AWS Question 11

What Is a Marketplace AMI?

A Marketplace AMI is an Amazon Machine Image available on the AWS Marketplace. An AMI is a pre-configured template that allows you to launch an EC2 instance quickly and efficiently. In this guide, we explore the concept of Marketplace AMIs, their purpose, and the benefits they offer to both end users and software providers.

AWS Marketplace is a curated digital catalog that simplifies the discovery, procurement, and deployment of third-party software. By using this platform, software vendors can offer their applications and operating systems—such as Red Hat—as AMIs that users can directly subscribe to and deploy on EC2 instances.

How Does It Work?

Taking the example of Red Hat:

• Red Hat, a prominent operating system provider, creates an AMI with a pre-installed Red Hat system and lists it on AWS Marketplace.
• AWS customers can then launch an EC2 instance using this Marketplace AMI, enabling a fast and straightforward setup.

When launching an EC2 instance with a Marketplace AMI, the billing model is split as follows:

• EC2 Instance Cost: This fee is charged by AWS for using their compute resources.
• AMI (Software) Cost: This fee is billed by the third-party provider (e.g., Red Hat) for the software included in the AMI.

When to Use a Marketplace AMI

Marketplace AMIs are especially valuable when you need to rapidly test or deploy a specific piece of software or operating system. Instead of manually installing and configuring the software, you simply select the appropriate Marketplace AMI, launch your instance, and immediately begin using the solution.

Explaining the Concept in an Interview

If you are asked about Marketplace AMIs during an interview, you might say:

"AWS Marketplace provides access to a variety of third-party software and operating systems packaged as AMIs. These pre-configured images allow me to quickly launch EC2 instances without needing to establish separate contracts with software vendors. I understand that the billing for these instances is split between the cost for the EC2 instance, billed by AWS, and the software usage cost, billed by the provider. This dual billing model facilitates rapid testing and deployment of diverse solutions."

Visual Representation

Below is a diagram that visually represents the AWS Marketplace concept. The diagram highlights key products such as Red Hat, Trend Micro, and Qlik, and includes notes on cost distribution and product categorization:

This diagram effectively shows how AWS Marketplace integrates third-party software into the AWS ecosystem, emphasizing both the dual billing model and the ease of deployment.

I hope this article clarifies the concepts surrounding Marketplace AMIs and serves as a valuable resource for both learning and technical interviews.

That's it for this lesson. See you in the next article!