AWS in more recent years has been making a big splash in the FinOps space. They have been sharing some vibrant new tools that’ll help organisations paint a more efficient picture of their cloud financial forecasting. Think of these a new palette of colours and brushes to create a more optimised and cost-effective cloud landscape, and AWS as well as PurePlay Cloud is right there with you, guiding each stroke.
Okay that’s enough of my Painting metaphors, let’s dive into some examples of where savings and a bit of planning can save you money.
The Cost Optimisation Hub: A Central Palette of Cost Savings – Okay I lied about the paint references.
One of the standout announcements from AWS was the introduction of the Cost Optimisation Hub. Imagine this hub as your central studio, where all your cost-saving ideas and strategies come together. It’s like having a single pane of glass that not only shows you what you’ve created so far, but also offers insights on where you might add those happy little clouds savings to make your cloud environment more visible to your stakeholders and DevOps teams.
The Cost Optimisation Hub brings all your cost-saving recommendations into one place, providing a clear, organised view of where you can trim the excess and enhance efficiency. But what makes this tool particularly appealing is its emphasis on customisation. The financial needs of organisations differ, and AWS recognises this. The Hub allows you to adjust your view, focusing on what’s most important to you, whether that’s specific services, accounts, or time periods.
But this isn’t just a tool that tells you what to do; it also tells you why you should do it. The enhanced transparency in the Cost Optimisation Hub means you can see the reasoning behind each recommendation, helping you make more informed decisions about your cloud strategy. It’s like having a little voice in your ear saying, “Let’s add a little more green here,” and explaining how it’ll make your whole landscape pop.
Rightsizing for Amazon RDS
Another highlight is the introduction of rightsizing recommendations for Amazon RDS instances. In the world of cloud computing, rightsizing is about finding that “just right” balance. This can require a fair amount of financial forecasting to deliver the best results, but can be easily achieved in a few simple clicks, let’s read on to see.
AWS’s new rightsizing tools for RDS are like having a manager on the sideline that helps you decide the best way forward for your team and adjusting your database recommendations so they’re not too big, not too small, but just right for your needs. This not only helps with performance but also ensures you’re not overspending on resources you don’t need. It’s a gentle nudge to remind you that sometimes, less is more, and that precision can be as powerful as strike on goal.
By optimising your RDS instances and returning to painting metaphors you’re not just saving money; you’re also creating a more harmonious and efficient cloud environment, one that works smoothly and effectively, much like a well-blended canvas. The new tools give you the data and insights you need to make these adjustments with confidence, ensuring your cloud landscape remains as cost-effective as it is performant.
The Art of FinOps:
As we can see, when you are embarking on your cloud journey it is important to commit to and embrace FinOps; The practice of managing cloud costs and usage effectively. FinOps requires a balance of financial insight and technical know-how. AWS is making it clear that they’re committed to supporting this art form, providing the tools and resources organisations need to master their cloud financial management.
It's important to note FinOps isn’t just about saving money; it’s about creating a cloud environment that’s efficient, effective, and aligned with your organisation’s goals. It’s about painting a picture that’s not only beautiful but also sustainable and scalable, one that can grow and evolve as your needs change.
Conclusion: Your Cloud Canvas Awaits
So, as you continue on your cloud journey, remember to approach it like an artist. Take the time to step back and admire what you’ve created, and don’t be afraid to make changes where needed. With tools like the Cost Optimisation Hub, rightsizing recommendations, and partnering with Cloud Modernisation experts, AWS can provide you with mindset to manage your cloud financial goals.
Embrace the art of AWS FinOps Tooling and Strategies, and happy cloud managing, my friends! Your canvas is vast, and the possibilities are endless.
Reach out if you want us to help modernise and deliver real business value to your cloud.
Dane Stevenson
Technical Director – PurePlay Cloud