Amazon Aurora is a fully managed relational database engine that combines the speed and availability of high-end commercial databases with the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of open source databases. It is purpose-built for the cloud using a new architectural model and distributed systems techniques to provide far higher performance, availability and durability than previously possible using conventional monolithic database architectures. Amazon Aurora packs a lot of innovations in the engine and storage layers. In this session, we will do a deep-dive into some of the key innovations behind Amazon Aurora, new improvements to Aurora's performance, availability and cost-effectiveness and discuss best practices and optimal configurations.