Get more from your cloud | Softcat
Skip to main content

Login to eCAT

Customer Support
Contact Sales
Blog

Get more from your cloud

Optimising AWS with Softcat’s Well-Architected Framework Review

Cloud

blog title

Jason Ejiofor

Presales Professional - AWS

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, organisations increasingly rely on cloud infrastructure to drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation. However, keeping your cloud environment optimised, secure and cost-effective requires continuous evaluation and improvement in line with best practices.  

This is where the AWS Well-Architected Framework (WAF) comes in. ​Softcat’s ​Solutions Architects support organisations with Well-Architected Framework Reviews (WAFR) and remediation services, enabling them to assess, optimise and maintain their cloud environments while ensuring alignment with industry best practices. 

What is the AWS Well-Architected Framework? 

The AWS WAF is a set of best practices designed to help organisations build secure, high-performing, resilient and efficient infrastructure. It’s built on six core pillars: 

  1. Operational excellence – continuous improvement and operational efficiency. Example: using AWS CloudFormation and AWS CodePipeline to automate infrastructure deployment and application updates, reducing manual errors and improving operational efficiency. 

  2. Security  – protecting data and workloads with strong security measures. Example: implementing AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) with least privilege access, AWS WAF for web security and AWS GuardDuty for threat detection, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. 

  3. Reliability – designing fault tolerant systems that can recover quickly from failures. Example: using Auto Scaling and Elastic Load Balancing across multiple Availability Zones (AZs), ensuring high availability and fault tolerance. 

  4. Performance efficiency – optimising resources to maintain efficiency as demand fluctuates. Example: migrating to Amazon DynamoDB, improving query performance and scalability while reducing latency, or using EC2 Auto Scaling for demand spikes. 

  5. Cost optimisation – managing expenses while maintaining performance. Example: switching from on-demand EC2 instances to AWS Savings Plans and Spot Instances, to cut costs without sacrificing performance. 

  6. Sustainability – minimising environmental impact with a more efficient cloud. Example: adopting AWS Graviton processors for better energy efficiency, and Amazon S3 Intelligent-Tiering, reducing storage costs and energy usage.

    7.  

Blog pictures.png

 

 

AWS Well-Architected Framework Review work flow 

Blog pictures.png

How Softcat delivers a Well-Architected Framework Review (WAFR) 

Blog pictures.png

Our AWS-certified Solutions Architects follow a clear, proven process, usually done in two phases; a scoping call and an assessment. 

Softcat WAFR workflow 

1. Discovery and assessment 

We start with an in-depth discussion to understand the organisation’s cloud strategy, workload architecture and business objectives. We assess existing cloud workloads against AWS’ six pillars, identifying potential gaps and areas for optimisation. 

2. Risk identification and prioritisation 

We classify risks based on their severity and impact, highlighting critical issues requiring immediate attention, and ensuring that the most pressing concerns are addressed first. 

3. Remediation planning and implementation 

​​Softcat’s ​ AWS Solutions Architects then provide a detailed remediation roadmap, outlining steps to address identified risks. ​Softcat’s ​ team assists in implementing recommended changes, optimising cloud workloads, improving security measures, and enhancing operational efficiency. 

4. Ongoing optimisation and support 

Beyond the review process, ​Softcat’s ​ offers several other services for continuous support through Managed Services, Cloud Fundamentals, and more, ensuring organisations maintain a well-architected cloud environment.  

What are the results of a WAFR? 

Upon completing a WAFR, a report will be generated with: 

  • A prioritised list of High-Risk Issues (HRIs) and other findings. 

  • Practical remediation guidance. 

  • Opportunities for AWS funding, such as AWS Well-Architected Partner Program credits to support remediation efforts. 

  • Access to the AWS Well-Architected Tool in the AWS Management Console to review reports, track risks and revisit previous assessments. 

What a WAFR does not cover 

Whilst a WAFR is extremely useful, it is vital to note that it does not provide the following: 

  • Automated remediation   

  • Deep-dive security audits or penetration testing 

  • Compliance certifications  

  • Code-level performance optimisation 

Who should be involved in a WAFR? 

To get the most out of a WAFR, we recommend involving key stakeholders including: 

  • AWS solution architects / DevOps engineers for technical input. 

  • Security and compliance teams for governance and risk management. 

  • Finance/cost management teams for budget awareness. 

  • Business stakeholders to align technical decisions with business goals. 

Business benefits of a WAFR? 

By partnering with ​Softcat’s ​, organisations can: 

  • Strengthen security and compliance 

  • Optimise performance  

  • Cut unnecessary cloud costs  

  • Improve reliability and minimise downtime  

  • Streamline operations with best practice 

  • Unlock potential AWS funding 

  • Focus on what matters most to the organisation  

Ready to optimise your cloud? 

​​Softcat’s ​ WAFR is more than just a health check, it’s a roadmap to a more secure, efficient and scalable AWS environment. Whether you’re looking for a full review or a targeted assessment (such as a security and health check), we tailor our approach to suit the specific goals of each organisation.  

Contact your Softcat Account Manager or our Sales team, to schedule a WAFR and take the next step towards an optimised cloud environment.