The AWS certification is worth it
Introduction
The name Amazon is known, at least in the IT world, not only as the world's largest online retailer, but also as the world's largest cloud provider. Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers classic cloud computing on one hand. Servers can be rented in the cloud on demand - also known under the term Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Furthermore, AWS offers so-called Managed Services, where you no longer have to take care of the underlying infrastructure yourself. This service offering is listed under the term Platform as a Service (PaaS) and offers users more time to focus on developing business-relevant requirements. PaaS now represents the majority of AWS's range of offerings, which are increasingly moving in the direction of a serverless architecture. [1]
The vast number of services in AWS and the paradigm shift that comes with a migration to the cloud, requires specific knowledge that is taught, tested, and certified through AWS’s certification paths. Throughout the remainder of this article, we will introduce and explain the details of these offerings.
What are the different AWS certifications offered?
Source for graphic: AWS Certification - Validate AWS Cloud Skills - Get AWS Certified (amazon.com)
AWS offers a number of certifications that differ in their focus and level of detail. Generally, a distinction can be made between the DevOps Engineer role, which is reflected in the DevOps Engineer Professional, and the Architect role, which is reflected in the Solutions Architect Professional.
The role of the DevOps engineer plays a significant role, especially in the cloud. It combines all functions in one person, from the development of the software to its integration in the cloud and its operation. Therefore, a DevOps Engineer must know the interfaces and technical concepts of the different AWS services and how to most effectively integrate them into the software. In line with DevOps thinking, the DevOps engineer must also optimize and automate as many processes as possible within the development cycle.
The role of the Solutions Architect in the cloud deals with designing an architecture for the cloud. He knows the different design patterns and use cases and how to implement them in the AWS Cloud in the best possible way using the services offered by AWS.
Why is AWS certification worthwhile for a software product?
An AWS certification offers several benefits, which we will have a further look at from the perspective of software architecture and DevOps culture.
AWS certification offers a great advantage especially during an upcoming migration, but also for architecture decisions in general. As the range of AWS services currently comprises around 200 services, it is important to gain a good overview before deciding on a particular architecture. Thanks to the extensive training provided as part of the AWS certification, it is much easier to decide on the right solution in the area of managed services and serverless architecture during the design phase.
Another advantage can be seen in the formation of a DevOps culture. The DevOps principle is not necessarily tied to the cloud or a technical tool but includes a philosophy. In this philosophy, operations are no longer seen as a separate entity from development. They rather merge into a single entity where the same principles apply as for software development. The cloud, with its programmatic interface (API) and the multitude of service offerings, provides the necessary foundations for DevOps to reach their full potential. The services range from CI/CD (Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery) to Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
Fixed components of AWS certification include knowledge about each of the services that contribute to the implementation of a DevOps culture and a way of working that reflects it. [2]
Our AWS Cloud services
Woodmark's team of experts has several years of experience with the AWS Cloud. This ranges from the migration of existing on premise software to the development of applications and infrastructure as well as the operation in the cloud.
Our employees are familiar with the wide range of services offered in the AWS Cloud and design and implement the best possible architecture for you. By outsourcing, you use the full potential of the cloud and can focus on the development of business-relevant requirements.
In the area of DevOps and agility, we also establish an optimal development process in your company both on the technical side as well as on the process and methodological side. For this purpose, we offer professional coaching, workshops or trainings and show you and your team how to establish a DevOps culture and which tools of the AWS Cloud support you in doing so.
Sources:
[1] https://blog.wiwo.de/look-at-it/2021/03/08/cloud-infrastruktur-die-top-3-anbieter-vereinen-61-prozent-des-marktes-auf-sich/
[2] https://aws.amazon.com/de/what-is-aws/
Dennis has been working as a software developer at Woodmark since 2018 and is focusing on the topics of Big Data and Cloud as part of his customer projects. He is enthusiastic about the diverse possibilities of the cloud and an advocate of the DevOps idea. He particularly enjoys accompanying the complete lifecycle of the software, from development to integration into the cloud landscape and integration into operations.
