AWS Business and Productivity Tools

This episode tackles the AWS business and productivity tools group of services.  It includes Chime, Alexa for business, WorkMail, WorkDocs, and we add a quick look at WorkSpaces.  These combine to provide a set of solutions for small to large companies that are not focused on tech workers.  These services are aimed at handling everyday business needs like document storage and sharing, communication, and your workspace/desktop.

WorkDocs

This service is Amazon's answer to products like DropBox and Microsoft's OneDrive.  It does not have the same level of automated synchronization with a client application as the other solutions.  However, it is highly secure and a solution you can use even when you require compliance with PCI, HIPPA, or similar highly-secure standards.

WorkSpaces

The desktop computer is becoming a thing of the past.  Laptops are everywhere, but even lighter solutions are becoming popular with virtual machines used for the traditional business OS needs.  The WorkSpaces service makes this easy to manage and configure.  The pricing may seem high but think about being able to have a modern and up-to-date OS for your staff without the need for desktop support resources.  You also get the benefit of being able to avoid regular high hardware costs to replace outdated machines (and the related headaches from trying to dispose of old systems).

WorkMail

This is your one-stop shop for your email needs.  It provides you a mail server (like Exchange) and tools to manage users.  There are a lot of ways to handle email needs these days, but controlling your server has enough benefits to make this worth looking into.

Chime

Goto meeting and similar applications have been around for years.  These tools allow us to have virtual meetings, share desktops, and otherwise communicate across diverse geographical locations.  It includes features to communicate via text during a call and recording audio and video as well.  It is priced better than most solutions and provides a robust platform for your virtual meeting needs.

Alexa for Business

The last of the AWS Business Tools we look at is Alexa.  This service works with their Echo line of products and the Alexa voice recognition service.  It is becoming more powerful every day and well worth a look if you have any thoughts about automating your office.  If you have no such ideas, take a look anyway.  It can change your view of automation in the modern world.