What is the AWS Well-Architected Framework?

Author: Gary Sloper

Amazon’s Well Architected Framework – The 5^th pillar

Amazon’s Well Architected Framework is not a new edict however many organizations have either ignored it or simply can’t allocate time to understand applying it to their cloud posture recommendation

We have been discussing Amazon’s Well Architected Framework with various SREs, CIOs and CFOs who understandably have different comprehension or none at all.  CFOs generally are interested in the cost of AWS while the team under the SRE org, rightfully so, is focused on functionality and delivery applications in proximity to their users.

What is the AWS Well-Architected Framework?

The AWS Well-Architected framework started as a single white paper but has expanded into a widely adopted methodology and practice that provides architects a consistent approach to evaluate their AWS infrastructure and implement designs that scale over time. The Framework consists of 5 pillars:  

1. Operational Excellence 
2. Security 
3. Reliability 
4. Performance Efficiency 
5. Cost Optimization 

(Learn more about the Pillars here)

MacroNet Services proud to be among an exclusive group of partners certified to evaluate the cost optimization pillar of this framework and works with companies nationwide to assess and advise on how they can run their systems better, to deliver the most business value at the lowest price point.   

Using the AWS Well-Architected Framework, Cost Optimization pillar as a foundation, we work collaboratively with the customer to educate them on the following 5 Design Principles for Cost Optimization in the Cloud.  

The 5 Cloud Optimization Design Principles

1.Implement Cloud Financial Management

One of the foundational principles is enlisting your organization and key business stakeholders to dedicate time and resources to invest in Cloud Cost Optimization. Without this support and unified investment, companies will fail in addressing their cost challenges. Ensure your team is on board to build their knowledge of cost optimization, will support programming and resources, and help implement process improvements to become a cost-efficient organization.

2. Adopt a Consumption Model 

Implement a pay-for-use model for computing resources. This requires increasing or decreasing usage depending on business requirements, not by using elaborate forecasting.  

3. Measure Overall Efficiency 

Implement a process to measure the business output of your workloads and associated costs with delivering it. This will help you evaluate the gains you make from increasing output and reducing costs.  

4. Stop Spending Money on Undifferentiated Heavy Lifting 

One of the greatest benefits of a provider like AWS is that they do the heavy lifting for you, like racking, stacking, and powering servers. This removes the operational burden of managing operating systems so you can focus on your customer and your business.  

5. Analyze and Attribute Expenditure 

Operating in the cloud makes it easier to identify the usage and costs of systems with greater transparency which will help you accurately measure ROI and give workload owners the opportunity to optimize their own resources.  

Need Help Optimizing Your AWS Spend?

While Macronet Services does not re-sell AWS services, we are maniacally focused on delivering options for the 5^th Pillar in the Framework.  We offer free assessments within your AWS environment to determine in minutes if there are savings options available.  Please contact us regardless of your journey within AWS as our goal is to help reduce OPEX so you can re-invest the savings & time elsewhere in your business.