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, from the benefits of hosting a hackathon to 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 and increased cost visibility but also deepened our collaborative spirit and sharpened our FinOps practices.

Kicking Off with a Bang

On 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 update 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 highlights the power of our collaborative efforts and 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 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.

Benefits of Hosting a Hackathon: 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 but 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. We’ll continue to nurture this network as we move forward.

Moving Forward: The Road Ahead

As we close this chapter, we’re not resting on our laurels. The next steps involve embedding the hackathon’s outcomes 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.

Benefits of Hosting a Hackathon: 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!