Unlocking Cloud Value: The Myths, Missteps, and Mastery of AWS Cost Optimisation
Harry Mylonas
AWS SME | 13x AWS Certified | Cloud, Big Data & Telecoms Leader | TCO Optimisation Expert | Innovator in IoT & Crash Detection
Is your cloud bill scaling faster than your innovation? AWS provides a wealth of tools to optimise costs, but they’re not a simple switch you flip. Success requires choices: activating, configuring, and using these tools effectively.
True optimisation isn’t automatic. It’s about aligning AWS capabilities with your business objectives while embedding a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative cost management. This article explores actionable strategies, Savings Plan choices, and how FinOps concepts can drive better outcomes for your cloud investments.
The Cost Optimisation Challenge
AWS enables unmatched scalability and flexibility, but that power comes with complexity. As organisations expand their workloads, cloud costs often grow faster than anticipated.
Yet, cost optimisation isn’t just about cutting expenses; It’s about ensuring your cloud investments drive innovation. Whether you’re managing a seven-figure bill or just starting your AWS journey, proactive optimisation is key.
Myths About AWS Cost Optimisation
Even experienced teams fall for common misconceptions that derail optimisation efforts. Let’s break them down:
FinOps: A Framework for Better Cost Outcomes
Cost optimisation isn’t just a technical task; It’s a cultural shift requiring collaboration across engineering, finance, and business teams. Enter FinOps:
Key FinOps Concepts
By adopting FinOps principles, organisations can transform cost optimisation from a reactive effort into a strategic advantage.
Strategies for Optimising Savings Plans
AWS Savings Plans are among the most effective tools for controlling compute costs. However, choosing the right plan and strategy requires careful consideration of workloads and business needs.
1. Understanding Savings Plans Options
2. Choosing the Right Option for Workloads
Consider these factors when selecting a Savings Plan:
3. Optimisation Details that matter
Governance, Guardrails, and Continuous Processes
Governance ensures cost optimisation efforts are sustainable and aligned with organisational goals.
1. Service Control Policies (SCPs)
AWS Organisations allows you to enforce guardrails, such as:
2. Continuous FinOps Reviews
Governance isn’t a one-time setup. Conduct regular reviews to ensure:
3. Continuous Optimisation
Optimisation is not a “set and forget” exercise. Commit to regular evaluations of cost-related decisions for:
Leveraging AWS Cost Optimisation Tools
AWS provides a powerful set of tools to support your optimisation efforts. The key is using them effectively.
1. Cloud Intelligence Dashboards
2. Compute Optimizer
3. AWS Trusted Advisor
4. Automation Tools
Conclusion
AWS cost optimisation is a strategic capability that transforms cloud spending from a utility cost to an enabler of innovation and growth. By adopting FinOps practices, leveraging tools like Cloud Intelligence Dashboards and Compute Optimizer, and committing to a culture of continuous optimisation, organisations can achieve operational excellence while staying within budget.
#AWS #FinOps #CloudCostOptimisation #CloudStrategy #TechLeadership #OperationalExcellence #CloudFinance
CrowdPoint Technologies Distributor, Vogon Cloud Technologies, CrowdPoint is a Blockchain Ecosystem Company powered by the value of the Human Identity.
1 周Very helpful to understand this new technology, very exciting and looking beneficial for market and cloud scaling. Thanks Harry Mylonas!
Lead Cyber Security Engineer | MSc | ISO 27001 LA | AZ-500 | AZ-900 | QRadar SIEM Foundation Certified
1 周Useful tips Harry! Thanks for sharing ??