Features

Features

• Experts' cloud predictions for 2020

  This was a big year for cloud computing progress, so what's in store for 2020? See what contributors predict for security updates, container tech and more in the new year.  Continue Reading

• Top cloud news of 2019 from AWS, Microsoft, Google and Oracle

  It's been quite a year for the major cloud providers, with product releases, lawsuits, layoffs and IT competitions. Review the biggest news stories of 2019 to see how 2020 will shape up.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of cloud disaster recovery

  Cloud DR is a great option, but it's not as easy as it might look. For starters, you'll need to carefully prepare data and have servers prebuilt as VMs in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Save money on instances with these cloud discounts

  Don't pay full price for cloud computing resources when you don't have to. See how to save money for VMs on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.  Continue Reading

• Get to know popular cloud monitoring tools

  With so many cloud monitoring services on the market, it can be difficult to choose. Review some of the popular tools available from AWS, Google and Azure -- as well as non-native options.  Continue Reading

• Prepare your IT staff for a transition to the cloud

  The cloud requires different types of skills compared to on premises. While there's a learning curve to cloud roles, training current staff is a better bet than competing for talent.  Continue Reading

• Integrate applications with these 4 Azure integration tools

  Integration can ensure consistent and scalable workflows in cloud applications, even connected to on-premises resources. Evaluate tools and services Azure offers for the task.  Continue Reading

• Licensing changes reveal Microsoft's cloud strategy

  IT analysts share insights on the Microsoft licensing updates, and what it says about the on-premises giant's push for Azure adoption and the impact on current and future workloads.  Continue Reading

• Get up to speed on Azure's serverless functionality

  With so many serverless tools on the market, it can be difficult to pick the right one. Review some of the features of Azure serverless options to help you choose.  Continue Reading

• Get to know the top managed Kubernetes services in the cloud

  All managed Kubernetes providers address the pain points of deploying and maintaining the container orchestration platform, but they do so in different ways, as outlined in this brief cheat sheet.  Continue Reading

• 5 best practices for choosing cloud developer tools

  Enterprises are pushing cloud app development as a way to stay up to date on the latest IT trends. Find out how to pick the right cloud and tools for your apps and your staff.  Continue Reading

• Bring cloud on prem with VMware Cloud on Dell EMC, AWS Outposts

  VMware Cloud on Dell EMC and the forthcoming AWS Outposts offer organizations rack-based hybrid cloud products that can extend their public cloud platforms to the data center.  Continue Reading

• Don't overlook cloud computing training

  Cloud computing offers many benefits, but companies making the transition should be aware of the time and expense required for education and training.  Continue Reading

• Cloud application monitoring takes a multipronged approach

  To monitor cloud apps, you'll need to gather metrics on performance, cost and security. IT teams and the tools they choose to implement will require coordinated effort.  Continue Reading

• Cloud compliance strategies for a multi-cloud world

  Cloud computing and compliance don't need to be at odds -- even when an organization uses services from multiple cloud providers. Here's how to meet your compliance goals.  Continue Reading

• Understand private cloud best practices before adoption

  The advantages of a private cloud include resource control and performance issue prevention, but admins can't obtain these benefits without first following a few best practices.  Continue Reading

• Move data with these Google cloud migration tools

  From physical appliances to professional services, here's a quick rundown of the tools your team might want to consider for a migration to Google Cloud Platform.  Continue Reading

• Azure resource management tips to optimize a cloud deployment

  Prepare -- or revamp -- an Azure cloud strategy with these essential resource management tips for workload resiliency, access control and more.  Continue Reading

• Manage cloud APIs wisely with these 4 tips

  Users can get caught in the weeds of APIs in the cloud. Learn the best tools, top factors and cost optimization techniques for cloud APIs to maximize application performance.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to the 6 OpenStack orchestration components

  Cloud orchestration is a critical part of workflow simplification and task automation. If you prefer open source options, see what OpenStack has to offer.  Continue Reading

• Move to the cloud -- without blowing the budget

  Cloud migration can be expensive -- especially if you don't approach it strategically. Carefully consider what to move, and learn how to avoid costly missteps.  Continue Reading

• Cloud cost management tactics that work

  This guide looks at strategies and best practices for cloud cost savings. We'll focus on public clouds, although many of these tips apply to private and hybrid cloud architectures as well.  Continue Reading

• Build a multi-cloud application with these 4 tips

  A multi-cloud architecture is often more aspirational than practical, but it's doable if you plan ahead. Follow these tips to learn when and how to build apps to span multiple public clouds.  Continue Reading

• Break down 11 Google big data services

  Navigating the range of big data services on Google Cloud Platform can be a challenge. Here is a list that breaks down what Google offers in the realm of big data analytics.  Continue Reading

• Get to know Microsoft's Azure IoT services

  With so many connected devices distributed across the globe, enterprises need a way to manage and monitor their IoT assets. See what Azure services are available to help.  Continue Reading

• Learn core Google AI and machine learning tools

  Looking to infuse AI and machine learning into your cloud apps? Use this list of terms to explore which Google cloud services offer features for speech to text, image analysis and more.  Continue Reading

• 7 cloud computing job roles to advance your career

  The cloud rapidly evolves, so cloud jobs must adapt accordingly. Job openings are going fast, so review these positions and their qualifications to plan your next move.  Continue Reading

• Words to go: Cloud networking basics

  Networking requirements for the cloud are different than on premises. Dig into these terms to get a sense for the network services and capabilities needed to run a cloud app.  Continue Reading

• Manage public cloud storage for optimal performance, costs

  Storage is one of the most commonly used resources on public clouds, which means admins should be well-versed in performance and cost optimization strategies. Use these expert tips to get started.  Continue Reading

• Kick-start your app migration strategy with these best practices

  As the cloud becomes more popular, most enterprises will need a migration strategy. Before they move to the public cloud, companies should step back and assess their applications and migration methods.  Continue Reading

• 5 expert tips to stay on top of cloud container technologies

  Our experts weigh in on the container deployment models in the cloud and offer advice for how to avoid some common pitfalls for organizations as they get started with the technology.  Continue Reading

• Understand AI and machine learning security impacts on cloud apps

  Cloud-based machine learning can alleviate and aggravate security concerns. Review analysis and advice from our experts to stay on top of this emerging aspect of IT.  Continue Reading

• Words to go: Google cloud security services

  Digging through all of Google's cloud security tools can seem overwhelming. Get a snapshot of key services, and when to use them, with this quick list.  Continue Reading

• Control the cloud bill and avoid unexpected costs

  Don't get discouraged by high cloud costs. Use these four tips to whip your bill into shape.  Continue Reading

• New cloud service models put providers in the data center

  All of the major cloud players now offer on-premises hardware or specific technologies to make a data center look and feel more like the public cloud. What's driving this trend?  Continue Reading

• 5 ways to smooth the road to hybrid cloud deployment

  In the move to hybrid cloud, security, app requirements and monitoring are just a few of the many factors to consider. Follow these guidelines for a smooth deployment process.  Continue Reading

• Get the most out of managed Kubernetes with these guidelines

  Kubernetes has a lot to offer, but you can only reap those benefits with the right service management approach. Use these five tips to find the best fit for your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Words to go: Azure migration services

  Before Microsoft shops begin to move workloads from on-premises data centers to Azure, they should carefully choose a migration tool to help forge their path.  Continue Reading

• Private cloud platforms step out of the shadows

  Enterprises often confront a choice: public or private cloud. Public cloud may be the easy option, but it isn't the right one for everyone.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud trends offer lessons for potential adopters

  Hybrid cloud use cases are growing more compelling as the need for workload flexibility increases. Potential adopters should plan ahead with these deployment and migration lessons.  Continue Reading

• Cloud predictions for 2019 hone in on containers, IT skills

  Our expert contributors share the trends and technologies they expect to make waves in the cloud market in 2019.  Continue Reading

• A look back at the top cloud computing news of 2018

  From product releases to acquisitions, there was no shortage of cloud technology news in 2018. Take a look back at some of the biggest headlines of the year.  Continue Reading

• AI and machine learning take on cloud security woes

  AI-infused technologies continue to target almost all aspects of cloud monitoring and management, including security. But don't assume they're a silver bullet.  Continue Reading

• Cost management the next big issue in multi-cloud computing

  Multi-cloud computing continues to make its way into the enterprises and, as it does, introduces some significant cost management challenges.  Continue Reading

• Design a hybrid IT infrastructure with a strategic framework

  Hybrid IT demands that IT managers and teams use frameworks, best practices and governance structures to ensure the success of on-premises and cloud deployments.  Continue Reading

• Take responsibility for SaaS application security

  Can't keep up with cloud app security hardening? Experts say it's time to implement DevSecOps initiatives and look to third-party security tools and services.  Continue Reading

• Cloud vendor lock-in fears dwindle for enterprises

  Vendor lock-in concerns are slowly dissipating as enterprises prioritize functionality and speed to market. Other concerns continue to climb up the list, including skills and compliance.  Continue Reading

• Container security tools pump up the platform

  Startups are developing technologies that fill in some of the security gaps, including better controls for container orchestration.  Continue Reading

• Assess the pros and cons of leading PaaS tools

  Unsure which PaaS provider will best meet your development needs? Dive in to this roundup of common vendor options and the features they offer to simplify that decision.  Continue Reading

• Web app development morphs as apps and websites merge

  The lines between web and mobile app and websites are blurring, so development silos are out, and boning up on building progressive web apps and single-page apps is in.  Continue Reading

• Embrace automation in a hybrid cloud deployment: Free chapter

  Hybrid cloud is complex, and while automation helps, it also presents new risks. This book by Clive Longbottom dives into the details cloud adopters should know.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate PaaS vendors based on these two types of features

  To determine whether a PaaS provider will meet their needs, buyers should look closely at what the vendor offers for development tools, automation, collaboration and more.  Continue Reading

• Let cloud orchestration tools do the hard work

  A smart cloud strategy requires a smart automation strategy. These steps will help position your cloud to benefit from automation and orchestration technologies.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud adoption trends and strategies explained

  Hybrid cloud deployments are gaining traction because they enable private cloud security and public cloud flexibility, and orchestration between the two cloud models has improved.  Continue Reading

• Weigh the benefits of PaaS providers against lock-in risks

  The right PaaS environment enables developers to focus on what they care about most: building a successful application. But it also brings new risks -- particularly around lock-in.  Continue Reading

• Cloud certifications play supporting role in IT hiring decisions

  Certifications that are specific to a particular cloud provider are a great way for IT professionals to grow their foundational knowledge, but they shouldn't stop there.  Continue Reading

• Are you on the right cloud computing career path?

  As more advanced cloud technologies and deployment models emerge, it's important to future-proof your career. Check your resume against these expert suggestions.  Continue Reading

• Single pane of glass for multi-cloud management still elusive

  Unified management for multi-cloud remains a work in progress. Vendors have yet to produce the perfect single-pane-of-glass tool -- and some IT teams can't afford to wait for one.  Continue Reading

• Accounting for cloud computing costs requires a new approach

  As cloud waste takes a big bite out of IT budgets, cloud administrators must shift their spending mindsets and consider management tools to help avoid unnecessary costs.  Continue Reading

• Brace your IT operations team for a cloud migration

  A cloud migration isn't as easy as some providers suggest. Use these five tips to prep your IT ops teams for the big management and support changes that lie ahead.  Continue Reading

• With more providers, security issues in cloud computing rise

  We hear a lot about the pros and cons of a multi-cloud strategy, but a surprising number of organizations don't think they need to worry about it. They do.  Continue Reading

• Don't overlook these practices in software modernization

  During app modernization projects, teams commonly overlook basic goals, processes and tools, which can sully app launches as a result.  Continue Reading

• Modernize legacy applications with containers, microservices

  To break down monolithic apps and modernize them for cloud deployment, enterprise development teams continue to turn to containers and microservices.  Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud management still a work in progress for IT teams

  Multi-cloud deployments are a mixed bag, providing both business value and complex management challenges. Fortunately, a number of third-party management tools can help.  Continue Reading

• Containerized applications and the portability dream

  To make containers work within a cloud strategy, you're going to need to carefully consider the complexities of porting an application from platform to platform.  Continue Reading

• Application release automation drifts to the cloud

  CI/CD initiatives will spark increased adoption of app release automation tools this year, including those hosted in the cloud, but the market hasn't fully matured just yet.  Continue Reading

• Four tips to manage costs in a multi-cloud architecture

  For some enterprises, it's difficult enough to manage and optimize the costs of a single cloud platform. And in a multi-cloud environment, those challenges only increase.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud migration starts with updating the private cloud

  It might seem counterintuitive, but a key part of hybrid cloud adoption is committing the time and resources to updating your private cloud. These steps will set you up for success.  Continue Reading

• Words to go: Basic cloud computing terms

  New to cloud computing? Use this list of basic terms to familiarize yourself with common deployment models, service categories and top providers.  Continue Reading

• Choose a loosely coupled architecture for DevOps success

  To successfully pivot your organization toward DevOps and cloud, carefully evaluate and fine-tune your architecture first, and then think about tool sets.  Continue Reading

• Explore the benefits, tradeoffs of GPU instances in cloud

  While GPU instances can give compute-intensive apps the processing boost they need, not all workloads -- or budgets -- will benefit from these cloud instance types.  Continue Reading

• IaaS benefits broaden as public cloud market evolves

  The benefits of IaaS now range from increased scalability to access to emerging technologies, such as serverless. Review these key benefits, as well as management implications.  Continue Reading

• Cloud management platforms offer a unified approach to hybrid IT

  While more cloud platforms can mean more challenges, the right management platform makes an admin's job easier. But with all the options, how do you know which one to choose?  Continue Reading

• Choose the best public cloud instances for your apps and budget

  Cloud computing instances can make or break application performance -- and costs. Evaluate your workloads to determine the right instance type and size before deployment.  Continue Reading

• Build a cloud-based infrastructure one layer at a time

  As enterprise IT teams enter the cloud adoption phase, they must understand the technical underpinnings that comprise cloud infrastructure -- from servers to storage to apps.  Continue Reading

• Overcome cloud performance issues with these quick tips

  Poor performance can have a devastating impact on public, private and hybrid cloud. Use these quick tips to fix performance issues related to cloud apps, APIs and more.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise architect career path has bright and dark sides

  IASA CEO Paul Preiss discusses how the digital transformation and technology advances are the drivers creating opportunities in the burgeoning enterprise architecture profession.  Continue Reading

• Choosing an IaaS provider for traditional vs. cloud native apps

  As IaaS providers expand their portfolios to include more higher-level services, the requirements of your apps -- not just your infrastructure -- should drive vendor choice.  Continue Reading

• On-premises vs. cloud: What's more cost-effective for your apps?

  Some organizations rush into a cloud migration, assuming cost savings are a guarantee. But not all applications are meant for the public cloud, and moving them may cost you more.  Continue Reading

• How to plan for the cost of cloud computing

  Choosing a multicloud solution can save up to 74%, if you review the cost of cloud computing first.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based integration seeks to tear down data silos

  As companies adopt a pantheon of cloud apps, so grows the risk of having isolated bodies of data. The cloud-based integration of far-flung systems can have divine results.  Continue Reading

• Exploring capabilities, costs of Microsoft Azure cloud

  Microsoft Azure targets enterprises that want to connect their existing data centers to the cloud. But is Azure the best bet for your organization?  Continue Reading

• Getting a handle on Google Cloud Platform options

  With a range of options for big data, storage and more, Google Cloud Platform has become the public cloud of choice for many enterprise users.  Continue Reading

• Understanding public cloud risks and costs

  Public cloud boasts a number of enterprise benefits, but it isn't perfect. Enterprises should be aware of unpredictable cost structures and other drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Five quick links: Managing big data in the cloud

  Cloud computing can streamline big data management and analysis. But, before diving in, be sure to know the latest in cloud and big data technology.  Continue Reading

• How microservices bring agility to SOA

  Learn about a new style of application development called microservices and how it is bringing Agile development to classic SOA services.  Continue Reading

• 2015 cloud predictions: What to expect

  Contributor George Lawton spoke with many industry experts to discuss 2015 cloud predictions.  Continue Reading

• Cloud data security comes with hefty price tag

  As attacks on IT systems with sensitive data continue, cloud security becomes a top concern. Users won't find the best security practices on a clearance rack.  Continue Reading

• Considering migration to the cloud? Answer five key questions first

  In this Q&A, Todd DeCapua of Shunra Software Ltd. discusses considerations for minimizing risk and maximizing benefits in a migration to cloud.  Continue Reading

• Private PaaS eases enterprise governance, cloud security concerns

  Enterprise IT is seeing the value of private PaaS on the path to true public PaaS. But don't ditch your existing IaaS architecture.  Continue Reading

• IaaS infringes on acceptance of true PaaS cloud architecture

  Despite the many benefits of a true PaaS cloud architecture, IaaS vendors are marking their territory by offering pseudo PaaS.  Continue Reading

• Focus on cloud goals and developer needs to choose the right PaaS

  Companies looking to invest in PaaS are faced with more choices than ever before. Focus on cloud goals and developer needs to choose the right one.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing services: Lease vs. own

  Many services and applications can be handled by cloud computing providers. But enterprises should look carefully at cost before deciding whether to lease or own.  Continue Reading

• Wrestling with the concept of private PaaS

  Enterprise IT pros anxious about maintaining security and control in public cloud are looking to private PaaS, but it may not alleviate all worries.  Continue Reading

• Six cloud computing industry leaders to follow on Twitter

  Want to eavesdrop on what cloud computing leaders are saying about industry trends? Follow these six Twitter accounts for expert opinions and scoops.  Continue Reading

• Experts weigh in on Platform as a Service adoption

  Amid claims that PaaS adoption will take off in the coming year, our cloud experts weighed in on its pros and cons -- and what the future will hold.  Continue Reading

• Public vs. private cloud applications: Two critical differences

  Private cloud applications are similar to public cloud applications, but there are a few key considerations, experts warn.  Continue Reading

• Piecing together VMware's cloud strategy

  Can VMware's lead in server virtualization translate to cloud supremacy? A bevy of challengers will make VMware's goal of bringing cloud to the enterprise a difficult one.  Continue Reading

• The last cloud computing definition you'll ever need

  What is cloud computing? This overview defines cloud for once and for all -- until the next round of vendor hype.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 cloud computing providers of 2011

  Which cloud computing provider leads the pack? This top 10 list takes all the big names and ranks their impact on the cloud world.  Continue Reading