Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s leading cloud computing platform that provides cloud services across compute, storage, networking, and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings, managed databases, and container orchestration.
Customers are exploring and moving to the cloud without an exact understanding of how cloud service works. While AWS Cloud provides many benefits, users must balance cost and usage. Managing the AWS Cloud Admin Console is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires particular expertise to fully understand the cloud platform, know its use, and identify opportunities to keep rising costs under control.
However, the good news is, with careful planning and implementation, one can maximize the return on investment (ROI) in the cloud and implement the most cost-effective and efficient processes for your business without sacrificing performance or security.
Ways to Make the Most out of your AWS Cloud
Taking advantage of the AWS Free Tier
AWS offers a free tier that provides limited access to some of its most popular services, including Amazon S3, Amazon EC2, and Amazon RDS. This is a great way to get started with AWS and familiarize yourself with its various services without incurring any charges. Make sure to review the terms and conditions of the free tier to understand the limitations and what you can use it for.
Right-size your AWS Cloud Instances
This may require some experience and a practical understanding of the cloud users’ requirements. Most businesses make a blunder here by overprovisioning instances, which triggers the costs. Make sure to right-size your cloud instances by selecting the appropriate instance type based on the workload and resources required. AWS provides a number of tools, including the EC2 Instance Advisor, to help you determine the appropriate instance size. If needed, take a professional consultation from your Cloud Service Partner.
Fully utilizing AWS Reserved Instances
Consider purchasing reserved instances, if you know that you’ll be using AWS for an extended period. With reserved instances, you can get up to a 75% discount compared to on-demand pricing. This can be a great way to save on costs while still having access to the resources you need.
“With Reserved Instances, you can save up to 72% over the equivalent on-demand capacity”
Monitoring AWS Cloud Usage and Managing Costs
AWS provides a number of tools such as the AWS Cost Explorer to help you monitor and manage your cloud billing. These tools provide insights into your usage patterns, allowing you to identify areas where you can reduce costs. Make sure to review your costs regularly and take action to minimize unnecessary spending.
Switching off Unused AWS Resources
The best way to reduce cloud costs is to turn off any unused resources. For example, if you have an EC2 instance that is no longer needed, make sure to shut it down to avoid being charged for its usage. The same goes for any other AWS Cloud resources that are no longer needed, such as Amazon S3 buckets or Amazon RDS instances. Check your Cost and Usage Report within your AWS Cloud Account or consult with your Cloud solution specialist today.
Take advantage of these AWS Cost Management Tools
1. Billing and Cost Management Console
2. AWS Cost Explorer
3. AWS Budgets
4. AWS Trusted Advisor
5. Amazon CloudWatch
6. Cost and Usage Report
While customers are exploring Cloud and adopting the cloud, once they receive cloud bills and invoices, they are hesitant to stay with Cloud.
There is good news. AWS has given these above tools to better understand current AWS Cloud usage and balance AWS Cloud billing. Use the above tools in consultation with an AWS Partner. Uniware Systems is an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner in Chennai with certified cloud specialists and real-world implementations.
