AWS released several significant updates this week across AI/ML services, compute infrastructure, and security features. Key updates that impact cloud architecture and development workflows include:
AI/ML Enhancements
Meta’s Llama 4 Now Available in Amazon Bedrock
AWS has made Meta’s latest Llama 4 models available in Amazon Bedrock. The first models in the series—Llama 4 Scout 17B and Llama 4 Maverick 17B—are now fully managed through Bedrock’s service. These models offer:
- Improved performance at lower costs compared to Llama 3
- Expanded language support for global applications
- Multimodal capabilities for handling multiple types of media
- Serverless deployment through a single API
Writer’s Enterprise Models Join Bedrock
AWS has added Writer’s enterprise-grade foundation models, Palmyra X5 and X4, to Amazon Bedrock. These models bring:
- Palmyra X5: One million token context window
- Palmyra X4: 128,000 token context window
- Enterprise-grade AI capabilities with serverless scalability
- Cost optimization features
Compute Infrastructure Updates
New EC2 I7i Storage Optimized Instances
AWS has introduced the next generation of high-performance Storage Optimized EC2 I7i instances, featuring:
- Up to 45TB of NVMe storage
- 50% better real-time storage performance
- 50% lower storage I/O latency
- 60% lower storage I/O latency variability
- Powered by 5th generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors
High Memory Instances Expansion
AWS has expanded the availability of EC2 High Memory instances with 24TB of memory (u-24tb1.112xlarge) to the US East (Ohio) region. These instances are particularly valuable for:
- SAP HANA workloads
- Large in-memory databases
- High-performance computing applications
Security and Management Improvements
AWS Client VPN Client Routes Enforcement
A new security feature for AWS Client VPN has been introduced to enhance remote access security:
- Continuous monitoring of device networking routes
- Prevention of VPN traffic leaks
- Automatic restoration of modified networking routes
- Enhanced security for remote access scenarios
AWS Systems Manager Just-in-Time Node Access
AWS Systems Manager has launched a new feature for improved security and operational efficiency:
- Zero standing privileges to nodes
- Just-in-Time access requests for node connections
- Support for AWS, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments
- Enhanced tracking of node access permissions
Cost Management Updates
AWS Budgets Enhanced Capabilities
AWS Budgets has received significant updates to improve cost management:
- Support for new cost metrics (net unblended costs, net amortized costs)
- Enhanced filtering capabilities
- Support for additional Cost Explorer charge types
- Improved cost monitoring after discounts
AWS continues to focus on enhancing AI/ML capabilities, improving compute infrastructure, and strengthening security features. The new Llama 4 models and Writer’s enterprise models in Bedrock expand AI capabilities, while the new EC2 instances and security features provide more options for optimizing infrastructure and protecting resources.
Organizations should evaluate how these new features could enhance their existing architecture, particularly in areas of AI/ML development, high-performance computing, and security management.