CloudWatch

Metrics: Collect and track key metrics

• Metric is a variable to monitor (CPUUtilization, NetworkIn...)
• Metrics belong to namespaces
• Dimension is an attribute of a metric (instance id, env...)
  • Up to 10 dimensions per metric
• Metric have timestamps
• EC2: have metrics "every 5 minutes" by default, detailed monitoring - every 1 minute
• EC2 Memory usage is not pushed by default ( use custom metric)
• Custom Metrics:
  • by default: 1 minute/metric
  • high resolution: up to 1 second/metric (use StorageResolution API parameter)
• use API call PutMetricData
• use exponential back off in case of throttle errors

Logs: Collect, monitor, analyze and store log files

• Logs storage architecture:
  • Log groups: arbitrary name, usually representing an application
  • Log stream: instances within application/log files/containers
• can define log expiration policies (never expire - by default, 30 days...)
• using the AWS CLI can tail logs
• sending logs to CloudWatch require IAM permission
• encrypt logs using KMS at Group Level

Events: Send notifications when certain events happen

• schedule: cron jobs