Season 4 Episode 18: Lambda Logging, Just-in-Time Access, and Data Center Debates

In Season 4, Episode 18 Karl & Jon are joined by AWS Hero Renato Losio. They discuss the introduction of tiered pricing for Amazon CloudWatch logs, new logging destinations, and standardized billing for the init phase in AWS Lambda; the launch of just-in-time node access via AWS Systems Manager; the use of AWS Transfer Family and GuardDuty for enhanced malware protection; the ongoing AI data center boom and its potential slowdown; and Jon’s return to the group, gracing them once more despite his rise as an internationally recognized tech conference speaker.

 

08:46 - AWS Lambda introduces tiered pricing for Amazon CloudWatch logs and additional logging destinations 

AWS is now charging for the init phase of Lambda functions across all runtimes, which was previously free for some. This change is seen as a standardization effort but also as a price increase. While it may force developers to optimize their init phase, there are concerns about the impact on costs, especially for larger-scale users.

16:11 - AWS Lambda standardizes billing for init phase 

This new feature allows for temporary, just-in-time access to nodes, improving security by reducing standing access. While the functionality is praised, especially for large enterprises and highly regulated industries, the pricing ($10 per node per month) is considered expensive. The feature includes approval workflows and integration with communication tools like Slack.

23:10 - Introduction of just-in-time node access using AWS Systems Manager 

This new feature allows for temporary, just-in-time access to nodes, improving security by reducing standing access. While the functionality is praised, especially for large enterprises and highly regulated industries, the pricing ($10 per node per month) is considered expensive. The feature includes approval workflows and integration with communication tools like Slack.

31:44 - Using AWS Transfer Family and GuardDuty for malware protection 

The article describes how to use AWS Transfer Family (for SFTP) and GuardDuty for malware scanning of uploaded files. While the solution is praised for its architecture and implementation, there are criticisms about the continued use of SFTP and questions about why AWS doesn't offer this as a managed service.

38:54 - AI data center boom and potential slowdown in big tech companies' data center investments

The article discusses recent news about big tech companies like AWS and Microsoft pulling back on some data center investments. The podcast hosts and guest are not particularly concerned, viewing this as part of the normal cyclical nature of data center investments. They suggest that factors like improved hardware efficiency and geopolitical issues may be influencing these decisions rather than a true slowdown in AI-related growth.

 

Guest was Renato Losio https://cloudiamo.com/