Open Source Applications

Running open source applications like Odoo or Dolibarr on AWS EC2 is certainly possible, but it's important to note that while the software itself may be free, running it on AWS infrastructure will incur some costs.

To run these applications on EC2:

1. Launch an EC2 instance with a Linux operating system, as this can be more cost-effective compared to Windows.

2. Install the necessary dependencies and the open source application of your choice on the EC2 instance.

3. Configure the application and ensure it's accessible as needed.

Regarding costs, it's not possible to run these applications completely for free on AWS EC2, as you'll be charged for the compute and memory resources your application uses. However, you can minimize costs by:

1. Choosing the right instance type and size for your needs.
2. Using a Linux-based operating system, which can reduce costs by approximately 45% compared to Windows.
3. Leveraging AWS Free Tier if you're eligible, which offers some EC2 usage free for 12 months for new AWS accounts.

To get accurate pricing for running your specific application, you can use the AWS Pricing Calculator. This tool allows you to input your expected resource usage and see an estimate of the costs. You can compare different instance types and configurations to find the most cost-effective option for your needs.

Additionally, AWS Cost Explorer can help you monitor and analyze your costs once your application is running, allowing you to optimize your spending over time.

Remember that while open source software eliminates licensing costs, you'll still need to account for the infrastructure costs on AWS. Always monitor your usage and costs to ensure they align with your budget and expectations.

Sources
COST05-BP04 Select software with cost-effective licensing - AWS Well-Architected Framework
COST05-BP04 Select software with cost-effective licensing - AWS Well-Architected Framework
COST05-BP04 Select software with cost-effective licensing - Cost Optimization Pillar