AWS has introduced a new preview feature, Data Exports for FOCUS 1.0, which enables users to export their AWS cost and usage data using the FinOps Open Cost and Usage Specification (FOCUS) 1.0 schema. FOCUS is an open-source standard designed to streamline cloud cost reporting and analysis across various platforms.
Why FOCUS Matters for Cloud Financial Management
In the cloud, cost transparency is key. However, achieving this transparency requires tools and processes to effectively access, analyze, and interpret cost and usage data. While the AWS Cost and Usage Report (CUR) provides detailed insights, consolidating and normalizing data from multiple sources can be time-consuming. FOCUS addresses this challenge by simplifying the process, allowing financial professionals to make faster, data-driven decisions that maximize the value of their cloud investments.
Key Benefits of Data Exports for FOCUS 1.0
AWS’s Data Exports for FOCUS 1.0, built upon the same data as CUR, offers several advantages:
- Standardized cost columns: FOCUS 1.0 presents costs in standardized columns (ListCost, BilledCost, EffectiveCost), ensuring consistency and simplifying discount validation.
- Consistent schema: The standardized schema ensures that billing data, whether cost-related or not, appears in the same columns across different sources.
- Common set of values: FOCUS 1.0 uses a common set of values for fields like service category and usage quantity, eliminating the need for mappings or conversions during aggregation.
According to John Phillips, General Manager of Cloud Financial Management Engineering and Product Management at AWS, “FOCUS solves the time-consuming issue of reconciling billing data from multiple sources by using a standard schema with consistent cost definitions and common values for fields like usage units. This makes it simple for you to combine your cloud cost data from multiple sources into a single view.”
Getting Started with Data Exports for FOCUS 1.0
- Log into the AWS Billing and Cost Management console.
- Navigate to “Data Exports” on the left-hand menu.
- Select the table “FOCUS 1.0 with AWS Columns (Preview)”.
- Create an export using the console, CLI, or SDKs.
You can manage access to the exports via IAM and create up to two free exports per AWS account. For consolidated billing users, the export will include data for the management/payer account and all member accounts.
Understanding the “FOCUS 1.0 with AWS Columns” Table
The table contains 48 columns: 43 based on the FOCUS 1.0 specification and 5 AWS-specific columns (prefixed with “x_”) that provide additional details for FinOps activities. These columns provide a comprehensive view of your costs, including discounts and usage details.
Important Considerations
- The FOCUS 1.0 export is currently in preview, with improvements planned for the general availability release.
- Customers who haven’t implemented discount automation may not be able to fully utilize the export, as AWS needs discounts to be automatically included for accurate BilledCost and EffectiveCost calculations.
- For visualization of FOCUS 1.0 data, the FOCUS Dashboard (Preview) provides a QuickSight dashboard template.
Conclusion
AWS’s Data Exports for FOCUS 1.0 (Preview) is a significant step towards simplifying cloud financial management. By streamlining the process of collecting and analyzing cost data, it empowers businesses to optimize their AWS spending and make more informed decisions about their cloud resources.