The cloud landscape is constantly shifting. Consequently, staying ahead requires a proactive approach to architecture and operations. For those building on AWS, the Well-Architected Framework is crucial. Moreover, as we look towards 2025, understanding the upcoming nuances of an AWS Well-Architected Review becomes even more vital for Cloud Architects and DevOps Engineers.
Understanding the AWS Well-Architected Framework
The AWS Well-Architected Framework[1] helps cloud architects build secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient infrastructure for their applications. It provides a consistent approach to evaluate architectures. Furthermore, it offers guidance to implement designs that scale over time.
Initially, the framework was built around five pillars: Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, and Cost Optimization. More recently, Sustainability was added as a sixth pillar, reflecting the growing importance of environmental impact.
Using the framework involves comparing your workload against AWS best practices. Subsequently, you identify areas for improvement. It is not an audit but rather a constructive conversation, as highlighted in the official documentation.
The Framework's Evolution and 2025 Focus
The AWS Well-Architected Framework is not static. It evolves based on customer feedback and the changing cloud landscape. As we approach 2025, several key themes are emerging, particularly highlighted by the sessions planned for AWS re:Invent 2025.
These themes indicate a significant shift towards more intelligent and automated architectural practices.
AI-Powered Architecture and Governance
Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize how we approach cloud architecture. AWS is integrating AI technologies to transform traditional practices. For instance, we can expect more AI services for automated Well-Architected reviews. Also, the rise of self-evolving systems using agentic AI[4] suggests a future where AI automates architectural decisions and streamlines governance.
Framework Evolution and Implementation
The framework continues to expand beyond its original scope. It now addresses modern challenges across various domains, including IoT security and backup strategies. In 2025, there will be a strong emphasis on enterprise-scale governance and compliance using the framework's principles.
Cost Optimization and FinOps
Cost optimization remains a critical focus. The integration of AI into FinOps[3] solutions is a significant development. Therefore, expect innovative approaches to cloud financial management and more effective cost governance models, as discussed in the re:Invent 2025 guide.
Updates to the AWS Well-Architected Partner Program (WAPP) for 2025
For organizations working with AWS partners, the Well-Architected Partner Program (WAPP) is also seeing significant updates in 2025. These changes impact how partners conduct reviews and the incentives involved.
New Funding Model
A major change is the revised funding structure for Well-Architected reviews conducted by partners. Funding will now be based on the customer's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) reported in AWS Sales Opportunities. AWS Credit will be up to 10% of this ARR, capped at $100,000, and valid for 6 months.
Updated Program and Technical Requirements
Partners wishing to join or remain in the program in 2025 face updated requirements. These include being an AWS Advanced or Premier Tier partner and having certified Well-Architected Leads. Technically, partners must demonstrate automation of Well-Architected Framework Reviews (WAFRs) and High Risk Issue (HRI)[2] remediation by December 2025. They also need API integrations and the ability to implement conformance packs[5].
Funding Eligibility and Process Changes
To qualify for funding, reviews must be on production workloads, with a minimum of 45% remediation of identified HRIs across at least 20 questions. Importantly, HRIs marked "Not Applicable" won't count towards remediation. Process changes include linking solutions in AWS Partner Central to opportunities and disabling credit sharing in master payer accounts, as detailed in the WAPP updates.
Why Conduct a Well-Architected Review in 2025?
Regular Well-Architected Reviews are always beneficial. However, in 2025, they become even more critical.
- Embrace AI:** The increasing integration of AI means reviews can leverage these tools for deeper insights and automation.
- Stay Secure and Compliant:** With evolving threats and regulations, reviews help ensure your architecture remains robust.
- Optimize Costs:** The focus on FinOps and AI-powered cost optimization tools can yield significant savings.
- Enhance Sustainability:** Addressing the sustainability pillar helps reduce environmental impact and often costs.
- Leverage Partner Expertise:** The updated WAPP encourages partners to build deeper automation and remediation capabilities, offering more value.
Preparing for Your 2025 Review
To make the most of your 2025 review:
- Familiarize yourself with the latest framework:** Understand the six pillars and recent updates.
- Gather data:** Collect information about your current architecture, operational procedures, and costs.
- Involve the right team:** Include architects, developers, and operations personnel.
- Consider using the AWS Well-Architected Tool:** This tool in the AWS console provides a consistent process.
- Engage with a WAPP partner:** If needed, leverage the expertise of certified partners, keeping in mind the 2025 program changes.
The process is about continuous improvement. Therefore, view the review as an opportunity to learn and refine.
Conclusion
The AWS Well-Architected Framework and its review process are evolving to meet the demands of modern cloud workloads. As we head into 2025, the integration of AI, a stronger focus on cost optimization and FinOps, and updates to the partner program signal AWS's commitment to helping customers build better on the cloud. Consequently, proactively engaging with the Well-Architected Framework and conducting regular reviews will be key to success.
More Information
- AWS Well-Architected Framework: A guide from AWS that helps cloud architects build secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient infrastructure by providing best practices across six pillars: Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, Cost Optimization, and Sustainability.
- High Risk Issues (HRIs): Specific architectural or operational configurations identified during a Well-Architected Review that significantly deviate from AWS best practices and pose a substantial risk to the workload's reliability, security, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or sustainability.
- FinOps: A cultural practice and operational model that brings financial accountability to the variable spend model of cloud, enabling organizations to get maximum business value by helping engineering, finance, technology, and business teams to collaborate on data-driven spending decisions.
- Agentic AI: Artificial intelligence systems designed with the capacity to act autonomously or proactively on behalf of a user or system, making decisions and taking actions to achieve predefined goals, often involving learning and adaptation.
- Conformance Packs: A collection of AWS Config rules and remediation actions that can be easily deployed as a single entity in an account and a Region or across an organization in AWS Organizations, helping manage compliance of AWS resources.