google-cloud-waf-cost-optimization

SKILL.md

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