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Amazon ElastiCache

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description Amazon ElastiCache Overview

ElastiCache provides fully managed in-memory caching services using Redis or Memcached. By caching frequently accessed, slow-to-generate data (like session tokens or popular database query results), applications can drastically reduce latency and offload read traffic from primary databases. It is a critical performance optimization layer for high-traffic, read-heavy applications.

help Amazon ElastiCache FAQ

Is Amazon ElastiCache just Redis, or can I choose another engine?

AWS currently documents Valkey, Memcached, and Redis OSS as supported ElastiCache engines. The choice matters because clients, data structures, clustering, and persistence options differ. ([AWS ElastiCache documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonElastiCache/latest/dg/WhatIs.corecomponents.html))

Does ElastiCache replace my primary database?

Its normal role is an in-memory cache for frequently used data such as sessions or expensive query results, reducing latency and database reads. Treat the primary database as the source of truth unless you have deliberately designed for a supported durable configuration. ([AWS ElastiCache documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonElastiCache/latest/dg/WhatIs.corecomponents.html))

How does ElastiCache Serverless connect and scale?

Serverless gives the cache a single endpoint, automatically scales memory and compute, and replicates across Availability Zones; AWS says it requires clients that support TLS. Your application still needs a compatible engine client and network access. ([AWS ElastiCache documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonElastiCache/latest/dg/WhatIs.corecomponents.html))

How is ElastiCache Serverless billed?

AWS bills Serverless by stored data in GB-hours and ElastiCache Processing Units, or ECPUs, for requests and data transfer. The current pricing page lists a 1GB minimum for Memcached and Redis OSS Serverless, while Valkey Serverless has a 100MB minimum. ([AWS pricing](https://aws.amazon.com/elasticache/pricing/))

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