What is AWS Spot Instance?

Definition of AWS Spot Instance

AWS Spot Instances refer to unused computing capacity of the systems which are sold to the customers at very lower rates as compared to other AWS instances.

Explanation

AWS Spot Instances are bought through the bidding process. Customer bids for an unused computing capacity and when both parties i.e. supplier and buyer agree upon a bidding rate then the computing capacity is assigned to the client. if the spot price increases from the bidding price after issuing the instance to the customer, then the contract gets terminated and supplier cuts off the instance supply to the customer until and unless the customer pays the new increased price to the supplier.

AWS Spot Instances are basically used to benefit both supplier and customer. it utilizes the unused computing capacity of the Amazon web services hence benefiting the supplier and on the other hand, it provides a lo-cost solution for the businesses with less critical needs. However, AWS Spot Instances are not feasible for critical and real-time systems.