What is our primary use case?
Our main use case for CAST AI is Kubernetes cost optimization, automated node provisioning, and improving cluster efficiency.
I can provide a specific example of how we use CAST AI for Kubernetes cost optimization and cluster efficiency. Before implementation, we were manually handling all of these tasks. After implementing CAST AI, we are able to see the cost of each pod and node, and based on the reports from CAST AI, we can determine how to optimize our costs.
In day-to-day operations, we use CAST AI to monitor all workloads running on our cluster and evaluate how our nodes and pods are performing. We can determine if we need to resize the nodes and pods or if we are spending too much money on pods, which can be optimized through CAST AI's platform.
How has it helped my organization?
CAST AI has positively impacted our organization because we are now able to control our Kubernetes costs, and the automated node provisioning continuously monitors our application usage to select which node to provision, ensuring the application has sufficient compute power and improving our cluster efficiency.
In terms of cost savings, we have currently reduced our costs by 30 to 40%, and it saves time while managing infrastructure because it continuously monitors and provides the nodes to the application, so we don't need to do anything ourselves. This is a fully automated process. Additionally, manual intervention has decreased significantly because this is a completely automated process.
What is most valuable?
The best features that CAST AI offers, in my experience, are automated scaling, intelligent node selection, cost recommendations, and workload right-sizing.
The biggest feature that has made a difference for our team is that the platform continuously analyzes our cluster's user-based pattern and makes practical optimization suggestions, which saves our team significant time while helping us control cloud expenses.
CAST AI also helps us reduce the manual effort involved in managing infrastructure while ensuring applications always have the resources they need, which is very valuable.
What needs improvement?
The limitations of CAST AI include reporting and customization options. I think they can improve in these areas, especially when some advanced settings require a learning curve, particularly for teams new to Kubernetes optimization. More detailed documentation and deeper visibility into certain optimization decisions would also be helpful.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using CAST AI for six to eight months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
CAST AI is 100% scalable. You don't have to do anything in terms of scaling because it is a SaaS platform that will scale automatically, no matter if you have 100 or thousands of Kubernetes clusters running. CAST AI can handle all the loads you have.
How are customer service and support?
The customer support is very good. I have raised queries numerous times as a new user and found the customer support excellent. I would rate the customer support 10 out of 10.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We haven't used any different solutions prior to this.
How was the initial setup?
The setup process is relatively straightforward. Integrating CAST AI with a Kubernetes cluster and cloud environments doesn't take very long, so the setup is very easy.
What was our ROI?
We have seen a return on investment, with money saved equating to approximately 30 to 40% ROI. I consider it a very good investment, and the overall ROI is approximately 20 to 30%.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In terms of pricing, I believe the pricing is reasonable because of the amount of savings and operational efficiency it delivers, making it easier to justify the investment. Organizations with larger Kubernetes footprints are likely to see the most value.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We haven't evaluated other options before choosing CAST AI.
What other advice do I have?
CAST AI delivers strong value through automation and cost optimization, but there are still a few areas where usability and reporting could be improved. Overall, it has a positive impact on our infrastructure management.
Their governance is compliant with all frameworks, and in terms of security, I believe they are very secure.
Their accuracy is approximately 80 to 90%, and in terms of reliability, it is the same—approximately 80 to 90% reliable for the output it provides.
Teams struggling with Kubernetes costs, especially larger teams with multiple Kubernetes clusters or workloads, should consider using CAST AI. It offers a very good return on investment while saving both operational time and money. I would rate this review an 8 out of 10.