Amazon Relational Database Service aka AWS RDS

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) is a managed service offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that simplifies the setup, operation, and scaling of relational databases in the cloud. It supports various popular database engines like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Amazon RDS is designed to provide a managed, reliable, and feature-rich environment for hosting relational databases in the cloud, enabling users to focus on their applications rather than the underlying infrastructure.

The architecture and feature set of Amazon RDS are designed to provide flexibility, scalability, ease of use, and high availability. Here's an overview of its architecture and key features:

Architecture:

1. Instance Deployment: Amazon RDS operates on a client-server model where users can deploy database instances in the AWS cloud. Users can select the desired database engine, instance class, and storage capacity during setup.

2. Multi-AZ Deployments: Amazon RDS supports Multi-AZ deployments, allowing users to create a standby instance in a different Availability Zone for enhanced availability and automatic failover in the event of a primary instance failure.

3. Read Replicas: RDS allows users to create read replicas, enabling them to scale read operations and distribute read traffic across multiple database instances.

4. Storage: The architecture includes provisioned storage for databases that can automatically scale as data requirements grow. It supports features like Provisioned IOPS for high-performance storage needs.

Feature Set:

1. Automated Backups: RDS offers automated backups with user-defined retention periods. These backups enable point-in-time recovery within the retention period.

2. Scalability: Users can easily scale their RDS instance vertically by changing the instance type or horizontally by adding read replicas. It also supports the ability to scale storage capacity without downtime.

3. High Availability: Multi-AZ deployments provide increased availability and failover capabilities in case of a primary instance failure. Failover to a standby replica occurs automatically.

4. Security: RDS provides various security features such as network isolation using Amazon VPC, encryption at rest using AWS Key Management Service (KMS), and encryption in transit using SSL.

5. Monitoring and Metrics: Users can monitor the performance of their RDS instances using Amazon CloudWatch. It provides metrics and the ability to set alarms based on these metrics for better management.

6. Patch Management: Amazon RDS automates routine database management tasks, including patching the database engine software with the latest security patches.

7. Parameter Groups: Users can customize database engine settings and manage parameters using parameter groups, allowing for fine-tuning and optimization of database performance.

8. Maintenance Windows: Users can define preferred maintenance windows for their RDS instances to minimize downtime during system updates and maintenance activities.