EpochProxy: The Best AWS SSM Agent Alternative
Get the security benefits of AWS Systems Manager Session Manager—zero exposed ports, IAM authentication, audit logging—without the AWS lock-in, resource overhead, or connectivity headaches. EpochProxy works across AWS, GCP, Azure, and on-premise infrastructure.
Why teams switch from SSM Agent to EpochProxy
AWS SSM Agent is a solid choice for AWS-only environments, but many teams hit limitations as they scale or diversify their infrastructure.
AWS Lock-In
SSM Agent only works with AWS. If you have servers on GCP, Azure, or on-premise, you need a separate solution.
EpochProxy works everywhere—one tool for all your infrastructure.
Resource Consumption
SSM Agent and its dependencies consume significant memory—problematic on t2.micro or t3.micro instances where every MB counts.
EpochProxy agent is ~5MB with minimal memory footprint.
Connectivity Issues
SSM Agent requires access to multiple AWS endpoints. In restricted networks or air-gapped environments, this becomes a configuration nightmare.
EpochProxy needs only one outbound WebSocket connection.
No Self-Hosted Option
With SSM, your session data flows through AWS infrastructure. Some compliance requirements mandate complete data sovereignty.
EpochProxy can be fully self-hosted on your infrastructure.
Debugging Difficulties
When SSM sessions fail, error messages are often cryptic. Troubleshooting requires checking IAM policies, VPC endpoints, security groups, and more.
EpochProxy provides clear error messages and simple debugging.
Hidden Costs
While SSM Session Manager is "free," you pay for CloudWatch Logs, S3 storage for recordings, and VPC endpoints in private subnets.
EpochProxy has transparent, predictable pricing starting at $5/month.
EpochProxy vs AWS SSM Agent: Feature Comparison
See how EpochProxy stacks up against AWS Systems Manager Session Manager across key features that matter to DevOps teams.
| Feature | EpochProxy | AWS SSM Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Zero inbound ports required | ||
| Works outside AWS | ||
| Self-hosted option | ||
| AWS IAM authentication | ||
| Session audit logging | ||
| Web-based terminal | ||
| CLI access | ||
| No AWS account required | ||
| Works behind strict firewalls | ||
| Custom relay servers | ||
| Role-based access control | ||
| Session recordings | ||
| Multi-cloud support | ||
| Lightweight agent (~5MB) | ||
| No vendor lock-in |
How to migrate from SSM Agent to EpochProxy
Migration is straightforward and can be done gradually without disrupting your workflows.
Install EpochProxy Agent
Install the EpochProxy agent on your servers alongside SSM Agent. Both can coexist without conflicts.
Configure Authentication
Set up authentication using your existing AWS IAM roles or EpochProxy's built-in authentication.
Test Connections
Verify connectivity through EpochProxy before transitioning your team.
Migrate Team Workflows
Gradually move your team to EpochProxy. Update documentation, CI/CD pipelines, and runbooks. Once confident, you can optionally remove SSM Agent to reclaim system resources.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about switching from AWS SSM Agent to EpochProxy.
What is AWS SSM Agent and why would I need an alternative?
AWS Systems Manager Agent (SSM Agent) is Amazon's built-in solution for remote access to EC2 instances. While it works well within AWS, teams often seek alternatives due to limitations like AWS-only support, resource consumption on small instances, connectivity issues, and lack of self-hosted options. EpochProxy addresses these pain points while maintaining the zero-exposed-ports security model.
How does EpochProxy compare to SSM Session Manager?
Both provide secure remote access without opening SSH ports. However, EpochProxy offers several advantages: multi-cloud support (AWS, GCP, Azure, on-premise), self-hosted deployment options, lighter resource footprint, and works in environments where AWS services are restricted. EpochProxy also provides more flexible authentication options beyond AWS IAM.
Can I migrate from SSM Agent to EpochProxy?
Yes, migration is straightforward. Install the EpochProxy agent alongside SSM Agent, configure your authentication, and gradually transition your workflows. Both can run simultaneously during the migration period. Our documentation includes step-by-step migration guides for common scenarios.
Does EpochProxy work with EC2 instances?
Absolutely. EpochProxy fully supports AWS EC2 instances and can authenticate using IAM roles, just like SSM Agent. The difference is that EpochProxy also works with non-AWS infrastructure, giving you a unified remote access solution across your entire environment.
What are the main limitations of AWS SSM Agent?
Common SSM Agent limitations include: AWS-only support (no GCP, Azure, or on-premise), higher resource consumption (problematic on t2.micro/t3.micro instances), connectivity issues in restricted networks, dependency on AWS Systems Manager service availability, and limited customization options. EpochProxy addresses all of these limitations.
Is EpochProxy more secure than SSM Agent?
Both solutions use a similar zero-trust, outbound-only connection model. EpochProxy adds the benefit of self-hosted deployment, meaning your session data never leaves your infrastructure. You also get more granular access controls and the ability to run your own relay servers for complete data sovereignty.
How much does EpochProxy cost compared to SSM Agent?
AWS SSM Session Manager has no additional charge for basic usage, but you pay for related services (CloudWatch Logs, S3 for session recordings). EpochProxy starts at $5/month for the Starter plan with 5 agents, or you can use our Usage plan with pay-per-use pricing. For teams needing multi-cloud support or self-hosting, EpochProxy often provides better value.
Can EpochProxy replace SSM Agent for compliance requirements?
Yes. EpochProxy provides comprehensive audit logging, session recordings, and role-based access control that meet SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS requirements. The self-hosted option gives you complete control over audit data retention and storage location, which some compliance frameworks require.
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