Apache Kafka has become the standard for real-time streaming data, with companies increasingly adopting it to build and operate great data products. However, managing Kafka clusters can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. To address this issue, many enterprises are turning to data observability platforms that provide automated visibility and control over their environments. Companies have two main options for using Kafka: Kafka-as-a-service or fully-managed Kafka. While the latter reduces operational hassle, it does not eliminate the need for continuous monitoring and management of costs. A data observability platform like Acceldata can help companies optimize their Kafka environments by providing ongoing visibility, alerts, and recommendations to prevent cost overruns and improve overall performance.