Applying the AWS Well-Architected Framework to Amazon AppStream 2.0 - AWS Prescriptive Guidance

Applying the AWS Well-Architected Framework to Amazon AppStream 2.0

Mohamed Wali, Amazon Web Services

July 2025 (document history)

This guide covers best practices for applying the AWS Well-Architected Framework when you use Amazon AppStream 2.0. AppStream 2.0 is a fully managed application streaming service that enables you to stream desktop applications to users without rewriting them.

The AWS Well-Architected Framework helps cloud architects build secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient infrastructures for a variety of applications and workloads. It also provides a consistent approach for users and AWS Partners to evaluate architectures and implement scalable designs.

The AWS Well-Architected Framework is built around six pillars:

  • Operational excellence

  • Security

  • Reliability

  • Performance efficiency

  • Cost optimization

  • Sustainability

This guide discusses how these pillars and best practices apply to using AppStream 2.0.

Intended audience

This guide is for:

  • Cloud architects and engineers who design and implement AppStream 2.0 solutions, and need to ensure that their architectures follow AWS Well-Architected Framework best practices.

  • IT operations teams that manage and maintain AppStream 2.0 environments; handle fleet management, scaling, and monitoring; and need to optimize costs and performance.

  • Organizations or businesses that are considering or already using AppStream 2.0, want to stream desktop applications to their users, and need to build secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient infrastructures.

Objectives

Following the best practices in this guide helps you:

  • Build a secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient infrastructure for streaming desktop applications in the AWS Cloud.

  • Apply a consistent approach when evaluating AppStream 2.0 architectures and implementing scalable designs.