ZorgSpectrum empowers cloud cost control with FinOps

Enhancing cloud cost visibility at ZorgSpectrum

ZorgSpectrum embarked on its Azure migration journey with the goal of enhancing operational efficiency and performance. Although still in the early stages of adopting cloud services, the organisation planned to gradually shift more workloads to Azure. Simultaneously, ZorgSpectrum recognised the importance of gaining deeper insights into its Azure cloud usage and spending.

During the initial planning phase, led by ZorgSpectrum’s ICT Manager, Richard Peper, the organisation aligned departmental stakeholders to establish clear goals and accountability for cloud spending across business units. Seeking specialised expertise, ZorgSpectrum turned to SoftwareOne for support in implementing a robust FinOps framework.

Implementing the FinOps framework

FinOps, also known as cloud financial management, relies on accurate and comprehensive data to inform cloud investment decisions that align with overall business needs. Properly integrated tools play a crucial role in providing organisations with the intelligence necessary to effectively control and optimise cloud costs.

SoftwareOne collaborated with ZorgSpectrum to create and implement a detailed FinOps framework. This also included the introduction of SoftwareOne’s FinOps platform. The framework offered clear visibility into cloud expenses, enabling efficient management of all cloud-related resources. By identifying inefficiencies, allocating costs accurately, optimising cloud usage, and making data-driven decisions, ZorgSpectrum achieved better control over its Azure spending.

Unlocking the power of FinOps with FinOps Discovery

SoftwareOne FinOps Discovery introduces organisations to the evolving discipline, tools, and projected savings reshaping cloud management. It brings all stakeholders to the table, explaining best practices and helping teams develop an actionable roadmap suited to their business needs and culture. The components of SoftwareOne’s FinOps Discovery Service for ZorgSpectrum included:

• Diagnostics / maturity assessment: This step assessed ZorgSpectrum’s cloud journey progress and evaluated the maturity of existing systems. It provided insights into organisational strengths and weaknesses.
• FinOps fundamentals workshop: ZorgSpectrum participants were introduced to best practices recommended by the FinOps Foundation. The workshop encouraged creative and innovative thinking about cloud usage strategies.
• FinOps platform: SoftwareOne introduced ZorgSpectrum to SoftwareOne’s FinOps platform. Leveraging the FinOps Foundation-certified platform, ZorgSpectrum can efficiently track software and cloud expenditures while enhancing scalability, governance, compliance, connectivity, and security.
• Azure cost management and pricing workshop: Equipped with essential knowledge, ZorgSpectrum now comprehends how to maximise its cloud investments. By diligently monitoring and optimising cloud spending, as well as allocating costs effectively, ZorgSpectrum ensures efficient resource utilisation within its Azure environment.

Strengthening ZorgSpectrum’s FinOps foundation

The FinOps assessment and workshops not only empowered ZorgSpectrum’s stakeholders to implement a comprehensive FinOps framework but also yielded immediate cost-saving insights. For instance, it became evident that Azure optimisation opportunities were underutilised. Consequently, standardised resource allocation processes were put in place, ensuring optimal resource utilisation.

The Azure cost management and pricing workshop provided clear guidelines for managing and controlling costs, resulting in immediate savings on ZorgSpectrum’s cloud expenses. Strategies such as reservations and Azure Hybrid Benefit — a licensing offer designed to support organisations migrating to Azure — have been key to achieving these cost reductions.

Finally, SoftwareOne’s expertise was instrumental in setting up and configuring their certified FinOps platform at ZorgSpectrum. The newly established end-to-end FinOps framework facilitates resource labelling, while management reports offer full visibility into spending — an essential factor in achieving substantial savings.

The SoftwareOne team played a pivotal role in establishing our robust FinOps foundation. They consolidated resource-related information, restructured setups, set up budgets, and optimised our entire cloud environment. Their highly focused support has significantly enhanced our efficiency in the cloud.

– Richard Peper, ICT Manager, ZorgSpectrum