Do You Need Amazon Elastic Block Store ( EBS ) Or is it Overkill For Your AWS Deployment?

In this article, we are going to take a look at Amazon EBS, its features, how it works and when you should use it.

What is Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS): High-Performance Block Storage?

"Amazon Elastic Block Store ( Amazon EBS ) is a cloud service that provides block-level storage for Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud instances. Amazon EBS is easy to use, reliable and provides high performance for throughput- and transaction-intensive workloads at any scale."

For more details direct from the AWS documentation please review their guidance here.

So effectively it's high-performance storage for your virtual machines on AWS (Elastic Compute Cloud EC2).

How does EBS work with AWS instances (EC2)?

Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS), provides persistent storage for EC2 (Virtual machines) instances. When used together, EC2 and EBS can provide a complete solution for running cloud-based applications.

EC2 instances can be created and destroyed as needed, so they are well suited for tasks that are not time-sensitive or require a high level of compute power. EBS volumes, on the other hand, provide durable storage that can outlast an EC2 instance. This makes EBS ideal for storing data that needs to be persisted, such as databases or application logs. In addition, an EBS volume can be easily snapshotted and replicated, making them resistant to data loss.

To use EBS with EC2, simply create an EBS volume and attach it to an EC2 instance. Once attached, the EBS volume will be available to the EC2 instance just like any other block device. AWS provides several tools and APIs to help you manage your EC2 and EBS resources, making it easy to get started with cloud-based computing.

When should you use Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS)?

Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) is a cloud-based storage service that is well-suited for applications that require low-latency disk I/O, such as databases and virtual servers. EBS provides block-level storage volumes that can be attached to Amazon EC2 instances and used as primary storage for your data.

EBS volumes are highly available and durable, making them an ideal storage option for mission-critical data. In addition, EBS delivers consistent performance, allowing you to predictably scale your application's storage needs. You can create snapshots of your EBS volumes, which can be used to back up your data or create new EBS volumes. Overall, Amazon EBS is a versatile and reliable storage solution for a variety of workloads.

When is EBS overkill for your AWS virtual machine's planned workloads?

EBS is a great option for AWS virtual machines (EC2) that require high levels of storage performance, but it comes at a price. If your workload doesn't require the high storage performance that EBS provides, you may be better off using a cheaper storage option like S3. EBS is also not well suited for workloads that are not highly available, as the storage is only accessible from a single Availability Zone. If you're looking to save money on your AWS virtual machine's storage, make sure to consider whether EBS is really the best option for your workloads.

What are the pros and cons of using EBS?

Amazon EBS provides persistent block storage volumes for use with Amazon EC2 instances in the AWS cloud. EBS volumes are placed in a particular Availability Zone, where they are automatically replicated to protect against component failure, offering high availability and durability. EBS volumes can also be used as boot volumes, providing flexibility when deploying new instances. However, there are some potential downsides to using EBS.

For one, it can be more expensive than other storage options. In addition, EBS-backed instances can only be launched in certain Availability Zones, which could limit your choices when setting up a new instance. Overall, Amazon EBS is a reliable and flexible storage option, but it is important to consider the potential drawbacks before using it for your own applications.

Does it all come down to cost?

There are a number of reasons why people choose to use Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS). One of the main reasons is cost. EBS is a cheaper option than some of the other storage options that are available. When you compare the cost of EBS to the cost of other storage options, you will see that EBS is the better choice.

Another reason why people use EBS is that it is easier to use. EBS is easy to set up and use. You don't need to have any technical expertise to use EBS. All you need to do is create an account and follow the instructions. Finally, people use EBS because it is reliable. EBS is a reliable storage option that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you need to store data for a website or for a business, EBS is a good choice.

You can compare costs easily with the AWS calculator but it's worth reviewing the information you need to put in to get accurate estimates. 

What are the alternatives to AWS EBS?

There are a few different storage options available for those looking for alternatives to Amazon EBS. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it's important to evaluate your needs before choosing a solution.

Another option is Azure Blob Storage, which offers a similar level of performance to EBS but with the added benefit of being able to scale up or down as needed. However, Azure Blob Storage can be more expensive than EBS, so it's important to compare pricing before making a decision.

Ultimately, the best storage solution for you will depend on your specific workload and budget.

For more information about working with the cloud check out our new to the cloud series. This gives you background and information about common cloud elements and compares them in AWS and Azure.