Amazon Web Services offers the power of the cloud for Malaysia

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Markku Lepisto, Principal Technology Evangelist, Amazon Asia-Pacific Resources Private Limited explaining Amazon Web Services

As the leader for cloud computing and infrastructure-as-a-service, Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides computing applications worldwide. Recently, they were here in Malaysia to introduce their services to Malaysian startups and app developers. Their basic services include Compute, Storage, CDN, Databases and Networking which allows for various yet specific functions with practically no limitations in terms of hardware. Granted, the closest AWS data centers are located in Singapore but according to AWS Asia Pacific there is almost no latency (just 13ms) which means nearly no lag at all. Some of the new cloud computing trends includes big-data such as real-time analytics so you can know if your online product is actually doing work and more. AWS takes most of the trouble required to setup such services like Big Data which may include building the actual Hadoop hardware cluster or the skilled professionals capable of maintaining and operating said Hadoop Big Data clusters. This example clearly defines the advantages of AWS for startups and developers as it means that users can just use the service, pay for what they use and then throw them away when they don't need them any more. 

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Despite Malaysia's infamous Internet connectivity, Markku was able to do live video recording and transcoding to multiple devices including his smartphone, laptop and computer

Startups looking to make a cloud app can get a cloud app from the start thanks to the easy-to-use AWS fully-automated interface. This interface has been streamlined and optimized so much so that formerly very specific tasks like supercomputing for science applications can now be done easily from the interface. Through AWS applications can be more secure, adaptive, resilient and global from day 1. Some of the most recognizable tech companies in the world supported by AWS include airbnb, Spotify and Dropbox. Is Malaysia ready for everything available as a service? The short answer is yes. Yes it is. Live tech demos involving everything from setting up a disaster recovery instance in Singapore and Tokyo to recording and transcoding video to homebrew Internet of Things  devices that constantly upload readings showed that as long as the uplink is reasonably fast, anything is possible even here in Malaysia. For those worried about connecting everything to the Internet and you also have existing infastructure then you can also opt for a hybrid IT environment with AWS Direct Connect and Maxis. If you're one of those aspiring Malaysian developers do check out the AWS details on the site and the Maxis site.

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This is the sort of power you can get with an AWS virtual machine shown live here in Malaysia

For those interested parties there will be an AWS 101 Workshop “Journey in the AWS Cloud”, on a quarterly basis for developers and end user organizations. It is a free session from 9 AM – 2 PM for people to learn about cloud computing and the basics of the AWS Cloud so that they gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts, learn how they can implement services from AWS to build efficient, cost-effective and reliable architectures. The first workshop for 2015 will be held on 28 January 2015.