AWS Lambda functions running on x86 architectures can now be seamlessly migrated to Graviton2 processors for up to 20% cost savings while also updating outdated runtimes. CloudFix’s Lambda Retype Graviton With Runtime Upgrade Finder/Fixer automatically identifies eligible Lambda functions and handles both the architecture migration and runtime updates in one efficient operation.

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What Does This Finder/Fixer Do?

This Finder/Fixer identifies AWS Lambda functions that can benefit from two cost-saving and performance-enhancing changes:

  • Migration from x86 architecture to ARM-based Graviton2 processors
  • Update of deprecated or outdated runtimes to newer versions compatible with Graviton2

By performing both optimizations simultaneously, CloudFix delivers compounded benefits – reduced costs from the Graviton architecture and improved security and performance from the runtime updates.

Why Is This Important?

Many organizations are running Lambda functions on older runtimes that are approaching or have already reached their end-of-support dates:

  • Node.js 14.x (Deprecated: December 4, 2023)
  • Python 3.7 (Deprecated: December 4, 2023)
  • Java 8 (Deprecated: January 8, 2024)
  • Node.js 16.x (Will be deprecated: June 12, 2024)

Running on deprecated runtimes creates security vulnerabilities and prevents you from accessing the latest performance improvements and features. Additionally, x86-based Lambda functions cost more to run than their Graviton2 counterparts, with the same performance or better in most cases.

How Does The Finder Work?

CloudFix uses a comprehensive set of evaluators to identify Lambda functions suitable for migration:

  1. Architecture Analysis: Identifies Lambda functions running on x86 architectures that could be migrated to Graviton2.
  2. Runtime Validation: Flags functions using deprecated or outdated runtimes and determines the appropriate newer version.
  3. Compatibility Check: Analyzes function configurations and dependencies to ensure compatibility with Graviton2.
  4. Cost Impact Assessment: Calculates potential savings based on current usage patterns.

Functions are only recommended for migration when they pass all compatibility checks and show meaningful cost savings potential.

What Happens When The Fixer Runs?

The Fixer performs two sequential operations on each approved Lambda function:

  1. Runtime Upgrade: Updates the function’s runtime to the latest supported version compatible with Graviton2.
  2. Architecture Migration: Changes the architecture parameter from x86_64 to arm64 (Graviton2).

These changes are executed through AWS Systems Manager Change Manager, providing a complete audit trail and rollback capabilities to ensure safety and compliance.

AWS Services Affected

AWS Lambda
AWS Lambda

Benefits

  • Cost Reduction: Up to 20% lower costs for Lambda function execution.
  • Modern Runtime Security: Ensures your functions run on supported runtimes with the latest security patches.
  • Improved Performance: Graviton2 processors can provide better performance for many workloads.
  • Future-Proofing: Stay ahead of runtime deprecation deadlines automatically.
  • Simplified Management: Single-click solution for both architecture and runtime optimization.

Potential Risks

CloudFix conducts thorough compatibility checks, but some considerations should be kept in mind:

  • Architecture-Specific Dependencies: Functions with x86-specific binaries or libraries may not work on Graviton.
  • Runtime Breaking Changes: Newer runtime versions might have breaking changes requiring code updates.
  • Function Behavior: While rare, some workloads might behave differently on Graviton2 architecture.

CloudFix validates all these aspects before recommending migration, but it’s good practice to monitor function performance post-migration.

Cost Savings

Lambda functions migrated to Graviton2 architecture typically achieve up to 20% cost savings. The actual savings depends on your Lambda usage patterns, but in a typical enterprise AWS environment with hundreds or thousands of Lambda functions, the cumulative savings can be substantial.

Example: A Lambda function consuming $1,000 annually could save approximately $200 after migration to Graviton2.

FAQ

Is it possible to roll back after the migration?

Yes, you can revert to the original architecture and runtime through the AWS Management Console or CLI if needed.

Does the migration cause function downtime?

Minimal downtime might occur during the migration process as function configurations are updated. The actual impact depends on your invocation patterns and deployment settings.

Will all Lambda functions benefit from Graviton migration?

Not all functions are suitable candidates. CloudFix targets functions with significant cost impact (typically those with annual costs of $10 or more) and verifies compatibility with Graviton architecture before recommending migration.

How does CloudFix validate compatibility with Graviton?

CloudFix analyzes your Lambda function’s configuration, similar to the AWS Porting Advisor for Graviton, to ensure they don’t use x86-specific libraries or binaries that would be incompatible with ARM architecture.