Cloud deployment and architecture
Cloud service providers offer myriad options, from infrastructure to software to platforms. To make informed decisions about cloud deployment and architecture, organizations must know how to choose the resources that suit their workloads and budgets. That could mean adoption of a hybrid or even a multi-cloud architecture.
Top Stories
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Tip
20 Dec 2024
Exploring cell-based architecture vs. microservices
Cell-based architecture takes fundamental concepts related to microservices and applies them across the entire software environment to make more fault-tolerant, scalable systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2024
How to transition to the cloud: 7 best practices
Cloud migration provides numerous benefits, but there are pitfalls. Following these best practices builds a solid foundation for a systematic plan that sets you up for success. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Sep 2018
Automation poses risk and reward for cloud operations teams
While there's some concern among IT staff that automation will displace jobs, don't panic yet. There are several ways to stay relevant, and even thrive, in the age of automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Sep 2018
Single-tenant cloud services help alleviate security concerns
What happens when an enterprise wants the benefits of cloud but without the multi-tenancy? Isolated services are available for those willing to pay. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2018
Serverless platforms limit programming language options
Serverless computing can reduce infrastructure costs and streamline development processes, but don't assume that your programming language of choice will be available. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2018
Google Cloud CTO talks Cloud Services Platform hybrid play
Google Cloud CTO Brian Stevens envisions an IT landscape where enterprises can more easily develop and manage apps that span on premises and the cloud. Hint: Kubernetes plays a big role. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Sep 2018
Improve hybrid cloud monitoring through automation, alerts
To effectively monitor hybrid cloud infrastructure -- without being overloaded with data and alerts -- IT teams need to rethink some of their existing processes. Use these five best practices to get started. Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2018
Azure outage spotlights cloud infrastructure choices
One difference in Microsoft's cloud infrastructure design may have contributed to the extended outage this week in an Azure region that hit a large number of customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2018
Overcome 9 microservices challenges for platform flexibility
It's all well and good to tear apart your monolith, but a careless microservices approach can result in the same old problems. Watch out for these nine hurdles. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2018
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
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Tip
31 Aug 2018
Open source low-code platforms extend app dev capabilities
Enterprises want their apps to go to market as fast as possible. Low-code platforms accelerate development processes, and with open source, these platforms are more customizable. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
Write your first Google Cloud Function with these three tips
To build a serverless function, many developers require a shift in mindset. Use these three tips to create a cost-effective and high-performing function in Google Cloud Platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2018
Right-size a cloud VM for better performance, lower costs
Most companies don't pay enough attention to VM selection during cloud app deployment -- which can drive up costs. Follow these steps to right-size a VM and stay within budget. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2018
Azure Stack growing pains could weigh on enterprise appeal
Microsoft's hybrid cloud platform continues to pique the interest of enterprise IT shops but still lacks the maturity and breadth of the Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2018
Optimize serverless function performance for faster deployments
Serverless computing offers numerous benefits, but poor performance can negatively affect deployment time. Follow these strategies to fine-tune and optimize serverless functions. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Aug 2018
The enterprise will kill cloud innovation -- but that's OK
Hyperscale cloud providers grew incredibly fast and created a whole new way of doing business. That's great, but it's also a problem that needs fixing. Continue Reading
- 21 Aug 2018
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Tip
21 Aug 2018
Incorporate virtual private clouds in a hybrid IT environment
Don't let the added complexity of VPCs deter you from integrating them with your hybrid cloud. Simply keep these configuration factors in mind to ensure seamless interoperability. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2018
Serverless infrastructure demands new roles for IT admins
Serverless technology is going to disrupt the data center, and IT administrators will need to shift their expertise from management to configuration and from servers to services. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2018
Google Cloud Services Platform moves hybrid approach on premises
Google has focused its hybrid strategy around containers and microservices, as Cloud Services Platform extends some of the public cloud provider's software to users' data centers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Jul 2018
Walmart's cloud strategy sticks by OpenStack, despite Azure migration
Walmart's cloud deployment strategy takes a big turn to Microsoft Azure, but it won't leave OpenStack completely in the dust. A five-year deal to make Microsoft Azure the preferred cloud provider ... Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2018
Overcome app deployment challenges in a multi-cloud strategy
Looking to adopt a multi-cloud model? Be sure to address these common app deployment, redeployment and scaling challenges first. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Jul 2018
Google needs to win enterprise confidence at cloud conference
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) has become a more robust and reliable public cloud in recent years but still has nowhere near the enterprise mindshare afforded to fellow hyperscale platforms AWS and ... Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2018
Harden cloud apps with a secure software development lifecycle
Wouldn't it be nice if every application were 100% cloud-ready? Unfortunately, that's often not the case, which can lead to security risks down the line if not properly addressed. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2018
Evolve IT staff, skill sets for a multi-cloud strategy
To effectively implement and manage a multi-cloud architecture, enterprises first need IT team members who hold a unique mix of technical and business skills. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2018
Four signs you need a third-party cloud management platform
In a multi-cloud deployment, IaaS providers' native tools for admins often fall short. These four signs indicate it's time to invest in a third-party cloud management tool. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2018
Google dives into elusive cloud file storage market
Google Cloud Filestore may be the last piece of the puzzle for the vendor's storage services, but like its competitors' file offerings, it's far from a finished product. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2018
Three ways to ensure app portability in a multi-cloud strategy
As multi-cloud adoption grows, developers need to be careful they don't sacrifice application portability for the sake of using provider-native services. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Jun 2018
Emerging PaaS model puts cloud app dev into the fast lane
As they grapple with application backlogs and a shortage of seasoned, business-savvy developers, enterprises will increasingly look to drag-and-drop programming options. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2018
Map hybrid cloud applications to your VPN address spaces
Enterprise networks can easily become your Achilles' heel in hybrid cloud. Follow this advice to effectively manage your VPN, as well as scale and redeploy hybrid cloud apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2018
Don't let Kubernetes services stall a multi-cloud strategy
Despite the benefits of managed Kubernetes services from AWS, Microsoft and Google, these offerings can impede workload portability when tied closely to other provider-native tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jun 2018
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
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Tip
31 May 2018
Three ways to prepare applications for serverless platforms
Compared to those that run in more traditional PaaS or IaaS environments, apps on serverless platforms bring a unique set of demands around performance, storage and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2018
Build a CI/CD pipeline to simplify multi-cloud deployment
While some cloud providers support simple app deployment processes and tools, they could hinder a multi-cloud model. Fortunately, there are some workarounds. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 May 2018
Top IaaS providers slowly warm up to multi-cloud
While major IaaS vendors all offer some flavor of multi-cloud support, they still have work to do to help customers achieve the dream of seamless portability. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2018
Evaluate private cloud service providers in the market
Red Hat, Microsoft and VMware all provide private cloud environments that offer security and compliance, but it's important to consider other business needs, as well. Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2018
In a serverless architecture age, infrastructure still matters
Sorry, developers, but infrastructure still matters, even as serverless architectures and containers diminish its central role to build new applications. Continue Reading
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Quiz
23 May 2018
Test your private vs. public cloud knowledge
Although public and private clouds might seem similar on the surface, they differ greatly in terms of their architecture and use cases. Take our quiz to see if you know your stuff. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2018
Top 5 features to look for in private cloud services offerings
When evaluating private cloud services, consider offerings that provide an intuitive self-service portal, RBAC, capacity planning and policy enforcement for tenant workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2018
Four tips for a successful hybrid cloud POC
A hybrid cloud proof of concept is an important step to ensure a deployment will fully meet IT and business needs. Mind these best practices around data, networks and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2018
Amazon Virtual Private Cloud 101: Features, pricing and more
Evaluate the key features of Amazon Virtual Private Cloud, learn about its advantages and disadvantages, and consider pricing and best practices before implementing the platform. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 May 2018
Find a way forward in the cloud vs. virtualization debate
IT admins weighing the options available for cloud and virtualization services against use cases and economics must navigate a complex market with an uncertain future. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2018
Google tips open source cloud tools so customers can be free
Three new tools illustrate Google's strategic approach to its cloud platform customers and echo an old proverb: Set them free, so they can return and stay. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2018
Azure IoT Edge tool set stirs AI into Microsoft's cloud
Microsoft extended more of its AI capabilities to connected devices to resolve some of the IoT shortcomings of the public cloud's consolidated data center model. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2018
Create a private cloud in SCVMM with these factors in mind
The process of creating a private cloud with System Center Virtual Machine Manager starts with getting to know major private cloud components and calculating resource requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2018
Optimize load balancing for a hybrid cloud architecture
Load balancing plays a critical role in ensuring application availability and high performance in hybrid cloud. Follow these general rules to get it right. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2018
Google cloud database updates reinforce enterprise IT allure
Google looks to make Cloud Spanner, Cloud Bigtable and Cloud SQL more attractive to corporate IT with some key updates to its fully managed database lineup. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2018
Compare virtual private cloud server providers
Cost is an important factor to consider when evaluating different VPC providers, but the kind of hardware and data lines the providers offer plays a role, too. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2018
Virtual private cloud vs. private cloud differences explained
Virtual private clouds and private clouds differ in terms of architecture, the provider and tenants, and resource delivery. Decide between the two models based on these distinctions. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2018
Hybrid cloud advantages and disadvantages explained
Hybrid cloud is touted as providing the best of both private and public clouds, but this type of infrastructure comes with its own pros and cons, such as flexibility and complexity. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2018
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
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Tip
18 Apr 2018
Overcome hybrid cloud deployment challenges
Before adopting a hybrid cloud, think about how it will benefit the business and the ultimate goal. Also, hire IT staff with the appropriate level of expertise and start small. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2018
Microsoft, Google polish cloud budgeting tools
Recently added Google and Microsoft cloud cost control tools are critical for users who want to gain insight into how corporate cloud budgets are spent. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2018
Grasp the key concepts of hybrid cloud orchestration
As hybrid cloud becomes increasingly common, organizations need an effective orchestration platform that can seamlessly span public and private infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2018
Manage private cloud performance and troubleshoot issues
Management tools intended for private clouds are key to troubleshooting performance issues because they provide insight that traditional virtualization management tools might not. Continue Reading
- 12 Apr 2018
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Tip
12 Apr 2018
Hybrid cloud providers offer different architecture types
Hybrid cloud means different things to different vendors; some set aside part of the public cloud for private cloud purposes and others simply support an on-premises private cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2018
Hybrid cloud deployment demands a change in security mindset
To fully protect data in a hybrid cloud model, enterprises need to scrutinize integration points, network access controls and the policies they have in place. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2018
Azure serial console update addresses cloud troubleshooting
An Azure debugging tool gives admins a better handle on problems when VMs don't boot properly, with a familiar feel for those more comfortable with on-premises architectures. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2018
Blockchain and cloud combine to fuel enterprise adoption
While still in its infancy, blockchain technology is no longer theoretical. And cloud providers will line up to cash in, as enterprises plan to invest millions. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2018
Simplify multi-cloud management with two abstraction models
To streamline management and reduce complexity in a multi-cloud model, enterprises can turn to two abstraction techniques: resource and orchestration. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2018
IBM PAIRS Geoscope brings geospatial-temporal data to devs
IBM Research's Geoscope service targets developers who build complex applications that require data from large, disparate geospatial-temporal data sets. Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2018
Cloud security challenges spark startup acquisitions
Cloud security startups are popular acquisition targets, as cloud providers and third parties seek to address corporate IT concerns across multiple platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2018
Optimize serverless apps with real-time troubleshooting
Serverless computing demands a new way of thinking to successfully troubleshoot apps. Carefully define error states, and maintain logs to pinpoint and solve performance issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2018
Four things to know before an Azure Stack deployment
Intended to simplify management and development across public and private clouds, Azure Stack looks to address some of IT's biggest hybrid hang-ups. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2018
Hyperscale providers bet big on cloud AI
AI cloud services have emerged as yet another battleground for the hyperscale providers, as they entice data scientists and developers to train their models on their platforms. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Feb 2018
Explore the revert-to-snapshot feature in OpenStack Cinder
OpenStack Cinder has added a revert-to-snapshot function, enabling enterprises to recover from corrupted data sets. However, if the feature falls into the wrong hands, risks arise. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2018
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
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Tip
21 Feb 2018
Bare-metal cloud services lure legacy workloads off premises
For some enterprises, bare-metal services in the cloud act as a crucial steppingstone to an IaaS deployment, and providers, including IBM, Oracle and AWS, have taken notice. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2018
Virtualization trends in 2018 signal edge technology disruption
New technologies build on virtualization and threaten disruption. Virtualization administrators must familiarize themselves with what's coming and plan their careers accordingly. Continue Reading
- 20 Feb 2018
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Tip
19 Feb 2018
Prepare for hybrid cloud implementation with these key steps
As enterprises mix public and private IT resources, they grapple with app workflows, network connections and more. Here are four ways to alleviate common hybrid cloud challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2018
Build a multi-cloud app with these four factors in mind
A multi-cloud strategy reduces vendor lock-in and outage risks. But to realize those benefits, development teams must first design apps to successfully run on various platforms. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2018
VMware acquisition continues move toward cloud security
VMware cloud security tools will get a boost from the company's acquisition of CloudCoreo, a security and management startup focused on cloud deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2018
User self-service challenges mount in multi-cloud computing
Self-service provisioning presents challenges with a single cloud provider, and a multi-cloud strategy only magnifies those issues, as IT seeks to integrate multiple interfaces. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2018
Oracle Cloud data center buildup aims to enchant enterprises
An updated Oracle Cloud SLA becomes the first to factor in performance standards for customers -- one of several moves aimed at luring enterprises to its expanding public cloud. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2018
Serverless technology seeks mainstream enterprise traction
Serverless tech providers continue to add features as a service that have enterprise interests in mind, and IT pros have some wish list items. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jan 2018
Serverless cloud providers aim to ease adoption in 2018
As the buzz around serverless computing carries over into 2018, providers will look to simplify adoption in several ways, including more support for hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2018
Prep an OpenStack private cloud for a multi-cloud deployment
Enterprises with an OpenStack private cloud can still jump on the multi-cloud bandwagon. But they should prepare for challenges around data management and platform compatibility. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2018
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
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Feature
25 Jan 2018
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
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Feature
23 Jan 2018
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
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Tip
22 Jan 2018
Evaluate VMware, public cloud provider integration
Hybrid cloud providers don't yet have the seamless integration they promised. VMware cluster admins need to evaluate available options in order to formulate a VMware cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2018
Meltdown-Spectre bugs hit cloud usage less than first feared
IT shops expected their cloud usage to flag due to recent chip bugs, but most environments survived the patches unscathed. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2018
Migrate cloud applications back to on-premises applications
In the cloud frenzy, it's easy to lose sight of what to do if the cloud doesn't work. With time, patience and cost planning, administrators can migrate applications back on premises. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jan 2018
Providers continue to push hybrid cloud technologies in 2018
The hybrid cloud market changes rapidly, as major cloud providers release new services to bridge private and public platforms, but for now, management challenges remain. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jan 2018
Transition to a hybrid cloud platform from a private cloud
Consider factors like security, platform compatibility, data usage requirements and management when transitioning from a private cloud to a hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2018
Explore private cloud platform options: Paid and open source
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a private cloud platform. Evaluate the different paid and open source options to figure out which one is best for you. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jan 2018
The case for private cloud vs. public cloud implementation
Take security, compliance, cost and scalability into account when deciding between a private and public cloud. Also, think about the future potential of hybrid cloud adoption. Continue Reading
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Quiz
03 Nov 2017
Test your knowledge of these core OpenStack components
The OpenStack platform contains a mix of services for compute, networking, security and more. See if you can identify which service performs which function with this quick quiz. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Oct 2017
Use OpenStack Senlin, Heat templates to enable autoscaling
As it is with other cloud platforms, autoscaling in OpenStack is important to meet changing workload demands. Here's how to enable that process with Senlin and Heat templates. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Oct 2017
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
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Feature
09 Aug 2017
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
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News
18 Jul 2017
Google cloud data transfer appliance eases move to public cloud
Google's cloud options look to lure more enterprises with a physical device that simplifies data transfer in-house to the Google Cloud Platform. Continue Reading
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Quiz
28 Jun 2017
Quiz time: Test your knowledge of hybrid cloud computing trends
Do developers and IT decision-makers cite different factors for moving to -- and staying away from -- a hybrid cloud architecture? See where your opinions line up. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jun 2017
Compare OpenStack local storage options for now and in the future
SSDs, HDDs and NVMe can all provide local storage for an OpenStack deployment. But what are the benefits and tradeoffs of each, and how will these technologies evolve? Continue Reading
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Feature
11 May 2017
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
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Answer
28 Mar 2017
What are some ways to stop and restart OpenStack instances?
Admins can pause, suspend, shelve or stop a compute instance in OpenStack. But what are the key differences between each option? Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2017
Cloud-first strategy speeds spinoff of American Express' travel unit
Given just months to spin off a $20 billion operation into a new, independent company, American Express Global Business Travel turns to the Dell Boomi cloud integration platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2017
Discover the pros, cons of bare-metal cloud services
A bare-metal cloud service combines the benefits of physical servers with public cloud, but may not be right for all workloads. Weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2016
Google Cloud Storage prices cut, Glacier cold storage competitor added
Google is revamping its Cloud Storage services to woo users and challenge AWS with price cuts, lifecycle management and cold storage with quicker retrieval times than Amazon Glacier. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2016
How do I determine which OpenStack version I have?
Figuring out the OpenStack release or version running in your organization isn't as easy as it sounds. What are some quick tips to find that information? Continue Reading
