3.3.2 - Pricing Models
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Introduction to Pricing Models
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Today, we're discussing pricing models for EC2 instances. Can anyone tell me why you think knowing about these models is important?
I think it's important so we can manage our costs better!
Absolutely! Different workloads need different approaches to manage costs effectively. Let's start with On-Demand Instances. These are useful for unpredictable workloads. Remember the acronym 'FLEX'βFlexible, Load-dependent, x-hourly billing.
What does 'FLEX' stand for again?
'FLEX' hints that you pay only for what you use as per your workload demand. Now, can anyone share a scenario where On-Demand would be ideal?
Yeah! If I'm testing new features in an app and I don't know how long Iβll need the instance.
Exactly! Good example. Now, letβs transition to Reserved Instances...
In-Depth on Reserved Instances
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Now, letβs talk about Reserved Instances. What are the primary benefits you'd associate with committing to one or three years?
You can save a lot, Iβve heard up to 75%!
Correct! So, who can think of a workload that fits this model?
Maybe a web application that we know will always have a baseline level of traffic.
Perfect example! Committing to this model ensures you always have the necessary resources while saving costs. Now, letβs move to Spot Instances...
Understanding Spot Instances
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Spot Instances allow bidding on spare capacity. What are the pros of using this model?
Theyβre really cheap, right?
Exactly, but they can also be interrupted. So what kind of applications benefit the most from this pricing model?
I think data processing that can handle interruptions, like batch jobs.
Right on! Spot Instances are perfect for flexible workloads. Lastly, letβs explore Savings Plans.
Exploring Savings Plans
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Savings Plans offer discounts for consistent usage without locking into an instance type. Why might this be beneficial?
Because it gives us flexibility while still saving money!
Exactly! It adapts to changes in workloads. Can someone give an example of when you might choose Savings Plans over Reserved Instances?
Maybe if the workload changes a lot from month to month?
Right! Great work, everyone. Let's wrap up what we learned today...
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section outlines different EC2 pricing models, including On-Demand, Reserved, Spot Instances, and Savings Plans. Each model serves specific usage scenarios, providing flexibility and cost savings depending on the workload's predictability and duration.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In the realm of AWS, understanding the various pricing models for Amazon EC2 instances is crucial for optimizing costs and aligning cloud expenses with business needs. This section covers four primary pricing models:
On-Demand Instances
These allow users to pay per hour or second, without long-term commitments, making them perfect for unpredictable workloads that require flexibility. Ideal for short-term testing, they enable cost-effective resource management.
Reserved Instances
By committing to a one or three-year usage plan, users can achieve substantial savings, up to 75%, making this model suitable for steady-state workloads. It balances cost reduction with predictability in usage.
Spot Instances
Offering the possibility to bid for spare AWS capacity, Spot Instances can be available at discounts of up to 90%. This model is ideal for flexible workloads that can tolerate interruptions, particularly in big data or batch job scenarios.
Savings Plans
A flexible pricing model that provides discounts in exchange for committing to a consistent usage. This option allows more versatile savings compared to long-term reservations.
These models give users the necessary tools to manage costs effectively while utilizing the full power of AWS compute services.
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On-Demand Instances
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
Pay per hour or second, no long-term commitment. Useful for unpredictable workloads or short-term testing.
Detailed Explanation
On-Demand Instances are a flexible pricing option provided by AWS, allowing users to pay only for the computing power they utilize. There is no need to make a long-term commitment; you can start and stop instances as needed. This makes it ideal for those who have unpredictable workloads or require instances for short-term testing. You get charged based on actual usage, either hourly or by the second, depending on the service.
Examples & Analogies
Think of On-Demand Instances like renting a car. If you only need the car for a few hours or a couple of days, you can rent it without any long-term lease agreements. You only pay for the specific time you used the car, just like you pay for the on-demand instances only when you are using them.
Reserved Instances
Chapter 2 of 5
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Chapter Content
Commit for 1 or 3 years and get up to 75% discount. Good for steady state workloads.
Detailed Explanation
Reserved Instances require users to commit to using an instance type for a period of 1 or 3 years. In return for this commitment, users can receive significant discountsβup to 75% compared to On-Demand Pricing. This pricing model is suitable for workloads that are predictable and are likely to be consistently used over the duration of the reservation.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you decide to subscribe to a gym for a year rather than paying for single sessions. By doing this, you often get a much better rate compared to pay-as-you-go memberships because you're promising to use the facility more frequently. Similarly, by reserving an Amazon EC2 instance for a year, you secure a lower rate because you commit to using it consistently.
Spot Instances
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Chapter Content
Bid for spare AWS capacity at up to 90% discount. Ideal for flexible, interruptible workloads like big data and batch jobs.
Detailed Explanation
Spot Instances provide an opportunity to use spare AWS computing capacity at considerably reduced pricesβfor up to 90% off the standard rate. However, this pricing model requires users to bid for these instances. If your application can handle interruptions (meaning it can pause or restart when the instance is taken back by AWS), this option is very cost-effective. Spot Instances are typically used for batch processing, data analysis jobs, or scenarios where you can tolerate the possibility of your instance being shut down.
Examples & Analogies
Think of Spot Instances like paying for an airline ticket during off-peak hours. Sometimes, the airlines offer huge discounts to fill empty seats, but thereβs a catch: you need to be flexible with your departure time. Similarly, Spot Instances let you take advantage of AWSβs excess capacity, but you need to be ready for the possibility that the instance might get terminated.
Savings Plans
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
Flexible pricing model offering discounts in exchange for a commitment to consistent usage.
Detailed Explanation
Savings Plans provide a flexible pricing scheme that offers significant savings for users willing to commit to a specified amount of usage (measured in $/hour) over a period of 1 or 3 years. The benefit of this plan is that it applies to multiple instance types and across regions, giving users the freedom to adapt their use without losing the discount associated with their commitment.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a mobile phone plan where you commit to a certain amount of data usage each month. If you frequently go over that limit, your provider might give you a discount for agreeing to a contract. This way, you pay less but have the flexibility to use data however you need. Similarly, with Savings Plans, you commit to a consistent baseline of spending, which gives you discount benefits across a range of AWS services.
Cost Example
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Chapter Content
Running a t2.micro On-Demand instance might cost $0.0116 per hour, but with a 1-year Reserved Instance, it could drop to $0.007 per hour.
Detailed Explanation
This example illustrates a specific cost comparison between the On-Demand pricing model and the Reserved Instance pricing model. If a user runs a t2.micro instance on an On-Demand basis, the cost is $0.0116 per hour. However, if they opt for a 1-year Reserved Instance instead, the hourly price drops to $0.007. This stark difference in pricing highlights the potential savings available when users commit to longer-term usage of specific instance types.
Examples & Analogies
Think about buying coffee. If you buy a cup of coffee from a cafe every day, it might cost you about $4 per cup. However, if you buy a 10-visit coffee card, each cup may only cost you $3! The same concept applies here; when you commit to using a service long-term, you get a better rate.
Key Concepts
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On-Demand Instances: Flexible payment for unpredictable workloads.
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Reserved Instances: Long-term pricing for steady-state workloads with significant savings.
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Spot Instances: Cost-effective bidding for excess capacity.
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Savings Plans: Flexible pricing model that allows commitment for discounts.
Examples & Applications
An On-Demand instance is ideal for a start-up testing a new application for an uncertain duration.
A Reserved Instance is suitable for an enterprise with predictable web traffic year-round.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
For a job you don't know, On-Demand is the way to go.
Stories
Imagine a farmer deciding whether to buy seeds yearly (Reserved) or just planting some when profit shows (On-Demand).
Memory Tools
Remember 'OSS' - On-Demand, Savings, Spot for flexible billing at different levels.
Acronyms
βPRSSβ - P for Predictable (Reserved), R for Reduced commitment (Savings), S for Spare Capacity (Spot), S for Secure Savings (On-Demand).
Flash Cards
Glossary
- OnDemand Instances
A pricing model in which users pay for compute capacity by the hour or second with no long-term commitment.
- Reserved Instances
A pricing model that allows users to reserve capacity for 1 to 3 years, providing significant savings.
- Spot Instances
Instances that allow users to bid on unused EC2 capacity, often at substantial discounts.
- Savings Plans
A flexible pricing model offering discounts in return for a commitment to a specified amount of usage.
Reference links
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