🔬 Chef's Lab: Experimenting with FinOps in the Cloud+ Era
Welcome to the Chef's Lab, where we test new recipes for cost optimization. Today's experiment: FinOps X 2025 and the expansion beyond traditional cloud.
The Evolution from Cloud to Cloud+
At FinOps X 2025, the message was clear: FinOps has evolved beyond AWS, Azure, and GCP bills. The industry is embracing "Cloud+" - applying FinOps principles to ALL variable technology spending:
AI and machine learning infrastructure
GPU costs that can spiral faster than a soufflé falling
SaaS application portfolios
The shadow IT buffet that keeps growing
IT Asset Management (ITAM)
Yes, on-premise still exists and needs cost discipline
Traditional cloud services
Still the foundation, but now part of a larger meal
Expanding the Scopes Framework to Cloud+ Territory
At FinOps X 2025, the focus shifted to applying the existing Scopes framework to new technology spending segments beyond traditional cloud. Think of it as organizing your pantry: you wouldn't store spices with proteins, so why treat all technology spending as one category?
This framework helps you:
Categorize by type
Technology spending by type, not just vendor
Apply strategies
Appropriate optimization strategies to each segment
Track ROI
Across different technology investments
Prevent blind spots
No more cost allocation blind spots
New Tools & Certifications Emerging
Google Cloud's FinOps Hub 2.0
Now includes Gemini-powered assistance, making AI-powered cost recommendations more accessible. It's like having a sous chef who can instantly analyze thousands of spending patterns and suggest optimizations.
FinOps for AI Certification
The FinOps Foundation's new "FinOps for AI" certification acknowledges that managing AI costs requires specialized knowledge. GPU optimization, model training economics, and inference cost management are fundamentally different from traditional compute workloads.
What This Means for FinOps Practitioners
This expansion isn't optional — it's a competitive necessity. Organizations still focused solely on traditional cloud optimization are missing 40-60% of their technology spend. The leaders who master Cloud+ cost management will:
Deploy AI capabilities with predictable costs and clear ROI
Eliminate SaaS sprawl that silently drains budgets
Make informed build-vs-buy decisions with complete cost visibility
Scale technology investments aligned with business value
Implementation Strategy: Your 90-Day Cloud+ Roadmap
Days 1-30: Discovery & Categorization
- ✓ Audit all technology spending beyond traditional cloud
- ✓ Map expenses to FinOps Foundation Scopes framework
- ✓ Identify your top 3 cost optimization opportunities
Days 31-60: Tool Integration & Training
- ✓ Implement AI cost tracking for GPU/ML workloads
- ✓ Deploy SaaS management platforms for subscription visibility
- ✓ Consider FinOps for AI certification for key team members
Days 61-90: Optimization & Governance
- ✓ Apply learned optimization strategies to each Scope
- ✓ Establish governance policies for new technology adoption
- ✓ Set up automated alerting for cost anomalies across all Scopes
Chef's Pro Tip
Don't try to boil the ocean. Start with the Scope that represents your largest unmanaged spend. For most organizations, that's either AI infrastructure or SaaS subscriptions. Master one before moving to the next.
The Bottom Line
The kitchen is getting more complex, but the principles remain unchanged: measure everything, optimize continuously, and align spending with value.
FinOps X 2025 isn't about abandoning what worked — it's about expanding proven techniques across a broader technology landscape. Your cloud cost optimization skills transfer beautifully to AI infrastructure and SaaS management. You just need to adjust the recipe.
Ready to explore Cloud+ optimization? Let's cook up some cost savings together.
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Get comprehensive guides on FinOps, Cloud+ cost optimization, and the latest industry trends from FinOps X 2025.
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