud-based technical services delivered on-demand, pay-as you and at nearly limitless scale. It has a extensive worldwide network of data centers and is the dominant player in the public cloud. AWS focuses on public cloud and cloud native workloads. Its huge array of services provide great flexibility but complex deployments can sometimes make it more difficult to understand the cost structure.
Many researchers like AWS for the flexibility provided by its rich toolset. See our Cloud Resources for Research page for links to training and browse the research-focused AWS case studies on our site. Conact the Cloud Technology Support team at cloudreq@iu.edu if you would like to meet with the AWS team to discuss a possible research project.
There is extremely high demand for graduates with skills and experience with the public cloud platforms. In addition to the many self-paced training resource, AWS provides curriculum, credits and starter accounts to assist faculty wishing to teach AWS skills or use the AWS platform to teach a wide variety of cloud-based technologies such as machine learning, IoT and containerized computing. Visit our Cloud Resources for Teaching page for more information.
IU leverages the Internet2 NET+ AWS contract. It includes discounts, benefits and additional support over purchasing AWS services as an individual. Use of AWS for university purposes, including research, must be under IU's contract.
If you want to get a rough idea of costs, check out the AWS Pricing Calculator. If you are new to AWS, you might find the choices and questions a bit overwhelming. It sometimes helps to talk through your project with an AWS Solutions Architect. If you would like to do that, contact the Cloud Technology Support team to set that conversation up.
Once you are ready to start using AWS, visit the Request Account page.