Harness Cloud Cost Management

Basic Information

• Model: Harness Cloud Cost Management (CCM) is a module within the broader Harness Software Delivery Platform.
• Version: Features are continuously updated. Recent updates include Version 1.69.2 as of November 2025.
• Release Date: The Cloud Cost Management module was launched in August 2021.
• Minimum Requirements: As a SaaS platform, direct hardware requirements are minimal, primarily requiring a compatible web browser for access. Integration requires API access to supported cloud providers.
• Supported Operating Systems: Access is browser-based, compatible with standard operating systems like Linux, Windows, and macOS for client-side interaction.
• Latest Stable Version: Updates are continuous; Version 1.69.2 was deployed in November 2025.
• End of Support Date: Not explicitly stated; typical for SaaS with continuous updates and support.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated; typical for SaaS with continuous updates and support.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly stated; typical for SaaS with continuous updates.
• License Type: Offers a "Free Forever" plan for organizations with less than $250K/year in cloud spend, with certain limitations. An "Enterprise" plan is available with flexible SKUs, purchased individually or bundled. A "Startup" plan is also offered for companies under 500 employees or less than $5M in cloud spend.
• Deployment Model: Primarily a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering. A Self-Managed Enterprise Edition is available, but its CCM features require installation on AWS.

Technical Requirements

Harness Cloud Cost Management operates as a cloud-based service, meaning the primary technical requirements are for client access and integration with cloud provider environments.

• RAM: Not applicable for the end-user accessing the web interface.
• Processor: Not applicable for the end-user accessing the web interface.
• Storage: Not applicable for the end-user accessing the web interface.
• Display: Standard display resolution suitable for web applications.
• Ports: Standard HTTPS (443) for web access and API communication.
• Operating System: Any modern operating system capable of running a compatible web browser (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Harness CCM's architecture as a SaaS solution minimizes client-side technical overhead. The core requirements revolve around robust internet connectivity and web browser compatibility. The system's heavy lifting occurs on Harness's cloud infrastructure, which processes and analyzes cloud cost data from various providers via API integrations. This design allows for broad accessibility without demanding specific local hardware configurations from users.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Version 1.69.2, deployed in November 2025, reflects continuous feature enhancements and updates.
• OS Support: Supports multi-cloud environments including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Kubernetes (EKS, GKE, AKS, and On-Prem OpenShift).
• End of Support Date: Not explicitly defined due to its continuous SaaS delivery model.
• Localization: While specific language localization is not detailed, the platform supports currency preferences for reporting beyond USD.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable as it integrates directly with cloud providers via APIs.
• Support Options: Comprehensive support channels include Email, Phone, Chat, FAQ, Forum, Help Desk, Knowledge Base, Tickets, Training, and 24/7 Live Support.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Harness Cloud Cost Management demonstrates strong compatibility with major cloud providers and Kubernetes environments, offering a unified view across diverse infrastructures. The continuous update cycle inherent to its SaaS model ensures ongoing feature development and compatibility. Extensive support options, including 24/7 live support and various training resources, indicate a robust commitment to user assistance. The ability to manage costs across multiple cloud platforms from a single interface simplifies multi-cloud complexity. However, the lack of explicit localization details beyond currency preferences might be a consideration for global enterprises.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes granular permissions, compliance monitoring, and governance-as-code with automated remediation. It integrates security testing into pipelines and offers policy enforcement through Open Policy Agent (OPA). AI-powered Harness AIDA assists in generating YAML policies for effective cost, security, and compliance management.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Not explicitly detailed in public information.
• Blacklist Status: No information found regarding blacklist status.
• Certifications: Recognized with the FinOps Certified Platform badge. Harness also offers Certified Cloud Cost Management Developer and Administrator exams, indicating a commitment to expertise and best practices.
• Encryption Support: While not explicitly detailed for data at rest/in transit within the CCM module, enterprise SaaS solutions typically adhere to industry-standard encryption protocols.
• Authentication Methods: Supports granular access controls to ensure only authorized users can view or modify cost data. OIDC Authentication is supported for AWS and GCP.
• General Recommendations: Enforces real-time governance policies and automates resource optimization, security, and compliance tasks through policy-as-code.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Harness Cloud Cost Management exhibits a strong focus on security and governance, particularly through its granular permission system and governance-as-code capabilities. The FinOps Certified Platform badge underscores its adherence to industry best practices for cloud financial management, which often includes security considerations. The use of AI for policy generation and automated remediation further enhances its proactive security posture. While specific encryption details are not publicly highlighted, the overall feature set suggests a robust approach to securing cloud cost data and management processes.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Not applicable in the traditional sense of hardware benchmarks. Performance is measured by cost optimization efficiency and savings.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Users report significant cost reductions, with savings up to 70% to 90% on cloud costs through features like Intelligent Cloud AutoStopping and commitment orchestration. One customer achieved $8,000 per day in savings, totaling $3M over five months. The platform provides real-time insights into cloud spending.
• Power Consumption: Not directly measured by the tool. However, by optimizing cloud resource usage and eliminating idle resources, Harness CCM indirectly contributes to reduced power consumption.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly measured by the tool. Reduced resource utilization through optimization features implicitly lowers the carbon footprint associated with cloud infrastructure.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Praised for its user-friendly interface and robust analytics compared to competitors like CloudHealth by VMware. It is recognized as a "Strong Performer" in The Forrester Wave™: Cloud Cost Management and Optimization (CCMO), Q3 2024, for its market-leading features and differentiation. It excels in automated cost savings features that competitors often lack.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Harness Cloud Cost Management demonstrates strong performance in its core function: optimizing cloud spend. Real-world examples highlight substantial cost savings, often reaching 70-90%, driven by intelligent automation features like AutoStopping and commitment orchestration. Its ability to provide real-time visibility and actionable recommendations empowers users to make informed decisions quickly. While not directly measuring power consumption or carbon footprint, its efficiency in resource utilization inherently leads to environmental benefits. Compared to alternatives, Harness CCM is noted for its user-friendliness and advanced automation, positioning it as a competitive solution in the CCMO market.

User Reviews & Feedback

Harness Cloud Cost Management generally receives positive feedback, with an 88% user satisfaction rating based on 46 reviews. Users often highlight its effectiveness in managing cloud expenses.

• Strengths:
  • User-Friendly Interface: Praised for intuitive dashboards that provide real-time insights into cloud spending.
  • Automated Cost Savings: Features like Intelligent Cloud AutoStopping automatically identify and shut down idle resources, leading to significant cost reductions.
  • Multi-Cloud and Kubernetes Visibility: Offers a unified view of costs across major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and deep insights into Kubernetes spending.
  • Actionable Recommendations: Provides specific, actionable recommendations for optimizing cloud resources.
  • Ease of Implementation: Compared to some competitors, it is lauded for its ease of implementation and use.
  • Granular Cost Details: Provides granular details of cloud resources, aiding in cost savings.
• Weaknesses:
  • Steep Learning Curve: Some users report that the platform can be difficult to learn, especially for teams new to CI/CD, requiring time and training.
  • High Cost for Smaller Teams: Pricing is considered relatively high, particularly for small to mid-sized organizations, with some feeling the value may not justify the cost unless the full feature set is utilized.
  • Evolving Features: Certain features are still evolving and may not be fully developed, potentially limiting functionality for specific use cases.
  • Customer Support: Some feedback indicates customer support can be subpar.
  • Implementation Challenges: AutoStopping can be difficult to get working, and some users experienced issues with implementation not scaling as hoped.
  • Reporting Limitations: Some users found reporting capabilities inadequate or unproductive, struggling to get desired insights.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Organizations with DevOps, FinOps, and CloudOps teams seeking to optimize cloud spending and gain greater visibility into cloud resource usage.
  • Enterprises across various industries (technology, finance, healthcare) that rely heavily on cloud infrastructure.
  • Teams needing to proactively manage cloud costs and shift optimization responsibility to those consuming cloud resources.

Summary

Harness Cloud Cost Management (CCM) is a sophisticated, cloud-based solution designed to optimize and manage cloud expenditures across multi-cloud and Kubernetes environments. It stands out for its user-friendly interface, real-time cost visibility, and AI-powered automation features. The platform provides granular insights into cloud spending, enabling detailed cost allocation, anomaly detection, and actionable recommendations for cost reduction. Its Intelligent Cloud AutoStopping feature and commitment orchestration capabilities are particularly effective, with users reporting substantial savings, often ranging from 70% to 90%.

Key strengths include its robust multi-cloud and Kubernetes support, comprehensive reporting, and strong governance features delivered through policy-as-code. Harness CCM is recognized as a "Strong Performer" in the Cloud Cost Management and Optimization market and holds the FinOps Certified Platform badge, underscoring its adherence to industry best practices. Support is extensive, offering 24/7 live assistance and various training resources.

However, the platform presents some challenges. Users note a potentially steep learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with CI/CD concepts. The pricing model, particularly for smaller teams, can be a barrier, and some features are still maturing. Occasional feedback points to difficulties in initial setup for features like AutoStopping and inconsistencies in customer support or reporting capabilities.

Overall, Harness CCM is an excellent choice for enterprises and organizations with dedicated FinOps, CloudOps, and DevOps teams that require deep visibility, automated optimization, and strong governance across complex cloud infrastructures. Its strengths in automation and multi-cloud integration make it a powerful tool for achieving significant cost efficiencies, provided organizations are prepared for the initial learning investment and potential for evolving features.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.