Why 60% of Cloud Spending Is Wasted ? - The Brilliant Basics of Cloud FinOps

Over the years, I’ve noticed a peculiar pattern in cloud adoption and FinOps maturity across organizations. Whether you’re just beginning your cloud journey or proudly flaunting a “mature” cloud practice, you’re likely missing some of the brilliant basics.

Don’t just take my word for it — consider this: Gartner predicts that by 2026, 60% of cloud costs will be wasted due to poor management (Source: Gartner, 2022). That’s right, over half of what you’re paying for the cloud could be money down the drain.

Let’s face it: no one intentionally ignores the fundamentals. It’s just that these essentials often seem too small to prioritize — or they get buried under big, shiny projects. But make no mistake: these basics are the backbone of effective cloud FinOps. And ignoring them? Well, let’s just say it’s like trying to build a skyscraper on sand.

Why Are These Basics Overlooked?

Let’s get real: it’s not that organizations don’t care about costs. It’s just that priorities, human nature, and organizational inertia often get in the way.

“We’re Too Busy”:
Teams are under pressure to ship features and meet deadlines. Cost optimization? That’s tomorrow’s problem (until it isn’t).

“It’s Too Complex”:
Tagging and automation might sound complicated, but they’re not. Explaining to your CFO why you overspent, on the other hand…