One of the most frequently asked questions we get is “My cloud costs are out of control. How do I cut my costs in the cloud?”

What does this question really mean?

The question seems straightforward, but we found that the same people asking were also tasked with helping their company maintain the functionality they have today while continuing to innovate.

These same groups of people get in a routine of putting out fires and the question of cutting costs hangs silently without attention.

Through this blog, we’ll walk you through a few ways to keep your cloud costs in AWS and Azure low.

There are many moving parts to consider when attempting to properly measure and tune your data center production environment. In terms of strict optimization, here are a few places to start.

Only pay for what you use

The majority of the time, we see companies purchasing more storage arrays and/or compute nodes than they need or use. Yes, it’s important to have a backup plan, although if your applications or workloads don’t need the additional resources, don’t purchase them.

Resource sizing is the principle of utilizing what you are paying for to cut excess costs, maintain functionality, and ideally lower costs over time.

Think about when you cook dinner. If you add too much salt from the start, your food won’t taste as good. The more seasoned chefs will incrementally add salt over time to better fit their tastes.

If you are like us, dealing with complex cloud resources and setup is much easier than cooking, but you get the point.

Another benefit of starting small is that it allows you to measure and predict how your environment is performing. Arguably, actively measuring applications and workloads are the most important part of finding cost savings.

"Will you marry me?" - I think scores of people have popped this question , and many have received a positive answer where others many not have been so lucky.

But most people don't think about entering a partnership such as marriage on a whim; they do proper due diligence. Are we a good fit? Will the relationship last? Do they understand my needs?

It really should be the same when finding a strategic partner for your business. You have to ensure it's a good match. I think most everyone would agree that such a commitment is hard to make in the business world, and we accept that there is a natural churn for all software and technology partners.

But what are the criteria a customer needs to keep in mind when choosing a partner to work with?

It's an important question because let's face it: Successful partnerships enjoy longevity when there is a common ground.

I have done some research over the years on this, and before you say something about how potential customers need a "personal connection" with a partner or "understanding of the business," I have to stop you. Yes, those are important, but there's a new and more powerful thread emerging. 

That thread is cost optimization.

It has not gone unnoticed that we are going through the next industrial revolution where technology is driving change in the way most businesses work, and the recent pandemic this journey has accelerated companies' digital transformation. We travel less. We work more from home. We connect on videoconference, and we chat on IM.

Technological innovation is no longer only for those who can program, but business leaders are now the driver for change and innovation. The procurement manager, who previously only answered to IT, now has multiple new bosses, namely the business leaders.

Cost optimization is broad terminology, and historically, when finding a partner to work with, the main conversation when purchasing a technological solution (after the best-fit analyses were done) was the price and how much of a discount you could get. 

Of course, the software vendors have figured this out, and many have already built in the anticipated discount into their pricing model, or, alternatively, they try to sell you things you don't really need. Some also employ tactics where long-term agreements are made that feature a handsome discount spiced with a kickback trip to a retreat where you feel compelled to buy even more.

Customers have to be mindful of this.

Thankfully, there's a new kid in town: Cost optimization

You can optimize your software purchase by ensuring you profile your needs and consistently manage and control your software spend, regardless of the solution. Today, many tools help customers control that process, and many companies have implemented procedures to ensure that processes are in place throughout the company. That's why stronger partnerships are built on cost optimization terminology. 

And before you say it, yes, I know that keeping a relationship together based on cost optimization is not a formula for success, but neither is money problems. 

Companies are looking to increase their productivity where the driver is to optimize the output with a big focus on cost, and if you can bring both of these components, that's in high demand these days.

Multiyear, bundle agreements are getting less popular and being taken over by monthly subscription services with a low-entry barrier and relatively easy exit, putting even more importance on the software vendor to deliver constantly at their absolute best. Cost avoidance, cost reduction or cost optimization, call it what you want but this is top of mind for your new buyer, the business owner. You must keep in mind that the business owner's budgets are normally smaller and more focused to solve niche pain points or better drive more growth to the business, and if your company does not follow that mindset, odds are you are not top of mind anymore.

There are lists you can find on categorization for choosing a vendor in general, and they can be a good guide to making decisions. One thing is for sure: Complexity with software purchase and management has gone beyond choosing a solution. Now that the decision-making power has moved away from IT and to the business leaders, the knowledge and cadence on software usage rights (EULA) have often been left behind.

So my two cents, when choosing a partner to work with, make sure:

• The partner is not throwing in technological solutions before you get to the cash register, because normally what they are tossing in there isn't something you really need. Or, as I said earlier, cost optimization is the new kid in town.
• The partner understands your business. Even though business leaders hold more of the purse strings when it comes to IT buying decisions, this point remains the same. The partner has to understand your business because different organizations have different needs.
• You have a personal connection with the partner. Though you can get pretty much anything you want (within reason) online, when it comes to the careful decision of entering into a new and long-term partnership, just like a marriage, it takes a real connection — something more than just a click away.
  
  

Today, cost optimization can be a great indicator of a successful and strategic partnership. Business leaders should look embrace this new decision-making power and use it to drive their organization forward.

An ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning system) is a type of software that organizations use to manage and integrate the core parts of their businesses. An ERP system helps streamline business processes by collecting, storing, managing, and interpreting data from various departments such as finance, HR, inventory, manufacturing, supply chain, customer service, and more.

Key Features of an ERP System:

1. Integrated System: All departments and functions are integrated into one system, reducing the need for separate software for each function.
2. Real-time Data: Provides real-time data access, so decision-makers can get up-to-date information.
3. Automation: Automates repetitive tasks such as billing, payroll, inventory management, and procurement.
4. Reporting and Analytics: Provides built-in tools for generating reports, financial analysis, and business insights.
5. Customization: ERP systems can often be customized to fit the specific needs of your business.
6. Cloud-Based or On-Premises: ERP systems can be deployed in the cloud, offering remote access, or they can be installed on local servers.

How an ERP System Can Help Your Business:

1. Streamline Operations: ERP centralizes data and processes, reducing manual tasks, duplication of effort, and errors. This can lead to significant efficiency gains and smoother day-to-day operations.

2. Improve Decision-Making: Since ERP systems provide accurate, real-time data, it helps management make informed decisions based on up-to-date financial reports, inventory levels, and other key business metrics.

3. Enhance Collaboration: By sharing data across departments, ERP systems improve communication between teams. For example, your sales department will be able to see current stock levels, while finance can access up-to-date invoicing data.

4. Financial Management and Reporting: An ERP can automate processes like payroll, invoicing, and financial reporting, making it easier to stay on top of budgets, cash flow, and tax requirements. You can generate comprehensive financial reports with just a few clicks.

5. Inventory and Supply Chain Management: For businesses that deal with inventory or manufacturing, ERP systems can help track stock levels, manage procurement, and optimize your supply chain. This ensures that you're never overstocked or understocked, and can even help with demand forecasting.

6. Compliance and Risk Management: ERP systems can be configured to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, whether that's financial reporting, data privacy, or supply chain certifications. It also reduces the risk of errors that can result from manual processing.

7. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Many ERPs include CRM modules that help businesses manage customer interactions, track leads, and monitor sales pipelines, ensuring your sales team has the tools to improve customer relationships and sales conversions.

8. Scalability: As your business grows, an ERP system can scale with it. You can add new modules and integrate with other software as needed, whether you're expanding your product line, entering new markets, or hiring more employees.

9. Cost Reduction: By improving operational efficiency, reducing redundancy, and automating tasks, ERP systems can lead to significant cost savings over time.

10. Improved Customer Service: With all customer information in one place, from order status to payment history, your customer service team can respond more quickly and accurately to customer inquiries.

In Short:

An ERP system is a powerful tool that integrates various business functions into a single system, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and providing valuable insights. It can be especially beneficial for businesses that need to manage complex processes, whether in manufacturing, retail, services, or other industries.

If you're considering implementing an ERP system, you'll want to look for one that fits the size and needs of your business. For smaller businesses, there are lightweight, more affordable ERP solutions, while larger enterprises may require a more comprehensive, customizable system.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a comprehensive suite of business applications designed to integrate various business functions like sales, finance, operations, customer service, and more, all into one platform. It combines both Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) capabilities, making it a powerful solution for managing a wide range of business processes.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and how it can help your business:

Overview of Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based software solution that brings together different business modules in a unified platform. It allows businesses to connect their operations, gain valuable insights, automate processes, and improve decision-making, all while using a scalable and customizable system.

Key Features of Dynamics 3651. Modular Approach

Dynamics 365 is divided into apps or modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of your business. You can choose only the modules you need, and then expand as your business grows. These modules include:

• Sales: Manages the sales process from lead generation to closing deals. It includes tools for tracking customer interactions, automating workflows, and managing sales pipelines.
• Customer Service: Helps businesses deliver better customer support by providing omnichannel communication (email, chat, phone), case management, knowledge bases, and AI-driven insights.
• Field Service: For businesses that manage field technicians or services outside the office (e.g., maintenance, installations), this app helps schedule, dispatch, and manage service operations.
• Finance and Operations: This is the core ERP functionality, managing finances, accounting, procurement, inventory, manufacturing, and supply chain. It’s ideal for larger businesses with complex financial and operational needs.
• Marketing: An integrated marketing platform to run campaigns, manage customer journeys, and measure marketing performance. It helps with automation, email marketing, lead scoring, and more.
• Human Resources (HR): Manages the entire employee lifecycle, including hiring, onboarding, payroll, performance tracking, and employee development.
• Commerce: Provides end-to-end e-commerce solutions, from building online stores to managing sales across multiple channels.
• Retail: A module designed for retail businesses that provides tools for managing physical store operations, inventory, point of sale (POS), and customer insights.
• Supply Chain Management: Helps manage end-to-end supply chain operations, including logistics, procurement, warehousing, and manufacturing.

2. AI and Insights

One of the standout features of Dynamics 365 is its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics. The system uses AI to analyze data and provide predictive insights, allowing businesses to:

• Forecast trends, sales, and customer demands.
• Automate repetitive tasks.
• Identify areas for improvement, such as sales performance or customer service efficiency.
• Deliver personalized customer experiences based on data insights.

For example, in the Sales module, AI can predict which leads are most likely to convert into customers, helping your sales team prioritize their efforts.

3. Integration with Microsoft Products

Since it’s part of the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products such as:

• Office 365: Direct integration with tools like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. For example, you can open and edit Word and Excel documents directly within Dynamics 365, or track emails in Outlook as part of customer records.
• Power BI: Use Power BI, Microsoft’s business intelligence tool, to create customizable reports and dashboards. These can be integrated directly into Dynamics 365, providing you with real-time analytics across all areas of your business.
• Microsoft Teams: Dynamics 365 integrates with Teams to improve internal communication and collaboration. For example, you can access Dynamics 365 data directly from within a Teams chat or meeting, facilitating a quicker response to business needs.

4. Cloud-Based Flexibility

Dynamics 365 is cloud-based, meaning that you don’t need to worry about maintaining servers or complex IT infrastructure. This makes it:

• Accessible from anywhere: As long as you have an internet connection, you can access your data from anywhere in the world.
• Scalable: You can easily scale your usage up or down, depending on how your business evolves, without needing to worry about physical hardware limitations.
• Secure: Microsoft provides built-in security and compliance features, including encryption, role-based access control, and regular updates.

5. Customization and Extensibility

Dynamics 365 is highly customizable to fit your business needs. You can:

• Customize the interface, workflows, and business processes to match your specific industry or use case.
• Use PowerApps to create custom applications or features without needing deep development knowledge.
• Add additional third-party apps or integrations from Microsoft’s extensive AppSource marketplace, which has thousands of available connectors and extensions.

You can also use Power Automate to automate repetitive workflows between different apps, making processes more efficient and reducing human error.

How Microsoft Dynamics 365 Can Help Your Business1. Improved Operational Efficiency

• Automation of manual tasks: With workflow automation and AI-driven recommendations, Dynamics 365 reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks, freeing up your team to focus on more strategic activities.
• End-to-end visibility: By unifying different business functions, it gives you a 360-degree view of your business operations—from finances to sales to customer service—helping you make more informed decisions.

2. Better Customer Relationship Management

• Dynamics 365 integrates both ERP and CRM functions, which means you can provide seamless customer service and track every interaction with customers across multiple touchpoints. This leads to better customer insights and enhanced relationships.
• The Sales and Customer Service modules help build stronger relationships by offering personalized customer experiences and responding more quickly to customer inquiries.

3. Data-Driven Decision-Making

• With real-time analytics, AI insights, and integration with tools like Power BI, Dynamics 365 helps you make smarter decisions. You can forecast sales, track performance, and identify trends early, allowing you to adapt your strategies accordingly.

4. Financial Management and Compliance

• The Finance and Operations module provides a robust platform for managing your financial processes, ensuring accurate and compliant reporting. It also integrates with global financial standards and tax regulations.
• Real-time financial insights allow you to closely monitor cash flow, track expenses, and optimize your budget allocation.

5. Improved Sales and Marketing

• With the Sales module, you can gain insights into your pipeline and forecast revenue more accurately. AI tools help prioritize leads based on their likelihood to convert, improving sales productivity.
• Marketing automation features allow you to engage customers with targeted campaigns and track ROI, increasing the efficiency of your marketing efforts.

6. Scalable Growth

• As your business grows, Dynamics 365 grows with you. You can add more modules or users as needed, and it can scale to handle complex global operations, including multi-currency, multi-language, and multi-country requirements.

• Whether you’re expanding into new markets or launching new products, Dynamics 365 offers the flexibility to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Pricing and Licensing

Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers flexible licensing options based on the modules you need and the number of users. The pricing is subscription-based, and because the system is modular, you can select only the apps you require for your business.

Typically, the pricing structure involves:

• Base licenses: Covering the main apps like Sales, Marketing, or Finance.
• Additional add-ons: Such as advanced analytics, AI capabilities, or industry-specific modules.
• User-based pricing: Costs can vary depending on whether you are licensing for a full user, light user, or team member (those who only need access to certain features).

The cost can be higher for more advanced features or larger teams, but the benefit is the flexibility and depth of functionality it offers.

Is Dynamics 365 Right for Your Business?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an excellent choice for:

• Medium to large businesses: Particularly those that have complex operations across finance, sales, customer service, supply chain, and HR.
• Global businesses: If you operate in multiple countries, have international teams, or deal with multiple currencies, Dynamics 365 is built for scalability.
• Businesses already using Microsoft products: If you use Microsoft Office 365, Azure, or other Microsoft tools, Dynamics 365 integrates seamlessly, making it an even more compelling choice.

However, it might be overkill for smaller businesses that need a simpler, more cost-effective solution. If your business is just starting out or has simpler needs, you might consider other systems (like Odoo or QuickBooks).

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a powerful, flexible, and scalable solution for businesses looking to integrate and streamline their operations. It provides comprehensive functionality for managing everything from finances and supply chain to customer relationships and sales. If your business needs to automate processes, gain deep insights, and scale efficiently, Dynamics 365 is a robust platform that can support your growth.

Would you like to explore specific modules or see how Dynamics 365 could fit into your business? Feel free to ask if you'd like a deeper dive into any specific features or help with getting started!

Microsoft Azure is the cloud computing platform that powers a wide range of services, including virtual machines, storage, databases, AI, analytics, and networking. Azure is one of the leading cloud platforms in the world, alongside Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud.

Key Features of Microsoft Azure:

• Compute Services: Azure provides scalable virtual machines (VMs), container services, and Kubernetes clusters. This allows businesses to run applications, services, and workloads without the need for physical hardware.
• Storage and Databases: Azure offers various storage solutions, including Blob Storage, Disk Storage, and SQL Database, allowing businesses to securely store and manage data.
• AI and Machine Learning: With Azure AI, you can build intelligent apps that leverage machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision. Azure also offers pre-built AI models and tools for customization.
• Analytics: Azure Synapse Analytics and Power BI (part of the Microsoft ecosystem) help organizations manage large datasets, run real-time analytics, and visualize data insights in dashboards.
• Networking: Azure offers secure and scalable networking features such as Virtual Networks, Load Balancers, and VPN Gateway, ensuring seamless connections between your business and cloud infrastructure.
• Security & Compliance: Azure provides built-in security features, such as identity and access management (via Azure Active Directory), encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and compliance with major regulatory standards (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, etc.).

How Azure Can Help Your Business:

• Scalability: Azure is highly scalable, meaning it can easily grow with your business as your infrastructure needs evolve. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, Azure can support your infrastructure and application workloads.
• Flexibility: Azure provides both public and private cloud options, as well as hybrid cloud setups (a combination of on-premise and cloud infrastructure), giving businesses the flexibility to choose what works best for them.
• Cost Efficiency: With Azure, businesses only pay for what they use, which can be more cost-effective than maintaining physical servers and infrastructure.
• Disaster Recovery and Backup: Azure offers cloud-based disaster recovery solutions that ensure your business can continue operating in the event of a disaster or data loss. Azure Site Recovery helps ensure your apps and data are replicated and recoverable.

Use Cases for Azure:

• Hosting websites or web apps.
• Running databases, containers, and virtual machines.
• Running large-scale analytics and AI applications.
• Enabling remote access or creating hybrid environments (connecting your on-premise systems to the cloud).