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Cloud Cost Optimization

Folder: .github/skills/tsh-optimizing-cloud-cost/ Used by: DevOps Engineer

Provides strategies for cloud cost optimization through resource rightsizing, tagging compliance, reserved instances, and spending analysis.

Optimization Strategies

StrategyImpact
RightsizingMatch instance types to actual workload requirements
Reserved Instances / Savings PlansCommit to usage for 30–60% savings
Spot / Preemptible instancesUse for fault-tolerant workloads at 60–90% discount
Storage tieringMove infrequent data to cheaper tiers (S3 Glacier, Coldline)
Idle resource cleanupRemove unused EBS, disks, load balancers, static IPs

Tagging / Labeling Policy

Tag/LabelPurpose
ProjectAssociate resources with business projects
EnvironmentDistinguish dev/staging/production
TeamIdentify responsible team
CostCenterMap to financial reporting
ManagedByTerraform, Helm, manual

Cost Governance

  • Include cost estimates in every infrastructure proposal.
  • Flag proposals exceeding 10% spend increase.
  • Run regular cost audits (monthly minimum).
  • Set up budget alerts and anomaly detection.

Connected Skills

  • tsh-implementing-terraform-modules — Cost-aware infrastructure provisioning.
  • tsh-designing-multi-cloud-architecture — Cross-provider cost comparison.