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Top 5 Hidden AWS Services You Didn’t Know About
PLUS: Microsoft Launches CoreAI, A New AI Engineering Team
In Today’s Cloudbites:
💎 The Hidden Gems of AWS
🎓 A Guide to Free AWS Learning Resources
☁️ Online Cloud Events to Look Forward to
🧠 PLUS: Microsoft Launches CoreAI, A New AI Engineering Team
Read time: 5 minutes
Hi friends, welcome back to Cloudbites
In this newsletter, we’ll talk about some lesser known AWS services that you might not be using but absolutely should explore! I’ve also got some useful free Cloud learning resources to share.
CLOUD COMPUTING ☁️
💎 The Hidden Gems of AWS
Do you know how many AWS services are out there?
When you think of AWS, the first services that come to mind might be Amazon EC2, S3 or Lambda - the core services.
However, what you see is only the tip of the iceberg.
There’s actually a whole world of lesser-known services that can make a big difference to building your cloud projects.
Here are 5 AWS tools that deserve more attention:
#1 AWS App Runner
Are you looking for a simple way to deploy your web app without worrying about the infrastructure?
AWS App Runner makes it easy to deploy your web applications directly from your code or container image.
You don’t need to worry about choosing compute services or configuring resources, App Runner takes care of everything for you.
E.g. If you're a developer, App Runner helps you deploy new versions of your app quickly, without needing to manage any servers.
You can learn more about AWS App Runner here.
#2 AWS X-Ray
Do you ever have difficulties in identifying the operational delays in your applications?
Amazon X-Ray is a tracing service that gives detailed information about your application's requests and interactions.
With X-Ray, you can identify issues, monitor dependencies, and optimize performance throughout your application’s architecture.
E.g. If you need to fix a bug or increase the speed of your application, X-Ray is a useful tool that makes the entire process easier.
Learn more about AWS X-Ray here.
#3 AWS Ground Station
Have you wondered how companies process satellite data at a fast speed?
With AWS Ground Station, you can communicate with real satellites orbiting the Earth!
This service is a great fit for organizations working with satellite data, allowing them to easily control and process information from space.
E.g. AWS Ground Station can be used to track weather conditions or monitor agricultural lands.
Learn more about AWS Ground Station here.
#4 AWS Snowcone
Do you struggle to store your data in remote locations where there is no internet access?
AWS Snowcone is a compact device which allows you to store data in the field without an internet connection.
You can store your data locally and later reconnect to sync it with the cloud.
E.g. If you're working on a project in a remote area, where you don’t have a stable internet connection, Snowcone ensures your data is safely stored and ready to be uploaded when you're back online.
You can learn more about AWS Snowcone here.
#5 AWS CodePipeline
Do you want to simplify your software deployment process, but not sure how?
AWS CodePipeline is a service which helps automate the process of building, testing, and deploying your software.
You can create workflows that connect to AWS services and other tools, making your deployment much easier.
E.g. If you're looking to speed up software updates, CodePipeline handles the workflow, allowing you to focus on coding.
Learn more about AWS CodePipeline here.
🎓 My Top Recommended Resources For Learning AWS
Interested to learn AWS this year, but don’t know where to begin?
Check out my video on Best FREE AWS Courses for 2025 for some of the best FREE resources available.
For beginners or those looking to sharpen their skills, these courses will set you on the right path.
☁️ Online Cloud Events to Look Forward to
#1 AWS Community Builders Application (Till 20th Jan)
If you’re involved in AWS space & love sharing your knowledge, don’t miss this chance to join a global network of cloud enthusiasts.
Click here to register.
#2 AWS Partner Certification Readiness - Cloud Practitioner (Starts 13th Jan)
Prepare for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification with this program tailored for AWS Partners. Gain confidence and get certified!
Click here to register.
#3 AWS re:Caps (In-person & Online)
Missed out on AWS re:Invent 2024? Join a local User Group meetup or download a summary to catch-up on important announcements.
Click here to register.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) 🤖
🧠 PLUS: Microsoft Launches CoreAI, A New AI Engineering Team
Microsoft is launching a new AI engineering group “CoreAI”, led by a former Meta executive.
CoreAI will bring together Microsoft's developer division and AI platform teams to create innovative AI tools and platforms for Microsoft and its customers.
This includes integrating solutions like Azure AI Foundry, GitHub, and VS Code to simplify AI development for both first-party and third-party developers.
The group’s mission is to build end-to-end AI systems that empower developers to create intelligent apps and agents with ease.
THAT’S A WRAP
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