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Cost Reduction Strategies for EC2 Instances
Discover effective cost reduction strategies for EC2 instances in the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam.
A common challenge candidates face is deciding how to reduce costs effectively when AWS resources are underutilized. This question tests your understanding of cost management strategies in AWS.
The question
A company is using Amazon EC2 instances to run a web application. They notice that they are underutilizing their instances, leading to higher costs. Which approach can they take to reduce costs effectively?
A. Switch to Reserved Instances
B. Implement Auto Scaling
C. Use Spot Instances
D. Migrate to AWS Lambda
Think before you scroll
Consider which options allow for dynamic adjustment to usage patterns and can lead to real cost savings without excessive commitment or architectural changes.
The answer
The correct option is B. Implement Auto Scaling. This choice allows the company to automatically adjust the number of instances based on demand. This ensures that they only pay for what they need during different traffic levels, reducing costs effectively.
Why the other options lose
A. Switch to Reserved Instances: While this can provide savings, it requires a long-term commitment. If the instances are consistently underutilized, this option may not yield savings unless the usage pattern changes.
C. Use Spot Instances: This option can reduce costs for non-critical workloads, but Spot Instances can be interrupted. This unpredictability may not suit all applications, especially those needing consistent availability.
D. Migrate to AWS Lambda: This may not be practical depending on the application architecture. Migration can involve significant changes to the codebase and may not be feasible for all existing applications.
The concept behind it
Understanding how to match resource allocation with actual usage is crucial for cost management in AWS. Auto Scaling adjusts resources in real-time, leading to better efficiency and cost savings.
Exam trap to remember
Remember: “Auto Scaling always adapts to demand, while Reserved Instances tie you down.”