Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - Accelerate compute workloads with Amazon File Cache (STG218)

Summary

Amazon File Cache was launched to accelerate compute-intensive workloads on AWS, especially for data stored on-premises.
Edward Name, GM of file storage at AWS, introduced the service alongside Eric Anderson, GM of FileCache, and Brandon Lindauer, a senior solutions architect.
The service addresses challenges of cloud bursting, where compute on AWS needs to access on-prem data, often leading to high latencies and limited bandwidth.
File Cache provides a caching solution that imports and temporarily stores data being used by AWS compute jobs, offering low latencies and high throughput.
It simplifies cloud bursting from on-prem file systems to AWS, automatically pulling in files as they are accessed and evicting older data to minimize storage costs.
File Cache can also act as a cache in front of S3, allowing for high-speed file system interface access to S3 datasets.
The service is designed to be fast, simple, and cost-effective, with the cache exposed as a file system interface requiring no changes to existing applications.
A case study demonstrated that File Cache can lead to significant performance improvements and cost reductions in compute workloads.
Brandon Lindauer discussed the benefits of File Cache in media and entertainment workloads, particularly for visual effects rendering.
File Cache is positioned as a fully managed cache that is efficient and reduces storage costs by only caching the active working dataset and automatically managing cache eviction.

Amazon File Cache is a strategic solution for organizations looking to leverage cloud compute power without the latency and bandwidth issues associated with accessing on-premises data.
The service is particularly beneficial for industries with large datasets and compute-intensive tasks, such as chip design, media and entertainment, and genomics analysis.
By providing a caching layer, File Cache enables a more efficient use of AWS compute resources, as data is readily available at high speeds, reducing the time and cost associated with compute jobs.
The ability to act as a cache in front of S3 also suggests that File Cache can be a versatile tool for optimizing access to data stored in AWS, not just on-premises.
The emphasis on simplicity and cost-effectiveness indicates AWS's focus on reducing the barrier to entry for cloud adoption and making it easier for customers to manage their cloud expenses.
The case study and examples provided during the session highlight real-world applications and the tangible benefits that customers can expect from using Amazon File Cache.
The session also underscores AWS's commitment to continuous innovation in cloud storage solutions, aiming to address customer pain points and enhance the overall cloud computing experience.