Which AWS service should you use for batch processing in the cloud?

Using AWS Batch for batch processing in the cloud is the ideal choice because this service is specifically designed to efficiently run hundreds to thousands of batch computing jobs based on the quantity and volume of work needed. AWS Batch automates the provisioning of the optimal quantity and type of compute resources (e.g., CPU or GPU instances) required to run your batch jobs. It handles retry logic, job dependencies, and scheduling, simplifying the entire process of running batch jobs on AWS.

Furthermore, AWS Batch supports a wide variety of computing environments, enabling users to define job queues, job definitions, and array jobs. This flexibility allows you to tailor the batch processing workflows based on specific needs and scenarios, such as parallel processing or managing resource allocation across multiple jobs.

While other services like AWS Lambda, AWS Glue, and Amazon ECS serve important roles in various use cases—Lambda for serverless applications, Glue for data ETL operations, and ECS for container orchestration—none of them are primarily focused on batch processing jobs at scale. AWS Batch stands out for its ability to manage and optimize batch workloads efficiently within the cloud environment, making it the most suitable option for batch processing needs.