AWS Well-Architected Tool glossary - AWS Well-Architected Tool

We have released a new version of the Well-Architected Framework. We also added new and updated lenses to the Lens Catalog. Learn more about the changes.

AWS Well-Architected Tool glossary

The following defines common terms used in AWS WA Tool and the AWS Well-Architected Framework.

  • A workload identifies a set of components that deliver business value. The workload is usually the level of detail that business and technology leaders communicate about. Examples of workloads include marketing websites, ecommerce websites, the backend for a mobile app, and analytic platforms. Workloads vary in their level of architectural complexity. They can be simple, such as a static website, or complex, such as microservices architectures with multiple data stores and many components.

  • Milestones mark key changes in your architecture as it evolves throughout the product lifecycle — design, testing, go live, and production.

  • Lenses provide a way for you to consistently measure your architectures against best practices and identify areas for improvement.

    In addition to the lenses provided by AWS, you also can create and use your own lenses, or use lenses that have been shared with you.

  • High risk issues (HRIs) are architectural and operational choices that AWS has found might result in significant negative impact to a business. These HRIs might affect organizational operations, assets, and individuals.

  • Medium risk issues (MRIs) are architectural and operational choices that AWS has found might negatively impact business, but to a lesser extent than HRIs.

    For additional information, see High Risk Issues (HRIs) and Medium Risk Issues (MRIs).