AWS Case Study: Gravity Jack

The Business Challenges

In late 2011, Gravity Jack finalized development on a patented hybrid technology called Quick Augmented Reality (QAR). The QAR codes are similar to the Quick Response (QR) matrix barcodes currently connecting consumers with a variety of mobile resources, such as coupons, contact information, and websites. However, when viewed through Gravity Jacks’ new mobile application, browsAR, QAR codes trigger an AR experience, such as a virtual demonstration overlaid on a real product.  

Here’s how QARs work. First, download the browsAR app on your mobile device (iOS or android )

Now fire up browsAR on your device and view these QARs through your device (give the spinning disc a chance to spin for a while, good things are happening over the air between AWS and your mobile device). Lastly, enjoy!

In anticipation of the release of both QAR and browsAR, Gravity Jack asked 2nd Watch, a cloud computing solutions provider, to conduct an analytical evaluation of the company’s existing cloud host compared with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Gravity Jack wanted to identify the most cost-effective, scalable, and versatile infrastructure available to support its rapid growth spurred by the global demand for AR technology.

Specifically, Gravity Jack needed to upgrade from a Tier 1 to a Tier 2 infrastructure with comprehensive monitoring tools, reliable load balancing, and larger database capacity. The company was also looking for the ability to transfer software licenses—all within a short implementation timeframe.

Why Amazon Web Services

After conducting the analysis, 2nd Watch reported that AWS far exceeded the previous host’s capabilities. Based on this recommendation, the two companies immediately began migration. One week later, QAR and browsAR were successfully introduced into the Apple and Android markets. The new multi-tiered architecture includes Amazon EC2 large and small instances with Amazon EBS volumes and the Elastic Load Balancing feature.  Additionally, Amazon CloudFront provides content delivery, while Amazon Route 53 supplies Domain Name System (DNS) web services.

2nd Watch monitors Gravity Jack’s data and compute usage with Amazon CloudWatch. From the Amazon CloudWatch console, the company is able to adjust service consumption in response to alarms that activate when predetermined thresholds have been crossed thereby reducing costs while ensuring that proper capacity is maintained.

The Business Benefits

2nd Watch’s evaluation determined that AWS costs 22 percent less than upgrading Gravity Jack’s former hosted services. The company plans to funnel this savings into future software development while continuing to promote its current AR products across all major mobile platforms.

Luke Richey, President and CEO of Gravity Jack, notes, “As a cutting edge, rapidly growing company, we knew that we needed a solution that was flexible with our growth and expansion, while still providing the strength and reliability we needed. AWS provided all this, with a team that is always ready to assist. It’s clear from our experience already that we made the right choice.”

To learn more, visit http://gravityjack.com/ .

To learn more about the AWS solution provider, visit http://2ndwatch.com/ .

Added March 5, 2012