In many cases, cloud and on-premises environments exist side by side. The only way to maintain visibility into such intricate hybrid ecosystems is with a sophisticated end-to-end observability solution. Here are the key factors in choosing a comprehensive observability solution to help you master your AWS cloud and on-prem environments.

Real-Time Data

The continuous monitoring of performance metrics provided by observability is the cornerstone of effective cloud management.

  • Network data: Powerful network monitoring capabilities track performance, traffic patterns, and availability across VPCs, subnets, and hybrid connections like Direct Connect or VPNs. Real-time visibility into latency, packet loss, and bandwidth utilization enables quick detection and resolution of issues.
  • Resource utilization: Tracking resource utilization across AWS services, including compute, network, storage, and databases, helps organizations optimize their cloud spending by identifying underused or over-provisioned resources.
  • Application performance data: Monitoring application performance by collecting data on response times, error rates, and transaction volumes aids IT pros in preventing system failure.
  • Security metrics: Security is a top priority for organizations operating in the cloud. Robust security and compliance monitoring capabilities provide visibility into metrics, including access logs, security group configurations, and encryption status. By integrating security monitoring into the overall observability strategy, organizations can better protect their AWS environment.
  • AWS CloudWatch metrics and logs: Integration with AWS CloudWatch provides a more comprehensive view of the AWS environment. It allows IT teams to correlate CloudWatch data with other performance metrics.

    • Customizable Dashboards and Tailored Reports

    No IT environment is the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach to dashboard design fails to acknowledge the multiplicity of needs. Customizable dashboards allow teams to tailor the display of critical metrics and data to their specific workflows. This provides a clear, at-a-glance view of system health while enabling different stakeholders to access the information most relevant to them. Robust reporting capabilities allow users to generate detailed reports on resource utilization, performance trends, and SLA compliance. These reports provide valuable insights for decision-making and support strategic planning.

    Intelligent Automation

    Emerging trends in cloud optimization are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into hybrid cloud management. The 2025 GigaOm Radar Report for Network Observability notes that "ML and AI are the critical elements that will dictate whether (observability) vendors remain competitive in the market." These technologies can analyze data flows, optimize workload distribution, predict and mitigate security threats, and streamline resource allocation. If an AWS service sees an unexpected spike in CPU usage or a sudden drop in network throughput, automated alerts can notify the relevant team members. By leveraging AI and ML, organizations can:

  • Automate routine tasks: Automate routine monitoring and maintenance tasks, freeing up IT teams to focus on more strategic initiatives.
  • Predict and prevent issues: Use predictive analytics to identify potential issues before they become critical, allowing for proactive resolution.
  • Optimize workloads: Dynamically adjust resource allocation based on real-time data to help ensure optimal performance and cost efficiency.
  • Enhance security: Continuously monitor and analyze security metrics to detect and respond to threats in real-time.

    • Scalability for Growing Cloud Environments

    As organizations expand their cloud footprint, scalability becomes a critical consideration. A monitoring and observability solution that can scale with growing cloud environments is essential. The availability of a wide range of capabilities in a single solution allows users to add new monitoring features as needed, helping ensure that the observability strategy can evolve alongside the organization's cloud strategy. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and security. It helps as the cloud environment grows and changes.

    Want to optimize your AWS environment? Check out this THWACK® article to see how SolarWinds Observability® SaaS addressed all the needs outlined above, and more.

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