How does Netflix uses AWS Cloud ? (2024)

Sachin kumar

before there aws services how does it comes? and its starting journey.

In 2008, Netflix faced a transformative shock that prompted a reevaluation of their database management approach. Initially relying on expensive IBM P-series hardware and Oracle databases, the IT department believed that achieving perfection in their systems would prevent future failures. However, this belief was shattered when a SAN hardware failure caused a disruptive two-day outage, leading to widespread questioning within the company. Eventually, Netflix reached a crucial realization that application availability was the primary concern. Consequently, they decided to transition from costly hardware to a more budget-friendly cloud infrastructure. The focus shifted from whether this strategy would work to how it could drive their progress forward.

Netflix has a fabulous team working on cloud and containers. Netflix started its migration towards AWS around in 2008 and it was a really long process.

Fact: Netflix accounts for 7.6% of TV time in the U.S.

Now come to our main service that use by Netflix

1.Amazon EC2: This is a compute service that Netflix uses to run its streaming infrastructure. EC2 provides a variety of instance types that Netflix can use to scale its infrastructure up or down as needed.

Amazon EC2 provides Netflix with the flexibility to scale its infrastructure up or down as needed.
Amazon EC2 is a highly reliable service, which gives Netflix confidence that its infrastructure will be available when it needs it.
Amazon EC2 is a cost-effective way to run a streaming service, as Netflix can pay for the resources that it uses.

2.Amazon S3: This is a cloud storage service that Netflix uses to store its video content. S3 is highly scalable and reliable, which is essential for a streaming service that needs to be able to deliver content to millions of users around the world.

Amazon S3 is a scalable, reliable, and cost-effective way to store video content.
Amazon S3 offers a number of features that are specifically designed for streaming media, such as streaming acceleration, replication, and encryption.
Amazon S3 is a critical part of Netflix’s streaming infrastructure, helping the company to store its video content, deliver it to users around the world, and protect it from unauthorized access.

3.Amazon CloudFront: This is a content delivery network (CDN) that Netflix uses to deliver its content to users around the world. CloudFront is designed to deliver content quickly and reliably, even to users with slow or intermittent connections.

Performance: CloudFront helps to improve the performance of Netflix’s streaming service by caching content closer to users. This helps to reduce latency and improve the user experience.
Reliability: CloudFront is a highly reliable service. Netflix can be confident that its content will be available when users need it.
Global reach: CloudFront is available in over 200 countries and territories around the world. This means that Netflix can deliver its content to users all over the world.
Cost-effectiveness: CloudFront is a cost-effective way to deliver content. Netflix only pays for the bandwidth that it uses.

4.Amazon Kinesis: This is a streaming data service that Netflix uses to process real-time data from its streaming service. Kinesis can be used to track user activity, detect anomalies, and personalize recommendations.

Netflix uses Kinesis to track user activity. This helps the company to understand how users are using its streaming service, so that it can make improvements.
Netflix uses Kinesis to detect anomalies. This helps the company to identify problems with its streaming service, so that it can fix them quickly.
Netflix uses Kinesis to personalize recommendations. This helps the company to recommend movies and TV shows that users are more likely to enjoy.

5.Databases: Netflix uses AWS to store its user data, content metadata, and other important data.

6.Analytics: Netflix uses AWS to analyze its user data to gain insights into its users’ behavior and preferences.

7.Machine learning: Netflix uses AWS to power its machine learning algorithms, which are used for tasks such as personalized recommendations and content tagging.

8.Security: Netflix uses AWS to secure its infrastructure and data.

Although their plans for ad-based memberships and fierce competition from other streaming services may seem more like secrets Netflix doesn’t want you to know, the company seemed perfectly happy to share all of this information with shareholders in their quarterly letter. What’s more, Netflix even noted that they suspect their competitors are losing serious money trying to beat them in the streaming business.

The plan is to keep users who might jump ship on board with features like the “Basic with Ads” model, but it remains to be seen if those on a budget will embrace Netflix’s new strategy.

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