Resources & FAQ

Q: Can I prevent Cost Optimizer for Amazon WorkSpaces from automatically converting a WorkSpace?

A: Yes. By default, the solution automatically analyzes and converts all WorkSpaces in an AWS Region. However, you can apply a resource tag to individual WorkSpaces to exclude them from automatic conversions.

Q: When does the solution convert a user to a different billing model?

A: Hourly WorkSpace usage is calculated once per day, just before midnight GMT. If the WorkSpace exceeds the hourly usage threshold, the solution will convert the WorkSpace from hourly to monthly billing. If usage exceeds the threshold after the nightly calculation, the WorkSpace will not be converted until usage is calculated the following night.

If a WorkSpace starts in monthly billing or the solution converts a WorkSpace from hourly to monthly billing, the solution will not convert the WorkSpace to hourly billing until the beginning of the next month, if monthly usage was below the threshold. However, you can manually change the billing model at any time using the Amazon WorkSpaces console. For customers who want to change the threshold for when each Workspace converts from hourly to monthly billing, the solution’s AWS CloudFormation template includes parameters that will execute these conversions.  

If you manually change the billing model for an individual WorkSpace, apply a resource tag to the WorkSpace to prevent the solution from automatically converting the WorkSpace back.

Q: How does this solution work with different AWS Region based pricing?

A: The default values provided in the Cost Optimizer for Amazon WorkSpaces for each of the WorkSpaces bundle type should be considered a guidance value only. Review Amazon WorkSpaces pricing for the AWS Region where you deployed the solution to determine the value for your location. Pricing differences between AWS Regions can mean a different billing break-even point between AutoStop and AlwaysOn instances.

Q: Can I deploy the solution in any AWS Region?

A: You must launch the Cost Optimizer for Amazon WorkSpaces solution in an AWS Region that supports both the AWS Lambda, AWS Fargate, and Amazon WorkSpaces services. Also, you must launch this solution in the same account as the WorkSpaces you want to monitor.