Summary

In this chapter, we looked at the optimization phase of the FinOps lifecycle. The first step of the optimization journey starts with usage optimization. Inventory your current assets in Azure and find an opportunity to save money by avoiding costs or right-sizing the infrastructure to reduce wastage. We looked at how to define useful KPIs that help achieve the usage optimization goal. Then, we looked at the top 10 usage optimization targets and how to use the provided workbooks to bring visibility of these targets and take action accordingly. We concluded the chapter by pointing out that cost optimization is not without trade-offs. The cheapest solution will not give the best performance or protect against security threats.

Let’s continue our journey to the second part of the optimize phase, rate optimization, in the next chapter.