> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.milkstraw.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Securely connect your AWS account to analyze usage and identify cost-saving opportunities.

<Note>
  **Prerequisites**

  * An active [MilkStraw AI](https://app.milkstraw.ai) account
  * AWS account with permissions to create IAM roles and policies on Payer account
  * Access to the AWS Management Console
</Note>

This connection is established securely using a least-privilege cross-account IAM role, which you deploy in your AWS environment via CloudFormation.

## Connecting a single AWS account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Initiate connection">
    In the Milkstraw AI dashboard, start the connection process. Enter your company name and AWS Payer Account ID.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy CloudFormation">
    We’ll generate a CloudFormation [template](https://statics.milkstraw.ai/cloudformation_templates/cross_account_role.json) for you. Launch it in your AWS Console to deploy a least-privilege cross-account IAM role with a unique external ID.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Execute CloudFormation stack">
    In the AWS CloudFormation console, acknowledge the required capabilities, and execute the stack. This action creates a secure cross-account IAM role in your account with a unique external ID and the necessary least-privilege permissions for monitoring.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify access">
    Once the stack is `CREATE_COMPLETE`, return to MilkStraw AI and click “Verify.” We’ll check access to the necessary AWS services.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connecting an AWS organization

If you are using AWS Organizations with multiple linked accounts, you will need to onboard your entire organization after connecting your Payer Account.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect payer account">
    Complete the steps above for your Payer Account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch organization StackSet">
    When prompted, deploy the StackSet wrapper template in AWS CloudFormation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deploy AWS CloudFormation">
    The pre-filled StackSet wrapper [template](https://statics.milkstraw.ai/cloudformation_templates/cross_account_role_stackset_wrapper.json) be automatically deployed to every child account in your organization
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify organization access">
    Once all stacks are `CREATE_COMPLETE`, return to MilkStraw AI and click “Verify” to confirm access for your entire organization.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Once access across all accounts is verified, your AWS Organization is successfully connected to MilkStraw AI.

**What happens next?**

* MilkStraw AI securely monitors your usage using least-privilege permissions.
* We analyze your usage patterns and identify <Tooltip tip="Fluid Savings are commitment-based discounts that automatically adjust to your usage patterns">Fluid Savings</Tooltip> opportunities.