AWS Resource Access Manager (RAM)
Network access control software
Network security software
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What is AWS Resource Access Manager (RAM)
AWS Resource Access Manager (RAM) is an AWS service for securely sharing AWS resources across AWS accounts, within an AWS Organization, or with external accounts. It is used by cloud platform teams and security/operations teams to centralize ownership of network and infrastructure resources while delegating controlled access to other teams. RAM integrates with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) and AWS Organizations to apply permissions and governance to shared resources. It primarily supports AWS-native environments and common use cases such as sharing subnets, transit gateways, and other supported resource types across accounts.
Cross-account resource sharing
RAM enables sharing supported AWS resources across accounts without duplicating infrastructure. This supports multi-account operating models where a central team owns core networking and other shared services. It reduces the need to manage separate copies of resources in each account. Sharing is managed through resource shares and principals (accounts, organizations, or organizational units).
Native AWS governance integration
RAM works with AWS Organizations to share resources broadly within an organization or selectively to specific organizational units. It uses IAM permissions to control who can create, modify, and associate shared resources. This aligns access control with existing AWS identity and policy management. It also supports centralized administration patterns common in AWS multi-account setups.
Supports core networking constructs
RAM supports sharing of key AWS networking resources such as VPC subnets and transit gateways (among other supported resource types). This helps standardize network segmentation and connectivity across multiple accounts. It enables application teams to consume centrally managed network components while keeping ownership and change control with the platform/network team. This is particularly useful for hub-and-spoke and shared services network designs.
AWS-only scope
RAM is specific to AWS and does not manage access to on-premises networks or non-AWS cloud resources. Organizations with heterogeneous environments may need additional tools for consistent access control across platforms. It also does not replace enterprise network access control products that enforce device posture or user access at the network edge. As a result, it fits best as part of an AWS-centric security and networking stack.
Not a user access gateway
RAM controls sharing of AWS resources between accounts, not end-user access to applications or private networks. It does not provide capabilities such as client-based access, identity-aware proxying, or device compliance checks. Teams looking for remote access or zero-trust-style user connectivity will need other services or products. RAM is primarily an infrastructure access and governance mechanism.
Resource-type and policy constraints
RAM can only share AWS resource types that are explicitly supported by the service, which can limit applicability for some architectures. Cross-account sharing introduces operational dependencies, such as coordinating changes between owning and consuming accounts. Misconfiguration of IAM permissions, organization settings, or resource share principals can lead to access issues that require AWS-specific expertise to troubleshoot. Governance often requires careful design of account structure and policies.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Resource Access Manager (RAM) | $0.00 (no additional charges) | There are no additional charges for using AWS RAM or creating resource shares. Resource usage charges (for the shared resources themselves) are billed by the owning AWS service according to that service's pricing. Source: AWS RAM user guide. |
Seller details
Amazon Web Services, Inc.
Seattle, Washington, USA
2006
Subsidiary
https://aws.amazon.com/
https://x.com/awscloud
https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazon-web-services/
