> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://karansingh.gitbook.io/aws-saa-c02/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://karansingh.gitbook.io/aws-saa-c02/security-and-encryption/ssm-parameter-store-overview.md).

# SSM Parameter Store Overview

* Systems Manager Parameter Store provides **secure, hierarchical storage for configuration data management and secrets management**.<br>

* You can **store data such as passwords, database strings, Amazon Machine Image (AMI) IDs, and license codes as parameter values**.<br>

* You can **store values as plain text or encrypted data**.<br>

* You can **reference Systems Manager parameters in your scripts, commands, SSM documents**, and configuration and automation workflows by using the unique name that you specified when you created the parameter.<br>

* You can **associate an alias for versions of your parameter by creating labels**.

  * Labels can **help you remember the purpose of a parameter version when there are multiple versions**.

* **Parameter policies help you manage a growing set of parameters by enabling you to assign specific criteria to a parameter such as an expiration date or time to live**.
  * Especially **helpful in forcing you to update or delete passwords** and configuration data stored in Parameter Store.
  * Parameter Store **offers the following types of policies: `Expiration`, `ExpirationNotification`, and `NoChangeNotification`**.