Embrace a Customized & Smarter Approach for AWS Well-Architected Reviews 

The AWS Well-Architected Review is a systematic assessment based on the AWS Well-Architected Framework. This review helps organizations evaluate their workloads against AWS best practices across six key pillars. The process identifies areas for improvement to enhance the overall architecture, leading to more resilient, secure, and cost-effective solutions​.

As an AWS Certified Well-Architected Partner, CloudKeeper recognizes that every cloud environment has its unique challenges. We understand that no two organizations have the same level of maturity or capabilities. CloudKeeper, offers a smarter approach and a more customized approach to AWS Well-Architected  Reviews, addressing challenges such as lengthy questionnaires, generic suggestions, & unclear action plans. Learn more about it here.

The AWS Well-Architected Framework is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the design and operation of cloud systems on AWS. This includes professionals like:

• Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)
• Cloud Architects
• Developers
• Operations Team Members

AWS suggests a three-phase approach towards the whole AWS Well-Architected Review Process - Prepare, Review, and Improve - which involves thorough preparation for the review, analyzing the current architecture, identifying various risks, and implementing resolutions as per priority. 
 

CloudKeeper follows a six-step AWS well-architected review process. Before diving into the AWS Well-Architected Review we conduct thorough consultations to understand your unique infrastructure and its gaps, your capabilities, and your desired outcomes from the review.
Pre-WAR Essential: A 90-minute detailed discussion for a deep understanding of your
infrastructure and goals.
Post-WAR Essential: A 90-minute detailed discussion to finalize actionable recommendations
based on your maturity level.

• Step 1: Initial Assessment to Understand the Current State
• Step 2: Workload  Identification
• Step 3: An In-depth & Automated Architectural Review
• Step 4: Identification of  Potential Risks & Opportunities
• Step 5: A Personalized Roadmap for Improvement
• Step 6: End-to-end Implementation Support

Ideally, a cross-functional team should be involved, including cloud architects, security experts, developers, and key stakeholders from business and financial teams. This ensures that the review comprehensively covers both technical and business objectives​. 

While the AWS Well-Architected Tool itself is free, working with a certified AWS Well-Architected partner may involve costs. However, CloudKeeper offers a zero-cost AWS Well-Architected Review.

There isn’t a single answer for how often you should do an AWS Well-Architected Review—it depends on your specific situation. AWS recommends conducting a Well-Architected Review periodically, especially after major updates or changes in your workloads. It’s beneficial to review before significant events, like new product launches or expanding operations, to ensure infrastructure readiness.​

Here are some cases where more frequent reviews make sense:

• Frequent Changes: If your AWS environment changes a lot with new features or updates, regular reviews help you keep things optimized and secure.
• Focused Improvements: If you're especially concerned about one area, like security or cost, reviewing that pillar more often can help address it better.
• Major Events or Milestones: Big events, like launching a new application or moving from test to production, are great times for a review.
  For stable, well-organized environments, you may not need reviews as frequently. Look at how critical your workloads are, how developed your cloud setup is, and your company’s goals to decide the best review schedule for your needs.

The customized AWS Well-Architected Review by CloudKeeper provides a precise action plan detailing exactly what needs to be done in the next 30, 60, and 90 days. It’s like having a GPS for your cloud journey.

Our action plan not only tackles current challenges but also prepares you for ongoing growth and adaptation.  CloudKeeper also offers comprehensive support throughout your cloud optimization journey, ensuring that recommendations are implemented correctly and effectively. Our dedicated team of certified experts are with you every step of the way until you achieve cloud efficiency.

An AWS Well-Architected Partner is a certified consulting partner recognized by AWS for their expertise in implementing the AWS Well-Architected Framework. These partners have the skills, expertise, and resources to conduct AWS Well-Architected Reviews, helping organizations assess and improve their cloud environments based on best practices across all the key pillars.

An AWS Premier Partner, with 15+ years of cloud expertise, CloudKeeper stands out as one of the most experienced AWS Well-Architected Partners. CloudKeeper was ranked in the top 5 AWS Well-Architected Partners globally in the challenge conducted by AWS and has successfully completed 500+ AWS well-architected reviews.

 Ensure your AWS Well-Architected Partner checks yes to the below questions.

• Do they take the time to understand current state & company specifics(needs, challenges, desired outcomes, maturity level)?   
• Is their process simple, efficient, and streamlined?
• Are their recommendations customized to your needs?
• Do they provide a clear action plan on how to improve your infra?
• Will they guide you on the implementation of the action plan?
• Are they certified AWS Well-Architected Partners and have enough experience?
   

The AWS well-architected review is conducted across 6 pillars: 

• Operational Excellence
• Security 
• Reliability
• Performance Efficiency
• Cost Optimization
• Sustainability