AWS Announces New Cloud Infrastructure Expansion in Chile

In a significant move that underscores its commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure in Latin America, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has revealed plans to establish a new AWS Region in Chile. This development is slated for completion by the end of 2026 and aims to bring advanced cloud services closer to businesses and organizations in the region. The AWS South America (Chile) Region will initially encompass three Availability Zones, each designed to ensure low latency and high availability, thereby minimizing the risk of disruptions from any single event.

Located in three strategically positioned areas, these Availability Zones will provide robust infrastructure support for applications that require rapid data processing and minimal downtime. This infrastructure will bolster businesses in Chile by reducing latency and offering reliable network connections, which are crucial for mission-critical applications.

Enhancing Cloud Services in Latin America

The introduction of the new AWS Region in Chile represents AWS’s third significant investment in Latin America, alongside the existing AWS South America (São Paulo) and AWS Mexico (Central) Regions. This expansion not only enhances AWS’s footprint in the region but also ensures that customers in Chile can access a broad range of AWS services with reduced latency.

One of the primary benefits of this new Region is the improved access to cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These technologies are increasingly vital for businesses looking to innovate and remain competitive. Through high-bandwidth, low-latency network connections, AWS aims to support applications requiring synchronous data replication, enabling organizations to meet data residency requirements while maintaining operational flexibility.

AWS’s Commitment to Chile

AWS’s relationship with Chile began in 2017 with the establishment of an office in Santiago, aimed at supporting local customers and partners. Since then, AWS has significantly invested in the country’s digital infrastructure. In 2019, AWS launched an Amazon CloudFront edge location in Chile, enhancing the delivery speed of data, videos, applications, and APIs worldwide.

In 2021, AWS further strengthened its presence with two notable initiatives: the AWS Ground Station antenna location in Punta Arenas and the introduction of AWS Outposts in Chile. The Ground Station provides a fully managed service for satellite communications, while AWS Outposts extends AWS infrastructure and services to virtually any on-premises or edge location, enabling a consistent hybrid cloud experience.

The efforts continued into 2023 with the addition of an AWS Direct Connect location in Chile, facilitating private connectivity between AWS and various environments, and the introduction of AWS Local Zones in Santiago. These Local Zones bring AWS services closer to large population centers, allowing for applications that require extremely low latency.

Driving Innovation Through Cloud Education

AWS is not only investing in infrastructure but also in the digital workforce of Chile. Through initiatives such as AWS Academy, AWS Educate, and AWS Skill Builder, AWS is equipping students, developers, business professionals, and emerging IT leaders with essential cloud computing skills. Since 2017, AWS has trained over two million individuals across Latin America, with more than 100,000 in Chile alone, thus fostering a skilled workforce ready to leverage cloud technologies for innovation.

Supporting Chilean Businesses

AWS’s expansion in Chile will significantly benefit local businesses by allowing them to run applications with greater efficiency and lower latency. Organizations will have the ability to store and manage their data locally, complying with data residency regulations. This is especially beneficial for industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, where data security and compliance are critical.

For instance, the Chilean Digital Government Secretariat (SGD) relies on AWS for its core digital platforms, enhancing state administration and service delivery. Similarly, Transbank, a leading payment solutions provider in Chile, utilizes AWS to expedite product development and enhance productivity.

Commitment to Sustainability

AWS is dedicated to sustainability, evident in its water stewardship initiatives in Chile. Collaborating with local farmers and climate-tech company Kilimo, AWS is implementing water-saving projects in the Maipo Basin, a vital water source for Santiago and Valparaiso. By transitioning agricultural land from flood to drip irrigation, AWS aims to conserve approximately 200 million liters of water annually, aligning with its goal to be water positive by 2030.

Fostering a Vibrant AWS Community

The AWS community in Chile is vibrant and active, comprising AWS Community Builders, user groups, and the AWS Cloud Club. These groups host regular events and have organized AWS Community Days to engage and educate members. The first Community Day in 2023 featured Jeff Barr, a prominent figure in the AWS community, underscoring the importance of community engagement in cloud innovation.

Looking Ahead

As AWS continues to expand its infrastructure in Chile, it remains committed to supporting the region’s digital transformation journey. The upcoming AWS South America (Chile) Region is a testament to this commitment, promising to deliver advanced cloud solutions and drive innovation across various sectors. For those interested in learning more, AWS provides detailed insights and updates on its Chile Region page.

For further information about AWS’s initiatives in Chile, visit the AWS Region in Chile page.

In conclusion, AWS’s announcement of a new Region in Chile is not just an expansion of infrastructure but a strategic investment in the future of digital innovation in Latin America. By bringing state-of-the-art cloud services closer to businesses and fostering a skilled workforce, AWS is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape of Chile and beyond.

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