Conclusion and Keeping Current

Congratulations, we made it! Let’s take a moment to reflect on what we've covered through this course.

• We began by outlining how we should think about cost—not as a flat number but as a complex combination of value and utility.

• We then covered the concept of total cost of ownership and some common cost components that we should include in an overall cost/value picture.

• At a high level, we introduced the AWS Cost Optimization Pillar of the AWS Well-Architected Framework and dove right into various parts of that pillar.

• We reviewed some ways to rightsize our landscape through provisioning and having the AWS platform provide recommendations for us.

• We then covered Elasticity—our ability to scale up, scale down, scale in, and scale out can ensure we maintain our required service levels in the most cost-effective manner.

• We learned how our choice in pricing models also provides opportunities to lower our costs. On-Demand pricing has its place, but it is often the most expensive option for significant landscapes.

• We also covered some ways to ensure visibility and ways to measure our cost optimization work.

• Finally, we learned about some easy tips and tricks that can add up to significant savings and then walked through the formal AWS best practices around cost optimization.

Most importantly, we hope you came away with an understanding that AWS cost optimization is not a destination but a journey. The AWS landscape, customer needs, economic environment, and business strategies change and evolve, and we always need to review our cost and value equation. Once this cost consciousness is baked into your organization, it will become a true competitive advantage over other organizations that haven't evolved into utilizing AWS.

Staying up-to-date

Another key aspect of AWS cost optimization is staying up-to-date on the latest news and features related to cost management. Like with any technology platform, AWS is constantly evolving and introducing new tools and services to help users manage their costs more effectively. To stay current with these changes, it’s important to use resources such as AWS blogs, forums, and new service announcements. Additionally, attending AWS conferences and events can provide valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices for cost optimization.

Here are some suggestions for how to stay updated on AWS cost news and features:

• Subscribe to the AWS Cost Management blog: The AWS Cost Management blog provides regular updates on new AWS features and best practices for managing costs effectively. By subscribing to the blog, you can stay informed about the latest changes and get tips on optimizing your AWS spending.

• Attend AWS conferences and events: AWS regularly hosts conferences and events worldwide, which offer opportunities to learn about new AWS features and network with other AWS users. By attending these events, you can gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices for cost optimization.

• Join AWS user communities: Several AWS user communities meet regularly to share knowledge and experiences. Joining a user group can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest AWS cost news and features, as well as to connect with other AWS users who may have similar challenges and concerns.

• Take advantage of AWS materials: AWS offers a wide range of webinars and live streams to help you stay up-to-date on the latest AWS cost optimization best practices. By taking advantage of these resources, you can deepen your knowledge and skills related to AWS cost optimization.

In conclusion, we hope you now feel you have a solid foundation for effectively managing and optimizing your AWS costs. By regularly reviewing your usage and spending, leveraging AWS tools and services, and staying up-to-date on the latest news and features, you can continue to optimize your AWS costs and drive greater value from your cloud investments. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we wish you the best of luck in your future AWS cost optimization efforts!