AWS re:Invent 2024, one of the most anticipated events in the cloud industry, has officially begun, with a live event in Las Vegas and a virtual event running concurrently. As a leading hyperscaler, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is expected to unveil new services, capabilities, and enhancements to its extensive portfolio, which will likely impact the role of cloud computing in businesses.

Attendees can expect announcements that showcase AWS' continuous push for innovation in cloud features and scalability. Additionally, the event will provide valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations within the cloud industry, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, serverless computing, and IoT. These insights will enable attendees to gain a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and their potential applications.

In the lead-up to re:Invent 2024, AWS has made several significant announcements. In August, the company closed new customer access to several of its cloud services, including AWS Cloud9, AWS CodeCommit, Amazon S3 Select, Amazon S3 Glacier Select, Amazon CloudSearch, Amazon Forecast, and AWS Data Pipeline. This move was seen as a strategic decision to focus on core services and optimize resources.

In June, AWS introduced two new AI certifications to address the growing shortage of IT workers with AI skills. The AWS Certified AI Practitioner certification is designed to help workers from diverse backgrounds demonstrate their understanding of AI and generative AI concepts, recognize opportunities that benefit from AI, and use AI tools responsibly.

In May, IBM and AWS forged a global alliance, expanding IBM's software portfolio to 92 countries in AWS Marketplace. This strategic partnership enables businesses in these countries to access IBM's software products, including data technologies and AI, directly through the AWS Marketplace.

In April, AWS moved some features of its generative AI application-building service, Amazon Bedrock, to general availability. These features include guardrails for AI, a model evaluation tool, and new large language models (LLMs). The same month, Amazon downsized AWS in a fresh cost-cutting round, laying off hundreds in the company's cloud division. This move was seen as an effort to streamline operations and focus on areas that deliver a better return on investment.

At last year's re:Invent conference, AWS CEO Adam Selipsky and other top executives announced new services and updates to attract burgeoning enterprise interest in generative AI systems and take on rivals including Microsoft, Oracle, Google, and IBM. AWS also released Cloud Institute, a virtual program designed to train developers in cloud computing.

As re:Invent 2024 unfolds, attendees and industry observers alike will be watching for signs of AWS' direction and strategy in the cloud computing landscape. Will the company continue to push the boundaries of cloud features and scalability, or will it shift focus to address emerging trends and competitors? One thing is certain – AWS re:Invent 2024 promises to be a pivotal event in the world of cloud computing.

Stay tuned for the latest news and insights from AWS re:Invent 2024, and explore recent related coverage below.

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