The next stop on our AWS tour is Amazon Workspaces. This service allows you to launch a virtual desktop you can access anywhere quickly. Thus, no more lugging around a laptop. Now you can connect to your desktop from anywhere. Even better, you can get to work with only an Internet connection.
Virtual Windows Workspaces
There are some options available via Amazon workspaces. However, the Microsoft Windows options have the largest appeal. They offer an opportunity to bring your license for a lower cost or to use one from Amazon. If you have a few Windows licenses floating around (maybe from old, unused laptops or desktops), then this is an opportunity to make use of them. The versions include prior Windows 7 options up through the latest in Windows 10 offerings. There are options to include MS Office and also a variety of performance targets. The provide standard, value, performance, and graphics configurations to help quickly create a workspace that best fits your needs.
Uses for Workspaces
You may ask yourself why you would even bother with this service. There are many uses for a virtual workspace. Here are a few examples.
Development
A virtual workspace can be configured and copied so that an ideal development or testing environment can be made available in minutes. Usually, days are spent installing and configuring most modern development machines.
Testing
The number of systems and configurations most software has to support is mind-boggling. Thus, the cost of reliably testing and supporting software can be prohibitively high. The ability to spin up instances quickly and avoid purchasing numerous hardware options pays for itself immediately.
Part-Time/Seasonal Work
You may need to find a place to store all of your equipment that is only used part time. Alternatively, virtual workspaces can quickly be setup and shut down. No storage or removal from storage is needed. This also allows you to pay as you need a resource rather than a large upfront investment. Better yet, you are able to quickly scale up or down as needed.
Remote Workers
When you have remote employees or staffers hardware is too difficult to manage. It is costly to drop a laptop in the mail. Even worse, it is also risky. Of course, there is also the higher cost options like UPS or FEDEX, but that makes every employee startup cost go higher. Alternatively, a virtual workspace can be made immediately available and can be managed without putting a technician on a plane. You also have an easy way to track all of your intellectual property and keep it more secure. Thus, a virtual setup for a remote worker is an easy ROI.
Dip a Toe In
As always, do not take our word for it. One of the best features of Amazon’s AWS is the ability to try out solutions and pay as you go. Thus, there is no large cost your have to worry about. A virtual machine can be setup and configured in minutes for as little as a few dollars per month. Nevertheless, this is not a cheap solution, a virtual workspace can give you enterprise-class resources without breaking your budget.
