Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced a new planning tool called Capabilities by Region, aimed at simplifying the process for enterprises to manage their cloud deployments. This tool enhances visibility into the availability of AWS services, tools, and features across various global regions, enabling organizations to plan more effectively.
This tool addresses a common issue faced by enterprises: the challenge of regional service availability. Organizations often find out too late in the deployment phase that certain services or features are not available in their chosen region, which can result in delays and increased costs. By offering real-time insights into what services are planned for each region, AWS hopes to mitigate these issues, allowing businesses to avoid spiraling operational costs and potential compliance breaches.
Charlie Dai, a principal analyst at Forrester, emphasized the importance of having a clear view of service availability. He mentioned that many enterprises encounter parity issues related to regional services, which can obstruct deployment efficiency. AWS’s Capabilities by Region tool aims to provide the necessary data foresight, helping companies to prepare adequately for their cloud strategies.
This new capability sets AWS apart from competitors. For example, while Microsoft Azure offers a Product Availability by Region portal listing their services, it does not provide future timelines or the same level of detail that AWS’s tool does. Additionally, Google offers similar tools, but they also lack the detailed future-facing service roadmaps essential for comprehensive cloud planning.
According to Pareekh Jain, a principal analyst at Pareekh Consulting, the Capabilities by Region tool can help organizations avoid wastage of cloud budgets, which often occurs due to poor resource visibility and underutilization. It’s noted that approximately 30% of cloud budgets are often wasted for these reasons.
Accessing the Capabilities by Region tool is distinct from existing AWS tools such as CloudFormation and Cost Explorer, as it is located in the Builder Center — a community platform for cloud developers and architects. This strategic choice avoids interfering with live deployments and allows users to gain insights and automate planning without needing direct access to AWS accounts.
All data provided within this tool is also available via the AWS Knowledge MCP Server, enhancing the ability for developers to implement AI-driven recommendations for their cloud deployments.
