Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) | Database Configuration

Question 1

Can I use Amazon RDS with applications that require HIPAA compliance?

Database Configuration

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) | Database

Question 2

How do I choose the right configuration parameters for my DB Instance(s)?

Database Configuration

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) | Database

Answer 2

By default, Amazon RDS chooses the optimal configuration parameters for your DB Instance taking into account the instance class and storage capacity. However, if you want to change them, you can do so using the AWS Management Console, the Amazon RDS APIs, or the AWS Command Line Interface. Please note that changing configuration parameters from recommended values can have unintended effects, ranging from degraded performance to system crashes, and should only be attempted by advanced users who wish to assume these risks.

Question 3

What are DB Parameter groups? How are they helpful?

Database Configuration

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) | Database

Answer 3

A database parameter group (DB Parameter Group) acts as a “container” for engine configuration values that can be applied to one or more DB Instances. If you create a DB Instance without specifying a DB Parameter Group, a default DB Parameter Group is used. This default group contains engine defaults and Amazon RDS system defaults optimized for the DB Instance you are running. However, if you want your DB Instance to run with your custom-specified engine configuration values, you can simply create a new DB Parameter Group, modify the desired parameters, and modify the DB Instance to use the new DB Parameter Group. Once associated, all DB Instances that use a particular DB Parameter Group get all the parameter updates to that DB Parameter Group.

For more information on configuring DB Parameter Groups, please read the Amazon RDS User Guide.