COST05-BP06: Implement processes to regularly evaluate new services
Establish systematic processes to continuously evaluate new AWS services, features, and pricing models that could provide better cost optimization opportunities. Regular evaluation ensures you take advantage of AWS innovations and evolving cost optimization options.
Implementation guidance
Regular evaluation of new services involves establishing systematic processes to stay current with AWS service innovations, pricing changes, and new cost optimization opportunities. This proactive approach ensures your organization can quickly adopt new services that provide better cost-effectiveness.
Continuous Service Evaluation
Service Monitoring: Stay informed about new AWS service launches, feature updates, and pricing changes that could impact your cost optimization strategy.
Opportunity Assessment: Regularly assess how new services could replace or complement existing solutions to reduce costs or improve efficiency.
Pilot Programs: Implement structured pilot programs to test new services in controlled environments before full adoption.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Perform systematic cost-benefit analysis for new services considering migration costs, operational changes, and long-term benefits.
Evaluation Framework
Regular Review Cycles: Establish quarterly or bi-annual review cycles to evaluate new services and opportunities.
Cross-functional Teams: Involve technical, financial, and business stakeholders in evaluation processes to ensure comprehensive assessment.
Standardized Criteria: Use consistent evaluation criteria and frameworks to compare new services against existing solutions.
Decision Documentation: Document evaluation decisions and rationale to build organizational knowledge and improve future evaluations.
AWS Services to Consider
Implementation Steps
1. Establish Evaluation Framework
- Define evaluation criteria and processes
- Create standardized assessment templates
- Establish review schedules and responsibilities
- Set up information gathering and monitoring systems
2. Create Information Sources
- Subscribe to AWS announcements and updates
- Establish relationships with AWS account teams
- Join AWS user groups and communities
- Set up automated monitoring for service updates
3. Implement Regular Review Process
- Schedule quarterly service evaluation meetings
- Create cross-functional evaluation teams
- Develop pilot program processes
- Establish decision-making workflows
4. Develop Pilot Programs
- Create standardized pilot frameworks
- Define success criteria and metrics
- Establish testing environments and processes
- Document pilot results and lessons learned
5. Create Adoption Processes
- Develop service adoption workflows
- Create training and documentation processes
- Establish migration and implementation plans
- Set up monitoring and optimization processes
6. Monitor and Optimize
- Track adoption success and cost impacts
- Gather feedback and lessons learned
- Continuously improve evaluation processes
- Share knowledge across the organization
New Service Evaluation Framework
Service Evaluation Manager
Service Evaluation Templates
New Service Evaluation Template
Service Evaluation Dashboard
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Information Overload from New Service Announcements
Solution: Implement filtering and prioritization mechanisms. Focus on services relevant to your current architecture and cost optimization goals. Use automated tools to screen and categorize new services.
Challenge: Limited Resources for Evaluation
Solution: Prioritize evaluations based on potential impact and strategic alignment. Create lightweight evaluation processes for initial screening. Use cross-functional teams to share evaluation workload.
Challenge: Keeping Up with Rapid Service Evolution
Solution: Establish regular review cycles and automated monitoring. Subscribe to relevant AWS communication channels. Build relationships with AWS account teams for early insights.
Challenge: Balancing Innovation with Stability
Solution: Use structured pilot programs to test new services safely. Implement gradual adoption strategies. Maintain clear criteria for when to adopt new services versus maintaining current solutions.
Challenge: Measuring Success of New Service Adoption
Solution: Define clear success metrics before adoption. Implement comprehensive monitoring and tracking. Conduct post-adoption reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future evaluations.