Many organizations move to the cloud because it offers a more cost-effective way to access software. Research by Gartner found that most businesses consider investing in the cloud as one of the top priorities. Companies that want to make the most of their investment in cloud solutions will need to maximize efficiency so they don’t overstretch their budgets. 

Efficiency in relation to the cloud usually means using the resources in the best or most optimized way so as to save on costs.  That translates as having the people and technology in the right places so that cloud computing costs are kept to a minimum. 

Getting the most from your cloud solutions as the best possible price is the ultimate goal for organizations. However, this requires investing some time and energy into cloud optimization. 

Researchers have predicted that cloud optimization will drive cloud adoption in the coming years. Having a process to identify unused or idle resources, scaling to your needs and knowing whether a multi-provider or single provider solution is best for your organization are some of the best ways to achieve cloud optimization and maximize efficiency. 

Identify Mismanaged Resources

A cloud optimization strategy should include removing any unused resources. Remember that when you move to the cloud, you pay upfront for the solution, whether you use it or not. This is best seen in cloud storage solutions as you pay for a specific amount of storage even if you don’t need it all. It is a good idea to investigate all the cloud apps you have to see if you are able to remove them or even reduce their size, leading to cost savings for your organization. 

Another good cloud optimization move is to identify and consolidate your idle resources. Sometimes organizations buy cloud solutions they expect to use at full capacity in the future. However, this can be a waste of money. If you are not using a cloud solution to its full capacity now, your organization is better off reducing its commitment. Keep in mind that most cloud applications are designed to be scaled up easily. So, if you find in the future that you do need that app after all it should be simple to bring it back. 

The key way to identify unused or idle resources is by using your provider analytics report. It is important to review the reports and data that your cloud provider sends you. Information about how your organization is using its cloud solution, as well as the costs involved should be made clear on its cloud analytics report. Without this information, it will be difficult to figure out how the cloud solution is being used and what benefits it has had for your organization.  

Scale to Your Needs

One of the advantages of using the cloud is that most solutions are scalable. That means you can adjust the app so it best fits your organization’s needs. However, this requires you to spend some time and effort defining your needs and looking at what different cloud providers offer. 

It is also important to regularly monitor your organization’s cloud usage. This will help you recognize if any changes need to be made. It can also give your company a good idea of its ROI for each cloud solution. This data is key to keeping your costs down. 

In the cloud computing world, the term right-sizing refers to the ability of the user to modify their cloud solutions so they are the most efficient size for the organization. While this sounds simple enough, it can be a challenge as there are millions of cloud computing options to select from. This is why it is important to know what your organization needs and to find a provider that is flexible. 

Using heatmaps to visually analyze your organization’s cloud usage is a good way to cultivate ideas about reducing your cloud commitment. Heatmaps can show you cloud computing traffic including peaks and valleys. With this information, you may be able to adjust your start and stop times, which can lead to cost savings. For example, you may discover that you could shut your servers down on the weekends.  

Choose Multi-Cloud or Single Cloud

Organizations looking to maximize efficiency with cloud optimization will need to decide if they want a multi-cloud or single cloud solution. 

Some researchers have suggested that multi-cloud solutions can help reduce the cost of cloud computing. By opting for a multi-cloud environment, organizations can avoid vendor lock-in, which is a situation that ties an organization to a specific cloud provider. Moving from these providers often presents a challenge including high cost, legal issues or technical problems. For some organizations, it is best to avoid becoming locked-in to a single cloud solution. 

On the other hand, organizations could be missing out on cost savings that come from a single cloud provider. While a multi-vendor approach can provide flexibility and cost savings, investing more money in a single cloud provider can bring volume discounts. Opting for a multi-cloud solution may also prohibit you from taking advantage of offers that are reserved for top spenders with a single provider. These are advantages that are worth considering as you search for the right cloud solution for your organization. 

If you are not sure whether a multi-cloud or single-cloud solution is best for your business, talk to your tech solution provider for advice. 

To find out how to maximize efficiency with cloud optimization for your organization, contact us today.