EC2 Optimize MS SQL Server License

Opportunity Name:

EC2 Optimize MS SQL Server License

AWS Resource Type:

EC2

Opportunity Description:

This finder identifies EC2 instances running Microsoft SQL Server that may be optimized for licensing costs. It leverages AWS Compute Optimizer to filter SQL Server opportunities, aiming to reduce licensing costs without compromising performance.

Criteria for identifying the opportunity:

• Identify all EC2 instances as candidates in CUR and use Compute Optimizer to filter SQL Server opportunities.
• Annual cost, extrapolated from the last 31 days of usage, exceeds the annual public cost threshold (default $100).
• Instances must not be tagged with 'cloudfix_dont_fix_it' to be considered.
• Compute Optimizer must be enabled for the account.
• CloudWatch Application Insights must be enabled for detailed recommendations.

Potential savings (range in % on annual basis):

• For License Included (LI) instances, savings are calculated as a percentage of the annual cost based on AWS Compute Optimizer recommendations.
• For Bring Your Own License (BYOL) instances, savings are estimated based on nominal estimates reported by Compute Optimizer, as actual license costs are not available in CUR.

Can CloudFix apply an automatic fix?

No

Other considerations:

• Performance impact: Optimizing SQL Server licenses should not impact the performance of the instances. Recommendations are made to ensure cost savings without compromising on performance.
• Data loss considerations: There is no data loss expected as this finder only provides recommendations for licensing optimization without making changes to instance configurations or data.
• Security concerns: No direct security implications. However, enabling CloudWatch Application Insights and Compute Optimizer requires appropriate IAM permissions.

Additional Resources:

• Getting Started with AWS Compute Optimizer
• CloudWatch Application Insights