#Cost Optimization (AWS)

[cloudnito]

Maximize Your Savings with These Top AWS Cloud Cost Optimization Tools

AWS offers a wide array of cloud services, and managing costs effectively is essential to maximizing your ROI. To help you stay on top of your AWS spending, here are some of the best AWS cloud cost optimization tools available:

AWS Cost Explorer AWS Cost Explorer is a built-in tool that provides comprehensive insights into your AWS spending. It allows you to visualize your cost data, create custom reports, and identify spending trends. With features like cost allocation and forecasting, it’s a powerful tool for managing AWS expenses.

AWS Trusted Advisor AWS Trusted Advisor evaluates your AWS environment against best practices and offers recommendations for cost optimization. It helps identify underutilized resources, unused instances, and opportunities for cost-saving, ensuring you make the most of your AWS investment.

AWS Budgets AWS Budgets lets you set custom budgets for your AWS resources and services. It sends alerts when your spending exceeds predefined thresholds, helping you stay within your budget. With its detailed tracking and reporting capabilities, AWS Budgets is essential for effective cost management.

Cloudnito AWS Optimizer Cloudnito’s AWS Optimizer provides advanced cost management features tailored specifically for AWS environments. It includes detailed analytics, automated recommendations, and actionable insights to help you reduce costs and optimize resource usage.

Spot.io Spot.io offers intelligent management of AWS Spot Instances to lower your cloud infrastructure costs. It helps you take advantage of lower-cost Spot Instances while maintaining high availability and performance for your applications.

Utilizing these AWS cloud cost optimization tools can help you manage your spending more effectively, allowing you to allocate resources more efficiently and achieve greater savings.

[lysaconsultancy]

An Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right AWS Managed Hosting Partner 2024

In this blog, we delve into the pivotal role played by an AWS Managed Hosting Partner. We explore how choosing the right partner—one with seasoned expertise and tailored solutions—can unlock the full potential of AWS services. Join us as we discuss key considerations and best practices essential for selecting the ideal hosting partner to propel your cloud journey forward.

[softweb-solutions]

Discover five common AWS cost management mistakes and how to avoid them. Learn strategies for optimizing cloud costs to enhance profitability, agility, and innovation.

[cloudairy]

Best Practices For AWS Cost Optimization

The Cloudairy Team brings readers tutorials and guides on producing video content at scale, as well as articles on independent filmmaking of all kinds. We'll soon have guides on everything from content strategy, storytelling, direction, cinematography, film theory, gig economy etc The articles on this blog will be based on studying the best creative minds out there, as well as out-in-the-trenches experience.

What is cost optimization in the cloud?

Cost Optimization refers to the ability to run systems to deliver business value at the lowest price point. It involves improving your overall business performance while conserving resources (time, money, personnel).

According to Gartner, cost optimization aims at standardizing, simplifying, and rationalizing platforms, applications, processes, and services provided by the cloud provider.

Are Cost Optimization and Cost Reduction the same?

People often think that cost optimization and cost reduction mean the same thing. But in reality, they are different from each other in approaches.

Cost reduction is a short-term practice where an organization identifies a specific amount of

money that needs to be cut. It includes moving all the infrastructure to the cloud to cut hardware costs, canceling unused applications, etc.

While in cost optimization, the organization isn’t focused on cutting costs by a specific dollar amount but instead tries to get the most out of what they are spending. It includes automating processes, reviewing and monitoring what’s already in place, etc. 

Why is Cost Optimization important?

By taking a strategic cost optimization approach, cloud users can make more informed budgeting and spending decisions while investing in growth and digitalization. We can eliminate cloud resource waste by selecting, provisioning, and right-sizing the resources you spend on specific cloud features. Every individual wants to pay only for those cloud resources that deliver the most added value for your business. 

Nowadays, many businesses are adopting cloud practices for upholding their product architecture. However, when they dive in and start implementing workloads, they don’t have any cost governance strategies in place. They don’t care about leveraging all the financial instruments that are available to control overall costs.

Cost Optimization Practices in AWS

According to AWS Documentation, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centers globally.

Let’s have a look at the cost optimization services offered by AWS.

Track, Monitor, and Analyze Cloud Usage

Having an understanding of your usage will enable you to plan and budget accordingly. One such tool is Amazon Trusted Advisor. This tool runs configuration checks to identify unused resources while helping you optimize your resource usage by providing you with tips and best practices. It also identifies ways to optimize the AWS infrastructure, improve security and performance, and monitor service quotas.

RightSizing

Right-sizing is the process of matching instance types and sizes to your workload performance and capacity requirements at the lowest possible cost. You can optimize servers based on RAM, database, vCPU performance, graphic performance, storage, and network throughput. We should keep in mind the four important factors while acquiring resources: vCPU utilization, Memory utilization, Network I/O utilization, and Disk utilization.

Scheduling

It’s essential to schedule on/off times for instances used for developing, staging, QA, and testing. You can apply common weekday schedules or more vigorous schedules by analyzing utilization metrics to determine when the instances are used more frequently. The go-to metric to create a schedule is time.

A more automated & quick method is usage-based scheduling, where resources shut down based on idleness. You can use AWS CloudWatch for checking the usage and uptime of resources.

Using Reserved and Spot Instances

Reserved instances let you purchase a reservation of capacity for a one or three-year duration. 

For reserved instances, you save up to 75% on cloud computing costs. Spot instances are sold in an auction-like manner where one needs to bid on capacity in the EC2 service that is currently idle. Deploying a tool like Spot Instance Advisor gives you the benefit of being prepared to purchase the right Spot instance with the least amount of interruptions and fair pricing.

Storage Optimization

With S3, you can store and retrieve your data for many uses ranging from websites to IoT devices. With S3 storage classes, you get to choose the appropriate data access level according to your budget and resource requirements. AWS introduced the S3 Intelligent Tier class that can help inexperienced developers optimize the cost of cloud-based storage. This class places objects based on changing data access patterns, saving you the cost of hosting idle data. Keep tabs on your storage allocation and you can save up a ton. 

General cost optimization practices every organization should follow

Till now, we focused on the services provided by AWS for optimizing cloud and resource costs. Here are some points which every organization should keep in mind while working with the cloud:

🎯 Stay updated with all the latest innovations and improvements offered by the cloud provider. Upgrading to the latest generation of resources saves you money and gives you improved cloud functionality.

🎯 Tagging resources is another way to further separate your cloud costs and align them with your business.

🎯 Create and enforce cost governance policies that inform your team under what circumstances it should shut down workloads or flag instances as idle.

🎯 Any unused asset that contributes to your overall AWS expenses is a ‘zombie asset’. These resources include unused instances, obsolete snapshots, unused load balancers, unattached EBS volumes, and unattached elastic IP addresses among others. Anything you don’t use and isn’t planning to in the future should be deleted.

🎯 Implement cloud visibility by making the finance and engineering team work hand in hand. Engineering ownership of cloud costs will give you a better outcome. You can implement some FinOps culture. You need to invest time for both technical and non-technical people to address Inefficiencies.

What’s Next: Cloudairy Can Help

There are many great AWS tools to help you set up cost optimization practices but CloudAiry tools take you a step further and follow the FinOps path. We provide a visualized dashboard that categorizes the cost according to different parameters like types of services, resource uptime, etc.

Moreover, unlike AWS which only provides resource utilization metrics, CloudAiry also suggests you right resources and optimization practices to minimize the cost. With CloudAiry, you can generate your account’s ad-hoc report with just one click.

So, don’t spend another minute spending way too much on AWS; use our expertise and go all the way ahead in the cloud.

[unicloudm]

How AWS Cost Optimization Can Transform Your Cloud Strategy

Effective AWS cost optimization is crucial for managing cloud expenditures and maximizing the value of your cloud investments. This blog explores the concept of AWS cost optimization, why it's essential for businesses using Amazon Web Services, and provides actionable strategies to help you reduce costs while maintaining or enhancing cloud performance.

Understanding AWS Cost Optimization

AWS cost optimization refers to the process of adjusting your AWS setup to reduce costs without compromising on service quality or performance. The goal is to ensure you're only paying for the resources you need and use, while also taking advantage of pricing models and tools offered by AWS that can help decrease your spending.

Why AWS Cost Optimization Matters

For many businesses, cloud spending is a significant part of the IT budget. Without careful management, costs can spiral, especially as cloud environments grow in complexity. Optimizing these costs ensures operational efficiency and can free up resources to invest back into the business, driving growth and innovation.

Key Strategies for AWS Cost Optimization

Right-Sizing Resources:

Ensure that you are using the most efficient instance types and sizes for your workload. AWS offers a variety of instances that can be tailored to different needs, which means regular review and adjustment of your resources can lead to substantial savings.

Leveraging Reserved Instances and Savings Plans:

Reserved Instances and Savings Plans are two cost-saving options provided by AWS that allow you to commit to usage in exchange for a lower rate. Analyzing your usage and making a calculated commitment can significantly cut your expenses.

Eliminating Wasted Resources:

Regularly review and terminate unused or idle resources. This includes unattached Elastic IP addresses, obsolete snapshots, and outdated data that incur costs.

Utilizing Auto Scaling:

Auto Scaling helps you match resource capacity with changes in demand without manual intervention. By automatically adjusting capacity, you ensure efficiency and avoid paying for unnecessary resources.

Optimizing Data Transfer Costs:

Data transfer costs can be a hidden drain on your budget. Optimize these costs by selecting the right types of data storage and transfer solutions and using AWS’s Content Delivery Network (CDN), Amazon CloudFront, to reduce costs associated with data delivery.

Using Cost Management Tools:

AWS provides powerful tools like AWS Cost Explorer to track and analyze your expenditures. These tools can help you understand your spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost reduction.

Incorporating Cost Optimization into Cloud Management

Integrating cost optimization into your overall cloud management strategy is essential for sustained efficiency. This involves not just implementing the strategies above but also fostering a culture of cost awareness and accountability throughout the organization.

Conclusion: The Benefits of AWS Cost Optimization

AWS cost optimization is not just about cutting costs—it’s about making smart decisions that align cloud expenditures with business needs, thus maximizing both operational efficiency and budget effectiveness. By embracing these optimization strategies, companies can enjoy a more cost-effective and resource-efficient cloud environment.

To learn more about implementing effective cost-saving measures and optimizing your AWS setup, visit our detailed guide on AWS cost optimization.

[successivetech22]

AWS Cost Optimization: Strategies for Maximizing Cloud Efficiency

Discover effective strategies for optimizing costs in AWS with 'AWS Cost Optimization: Strategies for Maximizing Cloud Efficiency.' This concise guide explores techniques to streamline your cloud expenses while maximizing performance and resource utilization. From right-sizing instances to leveraging AWS cost management tools, unlock the keys to efficient cloud spending and enhanced ROI.

[goognu1]

5 ways How to reduce your AWS Bill

Goognu, a trusted provider of AWS Cloud consulting services, understands the importance of cost optimization in cloud environments. We recognize that managing your AWS bill effectively can significantly impact your organization's financial health. That's why we've compiled five key strategies to help you reduce your AWS bill and maximize your cost-efficiency. Read this blog to know more

[heeddata]

Want to know why your cloud costs exceed your budget? 3 major cloud costs challenges To understand why your cloud costs exceeds your budget, it’s important to understand all the elements that influence your cloud costs. Amidst the myriad of advantages that cloud offers, cloud cost is a critical aspect that organizations must master for a seamless cloud experience. Understanding and effectively managing cloud costs are crucial components of optimizing costs and maximizing the value derived from cloud services.

[biglisbonnews]

Cost-effective ways for securing your web applications using AWS WAF AWS WAF helps you protect against common web exploits and bots that can affect availability, compromise security, or consume excessive resources. Configuring AWS WAF in a cost-effective way has been a frequent topic of discussion among our customers. In this post, learn how to use the different components of AWS WAF to secure your web […] https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/networking-and-content-delivery/cost-effective-ways-for-securing-your-web-applications-using-aws-waf/

[technicalfika]

Exciting Mock interview with DevOps/AWS engineer #devops #cloud #aws #devopsengineer #cloudengineer

Interviewer: Welcome to this exciting mock interview for the role of a DevOps/AWS Engineer! Today, we have an enthusiastic candidate eager to showcase their skills. Let’s begin! Candidate: Thank you! I’m thrilled to be here. Interviewer: Great to have you. Let’s start with a classic question: What attracted you to the field of DevOps and working with AWS? Candidate: DevOps combines my passion…

[knackforge]

The Essential Guide to AWS Cloud Cost Optimization

Moving your on-premise architecture to the Cloud is undoubtedly an excellent choice. It not only facilitates remote access to data and enterprise applications but also eliminates the restrictions posed by traditional architecture. This is where the concept of AWS seems relevant. As one of the leading cloud solutions, AWS helps to easily migrate enterprise applications to the Cloud.

The public Cloud has many benefits over the traditional IT model, including fast provisioning, affordable infrastructure, and access to cutting-edge cloud-based technology. But only if you adjust to the new on-demand pay-as-you-go cloud model and discover effective resource management techniques.

Cost optimization increases productivity, higher business resilience, and improves security for businesses that migrate to the cloud. But do you know many organizations struggle to manage cloud cost post migration?

Without an effective cost-optimization plan, you risk wasting money on underutilized and unused cloud resources. You risk passing up chances to get your monthly cloud expenses significantly discounted. Additionally, you might not choose the application’s most affordable choice.

What Is AWS Cost Optimization?

Cloud cost optimization is a strategy or combination of methods you adopt to reduce your Cloud spending and to achieve cost-efficiency when consuming cloud resources. Optimizing AWS costs involves monitoring and analyzing your usage, identifying opportunities to reduce costs, and implementing recommended actions.

Why reducing cloud costs has become a priority

Cloud is undoubtedly a game-changer for enterprises worldwide. It improves performance and boosts flexibility and company agility. With growth comes challenges. As more enterprises move workloads to the Cloud, one of the significant issues is the cost of spending.

With cloud costs spiraling in businesses, AWS cost optimization is among the top priorities for cloud teams.

Common Cost Optimization Techniques for AWS

5 Simple ways to Reduce your AWS Spend

Delete Zombie Assets: Resources or instances not being used are known as zombie assets. Locating these assets might be very challenging at times. We must delete the idle instances.

Right-size resources: We must select the proper storage and computing environment for our workload.

Monitor Service Usage: Keep an eye out for opportunities to upgrade, downgrade, or switch to a different storage class to reduce costs.

Storage Optimization: Data that is excessively redundant drives up the cost of storage. You must minimize everything in your system storage to limit and optimize them and reduce costs.

Prioritize Reserve and Spot Instances: Investing in instances for a longer time is a viable strategy to lower the cost of cloud migration. For instances that are reserved for a longer period of time, AWS offers substantial discounts.

Top AWS Cloud Cost Optimization Tools

AWS Cost Explorer

AWS Budgets

Amazon Trusted Advisor

AWS Compute Optimizer

AWS Cost Anomaly Detection

AWS CloudCost by KnackForge

Cloud Experts to Manage your Cloud Cost

Applying AWS cost optimization best practices is a continuous process. Your AWS Cloud needs to be monitored constantly to identify when assets are under-utilized (or not utilized) and when opportunities exist to reduce costs by deleting/terminating/releasing zombie assets. It’s also essential to stay on top of Reserved Instances to ensure they’re being fully utilized.

To operate on a cloud platform, you need to hire cloud experts who can plan and develop cloud computing cost strategies as per business requirements. KnackForge is a one-stop AWS solution partner, and we’ll make the transition simple for you. Contact our Cloud Architects today for a free consultation.

[cloudnito]

Top Free Cloud Cost Management Software to Keep Your Spending in Check

Managing cloud expenses can be daunting, especially when budgets are tight. Fortunately, several free cloud cost management tools can help you keep your spending under control without breaking the bank. Here’s a roundup of the best free options available:

AWS Cost Explorer AWS Cost Explorer offers a range of cost management features at no additional cost. It provides detailed insights into your AWS usage and spending, allowing you to analyze cost trends and identify potential savings. With its user-friendly interface, you can quickly generate reports and set up custom filters to track your costs.

Azure Cost Management + Billing Azure’s native Cost Management + Billing tool is a robust solution for tracking and managing your Azure cloud expenses. It includes features like cost analysis, budget tracking, and spending recommendations. The tool’s comprehensive dashboard helps you monitor and optimize your Azure usage effectively.

Google Cloud Platform Cost Management Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers cost management tools that are both powerful and free. The GCP Cost Management suite includes budget creation, cost forecasting, and detailed reporting features. It helps you understand your spending patterns and adjust your usage accordingly.

Cloudnito’s Free Cloud Cost Optimization Tool Cloudnito offers a free version of its cloud cost optimization tool, which includes essential features such as usage analytics and cost-saving recommendations. This tool helps you gain insights into your cloud expenditures and provides actionable advice to optimize costs.

CloudHealth by VMware Free Tier CloudHealth offers a free tier with basic cost management features, including cost visibility and reporting. While not as feature-rich as the premium version, it provides valuable insights into your cloud spending and helps you identify areas for cost reduction.

These free tools are excellent starting points for managing and optimizing your cloud expenses, providing valuable insights without the need for a significant investment.

[lysaconsultancy]

Explore AWS Cost Optimization In Amazon’s Database Services

Achieving cost optimization in Amazon Cloud Computing Services, especially in database services, is vital for businesses looking to maximize their return on investment. By understanding the various cost optimization strategies, utilizing AWS tools and services, and implementing best practices, organizations can significantly reduce their expenditure while leveraging the power of AWS management services.

Read more on AWS Cost Optimization In Amazon’s Database Services

[softweb-solutions]

AWS Cost Optimization Strategies: Insights from Consulting Experts

Introduction 

In today's digital landscape, many businesses are leveraging the power of cloud computing to enhance their operations. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the leading providers of cloud infrastructure, offering a wide range of services to support various business needs. While AWS provides a robust platform, it's essential for businesses to optimize their costs to ensure they're maximizing the benefits of their cloud investments. In this article, we will explore AWS cost optimization strategies and best practices insights from consulting experts in the field. 

AWS Cost Optimization Strategies 

Analyzing Resource Utilization 

One of the key areas to focus on when optimizing AWS costs is analyzing resource utilization. It's crucial to understand how your resources are being used and identify any idle or underutilized resources. By leveraging AWS monitoring and reporting tools, such as Amazon CloudWatch, businesses can gain visibility into their resource utilization patterns and make informed decisions about resource allocation. 

Right-Sizing Instances 

Another effective cost optimization strategy is right-sizing instances. AWS offers a wide range of instance types with varying compute and memory capacities. By selecting the appropriate instance type based on workload requirements, businesses can avoid over-provisioning and optimize costs. Consulting experts recommend regularly reviewing instance usage patterns and leveraging tools like AWS Trusted Advisor to identify opportunities for right-sizing. 

Leveraging Spot Instances 

Spot Instances are another cost-saving option provided by AWS. Spot Instances allow businesses to bid on unused Amazon EC2 instances, which can result in significantly lower costs compared to On-Demand instances. However, spot instances come with the caveat that they can be terminated with little notice if the market price exceeds your bid. Consulting experts recommend utilizing Spot Instances for fault-tolerant and flexible workloads to maximize cost savings. 

Optimizing Storage Costs 

Storage costs can be a significant portion of AWS expenses, especially for businesses with large datasets. To optimize storage costs, consulting experts advise implementing data lifecycle policies to automatically move infrequently accessed data to lower-cost storage tiers, such as Amazon S3 Glacier. Additionally, enabling data compression and deduplication techniques can further reduce storage costs without sacrificing performance. 

Utilizing AWS Cost Explorer 

AWS provides a powerful tool called AWS Cost Explorer, which enables businesses to visualize, understand, and manage their AWS costs effectively. Consulting experts emphasize the importance of utilizing AWS Cost Explorer to gain insights into cost drivers, track spending trends, and identify opportunities for optimization. By leveraging Cost Explorer, businesses can make data-driven decisions to optimize their AWS costs. 

Employing Automation and Orchestration 

AWS Cost Optimization Strategies: Insights from Consulting Experts 

As consulting experts in AWS cost optimization, we have worked with numerous businesses across various industries. Through our experience, we have gained valuable insights into effective cost optimization strategies. Here are some key insights: 

Optimize Reserved Instance (RI) Usage: Reserved Instances offer substantial cost savings compared to On-Demand instances. By analyzing your workload patterns and effectively utilizing RI offerings, businesses can maximize cost savings without compromising performance. 

Implement Tagging and Cost Allocation: Proper resource tagging and cost allocation are essential for cost optimization. By accurately tagging resources and implementing cost allocation tags, businesses can gain granular visibility into costs and optimize resource allocation. 

Leverage AWS Cost Anomaly Detection: AWS provides Cost Anomaly Detection, which uses machine learning to identify unexpected cost patterns. By leveraging this feature, businesses can quickly detect cost anomalies and take proactive measures to optimize costs. 

Monitor and Optimize Data Transfer Costs: Data transfer costs can add up, especially for businesses with high data transfer volumes. It's crucial to monitor data transfer patterns and leverage services like Amazon CloudFront and AWS Direct Connect to optimize data transfer costs. 

Regularly Review AWS Pricing Changes: AWS frequently introduces pricing changes and offers new cost optimization options. Consulting experts recommend staying up-to-date with AWS pricing changes and regularly reviewing cost optimization opportunities. 

Engage with AWS Cost Optimization Partners: AWS has a network of cost optimization partners who specialize in helping businesses optimize their AWS costs. Engaging with these partners can provide valuable insights, best practices, and personalized recommendations for cost optimization. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, optimizing AWS costs with the assistance of AWS Consulting Services is essential for businesses looking to maximize their return on investment in the cloud. By implementing strategies such as analyzing resource utilization, right-sizing instances, leveraging Spot Instances, and optimizing storage costs under the guidance of AWS Consulting experts, businesses can effectively reduce their AWS expenses. Additionally, utilizing tools like AWS Cost Explorer, implementing automation and orchestration with the support of consulting experts, can further enhance cost optimization efforts. 

Our team of AWS consultants from AWS Consulting Services is dedicated to continuously monitoring your AWS usage and making necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing cost optimization. We follow a comprehensive approach to AWS cloud cost optimization, which includes analyzing your current usage, identifying areas that can be optimized, implementing effective cost optimization strategies, and constantly monitoring and refining our approach over time. If you're interested in learning more about how our AWS cost optimization services, offered by AWS Consulting Services, can benefit your business, feel free to get in touch with our team of experts. 

FAQs 

1. How can I monitor my AWS costs effectively?

AWS provides tools like AWS Budgets and AWS Cost and Usage Reports that allow you to set budget thresholds, receive cost alerts, and generate detailed cost reports. By utilizing these tools, you can monitor your AWS costs effectively. 

2. What are Reserved Instances (RIs)?

Reserved Instances (RIs) are a pricing option offered by AWS, allowing you to reserve capacity for specific instance types. By committing to a one-year or three-year term, you can achieve substantial cost savings compared to On-Demand pricing. 

3. How can I automate cost optimization tasks in AWS?

AWS services like AWS Lambda, AWS Step Functions, and AWS CloudFormation can be used to automate cost optimization tasks. You can automate resource provisioning, scheduling policies, and other cost optimization activities using these services. 

4: What are some common cost optimization mistakes to avoid on AWS? 

A: Some common cost optimization mistakes include not leveraging Reserved Instances, failing to analyze resource utilization, neglecting data lifecycle management, and not implementing automation for cost-saving tasks. 

5: Are there any cost optimization strategies specific to serverless architectures? 

A: Yes, for serverless architectures, there are specific cost optimization strategies. These include optimizing function memory allocation, minimizing cold starts, and implementing granular monitoring and debugging to identify inefficient function invocations. 

[ira-hydrangea]

Crystal Shard Lore

After the balance are created again, to ensure this will never happen again and to counter the growing corruption, the Chosen Cookie sacrificed a part of their essence, shattering their own power into seven Crystal Shards and entrusting them to seven worthy rulers.

These rulers, the 7 Protectors of Balance, became the guardians of the realm and protector of Chosen Cookie, each wielding a shard infused with a specific force necessary to maintain harmony.

Though the Crystal Shards grant incredible power, they come at a cost. Each Dorm Leader entrusted with a shard is bound to their role, carrying the weight of responsibility to uphold their kingdom’s values.

The shards respond to their emotions and convictions, growing stronger when their wielder remains true to themselves—but should a leader waver, succumb to doubt, or misuse their gift, the shard's energy will begin to fade, leaving them vulnerable.

Unlike Soul Jams, which are the core essence of a Cookie, granting them enhanced strength, longevity, and unshakable will, the Crystal Shards are artifacts of immense magical energy, capable of granting external power to those who wield them.

While not a part of the user’s soul, they act as an extension of their will, amplifying their strengths, enhancing their natural abilities, and granting them powers beyond their normal limitations. If Soul Jams can be corrupted (as seen with the Beast Cookies), the Crystal Shards are incorruptible, imbued with the protective energy of the Chosen Cookie to resist any darkness.

Here are the Crystal Shards granted to each 7 Protectors of Balance:

Crimson Shard of Judgment (Riddle Rosehearts)

A deep red shard pulsing with an aura of unwavering law. It embodies justice, authority, and order, enhancing Riddle's ability to enforce discipline and make absolute decisions.

This shard grants him the power to see through deception, and pass judgment on those who stray from the path of law,

Amber Shard of Dominion (Leona Kingscholar)

A golden shard that flickers like the desert sun, brimming with trickery and strategy. The shard embodies Leona's natural cunning and manipulative nature, allowing him to shape illusions and outwit his opponents.

It enhances his ability to command respect and impose his will over those who are susceptible to manipulation, leaving them uncertain whether they’ve seen reality or only his cunning tricks.

Ebony Shard of the Abyss (Azul Ashengrotto)

A dark, inky black shard infused with a sense of mystery and deep, hidden knowledge. This shard embodies contracts, manipulation, and hidden power, enhancing Azul’s ability to negotiate, seal deals, and manipulate others.

It grants him the ability to bind others to his will with magical pacts that cannot be broken without severe consequences. The shard ensures his success in any venture (be it business, negotiation, or acquiring great wealth.)

Crystal Shard of Radiant Fortune (Kalim Al-Asim)

A multi-colored, radiant shard shimmering with light and warmth. This shard embodies optimism, joy, and good fortune, reflecting Kalim’s boundless generosity and joy-filled spirit.

It grants him the power to weave luck into his allies’ lives, ensuring they experience moments of good fortune at crucial times. The shard also magnifies his natural ability to bring happiness and inspire those around him, making him a beacon of light even in the darkest of moments.

Gilded Shard of Vanity (Vil Schoenheit)

A glimmering, gold-edged shard radiating with an ethereal glow of beauty and perfection. This shard amplifies Vil’s charisma, charm, and aesthetic mastery, enhancing his ability to captivate others with his appearance and words.

The shard grants him the power to influence the emotions of those around him, bending them to his will through beauty and flawless composure, leaving his enemies lost in awe of his perfection.

Frosted Shard of Enchantment (Idia Shroud)

A cool cyan shard, crackling with electric energy and the potential of technology. This shard embodies intelligence, innovation, and technological mastery, enhancing Idia’s ability to manipulate sugar-based technology, and arcane circuits.

It grants him the power to create enchanted machinery and harness the latent power of magical devices.

Eclipsed Shard of Chaos (Malleus Draconia)

A deep violet shard, pulsing with a dark and mysterious energy. The shard embodies uncontrolled magic, mystery, and ancient power, amplifying Malleus’s abilities to wield arcane forces and tap into the power of the unknown.

This shard allows him to manipulate shadows, eclipses, and the forces of chaos, making him an uncontrollable, unpredictable force. The shard strengthens his connection to the ancient magics of the realm, granting him access to abilities that could control dreams.

Though the Crystal Shards grant incredible power, they come at a cost. Each Dorm Leader entrusted with a shard is bound to their role, carrying the weight of responsibility to uphold their kingdom’s values.

The shards respond to their emotions and convictions, growing stronger when their wielder remains true to themselves—but should a leader waver, succumb to doubt, or misuse their gift, the shard's energy will begin to fade, leaving them vulnerable.

Only by staying true to their essence can the Dorm Leaders unlock the full potential of their shards. As long as they remain steadfast, their power will continue to guide and shape the Twisted Sugar Realm—until the day comes when the Chosen Cookie returns to reclaim them once more.