What is the Lookback Period?

The lookback period is a critical parameter when creating custom commitment plans in Archera. It determines how far back in your usage history Archera looks when calculating recommendations.

Why the Lookback Period Matters

If your organization experiences temporary usage spikes or drops (for example, a recent spike in temporary usage or a drop during a weekend), the default commitment plans could be skewed by these recent fluctuations. By adjusting the lookback period to a longer timeframe, you get recommendations that are more robust to these temporary variations.

How to Set the Lookback Period

1. Navigate to the Commitment Planner from the left-hand navigation pane
2. Click the purple "Create Custom Plan" button on the right-hand side of the page
3. Select the "Top Down" plan option from the menu

Adjusting the Lookback Period

By default, the commitment planner has a lookback period of 7 days. To lengthen this period:

1. Click on "Different Range" at the bottom right of the configuration menu
2. Use the slider provided to select your desired date range
3. Typical examples include 30, 60, or 90 days

Completing Your Plan

Once you've set your preferred lookback period:

1. Configure any other desired options for your commitment plan
2. Click "Submit"
3. Wait for the plan to calculate

Benefits of Longer Lookback Periods

Setting a longer lookback period allows Archera to acquire a better usage baseline to cover with the recommended commitments. This results in more accurate and reliable recommendations for your cloud infrastructure needs.

Related Resources

• Commitment Planner - Overview
• How to Create a Custom Purchase or Renewal Plan
• How Does Archera Calculate Commitment Coverage