In today’s world, businesses seek solutions that enable the quick and efficient launch of dynamic websites. AWS, with its flexibility and wide range of services, offers opportunities to host websites almost for free.

In this blog post, we will share proven methods and practical tips that will help you optimize costs while maintaining high performance and security. The information in this article is based on the project experience of developers from fireup.pro and their technical knowledge, boasting over 15 years of experience in the IT industry.

Learn how to utilize tools such as S3, Lambda, DynamoDB, and API Gateway to create a scalable and modern website. Get ready for an information-packed guide that will help you step into the world of AWS cloud technologies.

Systems modernization and the importance of strategy

Modernizing outdated systems involves not only implementing new technologies, but also developing a solid strategy to manage the changes. It’s crucial to thoroughly map data and consider the scalability and flexibility of the systems. Effective data mapping ensures that all information is properly managed and accessible, which is essential for dynamic websites.

Key steps in modernization:

  1. Audit of current systems: Identify weak points and areas that require modernization.
  2. Development of a modernization plan: Create a detailed plan that encompasses all stages of the process.
  3. Implementation of new technologies: Use modern tools and technologies, such as AWS, to replace outdated systems.
  4. Testing and optimization: Regularly test the new systems and optimize their performance.

Task Automation in AWS

To optimize processes in your company, leverage task automation in AWS. AWS offers a range of tools such as AWS Lambda, AWS Step Functions, and AWS CloudFormation that enable automation and management of cloud infrastructure.

🟡 AWS Lambda 

AWS Lambda allows you to run code without the need to manage servers. You can write functions in various programming languages, such as Python, Node.js, or Java, which automatically perform specific tasks in response to events, like changes to objects in S3 or updates to data in DynamoDB.

🟡 AWS Step Functions 

AWS Step Functions enable you to create complex workflows by connecting different AWS services into sequences of steps. With a graphical interface, you can easily model and monitor your workflows, allowing for the automation of intricate business processes.

🟡 AWS CloudFormation 

AWS CloudFormation lets you define your infrastructure as code (IaC). Using CloudFormation templates, you can automatically create and manage AWS resources, ensuring consistency and control over your infrastructure.

Benefits of automation in AWS:

  • Time Savings: Automating tasks eliminates the need for manually performing repetitive actions, saving both time and resources.
  • Error Reduction: Automation reduces the risk of human errors, ensuring greater accuracy and reliability of processes.
  • Scalability: AWS tools allow for easy scaling of processes as business needs grow.
  • Flexibility: The ability to customize and expand workflows according to changing requirements.
  • Testability: The capability to test code with every infrastructure change.

Investing time in learning and implementing AWS automation tools is definitely worthwhile to streamline your cloud infrastructure operations and enhance your company’s operational efficiency.

Configuring Firewalls and SSL Certificates on AWS, and utilizing CloudFront

Internet security is not just a priority but the foundation of every professional website. Imagine your dynamic website attracting hundreds of users daily but lacking proper security measures. Such a site becomes an easy target for cybercriminals. What should you do?

Key steps:

  1. Configuring Firewalls: Protect against unauthorized access and attacks.
  2. Obtaining an SSL Certificate: Use services like AWS Certificate Manager.
  3. Configuring SSL: Implement SSL on your website to ensure secure connections.
  4. Protection Against DDoS with CloudFront: CloudFront acts as a Content Delivery Network (CDN) that disperses network traffic, minimizing the risk of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. This prevents attackers from overwhelming a single access point, significantly enhancing the stability and security of your website.

SSL certificates on AWS not only encrypt data transmitted between the server and the user but also build user trust in your website, which is invaluable in the digital world!

Subdomain redirects and hosting with Google Domains

When hosting websites, it’s worth considering Google Domains for managing domains and subdomains. Configuring subdomain redirects can simplify traffic management and enhance site accessibility.

How to do it:

  1. Domain Registration: Register your domain with Google Domains.
  2. Subdomain Configuration: Create subdomains and configure their redirects.
  3. Integration with AWS: Direct traffic from subdomains to the appropriate resources in AWS.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your domains and subdomains, ensuring smooth and secure operation of your website.

Storing and managing data with DynamoDB

AWS offers DynamoDB, a scalable and flexible NoSQL database service. DynamoDB is an ideal solution for dynamic websites that require fast and reliable data access.

Advantages of DynamoDB:

  • High Performance: Fast data access even with a large number of queries.
  • Scalability: Automatic scaling based on workload.
  • Security: Built-in security and data availability mechanisms.

Using DynamoDB, you can ensure your dynamic website operates efficiently and securely, handling data access seamlessly as your traffic grows.

do you know how hosting dynamic websites on AWS look like?

Deployment tips for cost-effective hosting of a dynamic website on AWS

Hosting a dynamic website on AWS can be both efficient and cost-effective if you employ the right strategies. Here are some practical tips to help you fully leverage AWS services while minimizing costs and maximizing performance. Use these guidelines to optimize the deployment and management of your website.

Below are the steps to utilize AWS services for hosting a dynamic website:

Creating the static part of the website in S3:

Step 1: Create a bucket in S3.

Step 2: Configure the bucket for website hosting (enable public access and set up the index document).

Step 3: Upload static files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to the bucket.

Using AWS Lambda and API Gateway for Dynamic Functions: 

Step 4: Create Lambda functions to handle server-side logic (e.g., form handling, database interactions). 5. 

Step 5: Configure API Gateway to manage API endpoints that will invoke the Lambda functions. Step 6: Integrate API Gateway with your website to call API endpoints (e.g., using AJAX).

Using DynamoDB or other databases for data storage: 

Step 7: Create a table in DynamoDB (or use another database service like RDS if needed). 8. Step 8: Configure Lambda functions to read and write data to DynamoDB.

Configuring CloudFront (optional) for better performance and global reach: 

Step 9: Create a CloudFront distribution to cache your website content, improve load times, and secure the site with SSL encryption.

Security and authorization: 

Step 10: Configure Amazon Cognito to manage users and their authentication

Step 11: Integrate Cognito with API Gateway and Lambda to ensure secure access to resources.

Example Architecture:

  • S3 Bucket: Hosts static files (HTML, CSS, JS).
  • Lambda: Handles server-side logic.
  • API Gateway: Provides API endpoints.
  • DynamoDB: Stores application data.
  • CloudFront: Enhances performance and global reach.
  • Cognito: Manages user authentication and authorization.

Cost Considerations:

  • S3: Charges for storage and data transfer (low costs with low traffic).
  • Lambda: Pay for the number of invocations and execution time (free tier available).
  • API Gateway: Charges for the number of API calls.
  • DynamoDB: Free tier available for a low number of operations.
  • CloudFront: Data transfer charges (free tier available for the first year).
  • Cognito: Free tier available for a small number of users.

Tips:

  • Monitoring and Optimization: Use CloudWatch to monitor Lambda functions and API Gateway.
  • Cost Minimization: Utilize free tiers, optimize code and data structure, and monitor resource usage.

This approach allows you to create a scalable and dynamic website that can be hosted at minimal costs.

Summary

Hosting a dynamic website on AWS can be achieved almost for free if you appropriately leverage the available tools and services. With low traffic, costs can be as little as $1 per month.

Task automation, firewall and SSL certificate configuration, utilizing DynamoDB, and managing subdomains are just some of the steps worth taking. Remember, the key to success is not only the implementation of new technologies but also the development of a solid strategy for managing and monitoring systems.

We encourage you to implement these practices and share your experiences in the comments!