In a recent webinar hosted by Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, William Howell, Software Architect at Okta shared his perspectives on understanding and optimizing cloud costs. If you missed “Beyond the Numbers: Strategic Cloud Cost Management the Okta Way” you can watch the recording here
Here’s a recap of the key takeaways:
1. Align Resource Allocation with Real Needs
Howell delved into the intricate dynamics of cloud resource allocation, emphasizing its criticality for optimizing costs and performance. Central to his approach was Amazon’s A-24 model, a CPU-to-memory configuration. This model allocates 4GB of memory for every 2 cores, serving as a practical example of balancing compute and memory resources based on application needs.
He elaborated that in a world where bigger often seems better, the temptation to deploy the most potent configurations can be high. However, the A-24 model exemplifies a more nuanced approach. The challenge is not just about having substantial resources, but about calibrating them precisely based on a workload’s actual demands. Howell’s argument was compelling: true optimization comes from aligning resource allocation with the workload’s real necessities, not just from the sheer power of resources at one’s disposal.
2. Harness What’s Already Available
As the discussion progressed, Howell steered it towards the often-overlooked aspect of resource efficiency in cloud management. Rather than advocating for sheer accumulation, he championed the art of effectively harnessing what’s already available. With a focus on the financial consequences, he highlighted the hidden costs associated with underutilized resources, particularly during reserved times. This perspective challenged the conventional ‘more is better’ mindset, emphasizing that true efficiency isn’t just about how much you have but how well you use it.
3. Cost is a Metric: Engineers Should Manage to It
Diving deeper into the psyche of engineers, Howell elaborated on their relationship with cost considerations in their projects. Historically, many engineers have prioritized metrics like runtime efficiency or system intricacy, relegating cost to a secondary or even tertiary concern. Howell championed the idea that this mindset needs a reconfiguration. He emphasized that in the modern landscape of software development, cost should be juxtaposed with other critical metrics, not overshadowed by them. This reframing is essential, not just for budgetary efficiency but to holistically optimize projects in ways that meet both technical and financial objectives.
4. Incentivize Engineers with a Portion of the Savings
Howell shed light on a fresh perspective in engineering: the potential for engineers to serve as financial strategists based on the way they build code. He suggested that when equipped with the right tools, engineers are perfectly positioned to champion cost efficiencies, marrying their technical expertise with financial acumen. Furthermore, Howell suggested that for motivation purposes you can redirect a segment of the achieved savings towards fulfilling team necessities, such as advanced software or essential equipment. This not only empowers engineers to integrate financial optimization into their workflows but also motivates them through tangible incentives.
5. The Right Tools for Cost Management are Indispensable
Throughout the discussion, the pivotal role of precision tools in managing cloud costs emerged as a central theme. Razzaq highlighted Yotascale’s commitment to delivering such tools, emphasizing their transformative impact on decision-making processes. Meanwhile, Howell shared Okta’s firsthand experiences with Yotascale, detailing how its robust features and data analytics have empowered their teams. Instead of navigating cloud costs in the dark, Yotascale has offered Okta clarity and direction. Both leaders resonated on a shared sentiment: the right tools don’t just simplify decisions; they revolutionize the very approach to financial strategy in cloud management.
6. Proactive Cost Management is Best
Wrapping up the webinar, the key message centered on the importance of anticipation over adjustment. Instead of simply firefighting unexpected cost overruns after they occur, Howell and Razzaq championed the merits of proactive cost management. Drawing from the tales and tactics discussed, they urged organizations to anticipate potential financial pitfalls by optimizing resource allocation, leveraging precision tools like Yotascale, and fostering a cost-aware engineering culture. Their dialogue underscored the need for businesses to be several steps ahead in their cloud budgeting and resource management strategies, truly embodying a forward-thinking approach.
If you would like to see how Yotascale can help your business to efficiently balance strategy and cost management please contact us here.
