Beware of AWS Business Support: It Could Cost You

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share some insights about AWS Business Support based on my recent experience. While AWS Support can be invaluable, it's essential to approach it with caution because sometimes, the advice provided might not be as reliable as you'd hope and can lead to costly consequences.

The Issue

I’ve been using AWS Business Support for an extended period, and while the support team generally offers good guidance, there have been instances where their suggestions did not align with best practices or even caused additional issues. One significant problem I encountered involved the management of an AWS MySQL database. We were experiencing performance issues after an upgrade and reached out to AWS Business Support for help.

The recommendations we received led us down a path that not only failed to resolve the issue but also exacerbated the problem, leading to high CPU usage and further performance degradation. The result? Increased costs and additional downtime while we scrambled to find a proper solution.

What Went Wrong?

1. Misguided Advice: At times, the suggestions from support teams seemed too generic or didn't fully account for our specific setup and needs.

2. Lack of In-Depth Analysis: Instead of addressing the root cause, the solutions offered were more of a band-aid, leading to temporary fixes rather than long-term resolutions.

3. Increased Costs: Following the provided recommendations led to unnecessary service charges and longer troubleshooting times, ultimately costing more than if we had sought expert advice elsewhere.

Lessons Learned

1. Be Critical of Recommendations: Always cross-check the advice given with industry best practices and consider consulting with additional experts if needed.

2. Detailed Documentation: Ensure that your support tickets and communications are as detailed as possible. This helps in getting more precise and relevant suggestions.

3. Evaluate Solutions Independently: Test any suggested changes in a staging environment before applying them to production. This can prevent unintended consequences.

4. Consider Alternatives: Sometimes, looking beyond AWS Support to third-party experts or consultants who specialize in your specific technology stack can be beneficial.

Conclusion

AWS Business Support can be an excellent resource, but it's crucial to use it wisely. Always verify the advice you receive and consider other options when needed. Don't let poor guidance lead to unnecessary costs and complications.

Feel free to share your experiences or tips for navigating AWS support effectively!