Docs Playbook
Database Idle and Overprovisioned
Control managed database spend with policy-driven checks.
Database services are high-cost resources; even a few idle or oversized instances can dominate monthly waste.
Detection Signals
- Minimal query traffic and low utilization over defined windows.
- Stopped or dormant database instances still incurring storage/backup charges.
- Instance class larger than workload demand.
Execution Steps
- Validate workload ownership and business criticality.
- Rightsize, pause, or decommission low-value instances.
- Preserve compliance snapshots before destructive actions.
- Track post-change performance and spend impact.
Provider Differences
| Provider Group | Operational Notes |
|---|---|
| AWS | RDS idle/stopped instance patterns. |
| Azure | SQL database sizing and dormant usage. |
| Tencent/Alibaba | CDB/RDS classes with low workload density. |
| Volcengine | Managed Redis and database family optimization. |
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Pass the cleanup path to the next reviewer
Send the same remediation steps to engineering, finance, or the owner who needs to sign off.
Next Step
Run a focused scan, validate owners, then export evidence for approval and execution.
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