Optimizing your cloud stack: Strategies for cost efficiency

As a cloud FinOps company, we know cloud is not about running your applications in the same way as on prem. We understand you need to maximizing cost efficiency while ensuring optimal performance for your enterprise.

When it comes to optimizing your cloud resources, we follow two distinct strategies: “Resource focused” and “Application focused”. Let’s dive into each approach and explore how they can benefit your organization.

Resource focused approach

1. Inventory and Assessment

Our resource focused strategy begins with a comprehensive inventory of your cloud resources. Let’s assume your application is already running on the right services and is fully optimized.

2. Optimization Steps

a.-Remove idle resources: Identify any resources that are no longer necessary and remove. This includes unused virtual machines, storage volumes, and other components.

b.-Resize underutilized resources: We analyze resource utilization patterns and recommend resizing instances or storage volumes to match actual demand. This ensures that you’re not paying for excess capacity.

c.-Buy commitments: We explore reserved instances or committed use contracts, which have lower prices compared to on-demand pricing. By committing to specific resources, you can lock in favorable rates, though still need to be aware of your future needs and utilization.

3. Quick Wins: This is a pragmatic approach that delivers immediate results, it can lead to 10-20% savings in very short time.

Application focused approach

1. Starting from scratch:

Unlike the resource focused approach, the application focused strategy makes no assumptions. We begin by evaluating the inputs and expected outputs of your application. Here’s how it works:

a.-Evaluate inputs and outputs: You need to deep dive into your application’s requirements, performance expectations, and scalability needs. Understand the reasons behind those requirements.

b.-Choose the right platform: Based on your application’s characteristics, select the most suitable cloud platform.

c-.Performance optimization: This is where it gets real:

Stretch the system: Push the application to its limits, testing performance under various conditions. This helps us understand where bottlenecks occur.

Identify bottlenecks: By analyzing performance metrics, we pinpoint bottlenecks—whether they’re related to compute, storage, or network resources.

Solve bottlenecks: Address these bottlenecks systematically. Whether it’s optimizing database queries, adjusting resource allocations, or fine-tuning configurations, we look for optimal performance.

2. Iterate: Continuous improvement is key. We iterate, retest, and refine until we achieve the desired balance of performance and cost.

3. Long-term savings: While the application focused approach is more challenging, it yields significant long-term savings. By fine-tuning every aspect of your application, you’ll benefit from reduced costs over time.

Take Action!!

Ready to optimize your cloud stack? Reach out to our experts today. Let’s discuss your unique requirements and tailor a cost-effective cloud design that aligns with your business goals.

Together, we’ll unlock the full potential of your cloud resources! 🚀