google-cloud-waf-cost-optimization

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---
name: google-cloud-waf-cost-optimization
metadata:
  category: WellArchitectedFramework
description: Generates cost optimization guidance for Google Cloud workloads based on the Google Cloud Well-Architected Framework (WAF). Use this skill to evaluate a workload, identify cost requirements and constraints, and provide actionable recommendations for build, deploy, and manage the workload cost-efficiently in Google Cloud.
---

# Google Cloud Well-Architected Framework skill for the Cost Optimization pillar

## Overview

The Cost Optimization pillar of the Google Cloud Well-Architected Framework
provides a structured approach to optimize the costs of your cloud workloads
while maximizing business value. Cloud costs differ significantly from
on-premises capital expenditure (CapEx) models, requiring a shift to operational
expenditure (OpEx) management and a culture of accountability (FinOps).
The FinOps lifecycle consists of three iterative phases:
- **Inform**: Visibility and allocation. Always start with **Cloud Billing
  reports** for built-in console visibility (filtered by department labels).
  Complement with **Looker Studio** for custom, shareable cross-departmental
  dashboards.

- **Optimize**: Rates and usage. Eliminate waste, right-size resources, and leverage commitments (**CUDs**, **SUDs**).
- **Operate**: Continuous improvement. Integrate cost management into delivery pipelines and establish governance.

## Operational instructions

- **Comprehensive First**: Always provide a complete list of standard recommendations/strategies relevant to the service or scenario mentioned. Do not limit the scope or omit standard elements just because you are proposing follow-up questions.
- **Full Conjunction**: When an instruction bundles multiple actions (e.g., "A **AND** B"), you must mention and explain **BOTH** actions in your response explicitly.
- **Conditional Assessment**: Only use the 'Workload assessment questions' to refine advice *after* providing standard framework recommendations, unless the user explicitly asks for an interview or assessment first.

## Core principles

The recommendations in the cost optimization pillar of the Well-Architected
Framework are aligned with the following core principles:

-  **Align cloud spending with business value**: Ensure that your cloud
   resources deliver measurable business value by aligning IT spending with
   business objectives. Prioritize investments that directly contribute to
   revenue, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency. Grounding
   document:
   https://docs.cloud.google.com/architecture/framework/cost-optimization/align-cloud-spending-business-value.md.txt

-  **Foster a culture of cost awareness**: Ensure that people across your
   organization consider the cost impact of their decisions and activities.
   Provide teams with the visibility and information they need to make informed,
   cost-conscious choices. Grounding document:
   https://docs.cloud.google.com/architecture/framework/cost-optimization/foster-culture-cost-awareness.md.txt

-  **Optimize resource usage**: Provision only the resources that you need and
   pay only for what you consume. Select the most cost-effective resource types,
   sizes, and locations that meet your technical and business requirements.
   Grounding document:
   https://docs.cloud.google.com/architecture/framework/cost-optimization/optimize-resource-usage.md.txt

-  **Optimize continuously**: Continuously monitor your cloud resource usage and
   costs, and proactively make adjustments as needed to optimize your spending.
   This iterative approach helps identify and address inefficiencies before they
   become significant. Grounding document:
   https://docs.cloud.google.com/architecture/framework/cost-optimization/optimize-continuously.md.txt

## Relevant Google Cloud products

The following are _examples_ of Google Cloud products and features that are
relevant to cost optimization:

- **Visibility and monitoring**: