Cloud computing is an essential part of modern business, but it comes with a hidden challenge: costs can quickly spiral out of control. Many organisations don’t realise how much they’re overspending on cloud resources they don’t actually need. Without careful management, businesses end up paying for unused storage, idle virtual machines, and unnecessary data transfers. Fortunately, by identifying and eliminating these inefficiencies, companies can regain control over their cloud budgets and free up resources for innovation.
Are You Paying for Resources You Don’t Use?
It’s easy to lose track of cloud instances that were set up for short-term projects or testing environments. If they’re not actively monitored, they continue running in the background, racking up unnecessary costs. Regular audits can help businesses identify underutilised resources, right-size their cloud usage, and implement auto-scaling to ensure resources match actual demand.
Storing More Than You Need?
Not all data needs to be stored in expensive high-performance tiers. Many businesses mistakenly pay premium rates for data they rarely access. By shifting infrequently used files to lower-cost storage, setting up automatic lifecycle policies, and implementing compression techniques, organisations can significantly cut costs without losing valuable data.
The Hidden Cloud Costs of Data Transfers
Every time data moves across cloud regions or between different providers, businesses incur hidden fees. These data transfer (or egress) charges can add up quickly, especially for organisations running analytics, backups, or multi-cloud setups. To avoid overspending, businesses should keep data within the same region whenever possible, use content delivery networks (CDNs) to optimise traffic, and monitor API calls to reduce unnecessary transfers.
Are You Leaving Old Resources Running?
Orphaned resources, such as abandoned virtual machines, outdated snapshots, and unused load balancers, often go unnoticed. However, they continue to generate costs long after they stop being useful. By implementing automated clean-up routines, tagging resources for better tracking, and setting expiry policies, businesses can ensure that they only pay for what they actually need.
Overspending on Licenses and Subscriptions?
Many organisations sign up for cloud services they barely use or keep unnecessary licenses long after employees stop needing them. Reviewing license usage regularly, consolidating multiple subscriptions under enterprise agreements, and considering pay-as-you-go pricing can all help reduce wasteful spending.
Lack of Cloud Costs Visibility Leads to Overspending
One of the biggest challenges in cloud cost management is not knowing where your money is going. Without proper visibility, teams may exceed budgets without realising it. Cloud cost management tools can provide real-time insights, set up alerts for unexpected expenses, and enforce governance policies to prevent unnecessary spending.
How Surveil Can Help with Cloud Costs
Surveil provides businesses with the clarity they need to take control of their cloud environment. By offering real-time insights into cloud usage, automated cost-saving recommendations, and better resource management, Surveil helps organisations eliminate waste and optimise their cloud for efficiency. Instead of struggling with unpredictable costs, businesses can focus on getting the most value from their cloud investments.
Ready to stop overspending and start optimising? Contact Surveil today to gain complete visibility into your cloud costs and unlock new savings opportunities.