Pick the Right FinOps Tool & Get Budget

This is where everything comes together. To identify the best vendor, you’ll need to compare the costs and benefits of each option. That’s what a business case is for. 

Let’s start with the benefits. 

This approach might seem too simple or high level—but here’s the truth: most managers won’t trust a spreadsheet full of complex formulas, especially if they didn’t build it. What they will trust is a clear, straightforward estimate.  

If you walk them through your logic in plain language and show how changing the assumptions affects the outcome, you’re far more likely to earn their trust—and their approval. 

Vendor pricing is easy to track—but don’t forget to factor in your own team’s time. How much effort will it take to get the tool up and running? Will you need specific roles, project hours, or extra training? 

When you weigh the estimated benefits against the full cost—including internal work—you’ll have a stronger business case for each option. By now, one vendor might already stand out. But remember: the numbers are just part of the story. 

Even the best plans can run into surprises. Before you push for approval, take a moment to assess the risks. One of the best ways to do that? Talk to other customers. 
 

Ask for customer references 
Reach out to your top vendors and request real customer references—not just polished case studies. Focus on companies that are like yours in size, industry, or challenges. That’s where you’ll find the most relevant insights. 

If possible, speak with these customers directly. Ask about their implementation experience, the level of support they received, and how the solution performs in day-to-day operations. These conversations will give you a more realistic view of the vendor’s strengths and reliability—far beyond what you’ll see in a sales pitch. 

Bottom line: Risk isn’t just about the tech. It’s about trust. And hearing from other customers is a great way to build that trust. 

Once your business case is ready and risks are assessed, it’s time to get leadership on board. If you've kept your executive sponsor in the loop, this should be a smooth next step. 

Here’s how to present your recommendation: 

• Highlight the expected benefits 

• Walk through the total cost, including internal effort 

• Share how you’ve evaluated risk 

• Explain why one vendor stands out 

Make it easy to say yes. Focus on the value, the simplicity of your case, and your confidence in the numbers. Executives don’t need every detail—they just need to trust that you've done the work. It also helps to show what happens if your assumptions change. Sensitivity to different outcomes shows you’re thinking critically—and gives them extra confidence in the decision. 

If the numbers add up and your logic holds, you’re well on your way to getting approval and starting implementation. 

Once you have executive sign-off, the focus shifts to implementation. This is where we work side by side with you to turn strategy into practice. 

Our FinOps-certified experts take the time to understand your current environment, explore your goals, and identify the right mix of tools and services for your needs. Together, we’ll create a clear roadmap that fits your priorities and resources. 

The result isn’t just a quick setup—it’s a thoughtful implementation that builds confidence, minimizes risk, and ensures you’re ready to realize value from day one.