Achieving Optimisation in FinOps 'Run' Phase for Government

Reaching the Run phase of FinOps is a game-changer for government agencies. It's where cloud cost management evolves from manual oversight to continuous, automated optimisation, powered by data-driven insights and predictive analytics. This phase is all about ensuring that every cloud investment drives real value for government, and the taxpayers it serves.?

Embracing Automation for Ongoing Cost Optimisation?

In the Run phase, it’s time to move from reactive to proactive. Agencies should focus on:?

• Auto-scaling and right-sizing to align cloud resources with actual demand, cutting down on wasteful overprovisioning?

• Implementing automated policies that enforce budget limits, shut down unused resources, and keep spending in check in real-time?

• Taking advantage of reserved instances and savings plans to lock in long-term cost efficiencies.?

Leveraging Predictive Analytics to stay ahead of costs?

It’s no longer just about tracking past costs:? it’s time to predict future cloud spending. Agencies can:?

• Use AI-driven cost forecasting tools to predict spending trends and align budgets with evolving needs?

• Implement machine learning to Spot anomalies and prevent cost spikes before they happen?

• Establish a centralised cloud financial dashboard for real-time monitoring and transparency across the agency.?

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Measuring and Communicating the ROI of Cloud Investments?

In the public sector, every dollar counts, and demonstrating value for taxpayers is a must. In the Run phase, agencies should:?

• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure cloud cost efficiency and operational impact?

• Align cloud spending with whole-of-government digital transformation goals to ensure investments drive measurable service improvements.?

• Regularly report on cost savings and efficiencies, reinforcing the positive impact of data-driven cloud management.?

The Path Forward?

Mastering the Run phase enables agencies to optimise cloud spending sustainably while staying agile and compliant. By automating policies, harnessing predictive data analytics, and clearly communicating ROI, agencies can drive value and take digital service delivery to the next level.?