Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/17/aws_workspaces_upgrades/
Source: The Register
Title: AWS adds 32-vCPU option and an easier on-ramp to its cloudy desktops
Feedly Summary: Weirdly, this shows the weakness of hosted Windows with an admission about vidchats
Amazon Web Services has flicked the switch on a pair of workstation-grade cloud desktops that, ironically, highlight a problem with the tech.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched new workstation-grade cloud desktops, highlighting the challenges related to video conferencing applications in cloud environments. These new offerings emphasize the necessity for high computing power while also addressing integration with existing Windows desktop management practices, making cloud desktops potentially more appealing for organizations.
Detailed Description: The recent announcement by Amazon Web Services is significant on several fronts:
– **New Instance Types**: AWS introduced two new workstation-class instance types, GeneralPurpose.4xlarge and GeneralPurpose.8xlarge, tailored for resource-intensive applications.
– **Specifications**:
– GeneralPurpose.4xlarge: 16 vCPUs, 64GB RAM, $295/month.
– GeneralPurpose.8xlarge: 32 vCPUs, 128GB RAM, $590/month.
– Both offer a 175GB root volume and 100GB of user storage.
– **Target Applications**: The new instance types are optimized for applications that typically run on high-performance workstations, such as:
– Matlab (engineering data analysis)
– R (statistical analysis)
– Software compilation tasks
– **Pricing Structure**: Pricing can significantly increase when integrating Microsoft Windows with these instances, though costs are reduced marginally if users bring their own licenses. Notably, the current offering appears to be Windows-focused, with no details provided for Linux configurations.
– **Video Conferencing Challenges**: Although the cloud desktops promise superior performance, there are notable challenges with applications relying on real-time data flow, such as video conferencing. Microsoft has acknowledged limitations with its Teams application on cloud desktops, suggesting users redirect calls to local devices for better quality.
– **Brute Force Strategy**: Amazon’s solution for the video conferencing issue seems to involve provisioning higher compute resources rather than addressing potential underlying integration challenges.
– **Enhanced Integration**: AWS has also improved its Amazon EC2 Image Builder, enabling the conversion of Windows ISO files directly into Amazon Machine Images (AMI). This development supports organizations with substantial Windows workstation setups by simplifying the transition to cloud environments and ensuring a more uniform desktop experience.
This launch reflects AWS’s efforts to cater to organizations seeking cloud solutions while maintaining efficiency and compatibility with existing IT management practices, a crucial consideration for IT and security professionals.