Definitions
Defining key terms and concepts is crucial when architecting, migrating and operating Microsoft workloads in the AWS Cloud. This section outlines the important AWS and Microsoft workload definitions, deployment models, licensing considerations, and benefits of running Microsoft applications and services on AWS.
Microsoft Workloads definitions
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Windows Server: Operating system for hosting Microsoft application servers, web servers, and domain controllers.
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SQL Server: Relational database management system for hosting business-critical applications.
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Active Directory: Directory services for identity and access management of users and resources.
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Internet Information Services (IIS): Microsoft's web server for hosting web applications.
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.NET Framework: Software framework for building and running Windows applications.
Deployment models
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Migration: Reconfiguring existing on-premises Microsoft workloads to run on AWS infrastructure with minimal changes.
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Hybrid: Running part of the Microsoft workload on-premises and part in the AWS Cloud, often connected using VPN or AWS Direct Connect.
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Cloud-based: Architecting new Microsoft workloads to use AWS cloud-based services and capabilities.
Licensing definitions
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License included (LI)
: Using license included instances allows you access to fully compliant Microsoft software licenses bundled with Amazon EC2 or Amazon RDS instances and pay for them as you go with no upfront costs or long-term investments. -
Bring your own license (BYOL)
: Using existing Microsoft licenses, such as Windows Server and SQL Server, when running on AWS. -
License mobility
: Allows customers to bring eligible Microsoft licenses to the AWS Cloud under Software Assurance. -
Software Assurance
: Microsoft's program that provides license mobility and other benefits when running Microsoft products on AWS.
