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Windows on AWS - Optimizing Windows Workloads with AWS: Best Practices and Insights EP:29

Sandaru Fernando

1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction to Windows on AWS

In today’s fast-paced digital world landscape, businesses are increasingly adopting cloud platforms to enhance agility, scalability, and cost efficiency. For over 16 years, AWS has been the trusted platform for running Microsoft workloads in the cloud, longer than any other cloud provider. Customers rely on AWS because of its unmatched expertise with Microsoft applications and its reputation for delivering the best cloud platform for Windows Server and SQL Server. With AWS, customers experience superior performance, enhanced reliability, robust security features, and advanced identity services. AWS stands out for its comprehensive migration support, broad and deep service offerings, and flexible licensing options, all while offering a lower total cost of ownership. Whether you're looking to lift-and-shift, refactor, or modernize your Windows workloads, AWS provides the resources and proven expertise to streamline your journey and maximize the benefits of running in the cloud.

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1.2 Why Choose Windows on AWS ?

AWS remains the top choice for running Windows workloads, offering unmatched reliability, performance, security, and cost-efficiency while providing the tools and expertise to modernize and innovate. Here’s why AWS is the top choice for hosting Windows applications in the cloud.

  • Enhanced Performance and Reliability

AWS provides unparalleled performance for windows workloads, thanks to its global infrastructure and cutting-edge compute options. Features like Amazon EC2’s Nitro System and optimized Elastic Block Store (EBS) storage solutions ensure faster processing, reduced latency, and exceptional reliability.

  • Security and Identity Services

AWS offers unmatched security with 230 security, compliance, and governance features, five times more than the next competitor. The AWS Nitro System, which powers EC2 instances, enhances security by offloading virtualization functions to dedicated hardware, minimizing attack surfaces. The Nitro Security Chip actively monitors and protects hardware and firmware integrity. AWS also simplifies migrations with AWS Managed Active Directory, eliminating the need for data synchronization from existing directories. Additionally, AWS Identity Services provide scalable solutions for managing permissions, identities, and customer information with unparalleled flexibility.

  • Industry-Leading Migration Support

With unmatched expertise, AWS has helped millions of organizations achieve seamless migrations. The AWS Database Migration Service has successfully migrated over 1.25 million databases, enabling secure transitions with minimal downtime. The AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) for Windows provides tools, best practices, and incentives to reduce migration complexities and costs, backed by AWS Partners and Professional Services.

  • Comprehensive Capabilities

AWS offers over 750 Amazon EC2 instance types, many of which are unique in the cloud market. Fully managed services like Amazon FSx for Windows File Server and Amazon EKS for Kubernetes on Windows simplify administration and reduce costs. With Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS), customers enjoy 99.999% availability and high-performance storage, ideal for demanding SQL Server deployments. Additionally, AWS delivers 3x more networking throughput and 25% lower latency for Microsoft applications compared to other providers.

  • Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Running Windows on AWS translates significant cost savings, including a 56% reduction in operational costs over five years and 37% lower infrastructure expenses, as highlighted by IDC. Unique pricing models like Savings Plans allow for savings of up to 72% on EC2 instances, while Amazon EC2 Spot Instances reduce costs by up to 90% for fault-tolerant workloads, making AWS an economical choice for long-term growth.

  • Flexible Licensing Options

AWS provides the broadest options for leveraging new and existing Microsoft licenses. License-included instances for Amazon EC2 and Amazon RDS deliver compliant SQL Server licenses directly from AWS. Customers can also bring their own licenses to AWS using Dedicated Hosts, Dedicated Instances, or default tenancy via Microsoft’s License Mobility. AWS License Manager further simplifies license tracking, reducing risks of non-compliance and enabling efficient license utilization.

2. Supported Microsoft Technologies on AWS

AWS supports wide array of Microsoft technologies, including;

  • Windows Server: Run versions of Windows Server from 2003 to the latest 2025 editions.

  • SQL Server: Deploy and manage SQL Server databases with integrated monitoring and scaling capabilities.

  • Active Directory: Integrate or extend your on-premises Active Directory (AD) using AWS Directory Service.

  • .NET Applications: Develop and deploy .NET applications using AWS tools such as AWS Elastic Beanstalk and AWS Lambda.

  • SharePoint and Exchange: Host collaboration and communication platforms on AWS with high availability.

  • Amazon FSx for Windows File Server: A fully managed, native Windows file system that integrates with Active Directory and provides high-performance storage for demanding Windows-based applications.

3. Deployment Options for Windows on AWS

1. Amazon EC2 for Windows Instances

Amazon EC2 provides virtual servers (instances) to run Windows workloads. Key features include:

  • Pre-configured Windows AMIs (Amazon Machine Images).

  • Optimized instances with Elastic Block Store (EBS).

  • Integration with Elastic Load Balancing for fault tolerance.

  1. AWS Elastic Beanstalk

Simplify application deployment with Elastic Beanstalk, which automatically handles scaling, monitoring, and provisioning.

  1. Containers and Serverless Computing

  • Use Amazon ECS or Amazon EKS to containerize Windows applications.

  • Leverage AWS Lambda for running .NET Core applications in a serverless environment.

  1. Hybrid Deployments

Extend your on-premises environment with hybrid solutions using AWS Outposts or VMware Cloud on AWS.

4. Migrating Windows Workloads to AWS

  1. Assessment and Planning

  • Use AWS Migration Hub to assess on-premises workloads.

  • Identify dependencies and develop a migration strategy.

  1. Migration Tools

  • AWS Application Migration Service (MGN): Automate lift-and-shift migrations.

  • AWS DataSync: Transfer large volumes of data to AWS securely.

  1. Post-Migration Optimization

  • Optimize performance and costs with AWS Trusted Advisor recommendations.

5. How to Optimize Costs for Microsoft Workloads on AWS

The **Microsoft on AWS Cost Optimization (MACO) recommendation guide** is a comprehensive resource designed to help businesses optimize costs for Microsoft workloads on AWS. Created by 42 industry experts, this guide provides:

  • Foundational Training: Understanding AWS cost models and services tailored to Microsoft workloads.

  • Cost Optimization Techniques: Practical strategies to reduce costs, whether for new deployments or existing workloads.

  • Reference Architectures: Examples and best practices for designing and automating cost-effective, high-performing workloads.

  • Real-World Examples: Insights into how organizations have applied these techniques to achieve tangible savings.

The MACO guide aligns with the Cost Optimization pillar of AWS’s Well-Architected Framework. It simplifies cloud cost management by providing a consistent framework to ensure your workloads utilize cloud-centric, cost-effective design patterns. Whether you’re following a lift-and-shift migration or a full application modernization, this guide helps streamline your cost optimization journey.

6. Conclusion

Microsoft workloads on AWS represent a powerful synergy of reliability, performance, flexibility, and cost efficiency. AWS's robust infrastructure, comprehensive service portfolio, and unparalleled expertise make it the preferred cloud platform for running Windows Server, SQL Server, and other Microsoft technologies. By leveraging AWS's cost optimization tools, flexible licensing options, and resources like the Microsoft on AWS Cost Optimization (MACO) guide, organizations can ensure their workloads are not only highly performant but also cost-effective. As businesses seek to modernize and scale their operations, AWS offers the tools and support necessary to seamlessly migrate, optimize, and innovate with Microsoft workloads. With AWS, companies can confidently meet their business objectives, improve developer productivity, and reduce total cost of ownership while maintaining the high standards of security and compliance required for their most critical applications.

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