Cloud infrastructure design and management
Cloud computing delivers numerous benefits, but only if an IT organization is prepared to manage a cloud environment. Proper cloud infrastructure design and management entails an understanding of automation, orchestration, monitoring, compliance, pricing, availability, and other key elements of cloud services.
Top Stories
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Feature
24 Oct 2024
AI in cloud computing: Benefits and concerns
Businesses see public cloud as the primary vehicle for delivering generative AI's benefits in productivity, operational efficiency and workflow automation, but challenges remain. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
Sustainability and ESG glossary: 52 terms to know
Sustainable strategies require basic understanding of the fundamentals. Business leaders and IT teams can benefit from this list of essential sustainability terms and ESG concepts. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2024
AI in cloud computing: Benefits and concerns
Businesses see public cloud as the primary vehicle for delivering generative AI's benefits in productivity, operational efficiency and workflow automation, but challenges remain. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Oct 2024
What is cloud sprawl?
Cloud sprawl is the uncontrolled proliferation of an organization's cloud instances, services or providers. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2024
What is hyperscale cloud? Computing and data center uses explained
A hyperscale cloud is an extensive, scalable cloud computing operation that employs numerous hyperscale data centers. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
Sustainability and ESG glossary: 52 terms to know
Sustainable strategies require basic understanding of the fundamentals. Business leaders and IT teams can benefit from this list of essential sustainability terms and ESG concepts. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is multi-cloud? Definition, pros and cons
Multi-cloud is an approach to cloud computing that involves combining two or more cloud services from different providers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Oct 2024
How to create an EC2 instance using PowerShell
PowerShell has practical integrations that provide users with cross-platform capabilities. Get to know prerequisites and resources to create an EC2 instance using PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2024
How to implement an effective cloud governance framework
To ensure their cloud environments deliver expected benefits while keeping costs and risks under control, organizations need a process for adhering to key cloud governance pillars. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2024
5 open source cloud monitoring tools to consider
IT teams need visibility into their cloud environments. If your team wants more than its cloud providers offer, see if an open source monitoring tool is a better fit. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2024
Understand AWS Regions vs. Availability Zones
It's easy to forget about data centers when you run workloads in the cloud. Learn how AWS Regions and Availability Zones differ, and how they affect cloud costs and configurations. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Oct 2024
Public vs. private vs. hybrid cloud: Key differences explained
Public, private and hybrid clouds share similarities, but their differences in cost, control, flexibility, scalability and services determine which model best meets business goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2024
Cloud licensing explained: What businesses need to know
Businesses vacating the premises and setting up their data and applications in a distributed environment must consider cloud licensing's options, advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2024
How to plan a cloud strategy: Complete guide and template
A cloud strategy document is a mission statement, not a design document. It should capture the what and why of a company's cloud strategy, without delving into the minutiae of how. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2024
14 top multi-cloud management platforms for 2025
Dig into the benefits -- and drawbacks -- of the top tools and services designed to help enterprises manage their hybrid and multi-cloud environments Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Oct 2024
What is contact center as a service (CCaaS)?
Contact center as a service (CCaaS) is a framework that combines contact center hosting principles and cloud-based contact center infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Oct 2024
How a zero-based approach can improve your cloud budget
Traditional budgeting strategies have IT teams scratching their heads about what costs to cut next. Could a zero-based approach to cloud budgeting shift this mindset? Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2024
What is cloud infrastructure?
Cloud infrastructure refers to the hardware and software components -- such as servers, storage, networking, virtualization software, services and management tools -- that support the computing requirements of a cloud computing model. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Oct 2024
What is cloud consulting? Everything you should know
Cloud consulting assists organizations with the complexity of cloud computing including building, deploying, managing and securing applications and infrastructure in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2024
Will Windows Server 2025 release spark VMware migrations?
Can Microsoft capitalize on VMware customer concerns by touting enhancements to its next version of Windows Server along with its cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure options? Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Sep 2024
What is cloud management? Definition, benefits and guide
Cloud management refers to the exercise of control over public, private or hybrid cloud infrastructure resources and services. Continue Reading
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News
23 Sep 2024
AI drives data center, energy race by Microsoft, others
Microsoft's latest moves to secure electricity and more data centers tackle two problems faced by major cloud providers: insufficient power and space to meet AI demands. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2024
Is cloud repatriation the only answer?
Cloud repatriation should be a last resort, not a repudiation of the cloud. Do you know how to fully optimize cloud workloads to avoid costly in-house investment? Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2024
What is cloud economics?
Cloud economics analyzes the total cost of ownership, benefits of cloud services and the overall computing costs in an enterprise environment, focusing on the economic principles driving these factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2024
9 cloud cost management tools you should know about
There's a whole category of tools dedicated to managing cloud costs. Here's how they optimize cloud resources and improve bottom lines, plus descriptions of nine of the best ones. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2024
16 metrics that matter in cloud performance monitoring
Compute cost and requests per minute are just two of the metrics that keep cloud performance humming. Here's how cloud metrics differ from on-premises, plus advice on buying tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2024
How to build a cloud capacity management plan
Running workloads in the cloud gives an organization access to unlimited resources. That's a good thing, but only if the IT team adopts good capacity planning practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Sep 2024
Cloud change management: What you need to plan for
Traditional change management and frameworks like ITIL are usually too slow and bureaucratic. You need to adapt them for the speed, and agility -- and risks -- of the cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2024
What is cloud repatriation and what are the leading causes?
Cloud repatriation refers to the practice of relocating public cloud applications to different locations, most often on premises and for financial, performance and regulatory reasons. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2024
AWS joins Microsoft, Google Cloud in offering Oracle database
AWS joined Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud in offering the Oracle Database, an indication that enterprises want to use Oracle alongside the cloud providers' AI services. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2024
6 FinOps KPIs and metrics to optimize cloud expenditures
IT leaders who adopt FinOps metrics can identify underutilized resources, improve cost allocation and build a tighter connection between cloud investment and business value. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Sep 2024
What is shared responsibility model?
A shared responsibility model is a cloud security framework that dictates the security obligations of a cloud computing provider and its users to ensure accountability. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2024
FinOps tools to consider for your organization
FinOps tools help organizations optimize cloud spending and use. Review the different native and third-party options to find the best fit for your needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Sep 2024
What is a cloud architect and how do you become one?
A cloud architect is an IT professional who is responsible for overseeing a company's cloud computing strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
Understanding the role of AI in cloud computing
AI is bringing previously unimagined capabilities in automation, optimization and predictive analytics to cloud management while posing new challenges for IT departments. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Sep 2024
What is cloud application performance management (cloud APM)?
Cloud application performance management (cloud APM) is the process of monitoring resources that support software application performance in public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud environments. It takes actions to resolve issues and maintain optimal performance. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Sep 2024
Can VMware's private cloud spur the demise of siloed tech?
The private-cloud-centric future VMware presents could benefit enterprises if it continues to innovate and deliver an integrated, full-stack private cloud its customers want. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Sep 2024
What is FinOps?
FinOps -- a combination of the terms finance and DevOps -- is a framework for managing operational costs across an organization, often in conjunction with cloud computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
FinOps best practices to fully optimize your cloud costs
While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to a FinOps initiative, these established principles and practices get you started on the right path. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2024
Why observability is important in multi-cloud environments
Increased use of multi-cloud environments is creating a need for specialized observability methods and tools for tracking and measuring cloud performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2024
What is cloud elasticity?
Cloud elasticity is the ability, in real time, to increase or decrease cloud computing resources, such as central processing unit (CPU) power, memory and storage capacity, as well as input and output bandwidth, to meet unexpected changes in online traffic. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2024
How to subnet in cloud network environments
Cloud and on-premises subnets use IP ranges, subnet masks or prefixes, and security policies. But cloud subnets are simpler to set up, while on-prem configuration is still manual. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2024
Should I outsource FinOps or build my own team?
FinOps strategies can help enterprises manage cloud costs and monitor cloud usage patterns. But is it better to outsource or build a FinOps team in-house? Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2024
What is cloud cost optimization? 16 best practices to embrace
Cloud pricing is complex, and there are lots of ways to waste money on services you don't need. Here's how to ensure you have just the right amount of cloud resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is an AWS landing zone?
An AWS landing zone is a scalable, secure Amazon Web Services environment that enables AWS users and organizations to launch and deploy workloads and applications in the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Aug 2024
Different types of cloud load balancing and algorithms
Learn how load balancing in the cloud differs from a traditional network traffic distribution, and explore services from AWS, Google and Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is cloud automation?
Cloud automation is a broad term that refers to processes and tools that reduce or eliminate manual efforts used to provision and manage cloud computing workloads and services. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2024
Compare the 3 types of private cloud
The different types of private cloud offer varying levels of control, customization and convenience. These factors affect the benefits, challenges and use cases for each model. Continue Reading
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Video
08 Aug 2024
An explanation of serverless computing
Serverless computing simplifies app development by eliminating server management, streamlining coding for cloud platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2024
6 best practices to manage private cloud costs
Private cloud doesn't have to break the bank. Use these best practices to implement an intentional cost management strategy that meets private cloud's unique challenges. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Aug 2024
An explanation of private cloud
Private clouds cater to a single organization, offering enhanced security and compliance, unlike multi-tenant public clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2024
7 steps to migrate ECM systems to the cloud
Enterprise content management systems can become outdated, prompting a migration to cloud-based options. Follow these seven steps to ensure a smooth migration. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is AWS PrivateLink?
AWS PrivateLink is a networking feature from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that eases and secures connectivity between AWS Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and other services while protecting data from exposure to the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What are availability zones?
Availability zones (AZs) are isolated or separated data centers located within specific regions in which public cloud services originate and operate. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is infrastructure as a service (IaaS)?
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a form of cloud computing that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is an Amazon EC2 Instance? Types, features and pricing
An Amazon EC2 instance is a virtual server in Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) scalable compute platform for running applications on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2024
Explore options for FinOps certifications and training
Receiving a FinOps certification helps individuals develop their cloud financial management skills. Discover training and certification options that can help your resume stand out. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Jul 2024
Boost Exchange Online automation with Azure Functions
Admins can use the event-driven functionality in Microsoft's serverless offering and build event-driven workflows for a more efficient management approach. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2024
Aviatrix CEO pitches cloud networking to 'underserved buyer'
Doug Merritt has been in the multi-cloud networking business for a year, but still draws on his experience as CEO of Splunk to steer Aviatrix toward a new phase of growth. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Jul 2024
Manage Microsoft 365 users and groups with Azure Functions
This Microsoft service performs large-scale admin jobs and also automatically reacts to certain conditions to execute predefined tasks with speed and consistency. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jul 2024
6 tips to plan a digital transformation budget
Formulating budgets for digital transformation projects is fraught with complexities, expectations and unknowns that differentiate it from traditional IT and business planning. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2024
Broadcom faces challenges with latest VMware releases
CIOs are taking a hard look at the VMware portfolio as the number of alternatives rises in the hybrid cloud infrastructure market. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jun 2024
What is cloud computing? Types, examples and benefits
Cloud computing is a general term for the delivery of hosted computing services and IT resources over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jun 2024
What is multi-tenancy (multi-tenant architecture)?
Multi-tenancy is an architecture in which a single instance of a software application serves multiple customers. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2024
HPE GreenLake adds GenAI capabilities as on-premises PaaS
HPE GreenLake debuts a new PaaS offering for enterprise GenAI development, co-created with Nvidia. HPE also updated OpsRamp and server hardware refreshes for AI workloads. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2024
HPE to offer KVM virtualization for GreenLake private cloud
HPE debuts its virtualization capability for HPE Private Cloud later this year as an integrated GreenLake alternative to third-party vendors such as VMware, Nutanix or Red Hat. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jun 2024
cloud security
Cloud security, also known as 'cloud computing security,' is a set of policies, practices and controls deployed to protect cloud-based data, applications and infrastructure from cyberattacks and cyberthreats. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2024
Azure Functions overview: A guide for Microsoft admins
With Azure Functions, admins can tap into advanced automation, enjoy enhanced security controls and create highly customized workflows catered to the organization's needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2024
12 core Azure networking services you need to know
Network connectivity can make or break a cloud deployment. Discover the basics of Azure network services with this list of key offerings and terms. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
VMware Cloud on AWS now sold exclusively by Broadcom
Broadcom discontinues AWS as a reseller of VMware Cloud on AWS, further evidence that it wants hands-on control of how the VM technology is sold, supported and distributed. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 May 2024
AWS Reserved Instances
AWS Reserved Instances (RIs) refer to compute capacity that can be reserved on Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) and Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS) to take advantage of discounted pricing. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2024
How to evaluate cloud certification training
Certifications and training courses help IT pros acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in cloud. Learn what to look for in courses and how to choose the right program. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2024
Compare NoSQL database types in the cloud
NoSQL systems are increasingly common in the cloud. Read about the different types of NoSQL databases that are available from major cloud providers and other vendors. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2024
XaaS (anything as a service)
XaaS is a collective term that refers to the delivery of anything as a service. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2024
6 best practices for a cloud-first strategy
Adopting a cloud-first strategy requires careful consideration to ensure affordability and optimal performance. Implement a successful strategy by following best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2024
Troubleshooting 7 common errors in AWS CloudFormation
Errors can occur when an AWS developer builds a CloudFormation template, launches a stack or rolls back an update. Prevent and address common errors by following best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Apr 2024
Why GenAI infrastructure optimization starts with the network
GenAI deployment requires optimized infrastructure. The networking aspects, such as workload placement and the type of deployment model, could determine GenAI performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2024
10 cloud vulnerabilities that can cripple your environment
Enterprises can be devastated by security-related weaknesses or flaws in their cloud environments. Find out where you are most vulnerable before an attacker comes knocking. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Apr 2024
cloud browser
A cloud browser is a cloud-based combination of a web browser application with a virtualized container that implements the concept of remote browser isolation. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Apr 2024
vertical cloud
A vertical cloud, also known as an industry cloud platform, is a set of cloud computing services optimized for use in a particular industry or for a specific business model. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2024
How to create a proof of concept with 6 free templates
What is a proof of concept and how does it help an organization? We dive into the importance of writing a PoC and provide a list of free template examples to help get you started. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2024
Thought leaders tips to obtain a secure cloud environment
Securing the cloud ecosystem is a multifaceted endeavor requiring both strategy and cooperation. Learn best practices and practical advice from leading speakers in this space. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2024
Best practices for cloud storage optimization vs. repatriation
While cloud storage repatriation grabs headlines, it's not for everyone. Sometimes, it's better to improve an organization's platform rather than make a wholesale change. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
cloud management platform (CMP)
A cloud management platform (CMP) is a suite of integrated software tools that an enterprise can use to monitor and control cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2024
Ease multi-cloud governance challenges with 5 best practices
Establishing sound multi-cloud governance practices can mitigate challenges and enforce security. Review best practices and tools to help manage costs and risk. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Mar 2024
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is a web-based service that enables businesses to run application programs in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2024
cloud application
A cloud application, or cloud app, is a software program where cloud-based and local components work together. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2024
cloud load balancing
Cloud load balancing is the process of distributing workloads across computing resources in a cloud computing environment and carefully balancing the network traffic accessing those resources. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Mar 2024
How to monitor and deallocate Azure VMs to save money
Enterprises can save costs by deallocating Azure VMs during inactive periods. Teams can use log files and automation to monitor VM jobs and push deallocation when a job is complete. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2024
Top 6 soft skills in IT that cloud teams need
Soft skills play a bigger part in successful cloud deployments than you might think. Technical skills are obviously essential in IT, but a company must hire well-rounded employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2024
Compare CompTIA Cloud+ vs Cloud Essentials+ certifications
CompTIA Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials cover various areas and target different career paths. Find out which certification is right for you and how to prepare. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2024
AWS CloudFormation vs. Terraform: How to choose?
Once you decide that IaC is the best approach for your AWS environment, it is time to choose a tool. Assess your needs when it comes to stack management, failure and support. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Feb 2024
Google Transfer Appliance
Google Transfer Appliance is a high-capacity storage server that enables enterprises to transport large volumes of data to Google Cloud Storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2024
Upskill your cloud team for success
An investment in people is an investment in the company. See how a trained and upskilled staff can have a positive impact on productivity and profits. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2024
cloud modernization
Cloud modernization is a multistep process where existing on-premises applications, infrastructure and data sources are migrated, updated and transformed into a cloud-based architecture and environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2024
consumption-based pricing model
A consumption-based pricing model is a service provision and payment scheme in which customers pay according to the resources they use. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2024
Top 11 cloud certifications for 2024
Cloud certifications are available for all levels of cloud expertise. Use this guide to evaluate basic, topic-specific, high-level and vendor-neutral certifications. Continue Reading
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Video
26 Jan 2024
What is Cloud Computing? An Introduction
This short video explains the essentials of cloud computing and its three major types. Learn the difference between public and private cloud and the top benefits. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jan 2024
Chaos Monkey
Chaos Monkey is a software tool Netflix engineers developed to test the resiliency and recoverability of their Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Jan 2024
How to build a successful FinOps team
A successful FinOps team relies on clear team structure and roles, shared accountability and baseline measures of success. Use these best practices to build a FinOps team. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2024
data center modernization
Data center modernization includes updating and improving a data center to meet the requirements of the current and the next generation of workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2024
On premises vs. cloud pros and cons, key differences
Immersed in the 'should I stay or should I go' cloud migration debate? Before vacating the premises and moving 'up there,' ponder these advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading