Gartner Research

Ten Moves to Lower Your AWS IaaS Costs

Published: 25 April 2017

Summary

If it doesn't apply cloud optimization technology based on agile microsourcing, automation and DevOps, then public cloud infrastructure-as-a-service projects can balloon beyond its initial budget. I&O leaders should use the following 10 moves to lower IaaS costs for Amazon Web Services deployments.

Included in Full Research

  • Key Challenges
  • No. 1: Use the Right Tools to Track and Manage
    • AWS Tools
    • Cloud Service Expense Management
    • Open-Source CSEM Options
    • Cloud Management Platforms, IT Service Management and Automation Platforms With CSEM Characteristics
    • Specialized CSEM SaaS Tools
  • No. 2: Use Consolidated Billing and Tagging for Optimization and Chargeback
    • Consolidate Billing
    • Tagging
  • No. 3: Exploit Cloud Economics (Turn Things Off)
  • No. 4: Rightsize Initially, Baseline After Three Months, Rightsize Again and Repeat
    • Instance Family Generations
    • Burstable Instances
  • No. 5: Use RIs to Diversify Your Portfolio
    • Standard RIs
    • Convertible RI
    • When Each Should Be Used
    • Focus on a Fiscal Break-Even Point
  • No. 6: Use Storage Life Policy Rules
  • No. 7: Use Private IP Addresses and CloudFront, and Be Opportunistic About Network Egress Costs
  • No. 8: Use Spot Pricing
  • No. 9: Understand Long-Term, Application-Driven, Cost Optimization Intersections
    • Containers and Microservices
    • Database Replatforming
    • More-Advanced Spot Usage
  • No. 10: Invest in a Cloud Cost Optimization Center of Excellence
  • Bottom Line

Analysts:

Ron Blair

Access Research

Already a Gartner client?

Just stopping by?

To view this research and much more, become a client.

Speak with a Gartner specialist to learn how you can access peer and practitioner research backed by proprietary data, insights, advice and tools to help you achieve stronger performance.

By clicking the "Continue" button, you are agreeing to the Gartner Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Gartner research: Trusted insight for executives and their teams

What is Gartner research?

Gartner research, which includes in-depth proprietary studies, peer and industry best practices, trend analysis and quantitative modeling, enables us to offer innovative approaches that can help you drive stronger, more sustainable business performance.

Gartner research is unique, thanks to:

Independence and objectivity

Our independence as a research firm enables our experts to provide unbiased advice you can trust.

Actionable insights

Not only is Gartner research unbiased, it also contains key take-aways and recommendations for impactful next steps.

Proprietary methodologies

Our research practices and procedures distill large volumes of data into clear, precise recommendations.

Gartner research is just one of our many offerings.

We provide actionable, objective insight to help organizations make smarter, faster decisions to stay ahead of disruption and accelerate growth.

Tap into our experts

We offer one-on-one guidance tailored to your mission-critical priorities.

Pick the right tools and providers

We work with you to select the best-fit providers and tools, so you avoid the costly repercussions of a poor decision.

Create a network

Connect directly with peers to discuss common issues and initiatives and accelerate, validate and solidify your strategy.

Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference

Get prepared to be inspired by the world’s leading infrastructure and operations (I&O) leaders and Gartner experts and explore the latest technologies.

©2022 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.