Cloud FinOps, 2nd Edition: Collaborative, Real-Time Cloud Value Decision Making

by J.R. Storment

FinOps brings financial accountability to the variable spend model of cloud. Used by the majority of global enterprises, this management practice has grown from a fringe activity to the de facto discipline managing cloud spend. In this book, authors J. R. Storment and Mike Fuller outline the process of building a culture of cloud FinOps by drawing on real-world successes and failures of large-scale cloud spenders.

Engineering and finance teams, executives, and FinOps practitioners alike will learn how to build an efficient and effective FinOps machine for data-driven cloud value decision-making. Complete with a road map to get you started, this revised second edition includes new chapters that cover forecasting, sustainability, and connectivity to other frameworks.

You'll the DNA of a highly functional cloud FinOps culture; a road map to build executive support for FinOps adoption; how to understand and forecast your cloud spending; how to empower engineering and finance to work together; cost allocation strategies to create accountability for cloud and container spend; strategies for rate discounts from cloud commitments; when and how to implement automation of repetitive cost tasks; and how to empower engineering team action on cost efficiency.

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Technology, Software, Computer Science, Finance, Nonfiction, Engineering, Business

Audible Audio

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[Gronk · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to pass the Linux Foundation's FinOps Certified Practitioner exam, this is a useful read. But get the second edition not the first because the exam is full of finops domain stuff that is only in that second edition.
As for this book, it's a fine intro but for the love of citrus fruit this topic is horribly uninteresting. Useful but I'd rather memorize pi to 75 places than spend another day with this dreadful stuff. And no I don't want to memorize pi to 75 places but at least it'd be a party trick.

(Yes I passed the exam, thank you very much.)

[Wojtek Gawroński · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a perfect and needed book. It structures a lot of terms that are often coined and embraced by just one cloud provider.

Moreover, it justifies very well why it should be called FinOps. Plus, it does not focus purely on theory but provides examples and stories from the bigger and smaller companies about how FinOps helped.

Overall, I really enjoyed that book, and that's definitely not the last time I'm reading it.

[Derek]

Despite many uncertainties in cloud computing, one truth is evident: costs will always tend to go up unless you're actively engaged in the process. Whether you're new to managing cloud spend or a seasoned pro, this book will clarify the often misunderstood workings of cloud billing fundamentals and provide expert strategies on creating a culture of cloud cost management in your organization.

Drawing on real-world examples of successes and failures of large-scale cloud spenders, this book outlines a road map for building a culture of FinOps in your organization. Beginning with the fundamental concepts required to understand cloud billing concepts, you'll learn how to enable an efficient and effective FinOps machine.

Learn how the cloud works when it comes to financial management Set up a FinOps team and build a framework for making spend efficiency a priority Examine the anatomy of a cloud bill and learn how to manage it Get operational...

[Qing Wang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's undoubtedly a very good book to get to know the new discipline of FinOps, perhaps the only book or at least the first to go through.

Nevertheless, what made me want to write something is the afterword, about what to prioritize (the story is at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/its-la...).

Life is unpredictable, while work gives us the illusion that we can be in control of something, or at least to a greater degree than we do with life. But that's not to say people choose to work so they can avoid the agonies of life. To maintain a balance between work and life doesn't mean one must be 8 hours fully merged into work, while the rest of the day totally oblivious to the salaried tasks but only live a life.

There is a purpose in life. Unless one is really unlucky, part of that purpose is in the occupation/profession one chooses. Be honest with oneself, what we want for life, why, and whether it really matters.

[Francois D’Agostini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a great book for anyone getting serious on FinOps. It explains all the concepts beautifully and has the right balance between details and keeping a high level.

It is a mix of tech, organizational and business books around the cloud cost structure.

I like the fact that it lays down all the important concepts and does not get into too much detail that would make the book much longer and less relevant.
I just did a FinOps certification just after reading this book and passed it. So I guess it is a pretty good book :)

Of course, a lot of learning cycles are still needed on a dedicated CSP to get more operational expertise. But at least, this book provides the right foundation to start your FinOps journey efficiently

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to the topic of cloud financial management and sets the groundwork for success in this area. The topics aren't as deep or helpful as I expected. nonetheless this book does a decent job of going wide on this emerging area of expertise. The stories are interesting but are typcally also shallow and the lessons are difficult to apply. The book seems to continually try to make the case for itself being written, where the field and need seems clear from the outset. perhaps I self-selected since i work in the space.

[Jeff Mousty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I’m a little torn with this book and the right rating to give it. In the end I gave it 4 stars but if I could I would rate 5 stars for FCP practitioner prep, but only 3 stars from an overall finops perspective.

The book is very good for those that will be on the centralized finops team. I think it falls short for those on the front lines incurring/causing the costs.

It’s a light easy read and will educate you on finops and enable you to get your fcp practitioner badge.

Enjoy!

[Michel Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a compendium of all topics related to FinOps.
Those who are new in this field will discover everything that you need to start and thrive in this area.
But for experienced (like me), added so little.

Avoid everyone reading until the end. The final part shocked a lot of me and makes me think about more of work-life balance and taking care of our family in the same degree we handle our jobs.

[Stephen Heverin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who is involved in using the cloud should read this book to understand costs. You can skip the chapter that gets into the details of specific discounts because they change frequently. But regardless of being a technical or non-technical role this will help you understand how to get the most out of your cloud usage. One of the most clear guides on helping you to really understand cloud financial management.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great guide to beginning the Cloud FinOps journey, which has been my work assignment for most of 2021. I re-visited this book several times as a reference. Kudos to J.R. Storment for leading the charge into FinOps through his work with this book and the FinOps Foundation. I've really enjoyed the journey and all of its challenges so far!

[Lama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!! Super duper helpful information on setting up FinOps/ leading practices/ lifecycle of FinOps/ key capabilities.. etc
Knew near nothing about FinOps or, frankly, even Cloud prior to picking this up. I feel pretty well versed on the topic as a result of reading this. Came in super useful for client workshops and delivering a maturity assessment.

[Oleksandr Pochapskyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a comprehensive overview of the FinOps area for those who want to start or improve this practice in their organization. I like that it not only talks about the technicalities of the area but also its promotion in the organization, operational aspects, stakeholder management, etc. Highly recommended

[Alanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️🎧 This book provides a basic overview of Cloud FinOps. I used this audiobook + the FinOps Foundation course to study for the FinOps Certified Practitioner certification. The exam was more specific than I anticipated, so I was glad I had also listened to this audiobook to reinforce my understanding of the key concepts.

[Erik Molnar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as part of a book club for work. Some great ideas and concepts in here. This is an excellent book to go to for anything FinOps in the cloud. The ending ruined it for me though. So sad. I feel terrible for the author. Life is short. Work to live, don't live to work.

[Dino Jurina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a great overview of potential savings using committed usage discounts on the three biggest cloud providers. Coming from more technical than financial/managerial background, I've expected more technical/architectural advices from a book of this length

[Hierony Manurung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book described practical approach how to start applying FinOps in your organization, no matter the where's currently the maturity of the org. I enjoyed every bit of this book, and I'm looking forward to get FinOps certification after this.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly well done book into a very specific work topic.

[Trent Hegemier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read for work. That’s about it