Screaming in the Cloud

The Hidden Costs of Cloud Computing with Jack Ellis

Feb 27, 2024

The podcast covers hidden costs of AWS services, efficient data movement, S3 versioning impact, AWS Compute Optimizer benefits, IPv4 address charges, on-premise data centers consideration, cloud vs on-premise economics, role of consultants, and future of cloud management

35:17

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Episode guests

Jack Ellis

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Identifying and addressing inefficient AWS spending at a per page view level led Fathom Analytics to protect profits and sustain financial investment.

Streamlining infrastructure by optimizing Lambda usage and CloudWatch practices enhanced Fathom Analytics' cost efficiency and operational performance.

Deep dives

Key Cost Driver - Importance of Addressing AWS Bill Early

Recognizing the big cost driver for their AWS bill, Fathom Analytics proactively addressed inefficient spending on a per page view level. Despite being bootstrapped, they prioritized optimizing costs to protect profits and investment in their business. By identifying potential cost escalation early, they avoided future budget challenges and maintained financial sustainability.

Introduction

3min

Optimizing Cloud Spending and Architecture Efficiency

11min

Exploring Permissions, Data Access Patterns, and Cost Optimization in Cloud Computing

2min

Evolution of ATOMIS Compute Optimizer and Cloud Resource Cost Considerations

2min

Analyzing the Implications of AWS Charges and Transition to IPV6

2min

Navigating Cloud Infrastructure Challenges

15min

On this week’s episode of Screaming in the Cloud, Corey Quinn is joined by Jack Ellis. He is the technical co-founder of Fathom Analytics, a privacy-first alternative to Google Analytics. Corey and Jack talk in-depth about a wide variety of AWS services, which ones have a habit of subtly hiking the monthly bill, and why Jack has moved towards working with consultants instead of hiring a costly DevOps team. This episode is truly a deep dive into everything AWS and billing-related led by one of the best in the industry. Tune in.

Show Highlights

(00:00) - Introduction and Background
(00:31) - The Birth of Fathom Analytics
(03:35) - The Surprising Cost Drivers: Lambda and CloudWatch
(05:27) - The New Infrastructure Plan: CloudFront and WAF Logs
(08:10) - The Unexpected Costs of CloudWatch and NAT Gateways
(10:37) - The Importance of Efficient Data Movement
(12:54) - The Hidden Costs of S3 Versioning
(14:33) - The Benefits of AWS Compute Optimizer
(17:38) - The Implications of AWS's New IPv4 Address Charges
(18:57) - Considering On-Premise Data Centers
(21:05) - The Economics of Cloud vs On-Premise
(24:05) - The Role of Consultants in Cloud Management
(31:05) - The Future of Cloud Management
(33:20) - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

About Jack Ellis

Technical co-founder of Fathom Analytics, the simple, privacy-first alternative to Google Analytics.

Links:

Twitter: @JackEllis
Website: https://usefathom.com/
Blog Post: An alterNAT Future: We Now Have a NAT Gateway Replacement
Sponsor: Oso - osohq.com

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Screaming in the Cloud

The Hidden Costs of Cloud Computing with Jack Ellis

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Key Cost Driver - Importance of Addressing AWS Bill Early

Lambda and CloudWatch Surprises - Inefficient Usage and Cost Impact

Optimizing Infrastructure - Transition to CloudFront and WAF Logs

Strategic Cost Management - Leveraging Managed Services and Consulting

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts