Weekly Cloud Info #W24 - 2025

Author

Walid LARABI
June 14, 2025

Hi!

Exciting updates this week across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud! From smarter security and powerful new VMs to simpler serverless tools and enhanced data protection, the cloud keeps getting better. Whether you're building, scaling, or securing—there’s something fresh to explore. Grab your coffee and dive into this week’s top cloud highlights. ☁️☕

Have a great read. ☕

📰 Top picks of the week

AWS WAF now supports automatic application layer distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection

AWS has introduced enhanced application layer (L7) DDoS protection with rapid detection and mitigation capabilities. This AWS Managed Rule group automatically identifies and responds to DDoS events, ensuring application availability on services like Amazon CloudFront and Application Load Balancer. It uses machine learning to monitor traffic and can be customized to fit specific application needs. The feature is available to AWS WAF and AWS Shield Advanced subscribers in most regions.

Amazon Verified Permissions reduces authorization request price by up to 97%

Amazon Verified Permissions has announced a price reduction of up to 97% for single authorization requests, now costing $5 per million API requests. This change makes it more affordable for customers to implement fine-grained authorization across applications. The reduction takes effect on June 12, 2025, and applies automatically to all customers. Batch authorization requests and policy management pricing remain unchanged.

Powertools for AWS Lambda introduces Bedrock Agents Function utility

Powertools for AWS Lambda has introduced a new utility for Amazon Bedrock Agents, making it easier for developers to create serverless applications. This utility simplifies the integration of AWS Lambda functions with Bedrock Agents by handling parameter injection and response formatting. It enhances the developer experience by allowing a focus on business logic while managing complex integrations. Developers can find more information and code examples in the Powertools documentation and GitHub repository.

Streamline Amazon Aurora database operations at scale: Introducing the AWS Database Acceleration Toolkit

The AWS Database Acceleration Toolkit (DAT) is an open-source solution that simplifies the setup and management of Amazon Aurora databases using Terraform. It enhances efficiency, reduces migration time, and improves cost-effectiveness for organizations. DAT is designed for various users, including SaaS providers and enterprises migrating from commercial databases. It offers practical guides and automation scripts for deploying Aurora clusters securely and efficiently.

Cross-tenant customer managed keys (CMK) for Premium SSD v2 and Ultra Disks is now in public preview

Cross-tenant customer managed keys (CMK) for Premium SSD v2 and Ultra Disks are now in public preview in select regions. This feature allows customers to encrypt managed disks using their own keys stored in an Azure Key Vault from a different Microsoft Entra tenant. Service providers can offer this option to their customers, giving them full control over their encryption keys and data.

New storage optimized Laosv4, Lasv4, Lsv4, are now generally available.

The Laosv4 and Lsv4/Lasv4 storage optimized VMs are now available, featuring the latest AMD and Intel processors. These VMs offer flexible sizes from 2 to 96 vCPUs, with significant local storage capacities. They are designed for high-performance workloads like big data analytics and databases, utilizing Azure Boost for enhanced storage performance. All models support NVMe SSD disk encryption and premium storage caching.

Announcing Azure Command Launcher for Java

Azure has announced the private preview of jaz, a new JVM launcher designed for better performance in cloud environments. It optimizes resource use by setting tailored JVM parameters, improving deployment efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This tool is ideal for developers looking for optimized defaults without extensive tuning. Interested users can request access to the private preview.

Introducing Container Network Logs with Advanced Container Networking Services for AKS

Container network logs in Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) allow for effective monitoring of network traffic using two modes: stored-logs and on-demand logs. Users can enable log collection with custom resources, utilizing eBPF technology and Cilium for capturing traffic. Logs can be stored in Azure Log Analytics or locally, and visualized in Azure managed Grafana dashboards for better analysis. This feature enhances troubleshooting, security, and compliance in AKS clusters.

New G4 VMs with NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell power AI, graphics, gaming and beyond

Google Cloud has launched G4 VMs featuring NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 GPUs, enhancing performance for AI training and diverse workloads. These VMs support advanced applications like robotics simulations and generative AI content creation. Companies across various industries, including media and gaming, are adopting G4 VMs to boost their capabilities. The G4 VMs offer significant memory and processing power, making them ideal for demanding tasks.

Google Cloud Serverless for Apache Spark: high-performance, unified with BigQuery

Google Cloud has launched Serverless for Apache Spark, now available on Vertex AI and integrated with BigQuery. This service simplifies Spark management, reducing costs by up to 60% and eliminating the need for cluster management. It offers exceptional performance with optimized connectors and supports various data formats and programming languages. Additionally, it includes Gemini-powered tools for code generation and troubleshooting, enhancing developer productivity.

❤️ You might also like

  • Apple's Containerization package allows applications to use Linux containers LINK

  • ‘EchoLeak’, Zero-Click AI Vulnerability Enabling Data Exfiltration from Microsoft 365 Copilot LINK

  • Launching OpenAI o3-pro—available now for Pro users and API (June 10, 2025) LINK

  • OpenAI dropped the price of o3 by 80% LINK

  • Android 16 is here LINK

  • Apple supercharges its tools for developers to foster creativity, innovation, and design LINK

  • Amazon to launch second Secret Cloud Region in 2025 LINK

  • Announcing up to 45% price reduction for Amazon EC2 NVIDIA GPU-accelerated instances LINK

  • Google Cloud outage brings down a lot of the internet LINK

  • Unpatched holes could allow takeover of GitLab accounts LINK

  • Anthropic introduces new Claude Gov models with national security focus LINK

🎁 This week hidden gems & deals

  • LinuxFoundation “JUNE JUMPSTART From Mid-Year to Milestone” : Get up to 40% discount on Training programs, and certifications (Offer Ends June 17, 2025) LINK

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