#Japan #Nagoya #FinOps #srest #Nagoya City

Introduction

Amid the significant shift to cloud platforms, Nagoya City has taken a pioneering step in the implementation of FinOps by officially adopting the AWS cost management tool 'srest'. This initiative, spearheaded by Metaps Holdings, signifies not only a technological upgrade but a commitment to optimizing cloud operations and financial management in a public sector context.

The Journey to Implementation

In March 2025, a proof-of-concept was initiated, focusing on the complexities of cost allocation and auditing in a government cloud environment. With multiple AWS accounts divided among various operative systems in an isolated manner, it became challenging to manage the overall cloud costs, leading to confusion and inefficiency. Traditional methods were labor-intensive, relying heavily on manual calculations for invoices and payments, which created a bottleneck in operational processes.

The adoption of 'srest' has emerged as a game changer. With its ability to automate the collection and visualization of billing information across multiple AWS accounts, 'srest' enhances clarity and efficiency in financial operations. The formal integration of this tool is set to commence in the financial year of 2025, reinforcing Nagoya City's commitment to a seamless transition to cloud services.

Addressing Challenges in Cloud Operations

In light of the government's digital transformation policy, Nagoya City has made a conscious effort to modernize its infrastructure. The move to a government cloud environment based on AWS serves as a catalyst for innovation; however, it also surfaces problems of accountability and efficiency that need addressing. Some issues faced included:

• - Difficulty in obtaining a comprehensive overview of cloud costs across different systems.
• - Labor-intensive manual processes for cost allocation and invoice generation, resulting in significant workload increases.
• - Complications in managing billing data, as it was only available in PDF format, complicating aggregation and oversight.

Through the implementation of 'srest', these challenges are being systematically resolved. The proof-of-concept demonstrated notable successes, prominently validating 'srest' as an effective solution for Nagoya City’s cloud financial oversight.

Benefits Realized from 'srest'

The implementation of 'srest' has afforded several advantages:

1. Cost Visibility for All Systems: By automating the collection of cost data across various AWS accounts, the tool has significantly clarified financial breakdowns, enabling operational and accounting units to gain insights tailored to their specific needs.

2. Streamlined Billing and Payment Processes: Tasks that previously required extensive manual intervention have been simplified. The automated calculation of costs based on tags associated with AWS accounts has allowed a drastic reduction in time spent on payment processing. Moreover, the introduction of the new CSV download feature further simplifies inspection processes, thus significantly enhancing efficiency in payment confirmation procedures.

3. Optimization of Costs: Through detailed analysis of the structured cost data, unexpected expenses were identified. Nagoya City has initiated reviews of unnecessary spending, where adjustments to log storage settings and monitoring functions are now under consideration, contributing to effective financial management.

4. Improvement in Budgeting Processes: Enhanced monitoring of cloud spending allows for accurate financial forecasting based on actual expenses, further facilitating smoother communication with budget departments to set fiscal limits based on data-driven insights rather than subjective estimates.

Future Prospects and Conclusion

Looking to the future, 'srest' aims to continue supporting the transition into a fully integrated government cloud environment while reinforcing its commitment to ongoing FinOps practices. The adoption of 'srest' is not merely a technological upgrade; it symbolizes a shift in mindset regarding the integration of cloud services and financial management within public institutions.

Quotes from Leadership

In a statement from Hirokazu Takahashi, Deputy Director of the Digital Reform Promotion Division of Nagoya City, he expressed gratitude for the flexibility and responsiveness that 'srest' offers, particularly in navigating the complexities of a large-scale government cloud project under tight deadlines.

Additional Information

'srest' is designed to provide organizations with comprehensive tools for cloud cost management, optimized for clarity and operational efficiency. As Nagoya City embarks on this collaborative journey, it sets a precedent for other municipalities and government entities looking to harness the potential of cloud technology effectively.

For more detailed information about 'srest' and its capabilities, visit: srest official site.

About Metaps Holdings

Founded in 2023, Metaps Holdings continues to innovate in the digital transformation landscape, offering specialized software solutions that enhance corporate operational efficiency and effectiveness in leveraging technology for economic improvements.