Google Cloud announced the launch of Cost Anomaly Detection at Google Cloud Next ‘24, and it is now available in public preview for all customers. This new feature aims to help businesses gain better control over their cloud spending and avoid unexpected surprises in their bills.

Powered by AI, Cost Anomaly Detection automatically monitors your cloud projects and flags any unusual spikes in spending. It analyzes your historical and seasonal spending patterns and identifies any significant deviations from the expected rate.

Here are some key highlights of this feature:

* **Ease of use:** The feature requires no setup and is automatically enabled for all customers.

* **Early detection:** It can identify unexpected cost spikes within 24 hours, giving businesses ample time to take corrective action.

* **Root cause analysis:** It goes beyond just identifying anomalies and provides a detailed breakdown of the root causes, helping businesses understand and address the issue effectively.

* **Real-time alerts:** Users can customize alert settings to receive instant notifications when anomalies are detected.

Cost Anomaly Detection is a valuable addition to Google Cloud's cost management tools, empowering businesses to optimize their cloud spending and avoid unexpected costs.