FunOps- Concluding Our FinOps Hackathon
It has taken a while to write the final chapter of this blogging series. If you missed part 1 and part 2 you can read them here. In this final step it's time to reflect on the hackathon journey we've undertaken and the achievements we've unlocked along the way. From the initial kick-off to the final implementation, the hackathon has not only brought us significant savings, increase cost visibility but also deepened our collaborative spirit and sharpened our FinOps practices.
Kicking Off with a Bang
The day of the hackathon we began with a focused kick-off session designed to align everyone on the goals and expectations. From there, we moved to a dedicated chat room where all the action unfolded. This virtual space quickly became the hub of collaboration and updates sharing, with the FinOps team and participants working side by side. By constantly highlighting the achievements in the room, we managed to keep the energy high and the momentum strong, pushing every team to bring their A-game.
A Tesla Model X Worth of Savings and More
The results speak for themselves. We closed savings equivalent to the cost of a Tesla Model X—over $100,000 in annual savings. This figure not only highlights the power of our collaborative efforts but also sets a new benchmark for what we can achieve together. But the impact didn’t stop there. One of the standout outcomes was the significant progress we made on tagging, a critical aspect of our FinOps strategy. This success enabled us to kick-start a tagging hygiene process, ensuring that our systems are cleaner and more efficient moving forward.
Lessons Learned and Insights Gained
Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Some teams faced hurdles with tagging, but their determination to overcome these issues—with the necessary approvals—proved to be a key learning point. The most valuable insight, however, was the importance of preparation. The groundwork laid by the team members before the event was the cornerstone of our success. It became clear that without this level of readiness, we wouldn’t have achieved the same level of impact.
Building Bridges and Strengthening Connections
One of the most rewarding outcomes of the hackathon was the positive vibe that permeated the event. The experience wasn’t just about the financial gains; it was about building bridges between teams and individuals. The relationships formed during this event have already started to pay dividends, with easier access to key contacts and a stronger network of FinOps practitioners within our organization. This network is something we’ll continue to nurture as we move forward.
Moving Forward: The Road Ahead
As we close this chapter, we’re not just resting on our laurels. The next steps involve embedding the outcomes of the hackathon into our everyday FinOps practices. The tagging hygiene process is just the beginning. We’ll be iterating on the processes we’ve developed, ensuring they remain effective and impactful.
We’re also excited about the potential for future collaborations. The connections made during this event will be invaluable as we tackle upcoming FinOps challenges. While our current focus is on internal improvements, there’s no doubt that some of our successes could eventually be shared with the broader FinOps community, contributing to the collective knowledge and best practices in the field.
Final Thoughts
The FunOps Hackathon has been an incredible journey—one that has not only delivered tangible results but has also strengthened our community and collaboration. As we continue to build on the foundations we’ve laid, we look forward to what the future holds. Here’s to more innovation, more savings, and more Fun in FinOps!