Unlocking AWS’s Hidden Gem: The “Get Advice” Feature When Launching an EC2 Instance

When working with AWS, there’s no shortage of tools and features that help us manage and optimize our cloud infrastructure. However, even for seasoned AWS users, some features remain hidden in plain sight. One such feature is the “Get Advice” option available when launching an EC2 instance. This small but powerful tool can provide valuable insights, particularly for those who want to make informed decisions about their EC2 configurations.

What is the “Get Advice” Feature?

The “Get Advice” feature is an under-the-radar tool offered by AWS during the EC2 instance launch process. It provides recommendations and insights tailored to your specific instance setup, ensuring that you choose the best configuration based on your workload’s needs. This feature can help you avoid common pitfalls and optimize your instance for performance, cost, and reliability.

Where to Find It

https://us-west-2.console.aws.amazon.com/ec2/home?region=us-west-2#LaunchInstances

The “Get Advice” option appears during the EC2 launch wizard, typically on the instance type selection screen. You may need to click a small link or button labeled “Get Advice” near the instance types or configurations you’re considering. It’s easy to overlook, especially if you’re in a hurry, but taking a moment to explore it can save you time and resources down the line.

How Does It Work?

When you click on “Get Advice,” AWS analyzes the selected instance type and configuration options. It then provides tailored advice based on a combination of best practices, historical data, and the specifics of your current selection. This advice might include:

• Performance Recommendations: AWS might suggest a different instance type if the one you selected is underpowered or overpowered for your intended use case.
• Cost Optimization Tips: The tool may identify a more cost-effective instance that meets your needs, helping you save on your AWS bill.
• Reliability Enhancements: Recommendations may include advice on using reserved instances, spot instances, or setting up auto-scaling to ensure your application remains reliable under varying loads.
• Security Suggestions: AWS might provide guidance on securing your instance, such as using IAM roles, configuring security groups properly, or encrypting your EBS volumes.

Why It’s Valuable

For both beginners and experienced AWS users, the “Get Advice” feature acts as a second set of eyes. It’s easy to get lost in the multitude of EC2 instance types and configuration options, and even small mistakes can lead to performance bottlenecks or higher costs. By leveraging this feature, you can ensure that your choices align with AWS’s best practices, helping you to build a more efficient and cost-effective infrastructure.

Moreover, this feature can be a learning tool, particularly for those new to AWS. The advice provided is often rooted in AWS’s well-architected framework, giving users a glimpse into what AWS considers important when setting up cloud resources.

Feedback for AWS

One piece of feedback for AWS regarding this feature is that in the recommended instance family details, there is currently no option to filter or highlight GPU instances. For users running machine learning models, graphic-intensive applications, or other GPU-dependent workloads, having the ability to see GPU recommendations would be a valuable addition.

Conclusion

The next time you’re launching an EC2 instance, take a moment to explore the “Get Advice” feature. While it might be a small part of the EC2 launch process, it can have a big impact on how well your infrastructure performs and how much it costs. Whether you’re optimizing for performance, cost, or reliability, this hidden gem in AWS’s vast toolset can guide you toward making smarter, more informed decisions.

Don’t let this feature remain hidden — unlock its potential and make the most out of your AWS EC2 instances.