Google Cloud discounts in exchange for committing to a level of resources (vCPU, memory) or a minimum spend for 1 or 3 years. They reach up to 55%, and up to 70% on memory-optimized machines. They differ from Sustained Use Discounts, which apply automatically without a commitment.
In CDL it is the choice for stable, predictable workloads. FinOps best practice: commit only the steady baseline and cover peaks with on-demand or Spot VMs. Question: a workload that runs 24/7 for years → CUD.
Committed Use Discounts (CUD) is a concept that can show up on the exam. Check the full guide to see it in context.