64-bit small instances are perhaps the best new announcement. We now have two different builds and AMI's for all our different node types, just so that we can use a small instance when necessary and a large instance otherwise. We can now drop half of our images and use 64-bit everywhere.
The medium instances are also very welcome, since previously the gap between small and large was quite big (4x the memory for 4x the price).
It's also handy in case you want to switch instance types. When instances are stopped you can change their type if they are the same architecture. This means you can now switch an instance around to all instance types they offer.
Very much agreed. The 64 bit ubiquity move is a solid, sensible step which genuinely makes a lot of lives easier. Nice to see this happening, and it comes at an excellent time for hosting decision I was about to make. Amazon have probably just secured that with this move.
I remember being at a Cloud Unconference in Seattle about 2-3 years ago asking for 64bit for all instance types. Actually, I think I begged for it. It took a while, but I'm glad it's here now.
I would have to say, Amazon is at least receptive to suggestions. You can always email or chat with Jeff Barr and make suggestions.
Especially if you're running a platform that dropped 32-bit support in it's latest release (WinServer); can keep all of our instances consistent now without being behind an OS release.
The medium instances are also very welcome, since previously the gap between small and large was quite big (4x the memory for 4x the price).