Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - AWS optimization: Actionable steps for immediate results (STP210-R)

Summary

David Solomon, a cloud optimization specialist, presented actionable steps for startups to optimize their AWS infrastructure for better performance and lower costs.
The session covered the importance of optimization, focusing on compute, database, and storage services.
Cloud intelligence dashboards were introduced to monitor optimization opportunities and manage cloud spend.
Examples of customer success stories were shared, including Timescale, Zype, Seated, and PandaDoc.
Specific optimization strategies discussed included using spot instances, right-sizing, modernizing with Graviton processors, elasticity with autoscaling, and compute savings plans.
Database optimization included right-sizing, considering Aurora, caching strategies, migrating to Graviton, and reserved instances.
Storage optimization strategies involved using S3 Storage Lens and Class Analysis, intelligent tiering, and EBS cleanup and modernization.
The session concluded with a demonstration of how to use cloud intelligence dashboards to set optimization goals and track progress.

Startups are particularly interested in optimization to extend their funding runway and reinvest savings into innovation and R&D.
AWS continually innovates, offering newer generation instances with better price performance, which can lead to significant cost savings and performance improvements.
Spot instances can offer up to 90% savings compared to on-demand prices, but require fault-tolerant architecture due to the possibility of interruption.
Right-sizing is a critical step in optimization, and AWS provides tools like Cost Explorer to automate the analysis of instance utilization.
Graviton processors, designed for AWS services, offer up to 40% better price performance over comparable x86-based instances.
Compute savings plans offer flexibility and cost savings by committing to a certain amount of usage rather than specific instance types or families.
Database optimization can be achieved through right-sizing, using managed services like Aurora, implementing caching, migrating to Graviton, and purchasing reserved instances.
Storage optimization involves understanding access patterns and duration of storage, using various S3 storage classes, and automating object movement with intelligent tiering.
Cloud intelligence dashboards are a powerful tool for AWS customers to maintain ongoing optimization, set KPIs, and make data-driven decisions.
Engaging with AWS account teams, cloud optimization specialists, or partners can help startups accelerate the optimization process.