How Prometheus Remote Write v2 can help cut network egress costs by as much as 50%

Prometheus Remote Write v2, introduced in 2024, aims to significantly reduce network egress costs by up to 50% by improving the efficiency of data transmission to Prometheus backends, even in its experimental stage. The new version incorporates first-class support for metadata and implements a symbol table to minimize redundant data, addressing inefficiencies of the original protocol. Grafana Labs has already transitioned to Remote Write v2, achieving substantial cost savings despite a minor increase in CPU and memory usage. This development is especially beneficial for organizations managing large volumes of telemetry, as it enables immediate cost reductions without extensive evaluation. To enable Remote Write v2 in systems like Alloy, users need to configure their setups to accommodate the experimental protocol, with potential for future updates before its final release. The article also hints at further advancements in Prometheus Remote Write, such as replay features and improved resource utilization, which are anticipated to enhance telemetry management further.