COST10-BP01: Develop a workload review process
Establish systematic processes to regularly review workloads for new service adoption opportunities, cost optimization potential, and architectural improvements based on evolving AWS services. A structured review process ensures continuous optimization and innovation adoption.
Implementation guidance
A workload review process involves establishing systematic, repeatable procedures to evaluate workloads against new AWS services, features, and best practices. This process ensures that workloads remain optimized as AWS evolves and new cost optimization opportunities become available.
Review Process Components
Service Discovery: Systematic monitoring of new AWS service announcements, feature updates, and pricing changes that could impact workload costs or performance.
Workload Assessment: Regular evaluation of current workload architecture, performance, and costs to identify optimization opportunities and areas for improvement.
Gap Analysis: Comparison of current workload implementation against new service capabilities and best practices to identify potential improvements.
Cost-Benefit Evaluation: Comprehensive analysis of the costs and benefits of adopting new services, including migration costs, operational changes, and long-term benefits.
Risk Assessment: Evaluation of risks associated with adopting new services, including technical, operational, and business risks.
Process Framework
Structured Methodology: Standardized evaluation criteria, templates, and procedures to ensure consistent and thorough reviews across all workloads.
Cross-Functional Teams: Involvement of technical, financial, and business stakeholders to ensure comprehensive evaluation from multiple perspectives.
Documentation Standards: Consistent documentation of review findings, decisions, and rationale to build organizational knowledge and support future reviews.
Decision Governance: Clear decision-making processes and approval workflows for new service adoption and workload changes.
AWS Services to Consider
Implementation Steps
1. Define Review Framework
- Establish review objectives and success criteria
- Define review scope and frequency for different workload types
- Create standardized evaluation criteria and templates
- Set up governance processes and approval workflows
2. Create Review Templates and Tools
- Develop workload assessment templates and checklists
- Create cost-benefit analysis frameworks
- Build risk assessment methodologies
- Implement tracking and reporting mechanisms
3. Establish Information Sources
- Set up monitoring for AWS service announcements
- Create relationships with AWS account teams and solution architects
- Subscribe to relevant AWS blogs, whitepapers, and documentation
- Join AWS user groups and communities for insights
4. Form Review Teams
- Identify stakeholders and assign review responsibilities
- Create cross-functional review teams with appropriate expertise
- Define roles and responsibilities for review processes
- Provide training on review methodologies and tools
5. Implement Review Cycles
- Schedule regular review meetings and activities
- Create review calendars and milestone tracking
- Implement review documentation and knowledge sharing
- Establish feedback loops and continuous improvement processes
6. Track and Optimize Process
- Monitor review process effectiveness and outcomes
- Measure optimization results and business impact
- Continuously improve review processes based on feedback
- Share learnings and best practices across the organization
Workload Review Process Framework
Workload Review Manager
Review Process Templates
Workload Review Process Template
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Keeping Up with Rapid Service Evolution
Solution: Implement automated monitoring of AWS announcements and updates. Create filtering mechanisms to focus on relevant services. Establish relationships with AWS account teams for early insights and guidance.
Challenge: Resource Constraints for Reviews
Solution: Prioritize reviews based on workload criticality and optimization potential. Use automation to reduce manual effort. Create lightweight review processes for low-risk evaluations.
Challenge: Balancing Innovation with Stability
Solution: Use structured risk assessment and pilot programs. Implement gradual rollout strategies. Maintain clear criteria for when to adopt new services versus maintaining current solutions.
Challenge: Measuring Review Effectiveness
Solution: Define clear success metrics and KPIs for reviews. Track optimization outcomes and business impact. Implement feedback loops to improve review processes continuously.
Challenge: Cross-Team Coordination
Solution: Establish clear roles and responsibilities for reviews. Create standardized communication processes. Use collaborative tools and documentation to facilitate coordination.