12 for '21 Cloud Optimization Series - Number Five: Size it Right

Cloud spend is anticipated to continue its massive growth trajectory for the foreseeable future.  However, the spend does not have to match that same growth curve!  To help our Clients maintain sound Cloud Optimization programs, we've assembled a series of articles and tips called: 12 for '21 Cloud Optimization Series (note: request a download of all 12 here).

Our fifth chapter in the series: Size it Right!

Once you have deployed resources for a while, you have to check  that your instances are optimal. For most clients, instances are set with the right configuration at time of the launch. As your consumption and business environment evolve, the original configuration become less optimal. This discrepancy is the source of cloud waste and more so, if you run a large fleet of instances across multiple applications.  Avoid paying for resources that are not used at full capacity,  a change in instance  size and/or type  can translate  up to  50% in  cost reduction !

Identify your instances for rightsizing.

Native tools (e.g. AWS Compute Optimizer, Azure advisor, GCP Cloud Functions..) can  analyze compute consumption pattern and provide recommendations for rightsizing. These recommended instances are ones that balance performance and cost for running workloads. It’s important to be aware of  the  tools limitations, instances rightsizing takes into account multiple factors such as CPU, storage, memory, networking performance, and more. Your DevOps and application stakeholders have  to assess  implementation feasibility and later, refine the setup of your Optimizer or Advisor

Develop processes  toward  instances rightsizing.

While you can perform rightsizing manually , this is not the best option. If installed manually, at scale with large volume of instances,  it becomes  a labor intensive  process to keep up with and make changes to increased workload or change in consumption demand. While AWS Autoscaling or Azure Autoscale automate the scaling of your application infrastructure, these are not easy to set up for systematic rightsizing optimization. In order to fully optimize your costs, it would  be in your best interest to invest in a third party tool, or a managed service such as CCO, that can streamline these actions for you.

What's Next?

Let me know what you think of installment number five.  In case you can't wait for the next article, here are a couple ways to jump-start the process: 

  • Chat with us: As always - if you need to chat with us, send us a note here.
  • Read them all: If you can't wait for the entire series, click here to get an advance copy of the 12 for '21 eBook that includes all twelve in one PDF.

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Founded in 2002, NET(net) is the world’s leading IT Investment Optimization firm, helping clients find, get and keep more economic and strategic value. With over 2,500 clients around the world in nearly all industries and geographies, and with the experience of over 25,000 field engagements with over 250 technology suppliers in XaaS, Cloud, Hardware, Software, Services, Healthcare, Outsourcing, Infrastructure, Telecommunications, and other areas of IT spend, resulting in incremental client captured value in excess of $250 billion since 2002. NET(net) has the expertise you need, the experience you want, and the performance you demand. Contact us today at info@netnetweb.com, visit us online at www.netnetweb.com, or call us at +1-866-2-NET-net to see if we can help you capture more value in your IT investments, agreements, and relationships.

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