The Evolving AWS Well-Architected Framework

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The AWS Well-Architected Framework has undergone significant updates to adapt to the evolving landscape of cloud computing, particularly in response to advancements in data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML).

These changes to the framework continue to ensure that organisations can design and operate secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient infrastructure for their applications.

Evolution of the AWS Well-Architected Framework

The framework was first introduced in 2015 to guide cloud architects in building resilient and efficient applications.
Originally it was centred around five key pillars—Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, and Cost Optimisation. Over the years, AWS has refined the framework to ensure it remains relevant in an ever-changing cloud landscape.

In 2021, AWS added the Sustainability pillar, emphasising the importance of environmental considerations in cloud architecture. So the current version now has six key pillars:

  1. Operational Excellence
  2. Security
  3. Reliability
  4. Performance Efficiency
  5. Cost Optimisation
  6. Sustainability

By 2022, AWS had introduced dedicated pages for each consolidated best practice across all six pillars, enhancing prescriptive guidance. By December 2024, more than 75% of the Framework’s best practices had been improved, reflecting AWS’s commitment to continuous enhancement.

Impact of Data, AI, and Machine Learning on the Framework

The rapid advancement of data analytics, AI, and ML has significantly influenced the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
Recognising the unique challenges and requirements of ML workloads, AWS introduced the Machine Learning Lens. This extension provides tailored guidance for designing and operating ML workloads, ensuring they align with the framework’s best practices.

The Machine Learning Lens addresses various aspects of the ML lifecycle, including data processing, model training, deployment, and monitoring. It emphasises principles such as automation, reproducibility, and continuous improvement, which are crucial for maintaining the reliability and performance of ML systems. By integrating these principles, organisations can build ML workloads that are not only effective but also sustainable and secure.

Additionally, AWS has acknowledged the role of generative AI in expediting and scaling Well-Architected Framework reviews.

By automating document analysis and utilising a knowledge base aware of the framework, organisations can conduct rapid and in-depth assessments. This integration of AI streamlines the evaluation process, helping organisations build secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient infrastructure.

External Perspectives on the Framework’s Evolution

Industry experts have observed that the 2023 updates to the AWS Well-Architected Framework reflect AWS’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of modern enterprises. The updates span all pillars of the framework, offering businesses a more comprehensive roadmap for navigating the digital landscape.

Additionally, discussions around building resilient AI systems highlight the relevance of well-architected design. The framework can be applied to different phases of the AI lifecycle, including business goal setting, ML problem framing, and data processing, ensuring that AI initiatives are robust and aligned with organisational objectives.

AWS Architecture Training

To support professionals in mastering the AWS Well-Architected Framework and its applications in AI and ML, AWS offers a range of courses:

  • Architecting on AWS 3-day course: This course covers the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on AWS, focusing on the AWS Well-Architected Framework. It is ideal for those new to AWS architecture or preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.
  • Advanced Architecting on AWS 3-day course: This is a professional level course that builds on your knowledge from Architecting on AWS and dives deeper into complex, scalable, and secure solutions. It covers multi-account strategies, hybrid connectivity, advanced networking, security, high availability, and cost management.
  • Practical Data Science with Amazon SageMaker 1-day course: This course adds to the core architecture skills by providing hands-on experience in building, training, and deploying ML models using Amazon SageMaker.

Achieving Certification

Obtaining the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification will validate your ability to design secure, scalable, and cost-efficient cloud solutions, demonstrating expertise in AWS best practices. And if you have at least 2 years of experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS, then you could go for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification.
These certifications enhance career opportunities by making you a more competitive candidate for cloud architecture roles, as AWS certifications are highly respected in the industry.

Get started with Bespoke Training

The AWS Well-Architected Framework has evolved to incorporate advancements in data, AI, and ML, providing organisations with comprehensive guidance to build and operate robust cloud infrastructures. Through continuous updates and training opportunities, Bespoke ensures that professionals are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern cloud architectures.

For individuals and organisations seeking official AWS Associate or Advanced Architecture training courses, feel free to view our Training Directory for our current public schedule courses.

Bespoke can also offer customised programs including team lunch and learns on the framework and can run flexible training courses if you have at least 5 students to upskill. The latest training will ensure that your team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement architecture best practices effectively.

Get in touch with Bespoke to talk through the best options available for you and your team.

Mastering the End-to-End Machine Learning Workflow

Machine Learning (ML) is no longer confined to research labs—it’s powering business decisions, automating workflows, and driving innovation across industries. However, the real challenge isn’t just building a model; it’s managing the entire lifecycle, from data preparation to deployment. Without a structured approach, even the most promising ML models can fail to deliver value.

In this blog, we’ll break down the end-to-end ML workflow and explore best practices to ensure your models don’t just work in theory, but in production.

Step 1: Data Preparation – The Foundation of ML Success

Machine learning starts with data. The quality, diversity, and volume of your data will ultimately determine how well your model performs. Data engineers and data scientists spend a significant amount of time cleaning, transforming, and labelling data to ensure it’s suitable for training.

Key considerations in this phase include:

  • Data collection: Sourcing relevant and representative data from structured and unstructured sources
  • Data cleaning: Handling missing values, removing duplicates, and addressing inconsistencies
  • Feature engineering: Transforming raw data into meaningful features that improve model performance

For a deeper dive into data preparation, Confessions of a Data Guy has a handy quick guide to data engineering on AWS that offers insights into best practices and tools for managing large datasets.

Step 2: Model Development – Building Intelligence

Once your data is ready, it’s time to select and train a machine learning model. This involves:

  • Choosing the right algorithm: Different tasks (e.g., classification, regression, clustering) require different models. Frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch can help
  • Hyperparameter tuning: Adjusting parameters to optimise model performance
  • Cross-validation: Ensuring the model generalises well by testing on multiple data splits.

This stage is highly iterative, requiring experimentation and refinement. Tools like Amazon SageMaker streamline this process, providing pre-built algorithms, managed infrastructure, and automated model tuning.

Step 3: Deployment – Bringing ML to Life

Deploying a machine learning model is where many projects stall. A common mistake is treating model deployment as an afterthought rather than an integral part of the ML workflow.

Key deployment considerations include:

  • Scalability: Can the model handle real-world traffic and large-scale data inputs?
  • Monitoring & maintenance: How will you detect model drift and retrain when needed?
  • Integration: How will the model connect to applications, APIs, or data pipelines?

This is where MLOps—Machine Learning Operations—becomes critical. By applying DevOps principles to ML, teams can automate deployment, manage version control, and continuously monitor model performance. Platforms like MLOps Workload Orchestrator on AWS provide infrastructure and best practices to streamline this process.

Optimising the Full ML Lifecycle

A well-designed ML workflow isn’t just about building a great model—it’s about ensuring that the entire pipeline, from data ingestion to deployment, runs smoothly and efficiently. Organisations that adopt a structured approach to ML gain a competitive edge by reducing time to market, improving model accuracy, and ensuring long-term reliability.

If your organisation is exploring machine learning, having the right expertise and tools in place is essential. Bespoke offers training to help teams build their ML capabilities, including the MLOps Engineering on AWS course—a three-day deep dive into automating and managing ML deployments effectively.

Bespoke is also set to release a brand-new AWS Associate-level Machine Learning course, designed to make ML skills more accessible to professionals looking to break into the field.

At Bespoke, we specialise in helping businesses leverage AWS machine learning solutions effectively. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimise an existing ML workflow, we can guide you to the right AWS training and resources.

Get in touch with Bespoke today to explore how AWS training can support your machine learning journey.

10 Essential AWS Tools for Data Engineers

Data engineers are the backbone of modern data-driven organisations, building and maintaining the pipelines that make vast amounts of data accessible for analysis.

AWS offers a rich portfolio of services tailored for data engineering, enabling scalability, efficiency, and innovation.

Let’s explore the top 10 essential AWS services that every data engineer should know:

Top 10 Essential AWS Services for Data Engineers

  1. Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service) The go-to service for storing raw, processed, and analytical data. With features like object lifecycle management and intelligent tiering, S3 is perfect for cost-effective data storage.
  2. AWS Glue A managed ETL (extract, transform, load) service that simplifies data preparation and cataloguing. Glue DataBrew further enables visual data preparation for less technical users.
  3. Amazon Redshift A fully managed data warehouse that handles analytics workloads at scale. Redshift’s seamless integration with other AWS services makes it ideal for large-scale data engineering projects.
  4. Amazon Kinesis A suite of tools (Data Streams, Firehose, Analytics) for real-time data ingestion and processing. Kinesis allows engineers to handle streaming data efficiently.
  5. AWS Lambda A serverless compute service perfect for automating ETL tasks, orchestrating workflows, and responding to data pipeline events without managing infrastructure.
  6. Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service) Supports managed databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server. Ideal for transactional data processing and integrating structured data into pipelines.
  7. Amazon DynamoDB A fully managed NoSQL database for unstructured or semi-structured data. Its scalability and low-latency capabilities make it invaluable for real-time applications.
  8. Amazon EMR (Elastic MapReduce) Provides a framework for processing massive datasets using big data tools like Apache Hadoop and Spark. A staple for complex data transformations and machine learning workloads.
  9. Amazon OpenSearch Service Enables full-text search, log analysis, and monitoring. Useful for making unstructured data more accessible and actionable.
  10. Amazon QuickSight A business intelligence service that allows data engineers to visualise and share insights from data processed through pipelines.

Data Engineering ILT Courses and Certifications in 2025

AWS offers a range of instructor-led training (ILT) courses specifically designed for data engineers. Key courses in 2025 include:

  • Building Batch Data Analytics Solutions on AWS (1-day) – Learn how to design, build, and manage scalable batch data analytics solutions using AWS services such as AWS Glue, Amazon EMR, and Amazon Athena.
  • Building Data Analytics Solutions Using Amazon Redshift (1-day) – Gain the skills to design, optimise, and manage data warehousing solutions using Amazon Redshift, including data ingestion, transformation, and querying for high-performance analytics.
  • Building Data Lakes on AWS (1-day) – Understand how to design and implement a scalable, secure, and cost-effective data lake on AWS using services such as Amazon S3, AWS Glue, and AWS Lake Formation.
  • Building Streaming Data Analytics Solutions on AWS (1-day)– Learn how to process and analyse real-time data streams using AWS services like Amazon Kinesis, AWS Lambda, and Amazon Managed Streaming for Apache Kafka (MSK).
  • Architecting on AWS (3-day): A foundational course for understanding how to design scalable and resilient systems on AWS, including data pipelines.

Certifications like the AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate provide validation of your expertise, boosting career prospects and credibility.

Why Bespoke AWS Data Engineering Training?

Navigating the vast array of AWS services can be daunting, especially for data engineers aiming to build robust and scalable solutions. Bespoke Training offers AWS courses designed to meet your specific needs.

Whether you’re looking to master data integration with Glue, optimise analytics pipelines with Redshift, or secure your data using IAM and KMS, our instructor-led training ensures you gain practical, hands-on experience.

With courses customised for individuals or teams, we empower you to harness AWS services effectively, elevating your career and business outcomes. Explore our AWS data engineering training today or get in touch and take the next step in your professional journey.

Major Trends Driving Data Centre Innovation

The data centre industry has undergone remarkable transformations over the last decade. With the increasing demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence (AI), and edge computing, data centres are no longer just repositories for storing information.

They have become the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, supporting everything from streaming services to mission-critical applications.

But as we look to the future, what innovations and trends can we expect to shape data centres?

1. Sustainability Takes Centre Stage

One of the most pressing challenges for data centres is energy consumption. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centres and data transmission networks accounted for around 1.3% of global electricity use in 2024. As environmental concerns grow, the industry is under increasing pressure to adopt greener practices. The future will likely see greater investment in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and innovations in energy-efficient cooling technologies.

Hyperscale data centres operated by companies like Google and Microsoft are already pioneering sustainability efforts. For instance, Microsoft has committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030. Data centres of the future will need to follow suit, leveraging smart grid technology and AI-powered energy management systems to optimise energy use.

2. The Rise of Edge Computing

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the need for low-latency applications, such as autonomous vehicles and real-time analytics, are driving the shift towards edge computing. Instead of relying solely on centralised data centres, edge computing brings computation and storage closer to the end-user.

This decentralised model reduces latency and improves performance, making it essential for industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. We can expect to see a significant increase in micro-data centres strategically located closer to urban centres and even within industrial facilities.

3. AI and Automation

AI is set to revolutionise the management of data centres. Machine learning algorithms can predict hardware failures, optimise server workloads, and even adjust cooling systems in real-time to save energy. By 2028, AI workloads are projected to grow two to three times faster than traditional data centre workloads, accounting for 15–20% of total data centre capacity.

Additionally, robotics and automation are expected to play a larger role in physical data centre operations. Tasks like server maintenance, cable management, and hardware installation could soon be handled by robotic systems, reducing human error and increasing efficiency.

4. Enhanced Security Measures

As data breaches become more sophisticated, the future of data centres will hinge on robust security frameworks. Zero-trust architectures, where every user and device is continuously authenticated, will become the norm. Additionally, quantum computing, while a potential security risk, could also offer new methods for encrypting sensitive data.

5. Modular and Scalable Designs

To meet growing demands, data centres will need to adopt modular designs that allow for rapid scaling. Prefabricated modules, which can be deployed and integrated quickly, will become increasingly popular. This approach not only speeds up deployment but also reduces costs and environmental impact.

Bespoke Training for Your Data Upskilling Needs

As data centres evolve, so too must the skills of the professionals who manage and operate them. Staying ahead in this dynamic industry requires continuous learning and upskilling.

At Bespoke Training, we offer AWS and Microsoft courses designed to help you master the latest technologies and trends in cloud computing, data management, and AI. Whether you’re an IT manager, data architect, or engineer, our expert-led training ensures you’re equipped for all future challenges in your organisation.

Discover how we can help future-proof your career in the ever-changing world of data centres. Get in touch with us today and we can help you create a learning plan to point your learning needs in the right direction.

Improving CI/CD Pipelines with Azure DevOps Services

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Tech teams are currently faced with a fast-paced software development environment, where efficiency and collaboration are paramount. Continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) pipelines have become critical components in delivering high-quality software at speed.

Azure DevOps Services, Microsoft’s suite of development tools, provides an integrated platform to enhance these pipelines, offering teams a seamless way to manage the entire software development lifecycle.

Let’s delve into the world of Azure DevOps and look at key services and tools that can really move the needle for software development:

What is Azure DevOps?

Azure DevOps is a cloud-based suite of tools designed to support teams in planning, developing, testing, and delivering software. The platform includes services like Azure Repos, Azure Pipelines, Azure Boards, Azure Test Plans, and Azure Artifacts.

These tools cater to diverse needs, from version control and build automation to project management and testing, ensuring a cohesive workflow.

Key Azure DevOps Services for CI/CD

1. Azure Repos

Azure Repos provides unlimited private Git repositories for version control. Developers can work collaboratively, review code through pull requests, and ensure quality using branch policies. By integrating with Azure Pipelines, changes in code repositories can automatically trigger builds and deployments, streamlining the CI/CD process.

2. Azure Pipelines

Azure Pipelines is a powerful tool for building, testing, and deploying code across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports a variety of programming languages and frameworks, such as .NET, Java, Python, and Node.js. Azure Pipelines integrates seamlessly with GitHub, Bitbucket, and other repositories, enabling automated workflows from code commit to production deployment.

3. Azure Boards

Effective project management is crucial for CI/CD. Azure Boards offers work item tracking, Kanban boards, and agile tools to help teams plan and monitor progress. By connecting Azure Boards with Azure Pipelines, teams can link work items to code changes and builds, enhancing traceability and accountability.

4. Azure Test Plans

Testing is a cornerstone of a reliable CI/CD pipeline. Azure Test Plans provides manual and exploratory testing capabilities to ensure software quality. It integrates with Azure Pipelines for automated test execution, making it easier to identify and address issues early in the development cycle.

5. Azure Artifacts

Azure Artifacts simplifies dependency management by hosting and sharing packages such as NuGet, npm, and Maven. Teams can create and manage package feeds directly within Azure DevOps, ensuring that CI/CD pipelines have access to the necessary components for successful builds and deployments.

Benefits of Azure DevOps for CI/CD Pipelines

These are the four key benefits that help tech teams that use Azure DevOps tools:

  • Automation and Efficiency: Azure DevOps automates repetitive tasks, reducing human error and speeding up delivery cycles.
  • Scalability: With its cloud-based infrastructure, Azure DevOps scales effortlessly to accommodate growing teams and projects.
  • Integration and Flexibility: Azure DevOps integrates with numerous third-party tools and services, allowing teams to customise their workflows.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time updates, shared repositories, and linked work items foster collaboration across distributed teams.

Upskilling in Azure DevOps with Bespoke Training

To get started with Azure DevOps, Bespoke Training offers flexible training courses tailored to your team’s needs. Courses like AZ-400T00: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions, AZ-204T00: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure, and AZ-2001: Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer provide practical knowledge to help teams master Azure DevOps tools and methodologies.

Bespoke Training ensures that your team is equipped with the latest best practices and skills to optimise your CI/CD pipelines. Get in touch for customised flexible training sessions that align with your organisational goals and set your team up for success.

Future-Proof Your Tech Team with Critical Skills

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As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, equipping your tech team with the right skills is no longer optional—it’s essential. Future-proofing your team ensures they’re not only able to handle current challenges but will be in the habit of investing their time and energy in regular upskilling.

Here are the critical skills your tech team needs to thrive in the ever-changing tech landscape:

1. Cloud Computing

Cloud adoption has become a cornerstone of modern IT strategies. From running applications to managing data, the cloud offers unmatched scalability and flexibility. Tech teams should prioritize skills in leading platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

Key Skill Areas:

  • Cloud architecture
  • Cost optimisation
  • Cloud security
  • Serverless computing

2. Cybersecurity

As cyber threats grow in complexity, organisations face increasing pressure to safeguard their systems and data. A strong cybersecurity foundation is critical for tech teams. You can learn more about building robust security practices by adopting a strong cybersecurity framework.

Key Skill Areas:

  • Threat detection
  • Incident response
  • Encryption
  • Zero-trust architecture

3. AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionising industries, driving automation, and unlocking new efficiencies. Tech teams that harness these technologies can create transformative solutions.

Key Skill Areas:

  • Data modelling
  • Natural language processing
  • AI ethics

4. Data Analytics and Visualisation

The ability to extract insights from data is invaluable for informed decision-making. Teams need to be adept at analytics tools and visualisation platforms to turn raw data into actionable intelligence.

Key Skill Areas:

  • Data wrangling
  • Predictive analytics
  • Tools like Power BI and Tableau

5. DevOps and Automation

DevOps practices streamline development and operations, enabling faster delivery of reliable software. Automation is equally critical for reducing manual effort and increasing productivity.

Key Skill Areas:

  • Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD)
  • Infrastructure as code (IaC)
  • Containerization

Investing in your tech team’s development today is the best way to future-proof your organisation for tomorrow. By prioritising these critical skills, you’ll ensure your team remains agile, innovative, and ready to tackle whatever challenges the future holds.

How Bespoke Training can help

At Bespoke Training, we recognise that staying ahead requires more than just foundational knowledge. Our AWS and Microsoft courses empower your team with the critical skills needed to excel across cloud computing, security, data analytics, and more.

Whether you’re starting with the basics or looking to advance your team’s capabilities, our hands-on, expert-led courses provide actionable knowledge tailored to real-world challenges. From mastering AWS’s cost optimisation tools to exploring the full potential of Microsoft Azure, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to future-proof your tech team? Explore our course offerings or get in touch today for a free cloud skills assessment that ensures your organisation stays competitive.

Migrating On-Premises Applications to Azure

As organisations increasingly seek the scalability, cost efficiency, and innovation opportunities of the cloud, migrating on-premises applications and workloads to Microsoft Azure has become a strategic priority.

Let’s have a look at the essential steps to ensure a seamless migration process, from planning to post-migration optimisation.

1. Assess Your Current Environment

Begin by evaluating your on-premises infrastructure and applications.

Use tools like the Azure Migrate service to analyse workloads, identify dependencies, and estimate costs. This stage helps you categorise applications into candidates for rehosting, refactoring, rearchitecting, or retiring.

2. Define the Migration Strategy

Choose an appropriate migration approach based on the applications’ complexity and business requirements. Common strategies include:

  • Rehosting (Lift-and-Shift): Migrating applications with minimal changes. Ideal for quick transitions.
  • Refactoring: Modifying applications to optimise them for cloud scalability.
  • Rearchitecting: Rebuilding applications to take full advantage of Azure’s cloud-native features.
  • Retiring: Decommissioning outdated or redundant applications.

3. Plan Your Migration

Develop a comprehensive migration plan that includes:

  • Resource mapping: Match your on-premises resources to Azure services.
  • Downtime considerations: Plan around maintenance windows to minimise business disruption.
  • Compliance and security: Ensure data sovereignty and compliance with regulations like The Spam Act or GDPR.

Azure provides compliance offerings to assist organisations in meeting global standards.

4. Set Up Your Azure Environment

Before migrating workloads, prepare your Azure environment by:

  • Creating resource groups to organise and manage resources.
  • Configuring a Virtual Network (VNet) to ensure secure connectivity.
  • Setting up Identity and Access Management (IAM) with Azure Active Directory.

Refer to Microsoft’s guide on Azure Architecture Best Practices for configuration recommendations.

5. Migrate Applications and Data

Use Azure-native tools for migration:

  • Azure Migrate: A central hub for migrating servers, databases, and virtual machines.
  • Database Migration Service (DMS): Migrate databases with minimal downtime.
  • Azure Site Recovery (ASR): Ensure business continuity by replicating workloads.

Begin with less critical workloads to test your migration plan, scaling up once processes are validated.

6. Test and Validate

After migration, rigorously test applications to ensure functionality and performance. Use Azure Monitor for real-time insights into system health and Azure Application Insights for troubleshooting.

7. Optimise Post-Migration

Once live, optimise costs, performance, and security by:

  • Leveraging the Azure Cost Management and Billing tool to monitor expenses.
  • Enabling autoscaling for applications to handle varying workloads.
  • Applying Azure Security Centre recommendations to strengthen security.

8. Train your Team and Update Processes

Empower your team with training on Azure services and adapt processes for cloud operations. There are FREE training options available such as Microsoft Learn, which is a great starting place that offers free resources to upskill your workforce.

9. Monitor and Maintain

Finally, implement a robust monitoring strategy. Use Azure Monitor and Log Analytics to identify anomalies and ensure ongoing performance.

Get expert guidance with Bespoke Training

Migrating on-premises applications to Azure requires careful planning, the right tools, and a focus on optimisation—skills that are essential for success.

Bespoke Training offers customised Microsoft courses designed to equip your team with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilise Azure services and implement best practices. Our experienced instructors provide hands-on guidance to ensure your team gains the confidence required to migrate to Microsoft Azure successfully.

Talk to Bespoke and let us help you get the skills you need to make your Azure migration a success.

Use AWS Jams To Master Real-World Cloud Skills

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The rapid pace of cloud technology requires constant learning and adaptation. One innovative way Bespoke Training is bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills is through AWS Jams.

But what exactly are AWS Jams, and why have they become a popular training format for cloud professionals?

AWS Jams are gamified, immersive, hands-on learning sessions designed to push students beyond basic cloud concepts, placing them in simulated environments where they must solve real-world challenges.

Typically conducted in groups, these experiences are a blend of learning, competition, and practical application. While AWS training traditionally focuses on learning AWS services through lectures or guided labs, Jams take it a step further by challenging participants to apply their skills to scenarios that mimic actual business or security situations.

How AWS Jams Work

During an AWS Jam, participants are presented with a series of scenarios, referred to as challenges, which they must solve within a set timeframe. Each challenge is unique and demands a mix of creative thinking, technical know-how, and collaboration. These challenges span a broad range of AWS competencies, such as security, artificial intelligence, data analytics, DevOps, and more.

Teams compete to earn points based on how quickly and accurately they resolve challenges, with real-time leaderboards adding an extra layer of excitement. The format of AWS Jams makes them highly engaging and an excellent means of reinforcing critical cloud skills in a short period.

Also, the competitive aspect helps participants stay focused, collaborate efficiently, and think critically — all essential skills in today’s workplace.

Benefits of AWS Jams

  • Real-World Experience: AWS Jams simulate real-world challenges, allowing participants to develop solutions that can directly translate into their professional tasks. This hands-on, trial-by-fire approach makes it easier to retain and apply what they learn
  • Team Collaboration: AWS Jams are collaborative, encouraging participants to work as a team to tackle complex issues. This not only reinforces cloud skills but also cultivates teamwork and communication
  • Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Real-time challenges provide an opportunity to test and refine one’s ability to make informed decisions quickly. This can be especially beneficial for roles that require a high level of responsiveness and adaptability.
  • Customisation: Organisations can request tailored AWS Jam sessions that focus on specific skills or scenarios relevant to their industry. Custom Jams ensure that participants gain skills that are immediately applicable to their work environment.

Get Started with Bespoke Training Solutions

AWS Jams are perfect for teams looking to enhance their expertise, develop their problem-solving skills, and gain hands-on experience. Whether you’re a DevOps engineer, security analyst, data scientist, or cloud architect, an AWS Jam can offer your team valuable insights that advance your knowledge.

At Bespoke, we believe that hands-on experience is key to mastering AWS. Interested in experiencing the thrill and challenge of an AWS Jam? Talk to Bespoke to book your own AWS Jam today and supercharge your team’s cloud capabilities.

Optimise your cloud costs with FinOps

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Cloud computing has transformed the landscape of IT, offering unparalleled flexibility and scalability. Yet, as organisations embrace the cloud, they also face a new challenge—managing unpredictable costs.

FinOps, short for Financial Operations, has emerged as the answer to this complexity, helping businesses decode the messages hidden in their cloud bills. But what exactly is your cloud bill trying to tell you?

Reading Between the Lines of Your Cloud Bill

An unexpected spike in your cloud bill might feel like an alert demanding your attention. Cloud services operate on a pay-as-you-go model, where every operation—from virtual machines to storage and data transfer—can add up quickly. If costs spiral out of control, it’s often due to underutilised resources, suboptimal configurations, or running workloads in more expensive regions.

FinOps empowers organisations to transform these cost challenges into opportunities for optimisation. This practice bridges the gap between finance, IT, and operations, ensuring every cloud dollar spent aligns with business objectives. FinOps is about more than just cutting costs; it’s about gaining value from your cloud investment. Gartner describes it as a process of continuous collaboration and improvement between different teams.

The Rise of FinOps: Turning Complexity into Opportunity

FinOps isn’t just a set of tools or cost-cutting measures—it’s a cultural shift. Traditionally, finance teams and IT departments worked in silos, but the cloud era demands collaboration. Real-time cost insights enable informed decision-making, allowing teams to innovate while keeping expenses in check.

The three core pillars of FinOps—visibility, optimisation, and governance—help organisations navigate the complexity of cloud costs. Visibility ensures every team understands and monitors their cloud spending. Optimisation focuses on rightsizing resources, implementing reservation strategies, and eliminating waste. Governance establishes policies and controls to maintain budgetary discipline and prevent runaway expenses.

For a detailed guide on FinOps best practices, check out AWS’s Cost Management resources and Microsoft’s Azure Cost Management documentation.

Why FinOps Matters Now More Than Ever

With tighter budgets and economic uncertainty, organisations must justify every penny of their cloud investment. FinOps transforms cloud spending from a reactive burden into a proactive business enabler, allowing for innovation without the fear of waste.

Getting Upskilled with AWS and Microsoft saves money

If you’re ready to take control of your cloud costs, upskilling in cloud financial management is a smart move. Bespoke Training offers a range of flexible AWS and Microsoft courses that can help your teams master FinOps best practices, understand cost management tools, and optimise cloud spend.

  • AWS Cloud Financial Management for Builders: This instructor-led course equips teams with cost management skills, covering tools like AWS Cost Explorer, AWS Budgets, and AWS Cost and Usage Reports. Learn how to monitor, control, and optimise your AWS costs for maximum impact
  • Microsoft Azure Cost Management and Billing: Gain insights into cost tracking and optimisation for Azure resources. This course focuses on using Azure’s Cost Management tools, setting budgets, tracking usage, and implementing policies for effective cost governance.

Bespoke Training’s instructor-led courses offer flexibility so that your team can be trained at a time and place suitable to the needs of your organisation. Upskilling will ensure your team is well-equipped to decode the messages your cloud bill is sending and drive financial efficiency. Don’t let unpredictable costs derail your cloud journey—embrace FinOps and gain clarity, optimisation, and control.

Contact Bespoke Training today to learn how our flexible AWS and Microsoft courses can help you master FinOps, optimise cloud costs, and align technical decisions with financial goals.

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