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Amazon Lightsail

What is it​

An easy-to-use virtual private server (VPS) service that offers cloud resources like instances, containers, databases, storage, and networking at a low, predictable monthly price.

What it's for​

Simplifying the process of launching applications or websites on AWS for developers, small businesses, and students, without the complexity of managing the underlying infrastructure.

Use cases​

  • Hosting websites and blogs (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Drupal)
  • Running web applications and e-commerce
  • Creating development and testing servers
  • Deploying containers and managed databases
  • Setting up VPNs and game servers

Key points​

  • Predictable pricing: Fixed monthly plans that include compute, storage, and data transfer
  • Easy to use: Simplified interface and pre-configured templates for quick application launches
  • Complete resources: Includes instances (VMs), containers, databases, object storage (S3-compatible), load balancers, and networking
  • Integration: Integrates with other AWS services for advanced functionality (e.g., Route 53, CloudFront)
  • Scalability: While simplified, allows vertical scaling (increasing instance size) or horizontal scaling (adding more instances)

Comparison with Amazon EC2​

  • Amazon Lightsail: Ideal for users who need a simple, low-cost solution to launch web applications and websites, without the need to manage EC2 complexity. Offers a more guided experience with fewer configuration options.
  • Amazon EC2: Provides granular control over compute infrastructure, with a wide range of instance types, networking, and storage options. Better suited for complex applications with specific performance and scalability requirements, and for users who need complete control over their environment.