Show HN: Save millions on cloud computing costs

https://www.raveld.com

by mwasser • 14 years ago

28 12 14 years ago

kirinan2• 14 years ago

I think this is a novel concept, but I think people will see the password and be a bit skeptical to use it (I realize you can use the secret key). You will need a way to build trust with consumers so that they use your service. As well, you will need to prove that my password (or secret key) aren't logged ANYWHERE for me to use the service.

mwasser2• 14 years ago

Thanks for the feedback! This is an area I've gone back and forth on. Originally I didn't want to accept a user/password as I realized many wouldn't trust this. Without allowing it, I was worried I'd lose people that have never used API keys before. The hope of the video link below the 'Let me have it' button showing how to make read only keys was that people would trust that they could give me a set of keys that allowed restrained access. In addition, the read only keys created could be deleted immediately afterwards if it was of concern.

Any thoughts on how I could better communicate this + build trust with users in this setting?

kirinan2• 14 years ago

I think the API keys are fine by themselves, I think the willingness to accept the API keys only shows that you have a commitment to keeping their data secure. You could offer a "free" consultation service to show people have to make the API keys so that if they do become lost or don't know what they are doing, you can guide them and they know that your first priority is not only their service, but the security of their data.

kirillzubovsky• 14 years ago

I had a chance to work with Michael at a Startup Weekend last summer, when he was already entrenched into this idea, working a few days a week and then spending the rest on the project. It's great to see that he's gotten the site up and the tool is operational. There are some things that I'd like to see improved from the UI standpoint, but it's better that he's launched where he is - this way more feedback from more people could help him to get even better. Good luck, man!

dcarney• 14 years ago

Looks great Michael! This is really coming along nicely. I can think of several organizations that would be able to put this to use right away. Regarding the key/password input, I think that most large AWS customers (e.g. Raveld's target market) would be savvy enough to be able to easily create some throwaway IAM keys to submit for the report.

iamondemand2• 14 years ago

Did you check newvem.com yet? will be happy to get your feedback.

Ofir.

hoop• 14 years ago

I like the idea of an overall, single-value "raveld" score.

I've seen alot of these types of services popping up lately. How does your service differentiate itself from competitors such as Cloudyn or UptimeCloud?

mwasser2• 14 years ago

The types of recommendations in the report have similar themes to some of the features of Cloudyn/ UptimeCloud. However, the Raveld Score is a completely free product. We do not intend to monetize the score itself. The plan is to use the contacts generated by the score to refine our additional products so that they specifically fit the Raveld Score users' needs. This functionality and value go far above the Score itself.

danoprey• 14 years ago

Nice looking site, but if I were a potential customer I'd be overwhelmed with choice between yourselves, Cloudyn, NewVem, Cloudability, UptimeCloud, CloudVertical... No idea how to compare.

Obviously, yours being free forever makes a compelling case!

crcastle2• 14 years ago

A simple, clean site that conveys the business's value succinctly is a good way to get people to choose you.

Differentiate yourself by giving me the information and ability to easily look good to my boss.

iamondemand2• 14 years ago

Dan - the cloud market is still immature and I can debate the comparison between the vendors you listed. All of them indeed do cloud costs optimization though the approach and the focus differ. For example Newvem does cost but also check your security and availability performance. Also optimization must take in mind your resources need to keep a redundant and secure environment. Disclosure - I work at newvem.com and a blogger at iamondemand.com

crcastle2• 14 years ago

This is interesting. Reminds me of http://creditkarma.com. I login to that site about once a month not only to get my current credit score, but also to store and see history.

If I managed a big AWS account, I'd be interested in seeing this periodically, but I'd subsequently be interested in knowing what I can do to increase my score, or more importantly, decrease my AWS costs.

Show HN: Save millions on cloud computing costs

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