Want to save money on cloud computing? Learn how to compare costs with the Skyone calculator

When we talk about cloud computing, it's common to think only of "storing data on the internet." But that's just the beginning.

In reality, the cloud represents a profound transformation in how companies access, use, and pay for technology —completely changing the logic of traditional infrastructure.

For those taking their first steps on this journey, understanding the fundamentals is essential. Therefore, we've gathered the main concepts here so you can clearly understand what the cloud really means and why it has become a strategic choice for organizations worldwide.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a model that allows you to use technology resources (such as servers, databases, software , and storage) via the internet , without needing to physically install anything in your company.
In practice, this means that your IT infrastructure is no longer limited to a physical space and is delivered as a service . In other words, you access what you need, when you need it, paying proportionally to your usage.

In an analogy, it's like trading the purchase of a generator for an electricity bill : you no longer need to worry about maintenance or idle capacity, but only about the results it delivers to your business.

Why migrate? Real advantages for companies

Migrating to the cloud is more than just technological modernization: it's a strategy for efficiency, speed, and resilience . Companies that adopt the cloud can scale operations quickly, test new solutions with less risk, and significantly reduce operational costs.

Key benefits include elasticity (adjusting resources according to demand), agility (accelerating launches and adaptations), and security (with updated standards and constant monitoring).

For businesses that need to respond quickly to market changes, the cloud offers the ideal foundation for growth without compromising structure or budget .

On-premise infrastructure vs. cloud: what changes?

In an on-premise infrastructure, the company buys servers, builds data centers , and is responsible for all operation, maintenance, and system updates. This requires high investments and rigid capacity planning , which often results in waste or bottlenecks.

In the cloud, this model changes completely. Instead of buying, you "rent" resources on demand , with automatic scalability and payment proportional to usage. This gives more freedom to innovate and ensures that the company only pays for what it actually consumes. Furthermore, it's a way to transfer operational complexity to specialized providers, such as AWS itself.

Main cloud service models

To facilitate adoption and meet different levels of need, the cloud is organized into three main models :

• IaaS ( Infrastructure as a Service ) : This is the closest thing to traditional infrastructure. You contract servers, networks, virtual machines, and disk space, with complete freedom to configure them. Ideal for companies that want technical control without the burden of purchasing and maintaining physical resources.

• PaaS ( Platform as a Service ) : provides a ready-to-use environment for developing, testing, and running applications. The focus here is on accelerating development without worrying about infrastructure—the provider takes care of the foundation, and your team focuses on innovation.
  
• SaaS ( Software as a Service ) : These are software programs accessed directly via the internet , such as CRMs, ERPs, collaboration tools, or email . You don't need to install anything: just access and use.

Each model caters to different realities, and, as we will see below, directly influences the costs and how your company will consume the cloud.

How are cloud costs calculated?

While the cloud offers scalability and agility, it also demands extra attention to how costs are managed . This is because the traditional model, based on licenses or one-off purchases, gives way to a completely different logic: pay-per-use. Understanding how this dynamic works is fundamental to avoiding budget surprises .

At this point, we encounter one of the biggest pain points faced by companies that adopt AWS without proper planning: the difficulty of accurately predicting costs. But before we talk about how Skyone solves this challenge, it's important to understand how this logic is structured .

Pay-per-use concept

In the cloud, you don't pay for a fixed package or annual license. Instead, the model is similar to a utility bill: you are charged based on the amount of resources used , whether it's processing, storage, data transfer, and/or service execution time.

This model is advantageous because it allows small businesses to access robust technologies without large initial investments . But, at the same time, it requires active and conscious management of usage. After all, the more you consume, the higher the bill will be—and it's not always easy to visualize these numbers at the beginning of the journey.

Main factors affecting cost

Although the logic is simple, the details that make up the billing can be complex. Cloud costs vary according to different factors , and knowing these elements is essential for accurate estimation.

• Type of service contracted : computing instances, storage, databases, artificial intelligence (AI), among others. Each service has its own pricing model;
  
• Geographic region : AWS has data centers spread around the world, and prices vary depending on the chosen location;

• Data traffic : moving data between zones, services, or out of the cloud can generate additional costs (often invisible at first glance);
  
• Usage time : you pay for the time that resources are active. This requires attention to turning off idle or underutilized services;
  
• Instance type and performance : More powerful instances (with more CPU, memory, or GPU) naturally cost more. The challenge is finding the ideal balance between performance and budget.

With so many factors at play, the final cost can vary considerably. And this is where the strategic role of tools like Skyone's cloud calculator , helping to simulate different scenarios and predict impacts clearly .

Let's understand how it works next?

Skyone cloud calculator: clarity for your decisions

Understanding how AWS costs are calculated is only part of the challenge. The other, and perhaps most important, part is applying that knowledge in practice . After all, transforming technical variables into a clear investment estimate can be complex, especially for those just starting their cloud journey.

With that in mind, we developed the Skyone cloud calculator , a tool created to help companies simulate different cloud usage scenarios and understand, objectively, how much each solution might cost . And the best part: you don't need to be an AWS expert!

Keep reading to learn how it works, why it makes a difference, and when it can be used to support more strategic decisions.

How does it work?

The Skyone cloud calculator was developed with a clear objective: to eliminate the barriers between technical complexity and business-oriented decision-making . The tool collects simple information (such as project type, processing needs, and data volume) and translates these answers into a practical and personalized cost estimate .

No technical cloud expertise is required. The calculator interprets your scenario and presents service combinations suitable for your use, with estimated values, points of attention, and adjustment possibilities.

In just a few steps, you have a clear view of the financial impact of your cloud decisions. Furthermore, you can simulate as many times as you want until you find the ideal balance between performance and budget.

Benefits: customization and predictability

In an environment where small choices can have a big impact on the budget, accurate forecasting is more than an advantage: it's a necessity. Our Skyone cloud calculator delivers this by allowing each simulation to reflect your company's reality , taking into account not only usage volume but also location, application type, and project objective.

This level of customization ensures greater confidence in estimates and reduces the risk of surprises in the bill . Furthermore, it helps build a more mature cost management culture, based on data and not assumptions.

When and why to use a calculator

The Skyone cloud calculator is ideal for any company that wants to make more informed decisions about the cloud —whether at the beginning of their journey or during optimization and expansion phases. Therefore, it is especially useful in situations such as:

• Feasibility assessment of cloud-based projects; 
• System migration planning; 
• Reviewing contracts and renegotiating with suppliers; 
• Benchmarking across different AWS usage scenarios.

Based on realistic estimates tailored to your context, the calculator allows technology, innovation, and business leaders to discuss cloud investments more clearly and find viable and sustainable paths to growth.

Want to clear up your doubts about AWS costs with clarity and practicality? Our cloud calculator is ready to help you simulate scenarios, better plan your investments, and transform the cloud into a strategic ally.

Access the Skyone cloud calculator now and take the next step with confidence!

Conclusion

The cloud opens up endless possibilities for companies that want to grow with more intelligence, agility, and control. But to transform this promise into reality, it's important to understand not only the technical advantages of cloud computing, but also how it actually impacts the financial planning of each project.

Throughout this content, we explore the fundamentals of the cloud, the main factors that influence AWS costs, and how intelligent tools can simplify this process. This understanding is the first step for technology and business leaders to make safer and more sustainable decisions , based on data and aligned with the company's objectives.

To continue evolving on this technological journey, follow our Skyone blog . You will find content that connects strategy, innovation, and real transformation. We are here to simplify what seems complex and open paths for you to go further with the cloud!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the AWS cloud and its costs

If you're just starting to explore cloud computing or need to make more informed decisions about AWS usage and investments, understanding key concepts can greatly facilitate your journey.

Below, we've compiled direct answers to asked from companies seeking greater clarity on cloud costs, services, and planning.

What does AWS mean?

AWS stands for Amazon Web Services , Amazon's cloud computing services platform. It offers solutions ranging from servers, storage, and databases to security tools, machine learning , and artificial intelligence (AI), allowing companies to access infrastructure and technology on demand.

What are the main factors that affect the price on the AWS cloud?

The cost on AWS depends on variables such as the type of service contracted (e.g., computing, database, or storage); the geographic region chosen for hosting; the volume of data traffic; the time the resources are used; and the performance level of the instances used. Combined, these factors determine the final amount paid by the company.

What are the advantages of using a cloud cost calculator?

A cloud-based cost calculator helps simulate scenarios before contracting services, allowing you to clearly visualize how much a project might cost. This avoids surprises on the bill and facilitates financial planning. In the case of Skyone's calculator, the feature is customized to each company's context, making the process more accessible, strategic, and aligned with the real needs of the business.

Written by Skyone