Amazon AppStream 2.0

Amazon AppStream 2.0 Cheat Sheet

Amazon AppsStream 2.0 manages non-persistent application streaming service by Amazon Web Services that lets users stream desktop applications securely from AWS to any device via a browser.

Key Features

AppStream 2.0 includes a set of core features designed to simplify application delivery, improve scalability, and provide secure remote access. These capabilities allow administrators to manage applications centrally while ensuring users can run them smoothly from virtually anywhere.

1. Application Streaming: Run and deliver desktop applications without installing them locally.
2. Scalable Architecture: Automatically scales based on user demand.
3. Secure Access: Supports SAML 2.0 authentication and integrates with AWS IAM.

4. Fleet Management: Launch and manage fleets of streaming instances for different user groups.
5. Data Integration: Works with Amazon S3, EFS, and WorkSpaces for file persistence.
6. Custom Images: Create and deploy pre-configured application images for consistency.

Benefits

The benefits of AppStream 2.0 focus on reducing IT overhead, enhancing security, and providing seamless user experiences. It helps organizations optimize costs and improve operational efficiency while ensuring that users always have up-to-date applications.

1. No Local Installation Needed: Users can access apps instantly through a web browser.
2. Enhanced Security: Keeps applications and data within AWS, reducing data leakage risks.
3. Cost Efficiency: Pay only for active streaming hours, not idle infrastructure.
4. Performance: Delivers high responsiveness using AWS GPU and CPU instance types.
5. Simplified Management: Easily update or manage applications centrally without endpoint maintenance.

Security

AppStream 2.0 is built with multiple layers of security to protect applications, user data, and access. It integrates with AWS security services, providing administrators fine-grained control over authentication, encryption, and network access to meet compliance requirements.

1. Access Control: Supports AWS IAM, SAML 2.0, and directory integration to manage user permissions.
   
2. Data Protection: Streams applications without storing data on local devices; integrates with encrypted S3/EFS storage.
   
3. Network Security: Can run in VPCs with security groups and private subnets; supports SSL/TLS encryption for streaming traffic.
   
4. Audit & Monitoring: Integrates with AWS CloudTrail and CloudWatch for logging and monitoring user activity and system events.
5. Compliance: Helps meet standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR when properly configured.

Pricing

• Billed per hour or second for active streaming instances, depending on fleet type (Always-On, On-Demand, or Elastic).
• Additional charges apply for image builder instances, storage (Amazon S3/EFS), and optional per-user license fees for Windows environments.
• Example: Pricing typically ranges from $0.07–$0.60 per instance-hour, depending on configuration, operating system, and region.
• Windows fleets may include an added $4.19–$6.42 per user/month license fee.

AWS End User Messaging Cheat Sheet References:

https://docs.aws.amazon.com/appstream2/

https://aws.amazon.com/appstream2/pricing/