Getting started with Archera

Getting started with Archera is straightforward and designed to have you optimizing costs within minutes. Follow this guide to set up your account and begin your cloud cost optimization journey.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, ensure you have:

Cloud Account Access

• Cloud account with billing access (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Ability to create necessary integrations
• Cost and usage data access

Cost Visibility Setup

• AWS: Cost and Usage Reports (CUR) configured
• Azure: Cost Management + Billing enabled
• GCP: Billing export configured
• Basic understanding of your spending patterns

Basic Understanding

• Familiarity with your cloud services
• Understanding of your workload patterns
• Desire to optimize cloud costs

Baseline Analysis

• Knowledge of top spending services
• Understanding of usage patterns
• Existing cost monitoring practices

Recommended: Set up native cost management tools (AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, GCP Billing) before connecting to Archera. This provides baseline understanding and enables better optimization decisions.

Step 1: Create Your Archera Account

1. Navigate to Archera
   Go to app.archera.ai and click “Sign Up” to create your account

2. Provide Account Details
   Enter your email, create a password, and provide basic organization information

3. Verify Your Email
   Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link

4. Complete Profile Setup
   Add your name, role, and organization details to complete your profile

Step 2: Connect Your Cloud Provider

Once your account is created, you’ll need to connect your cloud environment. Archera supports AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

Cloud Provider Integration

Archera uses secure, native integration methods for each cloud provider:

AWS Integration

• CloudFormation Deployment:
  1. Launch CloudFormation Stack: Pre-configured template for secure integration
  2. IAM Role Creation: Read-only role for cost analysis
  3. Minimal Permissions: Only cost optimization permissions
  4. No Infrastructure Access: Never accesses running workloads

Azure Integration

• Service Principal Setup:
  1. App Registration: Create service principal in Azure AD
  2. Reader Permissions: Billing and cost management access
  3. Secure Connection: OAuth-based authentication
  4. Cost Data Only: No access to operational resources

Google Cloud Integration

• Service Account Configuration:
  1. Service Account: Create dedicated service account
  2. Billing Permissions: Cloud billing and asset inventory access
  3. JSON Key: Secure key-based authentication
  4. Read-Only Access: No modification permissions

What Archera Accesses

• Required Data Access:
  • Cost and Usage Data: To analyze spending patterns
  • Resource Information: To recommend appropriate commitments
  • Billing Information: To calculate potential savings

What Archera NEVER Accesses:

• Your application data or workloads
• Running instances or services
• Security configurations
• Any operational infrastructure

Connection Process

1. Select Cloud Provider
   Choose your cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) from the integration options
2. Follow Provider Instructions
   Each provider has specific integration steps guided by the platform
3. Review Permissions
   Review the access permissions that will be granted
4. Complete Integration
   Confirm the connection and verify successful integration

Step 3: Initial Cost Analysis

After connecting your cloud account, Archera will begin analyzing your usage:

Onboarding Process: Connection is completely free and purely to access your billing data so Archera can make accurate recommendations based on your actual usage numbers. After connecting, it takes 24-48 hours to unlock the full platform as historical data is processed.

Data Processing Timeline

Initial Connection
5-10 Minutes

• Account connection verification
• Basic cost data import
• Infrastructure discovery

Full Platform Access 24-48 Hours

• Historical usage analysis
• Savings opportunity identification
• Complete platform functionality unlocked

What You’ll See First

Once initial processing completes, you’ll have access to:

1. Immediate Savings Analysis: Quick wins for covering on-demand usage with short-term commitments
2. Commitment Planner: Three default strategies (Recommended, Balanced, High Savings)
3. Cost Dashboard: Overview of your current spending and optimization opportunities

Step 4: Explore Your Savings Opportunities

Immediate Savings Analysis

Your first view will show immediate opportunities to cover on-demand usage with 30-day commitments:

• Stop the Bleeding: Identify on-demand resources that should have commitments
• Quick Implementation: Apply 30-day commitments for immediate savings
• Risk-Free Start: Begin optimization without long-term commitments

Commitment Planner

Explore three pre-configured commitment strategies:

Recommended Plan
Focus: Maximum flexibility with immediate savings

• Primarily 30-day guaranteed commitments
• Lowest risk, moderate savings
• Perfect for getting started

Balanced Plan
Focus: Optimal balance of savings and flexibility

• All reservable services included
• Mix of 30-day and 1-year commitments
• Most popular choice for ongoing optimization

High Savings Plan
Focus: Maximum cost reduction

• 3-year commitments with upfront payments
• Highest savings potential
• Reduced flexibility, maximum discounts

Step 5: Implement Your First Plan

Applying a Commitment Plan

1. Select Your Strategy
   Choose from Recommended, Balanced, or High Savings plans
2. Review Details
   Click “View Details” to see specific commitments and covered infrastructure
3. Customize if Needed
   Edit individual line items or create custom plans as desired
4. Apply Plan
   Click “Apply Plan” to implement your chosen strategy and start saving

Setting Up Automation (Optional)

Enable automation policies for hands-off optimization:

1. Configure Thresholds: Set minimum savings amounts to trigger automation
2. Choose Cadence: Select weekly, monthly, or quarterly evaluation
3. Monitor Performance: Track automated savings and adjust as needed
4. Maintain Control: Cancel or modify policies anytime

Step 6: Ongoing Management

Platform Features

Once you’re up and running, take advantage of:

Custom Plan Creation

• Create plans tailored to your needs
• Mix commitment types and terms
• Save and share plans with your team

Performance Monitoring

• Monitor utilization and savings
• View breakeven timelines
• Analyze coverage across services

Team Collaboration

• Invite team members
• Set permissions and roles
• Share plans and reports

API Integration

• REST API for custom integrations
• Export data for reporting
• Automate workflows

Best Practices

1. Start Small: Begin with 30-day commitments to understand the platform
2. Monitor Regularly: Review savings and utilization weekly
3. Use Automation: Enable policies once comfortable with manual optimization
4. Plan Ahead: Consider business changes when selecting commitment terms

Security and Compliance

Archera maintains enterprise-grade security:

• SOC 2 Type II Compliance: Audited security controls and processes
• Least Privilege Access: Minimal required permissions for cost optimization
• No Data Storage: Cost data processed in real-time, not stored
• Encryption: All data transmitted using industry-standard encryption

Free Platform: Archera’s platform is completely free to use. Connection is purely to access billing data for accurate recommendations. There are no hidden fees, and you keep 100% of your optimized savings. Full platform access is available 24-48 hours after connecting your cloud account.