Getting Started

Welcome to AWS at Emory. This guide will step you through the process of getting you set up and operational with an AWS at Emory account so you can start working in the environment.

Step 1: Ensure you are ready for the cloud

To ensure you have the most valuable experience working in AWS at Emory, we recommend you have a cloud readiness strategy. Even if you have experience working in the cloud, we recommend making sure you have:

• The appropriate technical resources available to support you, whether it be designing the solution or supporting it
• A good cost estimate so you know how to appropriately budget for the service
• Any appropriate authorizations, such as a data use agreement and/or an approved IRB protocol, if required to store or process your data on the cloud.
• A well documented solution design that captures your requirements and articulates how the cloud will meet those requirements
• Training appropriate to your role so you can ensure your work is proceeding as intended. 

Step 2: Ensure your eligibility

To create an AWS at Emory account, you must:

• Be an active Emory faculty or staff member with a valid NetID (i.e., Emory username). Please note, students and other roles, including collaborators external collaborators, may use the service once the account has been set up.
• Have a valid Emory Speedtype. AWS at Emory will automatically bill the expenses to the valid Emory Speedtype.

Step 3: Ensure your data is eligible

There are specific compliance regulations that AWS at Emory does not support. Credit card and data that must comply with the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) are two examples of data that cannot be processed or stored in AWS at Emory.

You may store authorized electronic protected health information (ePHI) as well as identifiable individual health information (iihi) data in this service. In order to do this, you will need to designate that ‘compliance class’ as HIPAA when you create your account. Also, you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate authorization from Emory compliance organizations.

Step 4: Read and be ready to agree to the Rules of Behavior

As part of the service, there are certain requirements that you must feel comfortable with. These are outlined in the AWS at Emory Rules of Behavior. 

Step 5: Create an AWS at Emory Account

The last step is to create your AWS at Emory account. Please go to the AWS at Emory home page and click the Create Account button (in the top right corner). 

Fill out the form and click submit. Your account should be provisioned in minutes.

As you use AWS at Emory, please feel free to provide us feedback on how we can improve the experience. You can reach us at: aws.help@emory.edu

Step 6: Log on to AWS at Emory Account Console  

Once your Emory AWS account is created, visit the AWS at Emory home page and click the AWS Console button (in the top right corner) to access the console. 

Step 7: Prepare to access your remote servers on AWS  

In order to access your remote servers (EC2) on AWS from your local computer, you will need to connect to the F5 SSL VPN. You can refer to these knowledge articles for instructions.  

• How to Connect to the F5 SSL VPN - (Mac) 
• How to Connect to the F5 SSL VPN - (Windows) 

For more information, please visit the AWS at Emory home page for documentation, frequently asked questions, list of technical partners, and training and events.