What is Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is it the right cloud platform for your organisation?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s leading cloud infrastructure platform, offering scalable compute, storage, networking, and AI services to organisations of all sizes.

Used by startups, enterprises, and governments globally, AWS powers critical business systems, software platforms, and data ecosystems with unmatched global reach and reliability.

For organisations undergoing digital transformation, AWS is often at the core of cloud migration, modern infrastructure design, and the enablement of advanced technologies like machine learning, IoT, and automation. Whether you’re moving legacy workloads to the cloud or building cloud-native platforms, AWS offers the flexibility, performance, and ecosystem to support long-term scalability and innovation.

This page outlines AWS’s key capabilities, its role in enterprise IT strategy, and how to assess whether it supports your infrastructure and transformation goals.

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Key features of AWS cloud and infrastructure platform

  • Scalable cloud compute with Amazon EC2, Lambda, and ECS
  • Object, file, and block storage via Amazon S3, EBS, and EFS
  • Global networking and content delivery via VPC, CloudFront, and Route 53
  • Managed databases including Amazon RDS, Aurora, Redshift, and DynamoDB
  • Data analytics and warehousing with Athena, Glue, and EMR
  • AI and machine learning services with SageMaker and Bedrock
  • Security, compliance, and governance tools including IAM and AWS Organizations
  • Integration with leading ERP, HCM, and analytics platforms

Which organisations is AWS best suited for?

AWS is typically a strong fit for:

  • Mid-sized to large organisations modernising legacy infrastructure
  • Businesses moving toward hybrid, multi-cloud, or cloud-native architectures
  • Data-driven teams needing scalable storage, compute, or analytics capabilities
  • Organisations investing in AI, machine learning, automation, or IoT
  • Technology leaders seeking enterprise-grade cloud security and governance

Pros and cons of AWS

Where AWS delivers value:

  • Unmatched scalability, availability, and global reach
  • Broadest set of cloud services across infrastructure, AI, analytics, and security
  • Well-supported by ISVs, system integrators, and enterprise software vendors
  • Flexibility to build, buy, or host enterprise workloads and platforms
  • Extensive compliance certifications for public and private sector

Where it may fall short:

  • Complexity can be a barrier without experienced cloud strategy and governance
  • Costs can escalate quickly without visibility and consumption controls
  • Requires cloud-specific skills and operating model maturity
  • Not a business application suite—must be paired with ERP, HCM, or analytics tools

Alternatives to AWS

Depending on your platform goals, architecture, and existing partnerships, alternatives to AWS may include:

  • Microsoft Azure – strong for Microsoft-centric organisations and hybrid cloud
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP) – strong in AI, data analytics, and developer tools
  • Oracle Cloud Infrastructure – optimised for Oracle workloads and enterprise databases
  • IBM Cloud – hybrid cloud platform with AI and automation focus
  • Private cloud or managed hosting solutions for regulated or latency-sensitive workloads

Compare these in our Data, AI & Automation Guide and Data Management Guide.

Planning your AWS journey

Whether you’re migrating to AWS, building a new digital platform, or integrating cloud services into your ERP or analytics strategy, SMC can help you evaluate the fit and define a roadmap that delivers value.

Expert insights from SMC

At Solution Minds Consulting, we’ve guided organisations across healthcare, energy, logistics, professional services, and government to adopt cloud platforms like AWS as part of broader transformation programs.

For many, AWS plays a foundational role in modernising infrastructure, unlocking real-time data insights, and enabling agile product delivery. We provide structured, vendor-neutral support to help you evaluate cloud strategies, align platforms with operational needs, and manage risk across architecture, licensing, and governance.

Explore our services in Digital Strategy and Roadmaps, Enterprise Technology Negotiations, and Governance and Advisory.