AWS Step Functions Reviews

Name: AWS Step Functions
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4 (10 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

10 reviews
77% willing to recommend

What is AWS Step Functions?

AWS Step Functions enables orchestration of complex workflows, parallel task execution, and seamless integration with AWS services, simplifying ETL automation and data pipeline management.

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AWS Step Functions is the #12 ranked solution in BPM Software and #16 ranked solution in top Workload Automation solutions. PeerSpot users give AWS Step Functions an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. AWS Step Functions is most commonly compared to Camunda: AWS Step Functions vs Camunda. AWS Step Functions is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 77% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 32% of all views.

Helped 800,688 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Mahender Nirwan

Software developer at TAIGLE LLC

I worked with Step Functions about a year ago for six months. Currently, I don't have any use cases for Step Functions. But overall, I was pretty amazed with it. It has great integration with many AWS services, and if you use it correctly, it could save you a ton of money. Again, it leverages AWS…

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Hamza Iqbal

Senior Data Analyst at VerticalScope Inc.

The major feature of AWS Step Functions is interdependency. Step Functions can determine what action to take next if one step returns a false status based on predefined logic. Step Functions aims to ensure that pipelines or workflows run smoothly by providing a backup function to execute in case of…

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Vladimir Shilov

DevSecOps at Ciklum ApS

I use Amazon Step Functions to visually design and simplify the development of functions, automate various tasks, and coordinate workflows across different AWS services. I also use it to streamline the development of my Azure tool by visually orchestrating Lambda Functions and integrating them with…

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AWS Step Functions mindshare

Product category:

As of September 2024, the mindshare of AWS Step Functions in the Business Process Management (BPM) category stands at 2.4%, down from 4.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Business Process Management (BPM)

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Aug 27, 2024

Valuable Features

The most valuable features of AWS Step Functions include integration with the entire AWS suite, an easy-to-use graphical interface for creating and debugging tasks without writing code, historical event control, parallel task execution with scalable parallelization, call rating capabilities, and seamless microservice integration. Users appreciate the UI for its visualization and troubleshooting ease, enabling the definition of workflows using JSON that converts to a visual format.

"If you want to create a workflow to call one Lambda function after another, and other serverless features, it could save you a ton of money. That's for sure."
"The integration capability is easy, whereas building state machines is tricky."
"AWS Step Functions acts as a high-level layer, allowing us to seamlessly integrate with microservices."

Room for Improvement

Many find AWS Step Functions challenging due to its 256 KB data limit and the complexity of its declarative language. They express concerns over pricing, licensing, and integration with third-party products. Users cite a need for enhanced data transformation features, better integration with IDEs, and improved visibility, profiling, and logging. Additionally, the interface limitations and the necessity for more integrations are highlighted. Issues with parameter passing and the desire for a more dynamic platform are also noted.

"If AWS Step Functions keeps adding more integrations, it would be even better."
"The solution's pricing could be cheaper. It is cheaper than Airflow."
"The interface can sometimes feel limited, as we're unable to see what AWS is running behind the scenes."

ROI

Users reported a significant boost in task automation and orchestration efficiency using AWS Step Functions, resulting in reduced time-to-market and lower operational costs. They highlighted how AWS Step Functions improved workflow management and scalability, contributing to better resource allocation and process optimization. Users also noted enhanced integration with other AWS services, streamlining complex applications and increasing overall productivity. The simplified development and monitoring of microservices further added value, resulting in substantial returns.

Pricing

AWS Step Functions pricing is perceived as both reasonable and expensive by users, with costs based on the number of requests and duration. Pricing complexity due to additional factors such as data transfers and runtime limitations makes it difficult for some users. While flexible and cheaper than Azure Workflow, unexpected high costs are a concern. Enterprises should consider specific usage scenarios to accurately evaluate the costs.

"The solution is expensive."
"The solution's price is reasonable."

Popular Use Cases

Their primary use case of AWS Step Functions involves building a data management pipeline to validate and write data to a database, running multiple ETL jobs, executing flows with parallel processing, and orchestrating microservices. They also use it for event sequence management, task execution, workflow coordination across various AWS services, visually designing and simplifying function development, integrating Lambda Functions with API services, and ensuring smooth workflow execution with interdependency handling.

Service and Support

Customers find AWS Step Functions' support and service generally good. They appreciate its effectiveness, rating it around seven to eight out of ten. Some note that support is more available for higher priority issues or larger organizations. While technical support is helpful and responsive, there is feedback about high costs and occasional delays requiring logs for problem-solving. They highlight quick fixes for errors, typically within five to six hours.

Deployment

Users found AWS Step Functions' initial setup generally straightforward with an easy-to-use graphical interface and drag-and-drop functionality. Deployment times ranged from a few hours to a day, depending on dependencies and familiarity. Challenges included understanding available connectors and features, and for some, initial difficulties were more pronounced without prior AWS experience. With proper practice and documentation, new users became more comfortable within a few days. Maintenance was minimal, requiring only occasional modifications.

Scalability

AWS Step Functions is regarded as highly scalable by numerous organizations. Users from startups and medium-sized businesses find it adjustable and efficient, especially during demand surges. Teams consisting of developers, DevOps, and architects use it effectively. Ratings for its scalability range from seven to ten out of ten. AWS's dynamic and real-time demand adaptation features are instrumental for handling significant usage spikes, ensuring seamless performance for various client sizes.

Stability

Users find AWS Step Functions stable, with some rating its stability highly. Most have not encountered stability issues and value its reliability. One mentions that their operations team ensures system stability, with strategies to mitigate risks, such as automatic restoration and additional instances, while focusing on Microsoft integration. Stability ratings range from seven to ten out of ten, reflecting general satisfaction.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our AWS Step Functions Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

32%

Computer Software Company

12%

Manufacturing Company

Insurance Company

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Government

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Media Company

University

Energy/Utilities Company

Transportation Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Non Profit

Construction Company

Educational Organization

Comms Service Provider

Legal Firm

Hospitality Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Pharma/Biotech Company

Engineering Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Compare AWS Step Functions with alternative products

Learn more about AWS Step Functions

With AWS Step Functions, developers streamline task automation and ensure smooth microservices orchestration. It simplifies development and manages interdependencies, validates data, and integrates AWS services for cost-effective workflows. It offers a user-friendly graphical interface for creating pipelines, scalable parallelization via the "map" state, control over historical events, and visualization with JSON. Enhanced by a dashboard-like view, it aids in visual workflows and debugging.

What are the most valuable features?

Seamless AWS Integration: Easily integrates with the entire AWS suite for efficient workflow creation.
User-Friendly Graphical Interface: Simplifies creating and managing workflows with visual tools.
Scalable Parallelization: Utilizes the "map" state for efficient parallel processing tasks.
Control Historical Events: Manages and controls historical data and events effectively.
Visualization and Debugging: Provides a dashboard-like view to enhance understanding and debugging.

What are the benefits and ROI to look for?

Streamlined Development: Simplifies orchestration and automates task management.
Cost-Effective Workflows: Creates efficient, cost-saving workflows by integrating with AWS services.
Enhanced Data Validation: Ensures data correctness by managing interdependencies.
Automation of ETL Jobs: Automates data extraction, transformation, and loading processes seamlessly.

In specific industries such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, enterprises implement AWS Step Functions to manage data pipelines, orchestrate microservices, and automate complex ETL jobs. They benefit from seamless integration with AWS services, enhanced data validation, and streamlined development, resulting in efficient and cost-effective workflows tailored to their operational needs.

AWS Step Functions was previously known as Amazon Step Functions, Step Functions.