The cloud makes it easy to create virtual machines, databases and storage accounts with just a few clicks. The problem is that these resources are often left running long after they are needed. This “cloud sprawl” (the unmanaged growth of cloud resources) can quietly drain your budget every month. According to Hashi Corp’s State of Cloud Strategy Survey 2024, the top reasons for this waste are lack of skills, idle or underused resources and overprovisioning which together drive up costs for businesses of all sizes.
Why Should I Care About Cloud Resources?
The business benefit is tangible and dramatic. While organizations struggle with cloud budgets exceeding limits by an estimated 17%, automation offers a clear path to control.
For example, a VLink saved a significant amount of money on its non-production cloud spend by implementing a rigorous cloud shutdown automation policy. This policy automatically powered down all development and test environments that were not explicitly tagged as 'Production' outside of normal business hours (8 AM to 6 PM). The savings from just this single automated action accounted for 40% off their non-production cloud spend and freed up that budget for new growth initiatives.
3 Power Automate Workflows
Finding these unused cloud resources feels like hunting for ghosts. But what if you could automate the hunt? Microsoft Power Automate is a powerful tool for this exact task. Let’s look at three straightforward workflows to identify and terminate waste automatically.
1. Automate the Shutdown of Development VMs
Development and test environments are the worst offenders for cloud waste. A team needs a virtual machine for a short-term project. The project ends but the VM continues to run and costs money. You can build a workflow that stops this waste. Create a Power Automate flow that triggers daily and queries Azure for all virtual machines with a specific tag like “Environment: Dev.”
The flow then checks the machine’s performance metrics. If the CPU utilization has been below 5% for the last 72 hours, it executes a command to shut down the VM. This simple Azure automation does not delete anything. It simply turns off the power which slashes costs immediately. Your developers can still start it if needed but you are no longer paying for idle time.
2. Identify and Report Orphaned Storage Disks
When you delete an Azure virtual machine, you are often given an option to delete its associated storage disk. This step is frequently missed and the orphaned disks continue to incur storage charges month after month. You can create a flow to find them.
Build a Power Automate schedule that runs weekly. The flow will list all unattached managed disks in your subscription and will then compose a detailed email report that lists the disk names, their sizes and the estimated monthly cost. The report acts as a clear and actionable list that can be used for cleanup purposes and you can send it using the “Send an email” action to your IT manager or finance team for further evaluation on whether to keep or delete the disks.
3. Terminate Expired Temporary Resources
Some business projects require temporary cloud resources like a blob storage container for a file transfer or a temporary database for data analysis. Since these resources have a finite lifespan, you need to directly integrate and build expiration dates into your deployment process. For this, you can use a Power Automate flow that is triggered by a custom date field. This means that whenever you create a temporary resource, you add a descriptive tag such as “Deletion Date.”
After implementing this best practice (i.e. adding descriptive tags to cloud resources), set the flow to run daily and check for all resources that bear the “Deletion Date” tag. For each resource the flow finds, it should check whether the current date matches or is later than the “Deletion Date” property. If this condition is met, the flow deletes the resource automatically. This hands-off cleanup ensures that temporary items do not become permanent expenses. This approach not only eliminates the risk of human oversight but also uses automation to enforce financial discipline.
Troubleshoot Your Automated Workflows
Using Power Automate to build these workflows is a great start but you also need to implement them safely. Automations that delete resources are powerful and need controls in place. To be safe, always launch these flows in report-only mode which lets you test and simulate automations without enforcing them. For example, you can modify the “Terminate Expired Temporary Resources” flow to send an email alert instead of deleting resources for the first couple of weeks as you observe. This helps validate whether your flow logic is sound and gives you an opportunity to fix errors and oversights.
You can also consider adding a manual approval requirement for certain high-risk actions such as the deletion of very large storage disks. This ensures that your automations work to your benefit and not against you.
Take Control of Your Cloud Spend
These three Power Automate workflows are a good starting point for businesses using Microsoft Azure. They help you shift from a reactive to a proactive position and ensure you only pay for the resources you actively use.
Stop overspending on idle cloud resources. To take control of your cloud environment and start saving. Contact us today to implement these Power Automate workflows and optimize your Azure spend.
If you have a cloud backup of your QuickBooks file, you might assume your business is protected. After all, your data is safely stored and ready to be restored if something goes wrong. Read more
Imagine being in an overstuffed office. Documents are piled on the shelves, files are stacked on desks, papers are stuffed into drawers and boxes are filling every corner. The more clutter there is means the harder it becomes to find what you need or work efficiently. It is also easy to misplace sensitive documents.Read more
The cloud can be your greatest asset or your biggest financial headache. One minute you are deploying apps and scaling infrastructure and the next you are hit with a cloud bill that strains your budget.
Sound familiar? It is a common business problem. A study by Nextwork also shows that cloud spending is expected to increase by 21.5% in 2025 compared to 2024 globally.
Cloud-based services provide small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with enterprise-grade tools along with flexibility and scalability. However, without proper management, you risk overspending, underused resources and surprise costs. Efficient small business IT solutions are extremely useful to avoid situations like these. Whether it is through expert cost tracking, automated scaling or optimized architecture, the right IT partner can help you succeed in the cloud and turn every dollar into real value.
Let's find out how to make cloud spending smart and not risky.
Cloud Cost Optimization - Save More and Scale Better
Cloud cost optimization is the process of cutting down on some expenses while trying to extract maximum value from the resources spent. However, this is not just about budget cuts. It is about realigning the purpose of your cloud utilization towards achieving intent, results and targets.
That means:
- Identifying and cutting out unused or underutilized resources.
- Reserving capacity where needed for better discounts.
- Adjusting resource sizes to fit real workloads.
- Making smarter architecture decisions that support your long-term growth.
Cloud cost optimization is more than just management. It is strategic. Cloud cost management tracks and reports your usage but optimization takes action. It turns insights into savings and helps you focus your budget on what drives business growth.
Why Controlling Cloud Costs is So Hard
Before getting into the best practices, it helps to examine why cloud bills tend to spiral out of control:
- Lack of Visibility: If you do not have any idea of how you are spending your money, that is something to worry about. Cloud spending needs to be transparent and easy to trace across services and teams.
- Poor Budgeting: Cloud costs fluctuate constantly. Without regular updates and forecasting based on usage trends, budgets go off the rails.
- Multiple Cloud Services: Juggling services with different pricing models and billing formats makes it hard to get a unified view of your expenses.
- Wasted Resources: Unused VMs, forgotten test environments and idle storage buckets quietly rack up costs in the background.
- Dynamic Workloads: Traffic spikes or seasonal changes can instantly increase your resource usage and your bill.
- Complex Pricing: Ever tried deciphering a cloud bill? Between storage, egress, API calls and licensing fees, it is no easy task.
- Lack of Governance: Without clearly defined rules for resource provisioning and usage, teams can unintentionally spin up costly environments.
- Insufficient Training: Cloud inefficiency results from poor or insufficient training related to cloud pricing models.
Cloud Cost Optimization Strategies That Work
What can small and medium sized businesses do to take control of their cloud spending and avoid billing nightmares? Here are proven strategies to help optimize your costs:
1. Right-Size Your Resources
Don’t pay for horsepower you don’t need. Analyze usage patterns and scale resources (like CPU and memory) to match actual workload demands. Start small and grow only as needed.
2.Turn Off Idle Resources
Do a regular audit. Shut down development environments outside working hours. Kill unused instances. Set alerts for long-running resources that shouldn't be active.
3. Leverage Reserved and Spot Instances
If your workloads are predictable, reserved instances offer deep discounts. If they are flexible, spot instances can be a cost-effective alternative. Use both smartly to strike a balance between reliability and savings.
4. Automate Where Possible
Use automation tools to handle resource scaling, environment shutdowns and cost alerts. That way you will never forget to turn something off or accidentally leave a test environment running all weekend.
5. Optimize Your Storage
Use the right storage tier for your needs. Move infrequently accessed data to lower-cost storage. Implement lifecycle policies to manage data efficiently over time.
6. Monitor and Adjust Regularly
Cloud environments are not static. What worked last quarter might be inefficient today. Stay on top of usage trends and adjust resources, configurations and policies accordingly.
7. Create a Culture of Cost Awareness
Make cloud spending a shared responsibility. When engineers and teams understand how their choices impact the bill, they are more likely to make smarter and more cost-conscious decisions.
8. Use Tagging for Visibility
Tag all resources by team, environment, project or customer. This makes it easier to track who is spending what and why.
9. Build Governance Policies
Set rules for who can deploy what. Enforce limits, approval processes and naming conventions to reduce sprawl and boost accountability.
10. Align Spending with Business Value
Not all high costs are bad. If a feature drives significant revenue or user growth, it may be worth the expense. Use cost intelligence to make strategic investment decisions.
11. Train Your Team
Everyone from developers to finance should have a basic understanding of cloud cost implications. This empowers smarter decisions across the board.
12. Don’t Forget About Data Transfer
Data egress fees can sneak up on you. Be mindful of how and where you are moving data. Plan your architecture to minimize these costs.
Why Cloud Cost Optimization Pays Off
When you put effort into cloud cost optimization, it doesn’t just cut costs. It transforms your business operations in many ways:
- Improved Margins: Lowering cloud costs improves your bottom line and gives you room to invest in other areas.
- Higher Productivity: With better visibility, your team spends less time chasing invoices and more time building valuable features.
- Smarter Budgeting: Predictable costs = fewer surprises. You can plan ahead with confidence.
- Greater Agility: By freeing up resources, you can move faster, experiment, launch and scale without fear of overspending.
- New Revenue Opportunities: Identifying which features or products are driving cloud costs can also reveal what is driving customer engagement and growth.
- Better Investor Appeal: For tech-focused SMBs (especially in SaaS) strong margins and lean operations make your business more attractive to investors and partners.
Take Control of Your Cloud Spend
Cloud bills should not be a mystery and they definitely should not be a shock. With a clear strategy and the right tools, optimizing your cloud spend becomes more than just a cost-saving exercise. It is a smart business move.
Instead of waiting for your next invoice to cause concern, take proactive steps now. Evaluate your current infrastructure, eliminate inefficiencies and align your cloud usage with your business goals.
When you manage the cloud effectively, you unlock real opportunities for sustainable growth.
Need help streamlining your cloud strategy? Contact us to learn how we can support your business with tailored IT solutions.
Choosing the right cloud storage solution can feel a bit like standing in front of an all-you-can-eat buffet with endless options. There are so many choices with each one promising to be the best. Making the wrong decision can lead to wasted money, compromised data or even a productivity bottleneck. For small business owners, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Whether you are dipping your toes into cloud storage for the first time or you are a seasoned pro looking to optimize your current setup, we will walk you through this comprehensive guide to help you confidently select a cloud storage solution tailored to your business' unique needs.
Why Should Small Businesses Consider the Right Cloud Storage?
Business operations have undergone a digital transformation. With remote work, mobile-first communication and data piling up faster than ever, cloud storage is no longer optional. It is a cornerstone of efficiency and resilience.
According to a TechRepublic report, 94% of businesses saw marked improvements in security after migrating to the cloud. That statistic speaks volumes. For small businesses, every bit of operational improvement counts.
Here are some key benefits that drive cloud storage adoption:
- Cost-efficiency - Pay only for what you use with no need for bulky servers.
- Built-in security - Most providers offer encryption, permissions controls and auditing tools.
- Scalability - Add or reduce storage space on demand without purchasing new hardware.
- Remote collaboration - Access files securely from anywhere and on any device.
In short, cloud storage enables small businesses to compete with larger organizations by offering enterprise-level tools without the enterprise-level price tag.
Choosing the Right Cloud Storage for Your Small Business
Password spraying is distinct from other brute-force attacks in its approach and execution. While traditional brute-force attacks focus on trying multiple passwords against a single account, password spraying uses a single password across multiple accounts. This difference allows attackers to avoid triggering account lockout policies that are designed to protect against excessive login attempts on a single account.
Know Your Storage Needs
Understand What You Are Storing
Before choosing a storage solution, have a clear idea of what data your business actually needs to prioritize. Not every document or image needs long-term storage. Some data is mission-critical and used daily while other files are being kept for compliance or historical purposes.
Ask yourself:
- How much total data are we currently storing?
- What portion of that is active and what is archival?
- How fast is our data growing and why?
Doing a basic data inventory helps prevent overpaying for unused storage space while ensuring you don't run out of room when it matters most.
Consider File Types and Use Cases
Different industries have vastly different storage demands. For instance, a small law firm mostly handles PDFs and text files which take up less space. Meanwhile, a marketing agency or architectural firm deals with large media files that can balloon storage needs quickly.
By understanding your specific file types and workflows, you will be better equipped to choose a plan with the right performance and capacity features.
Evaluate Your Budget
Don't Just Look at Monthly Costs
While it is tempting to chase the lowest monthly price, many cloud storage solutions include hidden or variable costs. These can sneak up on you if your data storage needs fluctuate.
Watch out for:
- Extra fees for large data transfers
- Premium charges for faster access or retrieval
- Security add-ons or compliance upgrades
Think in terms of total cost of ownership rather than just a monthly bill. The cheapest plan could end up costing more if it doesn't meet your actual needs.
Pay-as-You-Go vs. Fixed Plans
If your business experiences seasonal fluctuations or unpredictable data usage, a pay-as-you-go pricing model could be ideal. These models are flexible and usually based on actual usage.
In contrast, if you value cost predictability and know your data storage needs are consistent, a fixed monthly plan might give you peace of mind and help with budgeting. Consider running a cost comparison based on your last 6-12 months of data needs before committing.
Prioritize Security and Compliance
Protecting Your Business (and Your Customers)
Cyber threats aren't just a concern for large enterprises. In fact, Wired reports that 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses. These attacks can lead to data breaches, financial losses or even legal action.
Choosing a secure cloud provider is crucial. Look for the following features:
- End-to-end encryption covering data at rest and in transit
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts
- Automatic backups and disaster recovery protocols
- Compliance certifications like GDPR, HIPAA or ISO 27001
If your business handles sensitive customer information or falls under data privacy laws, make sure your provider is compliant with relevant regulations.
Make Sure They Have Your Back
Great technology means nothing if support is lacking. Check whether your cloud provider offers:
- 24/7 technical support via chat, email or phone
- Clear service-level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee uptime and response times
- Disaster recovery support in case of hardware failure or ransomware
When problems arise (and they will) responsive support can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-blown crisis.
Think About Scalability
Today's Needs vs. Tomorrow's Growth
Many small businesses choose a plan based on current needs but what happens when your business grows or your storage demands spike?
That is why scalability should be non-negotiable in your cloud strategy. Look for providers that make it easy to:
- Upgrade your storage capacity without major disruption
- Add new users or teams as your company expands
- Access advanced services like automated workflows, AI file tagging or analytics tools
Scalability isn't just adding more space. It is about building a storage ecosystem that adapts as your business evolves.
Don’t Overlook Usability and Integration
How Easy Is It to Use?
Cloud storage should make life easier and not harder. If your team struggles to navigate the interface, productivity can suffer. Look for features like:
- Drag-and-drop uploads
- Ability to sync folders across devices
- User-friendly mobile apps
A clean and intuitive interface will reduce the learning curve and increase adoption across your organization.
Will It Play Nice with Other Tools?
Seamless integration is key. Your cloud solution should work well with your existing software stack. Most businesses benefit from storage that integrates with:
- Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Project management tools like Asana, Trello or Monday.com
Most providers offer free trials or demos. Involve your team in testing a few platforms to see what works best before making a final decision.
Compare Popular Providers
There are dozens of cloud storage options out there but a few consistently rise to the top. Let's break down the strengths of a few popular options to help you align their features with your business' needs:
Google Drive
Google Drive is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize collaboration and affordability. Its seamless integration with Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets and Gmail makes it a go-to option for teams already working within the Google ecosystem. With generous free storage tiers and low-cost upgrade options, it is a solid fit for startups and small teams who need to stay nimble.
Dropbox
Dropbox shines when simplicity and media storage are at the top of your list. Known for its user-friendly interface, Dropbox makes file syncing and sharing straightforward. It is particularly strong in handling large media files, offering robust version control and recovery features which makes it a favorite among creative professionals like designers and marketers.
OneDrive
OneDrive is ideal for businesses that are deeply embedded in the Microsoft environment. If you are already using Office 365, OneDrive comes built-in and offers tight integration with Word, Excel and Teams. It is particularly well-optimized for Windows users and provides a smooth and familiar experience across devices in hybrid work settings.
Box
Box stands out for its emphasis on security and compliance which makes it a smart pick for businesses in regulated industries like healthcare, finance or legal services. It offers advanced encryption, detailed permission settings and compliance with major frameworks such as HIPAA and GDPR. For organizations that handle sensitive data, Box provides the peace of mind that your information is well-protected.
Each of these platforms has its strengths. The best one for your business will depend on your specific priorities whether that is collaboration, ease of use, integration or rock-solid security.
Common Pitfalls When Choosing the Right Cloud Storage for Your Small Business (And How to Avoid Them)
Selecting cloud storage may seem simple on the surface (upload, store, access) but many small businesses make missteps that can lead to lost data, unexpected costs or major inefficiencies. Here are the most common pitfalls and how you can sidestep each one:
Ignoring Security and Compliance Requirements
Many small businesses assume that all cloud storage platforms offer the same level of security. This leads to storing sensitive customer or business data on platforms that don't meet industry compliance standards or lack robust protections like end-to-end encryption.
Always evaluate a provider's security certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2) and data encryption methods. If you are in a regulated industry like healthcare or finance, ensure the provider meets your compliance obligations (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.). Don't hesitate to ask vendors about their data breach history and incident response plan.
Choosing Based on Price Alone
Going for the cheapest option might feel like a win but low-cost providers often skimp on customer support, uptime reliability or scalability. You may also encounter hidden fees for exceeding storage limits or transferring data.
Look beyond the price tag. Weigh costs against features, customer support and the ability to grow with your business. Read the fine print on pricing tiers and data transfer fees. It is worth paying a bit more for a platform that will truly meet your needs.
Overlooking Integration with Existing Tools
Some businesses choose storage systems that don't play well with their existing software. This may lead to frustrating workarounds, duplicated tasks and wasted time.
Ensure the cloud storage solution integrates seamlessly with your current ecosystem whether that is Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, QuickBooks or your CRM. Many platforms offer app marketplaces or integration directories. Use those as a resource before committing.
Underestimating Scalability Needs
Some small businesses underestimate how quickly their storage needs will grow and lock themselves into platforms that aren't built to scale efficiently. Unexpected growth in storage needs can create headaches if the provider can’t keep up.
Choose a solution that can grow with you. Even if you are a small team today, look for storage providers that offer flexible plans, tiered storage and enterprise.
Neglecting Backup and Redundancy
Storing data in the cloud doesn't automatically mean it is backed up. Without redundancy or a clear backup plan, data can still be lost due to accidental deletion or system errors.
Look for providers with built-in backup and redundancy features. Ask about their data replication strategy. Your data should be stored in multiple locations. Also consider adopting a 3-2-1 backup strategy: 3 copies of your data, 2 different storage types and 1 offsite (which could be the cloud).
Selecting the right cloud storage solution isn't picking a popular name or scoring a great deal. It is about finding a system that works with your workflow, supports your team and gives you peace of mind. Start by auditing your data needs and choose a cost model that suits your budget, prioritizes strong security, ensures scalability for growth and is a user-friendly solution that integrates seamlessly with your tools.
Do you need help navigating the world of cloud storage? Reach out to us today for advice and implementation support or to discuss tailored solutions that align with your goals.
In this digital world, it is hard to keep track of all the storage space on your devices. It is easy for our devices to run out of room because we keep adding more photos, videos, documents and files. Cloud storage is a convenient option because it lets people store their data online which frees up space on their devices and lets them view files from anywhere. This post will talk about the best cloud storage services that can help you get more done online and save space on your devices.
What Are Cloud Storage Providers?
Cloud storage services let people store and control their data online. These are called cloud storage providers. There are many perks to using these services such as more storage space, the ability to share files and better security.
People who use cloud storage can get to their files from any internet-connected device. This makes it easier for people to work together and from home. Cloud storage is important for people who want to free up room on their devices and keep their data safe and easy to access.
There are different cloud storage companies with different features, prices and ways to use their services. Some providers focus on personal use and offer free storage with the choice to pay more for more space. Others are geared toward businesses and offer advanced tools for working together and lots of storage space. It is important to know the differences between these service providers so you can pick the right one for your needs.
Recently, cloud storage has grown into more than just a place to store files. It is now a way to work together and get things done. A lot of service providers now offer office software and real-time tools for working together.
This makes it easier for teams to work on projects and papers together. The move toward a more unified service model has made cloud storage an important tool for both personal and business use. We will cover how cloud storage providers can help with productivity.
How Do Cloud Storage Providers Help With Productivity?
Cloud storage providers play a crucial role in enhancing digital workflow by offering a centralized platform for storing, accessing and sharing files. This not only helps in freeing up device space but also facilitates collaboration and productivity. Here are some key ways cloud storage enhances digital workflow:
Centralized File Management
Cloud storage allows users to manage all their files from a single platform. This means you can access your documents, photos and videos from any device with an internet connection to make it easier to work on projects or share files with others.
Enhanced Collaboration Tools
Many cloud storage providers offer integrated collaboration tools that enable real-time editing and commenting on documents. This feature is particularly useful for teams working on projects together because it allows multiple users to contribute simultaneously without version control issues.
Advanced Security Features
Cloud storage providers typically offer robust security features (including encryption and two-factor authentication) to protect your data from unauthorized access. This ensures that your files are safe even if your device is compromised.
Scalable Storage Options
Cloud storage services often provide scalable storage options that allow you to upgrade or downgrade your storage capacity as needed. This flexibility is beneficial for both individuals and businesses because it ensures that you only pay for the storage you use.
The ability of cloud storage providers to enhance digital workflow makes them indispensable for anyone looking to streamline their file management and collaboration processes. In the next section, we will talk about the best cloud storage providers out there now.
What Are the Best Cloud Storage Providers?
Choosing the right cloud storage provider depends on your specific needs whether you are looking for personal use or business solutions. Here are some of the top cloud storage providers that offer a range of features and benefits:
- Google Drive: Known for its seamless integration with Google Docs and Sheets, Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage and is ideal for those already using Google’s productivity suite.
- Microsoft OneDrive: Integrated with Microsoft Office, OneDrive provides a smooth experience for users of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It offers 5 GB of free storage and is particularly useful for Windows users.
- Dropbox: Famous for its file-sharing capabilities, Dropbox offers 2 GB of free storage and is popular among users who frequently collaborate on projects.
- iCloud: Designed for Apple users, iCloud provides 5 GB of free storage and integrates well with other Apple services like Photos and Mail.
- pCloud: Known for its lifetime subscription options, pCloud offers up to 10 GB of free storage and is a good choice for those looking for long-term storage solutions.
- Box: Focused on business users, Box offers robust security features and collaboration tools which makes it ideal for enterprises.
It is important to compare these providers based on your individual needs because each one has its own pros and cons. There is a cloud storage service out there that can meet your needs whether you want free space, tools for working together or more security.
Take Control of Your Digital Space
Cloud storage providers are a great way to manage the room on your devices and get more done online. You can make sure that your files are safe and easy to view and share with others by picking the right provider. There is a cloud storage service out there for everyone from individuals who want to free up room on their phones to businesses that need powerful tools for teamwork. To get personalized help choosing the best cloud storage provider for your needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Efficiency is everything when you are growing a small business. With the pace of business today, tools that help you work smarter (not harder) can give you a serious edge. Cloud-based accounting software has become a game-changer for businesses looking to simplify their finances, save time and stay on top of their cash flow. Read more
As businesses evolve in today's digital world, many owners find themselves facing a vital question: Is it time to migrate to the cloud? For organizations and businesses seeking greater agility, operational efficiency and stronger cybersecurity postures, cloud migration presents a compelling opportunity. However, it is not without its challenges. Read more
Cloud storage is now an important tool for both businesses and people because it makes storing, accessing and managing data safe and easy. Cloud storage services have become more popular as more people work from home and need to work together. Read more
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It offers scalability, flexibility and cost-efficiency. However, cloud services also come with a downside: cloud waste.
Cloud waste is the unnecessary spending of resources and money on cloud services. These services are often not fully utilized or optimized. About 32% of cloud spending is wasted. This can lead to budget concerns as spending skyrockets.
That figure also holds opportunity. It means that you can reduce nearly a third of cloud spending by optimizing how you use cloud tools.
How can you reduce cloud waste at your business and save money? Here are some smart tactics to consider.
Conduct a Comprehensive Cloud Audit
Before implementing any cost-cutting strategies, conduct an audit. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your current cloud usage. Conducting a comprehensive cloud audit allows you to identify:
- Underutilized resources
- Overprovisioned instances
- Unnecessary services
Use cloud management tools to generate reports. Look at usage patterns, costs and performance metrics. This initial assessment forms the foundation for implementing effective waste reduction tactics.
Put in Place Right-Sizing Strategies
Right-sizing involves matching your cloud resources to the actual demands of your workloads. Many businesses fall into the trap of overprovisioning. This means securing more user licenses or features than they need. This leads to increased costs and unnecessary waste.
Analyze your workload requirements and resize instances accordingly. Use tools provided by your cloud service provider. These tools can identify and adjust the capacity of instances. This ensures that you only pay for the resources you truly need.
Use Reserved Instances and Savings Plans
Cloud providers offer cost-saving options like Reserved Instances (RIs) and Savings Plans. These allow businesses to commit to a specific amount of usage. This is in exchange for discounted rates. By leveraging these options, you can significantly reduce your cloud costs over time.
Carefully analyze your workload and usage patterns. Then determine the most cost-effective reserved capacity or savings plan. Find a plan that aligns with your business' long-term goals.
Install Automated Scaling Policies
Dynamic workloads have a need for dynamic resource allocation. Install automated scaling policies. These ensure that your infrastructure scales up or down based on demand. This optimizes performance. It also prevents overprovisioning during periods of low activity.
Cloud services enable you to set predefined policies for scaling. Examples are AWS Auto Scaling and Autoscale in Azure. These features help ensure efficient resource utilization without manual intervention.
Track and Optimize Storage
Storage costs can accumulate quickly. This is especially true when data is not regularly reviewed and archived. Estimate your storage needs. Put in place lifecycle policies to automatically downsize lesser-used data such as transitioning less frequently accessed data to lower-cost storage options.
Regularly review and delete unnecessary data to free up storage space. Adopt a proactive approach to storage management. This can help you significantly reduce costs associated with data storage.
Schedule Your Cloud Resources
Schedule your cloud resources to run only when you need them. For example, turn off development, testing or staging environments during nights and weekends or scale down your production environment during off-peak hours.
Use available tools to automate the scheduling of your cloud resources. Base this on automated rules and policies that you define.
Delete Unused or Orphaned Cloud Resources
Sometimes you may forget or neglect to delete cloud resources that you no longer need or use. This can include:
- Snapshots
- Backups
- Volumes
- Load balancers
- IP addresses
- Unused accounts
These resources can accumulate over time and incur unnecessary costs. To avoid this, you should regularly audit your cloud environment. Delete any unused or orphaned resources that your business is not using. You can often use cloud provider tools to find and remove these.
Weed Out Duplicate Services
Different departments in the same organization may be using duplicate services. Marketing may use one task management app while Sales uses a different one. Centralize cloud resources and remove duplicate tools.
Having everyone use the same cloud tool for the same function can save money as well as enhance collaboration, reporting and data integration.
Embrace Serverless Architecture
Serverless computing allows businesses to run applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. You pay only for the actual compute resources used for your processes. This eliminates the need for provisioning and maintaining servers which reduces both operational complexity and costs. Consider migrating suitable workloads to a serverless model. This can help you optimize resource use and cut cloud waste.
Schedule a Cloud Optimization Assessment Today
By following these smart tactics, you can reduce cloud waste at your business as well as optimize your cloud spending. This helps you save money. You can also improve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Are you struggling with expanding cloud costs? Need help identifying and removing cloud waste? Our team of cloud experts can help you.
Contact us today to schedule your assessment.