Responsible for an Amazon Web Services Budget? 10 Terrible Ways to Spend Your Money

As two experienced IT professionals, we know that managing a budget can be a challenging task. Especially when it comes to Amazon Web Services (AWS), there are a multitude of options available for spending money. However, we’ve seen some terrible ways people choose to spend their AWS budget. Here are the top ten:

1. Overprovisioning resources: This is a common mistake we see many companies make. They tend to overprovision resources, leading to higher costs and wasted resources.
2. Not using AWS Reserved Instances: AWS Reserved Instances can save you a lot of money in the long run. Failing to use them is a missed opportunity.
3. Failing to turn off resources: Failing to turn off unused resources can lead to unnecessary costs. Keep an eye on your resources and make sure you’re not paying for things you’re not using.
4. Using large instances: AWS provides a wide range of instance sizes. Using large instances when small ones will do is an easy way to overspend.
5. Not using Auto Scaling: Auto Scaling is a powerful tool that allows you to automatically adjust your resources based on demand. Failing to use it can lead to missed cost-saving opportunities.
6. Not reviewing bills: AWS bills can be complex and difficult to understand. Take the time to review your bills regularly to ensure you’re not overspending.
7. Not leveraging AWS cost optimization tools: AWS provides several tools to help you optimize your costs. Failing to use them is a missed opportunity.
8. Not using AWS Cost Explorer: AWS Cost Explorer is a powerful tool that allows you to analyze and optimize your costs. Failing to use it is a missed opportunity.
9. Ignoring AWS recommendations: AWS provides recommendations for cost optimization based on your usage patterns. Ignoring these recommendations can lead to missed opportunities for cost savings.
10. Not using AWS Spot Instances: AWS Spot Instances can be a cost-effective alternative to On-Demand Instances. Failing to use them is a missed opportunity.

In conclusion, managing an AWS budget requires careful attention to detail. Avoiding these ten terrible ways to spend your money will help you make the most of your budget and save money in the long run. As IT professionals, we strongly recommend taking the time to review your AWS usage regularly, use cost optimization tools and listen to AWS’s cost-saving recommendations.