Day 2: The FinOps Lifecycle - Inform, Optimize, Operate

If you lack data, your viewpoint is no more than a guess

The FinOps lifecycle is made up of three steps, designed to build on a continuous cycle of improving cloud financial performance.

1. Inform
2. Optimize
3. Operate

This phase of the FinOps lifecycle is all about establishing a clear understanding of your cloud usage. Full visibility of your cloud resources and associated licensing help you create plans for both current and future use.

This step enhances the efficiency and spending of the cloud. Apply best practices and policies to eliminate waste, boost performance, and right-size your cloud spending to your goals.

Leverage automation tools to manage your FinOps strategy for years to come. Optimize spending in your hybrid and cloud environments to ensure there are no unnecessary strains.

No data, no certainty—just a guess

The FinOps lifecycle represents the constant measurement, analysis, and optimization of your cloud spend. Following the FinOps lifecycle means better alignment of cloud costs with business value, thus driving better financial outcomes.

The FinOps lifecycle is a continuous, iterative approach to cloud financial management.

By informing, optimizing, and operating your cloud resources effectively, you ensure decisions are backed by data, costs are aligned with business priorities, and cloud investments deliver maximum value.

Example:

• Inform: Understand clearly about your cloud usage and costs.
• Optimize: Improve efficiency, cut waste, and right-size spending.
• Operate: Manage cloud costs continuously by applying automation and best practices.