Elastic scalability
Scale infrastructure up or down to match demand instead of guessing capacity months in advance.[web:58][web:60]
Cloud solutions
Amazon Web Services connectivity for your business cloud.
Connect securely into AWS so your applications, data, and users can take full advantage of cloud scalability, reliability, and global reach.[web:58][web:60]
Built for AWS workloads
Private and secure pathways
Global regions and reach
Where AWS fits in your architecture
Use AWS for application hosting, data, and analytics while keeping key systems and users connected over dedicated or optimized network paths.[web:59][web:68]
- Host web apps, APIs, and microservices close to your users.[web:58][web:60]
- Run data and analytics workloads at cloud scale.[web:68]
- Connect branches, data centers, and remote workers into AWS.[web:62]
AWS connectivity, simplified
Whether you already run workloads in AWS or are planning a migration, network design is central to performance, security, and cost.[web:62][web:68]
This page highlights how to connect to AWS, what benefits to expect, how it compares with other clouds, and how it ties into your existing WAN and security stack.[web:58][web:71]
Why businesses choose AWS
AWS offers global infrastructure, elastic capacity, strong security, and a broad catalog of services for building and running modern applications.[web:58][web:60][web:68]
Security & compliance
AWS includes built‑in security features and compliance certifications to help protect data and workloads.[web:58][web:71]
Pay‑as‑you‑go cost model
Pay only for the compute, storage, and network resources you use, with many options to optimize cost.[web:58][web:68]
Global regions and AZs
Deploy workloads into multiple regions and Availability Zones to reduce latency and improve resilience.[web:58][web:68]
Advanced services
Use managed databases, containers, analytics, and AI/ML services instead of building everything from scratch.[web:58][web:60]
Integration with existing IT
Connect AWS to your data centers, SaaS tools, and on‑prem systems to build hybrid architectures.[web:62][web:77]
Ways to connect your network to AWS
You can reach AWS over the public internet, via VPN, or with dedicated connectivity such as AWS Direct Connect through a connectivity partner.[web:62]
- Secure internet + VPN. Simple for getting started or connecting smaller sites, with IPsec tunnels from your edge into AWS.[web:62]
- AWS Direct Connect. Private connectivity from your data center or colocation facility into AWS for more consistent performance and potentially lower data transfer cost.[web:62]
- SD‑WAN & cloud on‑ramps. Use SD‑WAN to steer traffic and leverage cloud on‑ramps for multi‑cloud and hybrid designs.[web:46][web:53]
Why Direct Connect?
Dedicated connections to AWS can improve speed, consistency, and security for bandwidth‑heavy workloads while reducing egress charges in some cases.[web:62]
A typical AWS network design
Many customers use a hub‑and‑spoke model where one or more AWS regions act as application hubs for multiple branches and data centers.[web:58][web:62]
- Branches and campuses connect via SD‑WAN, VPN, or MPLS.[web:46][web:53]
- Data centers connect via Direct Connect or Ethernet services.[web:62]
- AWS VPCs act as segmented landing zones for apps and data.[web:59]
Layers in the design
Access layer → WAN/SD‑WAN → Cloud connectivity (Direct Connect/VPN) → AWS VPCs → Application & security layers.[web:62][web:46]
Common AWS use cases
Application hosting
Host web apps, APIs, and SaaS platforms with auto‑scaling and managed databases.[web:59][web:68]
Data & analytics
Use AWS analytics and data services to process and visualize large datasets at scale.[web:60][web:68]
AI & machine learning
Deploy AI/ML models using AWS services without building infrastructure from scratch.[web:60][web:68]
Where AWS fits next to Azure and IBM Cloud
AWS, Azure, and IBM Cloud all offer enterprise‑grade cloud capabilities, but each platform has strengths depending on your stack and priorities.[web:68][web:75][web:73]
- AWS: Broadest service catalog and global footprint, great for innovation‑heavy and multi‑service environments.[web:68][web:71]
- Azure: Strong choice for organizations invested in Microsoft 365, Windows Server, and the broader Microsoft ecosystem.[web:75][web:72]
- IBM Cloud: Focused on regulated industries and hybrid/AI solutions with enterprise‑grade security.[web:73][web:70]
AWS connectivity FAQs
Do I need Direct Connect, or is VPN enough?
Smaller environments and non‑critical workloads often start with VPN over the internet, while bandwidth‑heavy or latency‑sensitive workloads benefit from Direct Connect.[web:62]
How do I manage costs into and out of AWS?
Right‑sizing resources, choosing the correct storage tiers, using cost‑optimization tools, and selecting suitable connectivity options all help manage cloud spend.[web:60][web:68][web:62]
Ready to connect to AWS?
Design your AWS connectivity and cloud landing zone.
Share your locations, workloads, and security needs, and get a design that includes the right mix of Direct Connect, VPN, SD‑WAN, and AWS services for your business.[web:62][web:58]