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Cloud Engineer at REDtone Digital Services
Real User
Top 5
A versatile and user-friendly choice for database management that offers a managed relational database service with advantages including extensive normalization capabilities and automated backups
Pros and Cons
  • "Relational databases excel in extensive normalization, eliminating data redundancy and efficiently structuring tables which leads to a clear and efficient relationship between tables using primary keys."
  • "One notable improvement that could enhance the database management experience, particularly during migration scenarios, is the accessibility of the root user."

What is our primary use case?

I use it for testing purposes only. My role involves managing RDS services for customers, ensuring they meet their specific requirements.

What is most valuable?

Relational databases excel in extensive normalization, eliminating data redundancy and efficiently structuring tables which leads to a clear and efficient relationship between tables using primary keys. Relational databases, such as MySQL, offer a streamlined approach to data retrieval, unlike non-relational databases that often require complex ID referencing. Additionally, relational databases have a more compact footprint, making them more manageable, especially in scenarios with significant daily data processing.

What needs improvement?

One notable improvement that could enhance the database management experience, particularly during migration scenarios, is the accessibility of the root user. Currently, challenges arise when attempting continuous migration or transferring data between cloud platforms like AWS RDS and GCP Cloud. Another potential improvement suggestion is reconsidering the policy of locking down root user access entirely. Instead, it could be beneficial to allow access to higher-level administrators or designated personnel within a company. This approach ensures that not everyone has access to the root user. Still, at least those with administrative roles can perform essential tasks such as making changes or taking a database dump for on-premise storage.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using it for six months now.

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December 2024
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How are customer service and support?

When faced with issues, my approach has been to search for solutions on Google or watch relevant videos on YouTube. Most of the time, I rely on online resources to address errors or challenges that may arise during my usage.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The cost is a critical factor, especially if you are not inclined to spend a significant amount, Amazon is the preferable choice. The substantial initial credit and cost-effectiveness make Amazon an attractive option.

What other advice do I have?

For relational databases, AWS Firewall is a recommended option. In the worst-case scenario with no local data center, alternative cloud providers like Azure or GCP may be considered. The cost factor also plays a significant role in favoring AWS. It tends to be more cost-effective compared to Google and Azure. Overall, I rate it nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Owner at a consultancy with 1-10 employees
Real User
Great for backups and creating replicas and allows users to change the size of an RDS MySQL instance
Pros and Cons
  • "Being able to change the size of an RDS MySQL instance is amazing."
  • "The Performance Monitor they have is a little clanky, at least in regards to the UI."

What is our primary use case?

When I was working for at my previous organization, we wanted to bring stability to all our MySQL databases. As a DBA, at first, it was scary as I thought I would be out of a job, however, the RDS managed DB allowed me to focus more on optimization and less on administration. (both hardware and software). 

When I was working at another organization we had a large amount of MySQL on-prem to manage. It required lots of time to set them up, monitoring, and maintain them. RDS really allowed us to remove all the painful administration parts. 

How has it helped my organization?

Less time was spent maintaining MySQL. Having to configure each server and spinning up a new MySQL in RDS takes 10 to 15min. It's a huge time-saving in maintenance. 

By using RDS, AWS takes care of the maintenance of the hardware and software updates. Being able to scale quickly or downsize with no impact is also great.

All of your databases are nicely organized under 1 interface; you have quick access to some monitors and Cloudwatch can be used to set up alerts based on thresholds and notify you. 

Today, with Terraform, you can automate the full process of creating RDS servers, deprecating them, changing their size, adding a replica, etc.

What is most valuable?

Create Replicas. Being able to create a replica with just a few clicks is great. Setting replication before would require backup, restore, and synching replication. 

Backups. The fact that you can take a snapshot of the database without impacting the server is great. In comparison, large backups could lock tables or take too long. Alternatively, you would have to use tools such as xtraDB backup. That requires lots of code and maintenance.

Change Size. Being able to change the size of an RDS MySQL instance is amazing. There's no need to provision new machines, setup replication, etc. It's all done for you.

What needs improvement?

The solution needs RDS Mysql support for both MySQL 8 and MariaDB

The Performance Monitor they have is a little clanky, at least in regards to the UI. 

I wish they had designed a better MySQL Monitoring solution. I personally like SolarWinds DPA.

The performance is not always as good as MySQL running on its own EC2 instance. I have done some benchmarks before between EC2 instances and RDS and EC2 were better.

Being unable to select Out-file is annoying. They do support select Out-files into S3 but only on Aurora. It would be nice if they had implemented that feature in RDS MySQL.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using AWS RDS for more than 8 years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

MySQL RDS is very stable. I cannot say that running MySQL on-premise or on EC2 instances is less stable than RDS MySQL. However, when there are hardware issues, if you have RDS MySQL standby "on", you'll appreciate the fail-over solution. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

MySQL RDS can scale very well. I have been using it in critical Production services.

How are customer service and support?

AWS Customer Support is pretty good. Their response time is usually adequate. They offer different support options and provide different support media (for example, phone, web, and email).

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I was using MySQL on-prem. I decided to switch due to the amount of time required to maintain on-premises databases.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is fairly straightforward. There is some tuning that needs to be done with RDS. The default settings are not always adequate.

What about the implementation team?

We handled the implementation in-house.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Make sure you provision your MySQL RDS properly. Don't over or under-provision. 

Perform some benchmarks before migrating. Migrating to a new system is costly. You don't want to have your data migrated only to realize it performs much worse than before.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I did not evaluate other options. I did evaluate Aurora, however, for the project requirements, it was not needed.

What other advice do I have?

RDS MySQL (and Postgres) are great managed database services. AWS provides a large range of database instance sizes from micro to very large machines. RDS can scale, and creating Replicas is very easy to accomplish. 

If you're unsure if you should start using RDS or not, I suggest you consult with a MySQL RDS DBA or Data Architect who has used RDS for several years before making a decision.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Amazon RDS
December 2024
Learn what your peers think about Amazon RDS. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2024.
824,053 professionals have used our research since 2012.
AndrewBurt - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical engineer at a government with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Top 10
Provides ease of management, but the integration functionality needs enhancement
Pros and Cons
  • "The product's most valuable features are option groups, S3 integration, automated and scheduled snapshots, and cross-region replication."
  • "They could provide better integration for the solution with Microsoft products."

What is our primary use case?

We use the platform for simple applications with straightforward database structures.

What is most valuable?

The product's most valuable features are option groups, S3 integration, automated and scheduled snapshots, and cross-region replication. These features enhance the ease of management and reliability of our database solutions.

What needs improvement?

They could provide better integration for the solution with Microsoft products. Although this may be challenging due to competitive interests, enhanced integration could significantly benefit users working with mixed technology environments.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have worked with Amazon RDS for approximately 12 to 18 months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the product's stability as a nine out of ten. It has proven to be reliable in maintaining performance and uptime.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the product scalability as a seven out of ten. It handles growth well, but there are constraints to consider depending on the scale of the deployment.

How are customer service and support?

I resolved issues through Amazon’s documentation and user forums, finding the available resources helpful for troubleshooting.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward if Amazon’s guidance is followed. It is generally simple but requires careful attention to documentation to ensure a smooth process.

What about the implementation team?

Deployment was carried out in-house. Typically, only one person with the required skills in virtualization, Linux, and programming environments like Bash is needed for implementation.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I would rate the pricing between six and seven. The cost is manageable because you can see the expense associated with each instance and utilize tools for tagging and cost control. However, a common issue is the tendency to forget about running instances no longer needed, which can lead to unexpected charges.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We evaluated other options such as Azure SQL Database and Google Cloud SQL before selecting Amazon RDS.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Amazon RDS a seven out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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IT Help Desk Specialist at Nafeza
Real User
Top 20
Offers durability, security, and performance
Pros and Cons
  • "The product's installation phase is easy."
  • "The product's high price is an area of concern where improvements are required."

What is our primary use case?

I use the solution in my company as a database.

I use the solution for database setup and management, along with other factors like HA, durability, security, performance, automated backup, and maintenance.

What is most valuable?

Amazon RDS serves as a managed database service that supports database engines, improving areas involving MySQL cycle and PostgreSQL. The tool obviously handles the working of the database as a provider of managed services. The product also offers backup and recovery.

What needs improvement?

The product's high price is an area of concern where improvements are required.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Amazon RDS for less than a year. I am a user of the tool.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Around 4,000 people in my company use the product.

How are customer service and support?

If I face any problems with the product, I contact the solution's support team. I look online to see if I can resolve the problem by myself, and if I don't get any answers to my issues, then I contact the product's support team. The product's support team is very good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I use AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM).

How was the initial setup?

The product's installation phase is easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product is expensive. If Cisco needs two servers, Amazon uses four.

What other advice do I have?

I attend training sessions via calls with Amazon to learn about Amazon RDS.

If you have many sites for your company, using Amazon RDS can help with the database area. If you have any problem with the database, you can choose Amazon RDS.

I like the product very much.

I rate the tool a ten out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer2349756 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior DevSecOps Engineer at a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Top 5
Stores data and retrieves to information to gain insights
Pros and Cons
  • "I use Amazon RDS to store and manage data securely. It helps me retrieve information and gain insights from the data that comes in for my business or specific applications."
  • "I like using Amazon RDS because it offers quick operations for me. However, there are times when understanding how to use some of the services can be challenging, even with documentation. If I could add a feature, I'd improve navigation for related services."

What is our primary use case?

I use Amazon RDS to store and manage data securely. It helps me retrieve information and gain insights from the data that comes in for my business or specific applications.

What is most valuable?

In one of our applications, customer interactions, such as subscriptions, transactions, and data from filled forms, are stored in Amazon RDS. This enables us to maintain a backup and aids in disaster recovery. Storing this data in the product allows us to analyze and gain insights into the details that come through the application when customers log in.

During our proof of concept, I had the opportunity to utilize the service alongside the vendor we were testing. Its most valuable feature is the scalability of the storage. It is easy to learn. 

What needs improvement?

I like using Amazon RDS because it offers quick operations for me. However, there are times when understanding how to use some of the services can be challenging, even with documentation. If I could add a feature, I'd improve navigation for related services. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the product for a few years, 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Amazon RDS is a stable product with minimal bugs.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product's scalability is good. It is used by over 1000 users in my company. 

How are customer service and support?

I have contacted the tool's support. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

I find the tool's installation easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is expensive. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate Amazon RDS an eight out of ten. 

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Venkateswar Ndt - PeerSpot reviewer
Controler at Emirates
Real User
Top 5
The solution's connectivity and response logs could be improved, though its scalability is good
Pros and Cons
  • "Amazon RDS is a scalable solution."
  • "The solution's connectivity and response logs could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use Amazon RDS for storage and scaling the database.

What is most valuable?

Amazon RDS is a scalable solution.

What needs improvement?

The solution's connectivity and response logs could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Amazon RDS for two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate Amazon RDS a seven out of ten for stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We never faced any issues with the solution's scalability. Hundreds to millions of users are using the solution, and we have plans to increase the usage.

How was the initial setup?

The solution's initial setup is complex.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented the solution through an in-house team. To deploy Amazon RDS, we need to establish the network within the parent organization account and create the respective VPNs.

What was our ROI?

The return on investment with Amazon RDS is average.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution’s pricing could be cheaper. Maintaining the geo-replication would be more expensive, and you need to set it up accordingly.

What other advice do I have?

It varies on many parameters, but typically, ten people are required to deploy and maintain the solution.

I would recommend Amazon RDS to other users.

Overall, I rate Amazon RDS a five out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Kiran Rajanna - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Solutions Architect and Cloud Security Consultant at Cgi Deutschland KG
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Reduces operational expenses and provides ease of management
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution has unique features like backup and recovery, and snapshots. It upgrades automatically. The solution offers easy analytics concerning performance metrics. Its reliability and scalability are very good. The tool's most valuable features are disaster recovery, high availability and scalability."
  • "Amazon RDS needs to have an overall dashboard where I can view all the tables in the form of pie charts and Gantt charts. The deployment is complex, and we would like to see automated scripts. It needs to incorporate performance insights."

What is our primary use case?

We migrate to Amazon RDS instead of traditional OLTP databases. We experience the ease of management and reduced operational expenses. 

What is most valuable?

The solution has unique features like backup and recovery, and snapshots. It upgrades automatically. The solution offers easy analytics concerning performance metrics. Its reliability and scalability are very good. The tool's most valuable features are disaster recovery, high availability and scalability. 

What needs improvement?

Amazon RDS needs to have an overall dashboard where I can view all the tables in the form of pie charts and Gantt charts. The deployment is complex, and we would like to see automated scripts. It needs to incorporate performance insights. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution since 2016. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution's scalability is good. 

How are customer service and support?

The solution's customer support is satisfactory. 

How was the initial setup?

Amazon RDS' deployment is complex. 

What was our ROI?

We have seen ROI with the tool's use. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution's price is good. 

What other advice do I have?

It would be best if you were careful when picking the RDS instances. Check the network and storage aspects and then decide on the size of the RDS instances. The cost may be high for you if you pick big RDS instances. On the other hand, small RDS instances can bring performance issues. I rate the product a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Sunita Gajurel - PeerSpot reviewer
Student at a university with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 10
An easy to use tool that helps to find latency
Pros and Cons
  • "The tool is very easy to use and configure."
  • "I would like to see improvements in the tool's automatic restart."

What is our primary use case?

I use the tool to find out latency. 

What is most valuable?

The tool is very easy to use and configure. 

What needs improvement?

I would like to see improvements in the tool's automatic restart. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for two to three months. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool is stable. 

How are customer service and support?

The tool's support is nice. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The tool's initial setup is straightforward. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I would rate the tool's pricing an eight out of ten. 

What other advice do I have?

I would rate the solution a seven out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Amazon RDS Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: December 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Amazon RDS Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.