The 13th annual Amazon Web Services (AWS) re:Invent conference took place December 2–6, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. With more than 60,000 AWS community members attending, it ranks as one of the largest gatherings in the IT industry. Attendees flocked to the event to explore the latest breakthroughs in cloud computing. Our team joined them, spending the week connecting with partners and customers, networking with practitioners, and engaging with industry analysts to explore the evolving FinOps landscape. Read on for our top 3 takeaways from AWS re:Invent 2024.

1. AI stole the spotlight

Just like fashion trends, technology trends cycle through waves, and this year, it’s all about AI. Similar to the Google Next conference last April, AWS re:Invent 2024 put AI and generative AI (GenAI) front and center.

From keynotes to breakout sessions, meeting suites, and everywhere in between, everyone was talking about AI. Everywhere you turned, the burning question was “What’s your company’s AI strategy?” While many businesses are still experimenting and exploring possibilities, the pressure to develop a cohesive approach is mounting. Meanwhile, analysts and technology partners eagerly await the use cases that will emerge as AI becomes more mainstream.

AI was at the core of AWS’s announcements during this year’s re:Invent. One of the many notable announcements focused on the new Amazon Bedrock Marketplace. With this, AWS is unlocking access to more than 100 AI models. The marketplace will allow customers to easily find the best models for their unique use cases. Another key announcement was the launch of an AI Security competency for partners. This enables customers to identify trusted partners with deep expertise in securing AI applications and defending against cyberattacks.

Are you ready for the impact of AI on your cloud costs? Invest in a trusted FinOps platform as part of your AI strategy.

2. FinOps is more than just cost optimization 

Walking around the show floor at AWS re:Invent 2024, I saw many companies pitching cost savings of 20%–50%. As highlighted in the State of FinOps 2024 by the FinOps Foundation, reducing waste is many organizations’ top priority. However, conversations around accountability, ownership, and architectural decisions are essential for long-term success and shouldn’t be overlooked.

In the FinOps market, there are niche players focused solely on optimization. But many organizations need a more comprehensive approach to managing their cloud spend. FinOps is about more than just terminating zombies and purchasing commitment-based discounts. It’s also about taking a holistic approach that accounts for cost allocation, unit economics, and your overall cloud strategy.

This is where FinOps-native platforms like Ternary come in. Instead of just chasing immediate savings, Ternary empowers teams to make smarter decisions that align with long-term business goals.

3. The power of partnerships

Partnerships drive our industry, enabling us to offer more comprehensive solutions, stay ahead of the curve, and expand our reach. Through alliances with cloud providers, technology partnerships with third-party integrations, and channel partnerships with resellers and managed service providers, we build strong relationships with other companies and people to unlock mutual benefits.

People prefer working with companies they can rely on—those that are credible, transparent, and consistently deliver on their promises. That’s why leading channel partners increasingly choose Ternary as their trusted FinOps partner.

In the world of FinOps, the stakes are high. Managing cloud costs, optimizing budgets, and ensuring financial visibility across teams demands deep technical expertise, clear communication, transparency, and a collaborative approach. Partners work with us because we understand their challenges, meet their customers’ needs, and deliver solutions that drive mutual success.

A photograph of Bob Kilbride, Dan Greer, Sasha Kipervarg, and Marie (Bruke) Brown at AWS re:Invent 2024
Ternary teammates at AWS re:Invent 2024

Ready to learn more?

Whether you attended AWS re:Invent 2024 or you’re just starting to consider how FinOps can further your AWS and multi-cloud goals, we hope you found these takeaways helpful. Feel free to contact us to share your takeaways from the event or request a demo to learn more about Ternary.