When managing cloud resources, especially dedicated compute on AWS, cost optimization is key. Here’s my enhanced workflow that I use to help clients maximize their cloud investments:

1️⃣ Comprehensive Data Gathering: Start by collecting system and billing data from CloudWatch metrics, cost reports, and usage data. This provides a clear view of potential optimization areas. 📊

2️⃣ Top Spend Analysis: Next, analyze the data to focus on the top 10 spending areas within dedicated compute, ensuring efforts target the most impactful areas. 🎯

3️⃣ Right-Sizing First: Prioritize right-sizing instances to ensure only paying for what’s truly needed. Skipping this step is rare and only done when it makes sense. 💡

4️⃣ Usage Pattern Analysis: Evaluate usage patterns to refine the strategy further and make performance tweaks that align with business needs. 🔍

5️⃣ Performance Optimization: Fine-tune instance types and configurations (like Single AZ, Multi AZ, or read replicas for DBs) to enhance performance without increasing costs. 🚀

6️⃣ Forecast Future Workload: Assess future workloads to decide the best course. Stable and predictable workloads move forward with a savings plan, while sporadic or non-committed workloads opt for on-demand or compute savings plans or Spot instances. 🔄

7️⃣ Locking in Savings: Finalize by purchasing the right savings plan, considering options for 1-year vs. 3-year commitments or upfront payments. This step solidifies long-term savings. 💰

🔁 Continuous Improvement: Once one area is optimized, repeat the process to address the next, ensuring AWS costs stay optimized over time.

This process is all about driving value and ensuring you get the most out of your cloud strategy. Want to see how I can help optimize your AWS spend? Let’s connect! 🌐