Description: Net cost refers to the total expenses an organization incurs for a service or product after applying all available discounts, refunds, and credits. In the context of financial operations and cloud cost optimization, net cost is a crucial indicator that allows companies to assess the true financial impact of their investments in cloud services. This concept not only includes the base price of services but also considers factors such as efficient resource usage, waste elimination, and maximizing benefits through credits and discounts offered by cloud providers. Understanding net cost is essential for informed decision-making, as it enables organizations to identify areas where they can reduce expenses and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, net cost helps establish a framework for budget planning and future expense forecasting, which is fundamental in an increasingly competitive and cloud-based business environment. In summary, net cost is a comprehensive metric that provides a clear view of the actual costs associated with using cloud services, thereby facilitating financial management and resource optimization.