> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.harness.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.harness.io/university/readme/cloud-cost-management.md). # Cloud & AI Cost Management Learn Cloud & AI Cost Management through Harness University Save time, reduce effort, and save on your cloud bill with intelligent cloud cost automation. Detect and stop cloud and AI cost anomalies as they occur, to avoid unpleasant billing surprises with a FinOps approach. Go to [Harness University](/university/readme.md) for the full catalogue of courses and certifications. ## Self-Paced Training Free self-paced courses that you can consume on your own time.
Harness Platform FundamentalsSelf-paced video course introducing the Harness Platform.
Product version: Free Plans of any module		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-platform-fundamentals
Introduction to AI AgentsSelf-paced tidbit introducing the Custom AI Agents.
Product version: Paid Plans of any module		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-custom-ai-agents
Cloud & AI Cost ManagementSelf-paced video course introducing Harness Cloud & AI Cost Management.
Product version: Harness CACM Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-harness-cloud-cost-management
Introduction to Cost CategorizationSelf-paced tidbit introducing Cost Categorization.
Product version: Harness CACM Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-introduction-to-cost-categorization
Introduction to Building Nested Cost CategoriesSelf-paced tidbit introducing Building Nested Cost Categories.
Product version: Harness CACM Free Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/self-paced-training-tidbit-introducing-building-nested-cost-categories
## Instructor-Led Training Intensive two-day courses are designed for engineers looking to deepen their understanding and expertise in Harness.
Introduction to the Harness PlatformSelf-paced hands-on, prerequisite course to all module-specific ILT courses.
Product version: Paid Plans of any module		https://university-registration.harness.io/introduction-to-the-harness-platform
Cloud & AI Cost ManagementDeep dive into advanced Cloud and AI Cost Management concepts supporting FinOps.
Product version: Harness CACM Paid Plans		https://university-registration.harness.io/ilt-cloud-cost-management
## Certifications Test and validate your knowledge of Harness by becoming a Harness Certified Expert. {% tabs %} {% tab title="For Developer" %} ### Cloud & AI Cost Management - Developer ![Cloud & AI Cost Management - Developer badge](https://2307127582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Feh03Q8VHpO02MFM5nUSL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8c9932280d244566f31ef46e228d86b33aced799%2Fcert_dev_ccm_badge.svg?alt=media) **Product version:** Harness CCM Free Plans Assesses the fundamental skills to to detect and stop cloud cost anomalies as they occur. #### Review Study Guide | Topic | Material | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **1. Implement and Optimize Cloud Cost Management** | | | Define and Streamline FinOps Strategies: Develop financial operations strategies to manage and optimize cloud expenses. | [Key Concepts](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/get-started/key-concepts) | | Allocate and Track Cloud Expenses: Enable precise allocation and tracking of cloud expenses across different dimensions or units like "Product Squads". | [Analyze costs using perspectives](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/perspectives) | | **2. Efficiently Manage Cloud Resources** | | | Automate Resource Management: Utilize CCM features like Autostopping to optimize and automate resource utilization and management. | [Cost optimization](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-optimization/ccm-recommendations/home-recommendations) | | Implement Asset Governance: Employ asset governance rules to manage and control cloud resources effectively, ensuring they are utilized or deprovisioned accordingly. | [Summary of your asset governance rules](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-governance/asset-governance/gov-overview/) | | **3. Achieve Transparency in Cloud Spending** | | | Develop Insights into Spending: Employ CCM to provide a clear overview and insights into cloud spending across various resources and services. | [Cost categories overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/ccm-cost-categories/ccm-cost-categories/) | | Address Unallocated Costs: Utilize features that help in identifying and managing unallocated costs in cloud resources. | [View Cluster Cost Dashboard](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/use-ccm-dashboards/cluster-cost-dashboard/) | | **4. Optimize and Right-Size Resources** | | | Implement Resource Optimization Recommendations: Utilize CCM to provide and implement recommendations to optimize resources effectively. | [Cost Optimization Recommendations](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/recommendations) | | Rightsize Cloud Resources: Ensure resources like EC2 instances are rightly sized based on usage patterns and requirements. | [Detect cloud cost anomalies](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/anomaly-detection/getting-started-with-ccm-anomaly-detection) | | **5. Enabling Efficient Cloud Governance and Compliance** | | | Enhance Cloud Asset Governance: Implement Cloud Asset Governance to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize unnecessary resource utilization. | [Summary of your asset governance rules](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-governance/asset-governance/gov-overview/) | | Tag and Track AWS Resources: Automatically tag AWS resources for better governance and cost tracking. | [Analyze cost for AWS](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/use-ccm-dashboards/aws-dashboard/) | | **6. Manage and Allocate Budgets Effectively** | | | Allocate Budgets to Different Units: Distribute budgets to various departments or units effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability. | [Create a budget](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-governance/ccm-budgets/create-a-budget/) | | Manage and Monitor Budgets: Implement budget alerts and monitor budget expenditure through CCM to avoid overspends. | [Using the Budget Dashboard](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-governance/ccm-budgets/create-a-budget/#using-the-budget-dashboard) | | **7. Provide Comprehensive Data and Analytics** | | | Enable Data Availability and Analytics: Ensure comprehensive data about cloud costs is available and easily analyzable via CCM. | [Data Ingestion for Cluster Dashboard](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/use-ccm-dashboards/cluster-cost-dashboard/#data-ingestion-for-cluster-dashboard) | | Set Up and Utilize Dashboards: Implement dashboards to visualize, track, and manage cloud expenses and utilization in real-time. | [Access the CCM dashboard](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/use-ccm-dashboards/access-ccm-dashboards#access-the-ccm-dashboards) | [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/cloud-cost-management-developer) #### Exam Details The Cloud Cost Management Developer exam tests your knowledge and skills of the Harness Cloud Cost Management module. **Prerequisites** * Basic terminal skills * Basic understanding of on premise or cloud cost structure. **Exam Details** Exam Duration: 90 minutes Question Type: Multiple choice | Covered Domain | Percentage | | -------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | | Implement and Optimize Cloud Cost Management | 25% | | Efficiently Manage Cloud Resources | 20% | | Achieve Transparency in Cloud Spending | 15% | | Optimize and Right-Size Resources | 10% | | Enabling Efficient Cloud Governance and Compliance | 15% | | Manage and Allocate Budgets Effectively | 10% | | Provide Comprehensive Data and Analytics | 5% | **Exam Objectives**
List of Objectives The following is a detailed list of exam objectives: | # | Objectives | | --- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | 1 | **Implement and Optimize Cloud Cost Management** | | 1.1 | Define and Streamline FinOps Strategies. | | 1.2 | Allocate and Track Cloud Expenses. | | 2 | **Efficiently Manage Cloud Resources** | | 2.1 | Automate Resource Management. | | 2.2 | Implement Asset Governance. | | 3 | **Achieve Transparency in Cloud Spending** | | 3.1 | Develop Insights into Spending. | | 3.2 | Address Unallocated Costs. | | 4 | **Optimize and Right-Size Resources** | | 4.1 | Implement Resource Optimization Recommendations. | | 4.2 | Rightsize Cloud Resources. | | 5 | **Enabling Efficient Cloud Governance and Compliance** | | 5.1 | Enhance Cloud Asset Governance. | | 5.2 | Tag and Track AWS Resources. | | 6 | **Manage and Allocate Budgets Effectively** | | 6.1 | Allocate Budgets to Different Units. | | 6.2 | Manage and Monitor Budgets. | | 7 | **Provide Comprehensive Data and Analytics** | | 7.1 | Enable Data Availability and Analytics. | | 7.2 | Set Up and Utilize Dashboards. |
**Next Steps** The Cloud Cost Management Developer exam can start immediately after registering. Please allow up to 90 mins for the exam. 1. Create an account in Harness University 2. Register for an exam 3. Take the exam [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/cloud-cost-management-developer) {% endtab %} {% tab title="For Administrator" %} ### Cloud & AI Cost Management - Administrator ![Cloud & AI Cost Management - Administrator badge](https://2307127582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Feh03Q8VHpO02MFM5nUSL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6ede075a7b39ea6d7d3d92af716c05e1cd9f08de%2Fcert_adm_ccm_badge.svg?alt=media) **Product version:** Harness CCM Paid Plans Assess key technical job functions and advanced skills in design, implementation and management of CCM. #### Review Study Guide | Objective | Material | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **1. Cloud Cost Management Fundamentals** | | | Explain the core concepts and principles of cloud cost management. | [CCM Key Concepts](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/get-started/key-concepts) | | Identify key cost drivers and factors affecting cloud expenses. | [CCM Overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/get-started/overview#what-is-cloud-cost-management) | | Understand the financial implications of different cloud service models (e.g., IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). | [CCM Recommendations](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/recommendations) | | **2. Cloud Cost Monitoring and Analysis** | | | Set up cost monitoring and reporting tools within Harness. | [Cost Reporting](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/perspectives) | | Analyze cloud cost data to identify cost optimization opportunities. | [Cost Optimization](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/recommendations) | | Create customized cost reports and dashboards for different stakeholders. | [Cost categories overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/ccm-cost-categories/ccm-cost-categories/) | | **3. Resource Tagging and Allocation** | | | Implement a resource tagging strategy for tracking cloud costs. | [View CCM dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/use-ccm-dashboards/access-ccm-dashboards) | | Allocate costs to specific departments, teams, or projects based on resource tags. | [View CCM dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/use-ccm-dashboards/access-ccm-dashboards) | | Ensure accurate and granular cost allocation to improve cost visibility. | [View and apply recommendations](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-optimization/ccm-recommendations/home-recommendations) | | **4. Cost Optimization Strategies** | | | Develop cost optimization strategies tailored to specific cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP). | [CCM Recommendations](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/recommendations) | | Identify and implement cost-saving measures, such as reserved instances, spot instances, and scaling policies. | [AutoStopping Rules overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-optimization/optimize-cloud-costs-with-intelligent-cloud-auto-stopping-rules/auto-stopping-rules) | | Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of cost optimization efforts. | [View CCM dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/use-ccm-dashboards/access-ccm-dashboards) | | **5. Budgeting and Forecasting** | | | Create and manage budgets for cloud spending. | [Create a budget](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-governance/ccm-budgets/create-a-budget) | | Forecast future cloud costs based on historical data and usage trends. | [Projected Cost](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-governance/ccm-budgets/create-a-budget#projected-cost) | | Implement alerts and notifications to proactively manage budget overruns. | [Configure Alerts for CCM](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-governance/ccm-budgets/create-a-budget#configure-alerts) | | **6. Cost Allocation and Chargeback** | | | Establish a cost allocation framework to distribute cloud costs accurately among business units or customers. | [Cost categories overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/ccm-cost-categories/ccm-cost-categories/) | | Implement chargeback mechanisms to invoice internal or external stakeholders based on their cloud resource consumption. | [Cost categories overview](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/ccm-cost-categories/ccm-cost-categories/) | | Ensure compliance with cost allocation and chargeback policies. | [Cost governance](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/asset-governance) | | **7. Security and Compliance in Cost Management** | | | Address security considerations when dealing with cost management data and tools. | [Perform root cost analysis](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/root-cost-analysis/perform-root-cost-analysis/) | | Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) in handling cost-related information. | [Overview of Cloud asset governance](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-governance/asset-governance/asset-governance) | | Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to secure cost management resources. | [Manage access control for CCM dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/access-control/manage-access-control-for-ccm-dashboards) | | **8. Integration with Cloud Services** | | | Integrate Harness Cloud Cost Management with various cloud service providers and data sources. | [CCM Onboarding Guide](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/get-started-with-ccm) | | Automate data collection and ingestion processes for real-time cost tracking. | [CCM Onboarding Guide](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/get-started-with-ccm) | | Leverage APIs and connectors for seamless integration with cloud platforms. | [CCM Onboarding Guide](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/get-started-with-ccm) | | **9. Cost Management Best Practices** | | | Promote best practices for cost management across the organization. | [CCM Recommendations](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/recommendations) | | Collaborate with stakeholders to align cost management efforts with business goals. | [CCM Perspectives](https://developer.harness.io/docs/category/perspectives) | | Stay updated with the latest cloud cost management trends, tools, and industry benchmarks. | [View CCM dashboards](https://developer.harness.io/docs/cloud-cost-management/use-ccm-cost-reporting/use-ccm-dashboards/access-ccm-dashboards) | [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/cloud-cost-management-administrator) #### Exam Details The Cloud Cost Management Administrator exam tests your knowledge and skills of the Harness Cloud Cost Management module. **Prerequisites** * Basic terminal skills * Intermediate understanding of on-premise or cloud architecture * This exam builds upon the [Cloud Cost Management Developer Exam](/university/readme/cloud-cost-management.md) **Exam Details** | Exam Type | Duration | | ------------------ | ----------- | | **Knowledge Exam** | 90 minutes | | **Hands On Exam** | 120 minutes | | Covered Domain | Percentage | | ------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | | **1. Cloud Cost Management Fundamentals** | 15% | | **2. Cloud Cost Monitoring and Analysis** | 10% | | **3. Resource Tagging and Allocation** | 10% | | **4. Cost Optimization Strategies** | 10% | | **5. Budgeting and Forecasting** | 15% | | **6. Cost Allocation and Chargeback** | 10% | | **7. Security and Compliance in Cost Management** | 10% | | **8. Integration with Cloud Services** | 10% | | **9. Cost Management Best Practices** | 10% | **Exam Objectives**
List of Objectives The following is a detailed list of exam objectives: | # | Objective | | ----- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **1** | **Cloud Cost Management Fundamentals** | | 1.1 | Explain the core concepts and principles of cloud cost management. | | 1.2 | Identify key cost drivers and factors affecting cloud expenses. | | 1.3 | Understand the financial implications of different cloud service models (e.g., IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). | | **2** | **Cloud Cost Monitoring and Analysis** | | 2.1 | Set up cost monitoring and reporting tools within Harness. | | 2.2 | Analyze cloud cost data to identify cost optimization opportunities. | | 2.3 | Create customized cost reports and dashboards for different stakeholders. | | **3** | **Resource Tagging and Allocation** | | 3.1 | Implement a resource tagging strategy for tracking cloud costs. | | 3.2 | Allocate costs to specific departments, teams, or projects based on resource tags. | | 3.3 | Ensure accurate and granular cost allocation to improve cost visibility. | | **4** | **Cost Optimization Strategies** | | 4.1 | Develop cost optimization strategies tailored to specific cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP). | | 4.2 | Identify and implement cost-saving measures, such as reserved instances, spot instances, and scaling policies. | | 4.3 | Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of cost optimization efforts. | | **5** | **Budgeting and Forecasting** | | 5.1 | Create and manage budgets for cloud spending. | | 5.2 | Forecast future cloud costs based on historical data and usage trends. | | 5.3 | Implement alerts and notifications to proactively manage budget overruns. | | **6** | **Cost Allocation and Chargeback** | | 6.1 | Establish a cost allocation framework to distribute cloud costs accurately among business units or customers. | | 6.2 | Implement chargeback mechanisms to invoice internal or external stakeholders based on their cloud resource consumption. | | 6.3 | Ensure compliance with cost allocation and chargeback policies. | | **7** | **Security and Compliance in Cost Management** | | 7.1 | Address security considerations when dealing with cost management data and tools. | | 7.2 | Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) in handling cost-related information. | | 7.3 | Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to secure cost management resources. | | **8** | **Integration with Cloud Services** | | 8.1 | Integrate Harness Cloud Cost Management with various cloud service providers and data sources. | | 8.2 | Automate data collection and ingestion processes for real-time cost tracking. | | 8.3 | Leverage APIs and connectors for seamless integration with cloud platforms. | | **9** | **Cost Management Best Practices** | | 9.1 | Promote best practices for cost management across the organization. | | 9.2 | Collaborate with stakeholders to align cost management efforts with business goals. | | 9.3 | Stay updated with the latest cloud cost management trends, tools, and industry benchmarks. |
**Next Steps** The Cloud Cost Management Administrator exam can start immediately after registering. Please allow up to 90 mins for the knowledge exam and up to 2 hours for the hands on exam. 1. Create an account in Harness University 2. Register for an exam. There is a $50 fee for the exam 3. Review the [instructions for the Hands On Exam](/university/readme/instructions.md) 4. Take the exams 1. There will be a knowledge and hands on portion. [**Register for Exam**](https://university-registration.harness.io/cloud-cost-management-administrator) {% endtab %} {% tab title="For Architect" %} ### Cloud & AI Cost Management - Architect (BETA COMING SOON) ![Cloud & AI Cost Management - Architect (BETA COMING SOON) badge](https://2307127582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Feh03Q8VHpO02MFM5nUSL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-910104da7b1becede27d1aaad4e2008517ea295c%2Fcert_arc_ccm_badge.svg?alt=media) **Product version:** Harness CCM Paid Plans {% hint style="info" %} **Coming soon** This certification is in beta and not yet open for registration. {% endhint %} Assess key technical job functions and advanced skills in design, implementation and management of CCM. {% endtab %} {% endtabs %}