Description
Amazon EC2 Image Builder is a fully managed AWS service that simplifies the creation, maintenance, validation, and sharing of Golden Images (machine images) used for deploying instances on AWS. It automates the image creation and management processes, reducing the effort required to keep images up-to-date and secure.
Features
- Automated Image Creation: Automates the building, testing, and distribution of EC2 instance images.
- Pre-defined and Custom Components: Uses pre-defined components or custom scripts to install software and configurations.
- Version Control: Maintains version control over images to track changes and updates.
- Image Distribution: Distributes images across multiple AWS regions.
- Integration with AWS Services: Integrates with AWS Systems Manager, CloudWatch, and other services for enhanced functionality.
- Compliance: Helps ensure compliance with organizational policies by automating patch management and software updates.
Limitations
- Service Availability: Limited to AWS regions where EC2 Image Builder is available.
- Complexity: Initial setup and configuration can be complex for new users.
- IAM Permissions: Requires careful configuration of IAM roles and permissions to operate securely.
- Cost: Additional costs associated with using EC2 resources for building and testing images.
Use Cases
- Golden Image Maintenance: Automatically creating and updating Golden Images with the latest patches and software updates.
- Application Deployment: Simplifying the deployment process by using pre-configured and tested images.
- Security Compliance: Ensuring that all EC2 instances run images that comply with security standards and organizational policies.
Key Point