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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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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Tip
19 Dec 2024
Cloud TCO: How to calculate cloud total cost of ownership
Unsure what it will cost to run workloads in the cloud? Learn the variables you need to compare on-premises deployment to cloud deployment and avoid costly surprises later on. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Mar 2022
data residency
Data residency refers to the physical or geographic location of an organization's data or information. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2022
How to approach cloud compliance monitoring
Compliance monitoring is a critical practice. Learn how to build a cloud compliance monitoring strategy from application design and development to ongoing operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2022
Stay online with these 5 AWS disaster recovery best practices
Solve disasters in an AWS deployment by having a disaster recovery strategy in place. Learn how to pick the right recovery methods and prevent more problems. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2022
New Splunk CEO inherits a company in transition
Splunk is at a crossroads as a new chief executive takes over and the vendor navigates the classic Innovator's Dilemma. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2022
3 best practices to achieve high availability in cloud computing
High availability is the crucial test of whether a business can continue to access data and applications when things go wrong in a cloud-based IT infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
27 Jan 2022
Cloud resiliency: What it is and why it matters
Cloud resiliency is critical to ensure IT services and resources can recover quickly -- and without data loss. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2022
Implement these 4 Amazon CloudWatch Logs best practices
To improve the reliability of their applications, AWS users might want to consider exporting log data to the cloud for analysis and pattern detection. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
30 Dec 2021
Why re:Invent 2021 spotlighted existing AWS products
Many of AWS' re:Invent announcements highlighted enhancements to existing products, rather than new services. Here's why the cloud provider took that route. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Dec 2021
An AWS re:Invent recap: Key services to watch
From container marketplaces to file systems, this year's re:Invent conference was brimming with news. Here are some key takeaways. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2021
Popular security best practices for hybrid cloud
Combining a public cloud and an on-premises environment creates unfamiliar security challenges. Learn the main security issues in hybrid cloud and the ways to combat them. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Dec 2021
Google Cloud operations (formerly Stackdriver)
Google Stackdriver was a monitoring service that provided IT teams with performance data about applications and virtual machines (VMs) running on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Amazon Web Services public cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2021
Understand the role of an SRE vs. cloud engineer
While SREs can play a distinct role in cloud computing, they don't replace the need for cloud engineers. Learn how the two roles can work together toward reliability goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Nov 2021
9 cloud migration security considerations and challenges
Cloud migration may seem daunting to security teams. Follow these essential practices to safely and successfully migrate infrastructure and applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2021
How to use Google's workload identity federation with AWS
Cloud admins struggle to share data between cloud providers. Here are the steps to create a federated identity in Google Cloud, connecting it to AWS in a secure way. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2021
PaaS showdown: AWS Elastic Beanstalk vs. Google App Engine
AWS and Google Cloud offer their own flavor of PaaS. While they share some similarities, take a closer look at their core features and use cases before you choose an offering. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2021
Best practices for endpoint security in the cloud
As the proliferation of cloud services continues, IT teams should revisit -- and potentially revamp -- their endpoint protection strategies. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2021
Kion, formerly Cloudtamer, expands cloud management features
Cloudtamer, a cloud management startup, rebrands as Kion for the platform's 3.0 release. New features include expanded support for Google Cloud Platform and cloud finance tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2021
Where cloud cryptography fits in a security strategy
IT teams face a never-ending challenge as they try to secure data. When that data lives in the cloud, encryption is a key concern. Implement these data encryption tips and tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2021
3 best practices for Amazon S3 cost optimization
Everything a business runs in the cloud costs money, and AWS S3 storage is no exception. Smart AWS users understand how to adjust S3 storage levels to control costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2021
How to negotiate a cloud agreement that works
In a cloud initiative, the difference between disappointment and success is connected to the quality of the contract. Consider these negotiation strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2021
How to manage cloud transfer and egress charges
It's expensive -- sometimes shockingly expensive -- to move data out of the cloud. Consider these factors to avoid costly data transfer bills. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Aug 2021
Step-by-step guide on how to create an IAM user in AWS
Learn how to make an AWS IAM user and assign an access policy to the user with a few commands. This detailed tutorial includes screenshots to guide you through the steps. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2021
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure targets devs and installed base
Though not the market leader, Oracle remains a feisty competitor in the competitive cloud computing market. Here are some added features and cost incentives introduced thus far. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Aug 2021
3 delivery models for 5G and MEC
To enhance network capabilities, enterprises will need to consolidate 5G and MEC technologies in the future. Following a deployment model is the first step. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2021
Rust rises in popularity for cloud-native apps and environments
Rust is making a name for itself in cloud. See why developers are putting in the effort to adopt the programming language for cloud-native development. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2021
Key aspects of RPA in the cloud
As more enterprises prioritize automation, RPA seeks to build upon that growth within the cloud sector. Learn why vendors see the technology as an investment in the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2021
4 best practices for big data security in cloud computing
When dealing with vast amounts of data in the cloud, enterprises need to be proactive with security. Don't wait for a threat to happen; apply these best practices first. Continue Reading
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Quiz
15 Jul 2021
Ace the Google cloud engineer certification with this prep
This quick 12-question quiz will help you assess exactly where you stand in your preparation to take the career-making Google Cloud certification exam. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2021
3 AWS container security best practices
Security is crucial for container-based applications. Learn how to protect AWS container environments with best practices for ECS, EKS and the extension for on-premises deployments. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jun 2021
cloud bursting
Cloud bursting is an application deployment technique in which an application runs in a private cloud or data center and bursts into a public cloud when the demand for computing capacity spikes. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2021
Benefits and drawbacks of AI in cloud computing
AI and cloud computing work hand in hand to improve upon various processes, but the combination of these technologies comes with a price. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2021
How to create Amazon EC2 security groups
Before setting up security groups for AWS resources, review rules, requirements and potential missteps. Follow these steps to properly configure security groups for EC2 instances. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2021
Try before you buy with free tiers in cloud
Cloud services aren't cheap, and you don't want to get stuck using one that isn't the right fit. This is where the 'try before you buy' options come in. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2021
Understand cloud abstraction for your IT needs
Cloud users must select a cloud abstraction layer that meets their business requirements. Consider factors such as level of control and security when choosing SaaS, PaaS or IaaS. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2021
Evaluate Azure CLI vs. PowerShell for resource management
Compare two popular resource management tools for Azure -- Azure CLI and PowerShell -- to determine if one, or a combination of both, is right for your cloud environment. Continue Reading
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Quiz
16 Apr 2021
Ready to be a GCP architect? Try this quiz and see
This 10-question quiz, drawn from a new GCP certified professional cloud architect prep guide, helps identify your strengths and weaknesses to improve your odds of passing the exam. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2021
IBM boosts vertical cloud push with financial services cloud
IBM doubles down on its investment in vertical markets, rolling out a financial services cloud that shares workloads with clouds in telecommunications and healthcare. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2021
A breakdown of core AWS identity services
Given the wide range of organizations that use AWS to power their applications, it's important to understand the options AWS offers to manage access to application components. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2021
5 bad practices that lead to insecure APIs in cloud computing
API security often feels complicated. However, your IT team will go a long way in securing its services if it avoids these common pitfalls in API design and implementation. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Mar 2021
Compare Azure Firewall vs. NSGs for network security
Traffic to and from resources needs proper security to protect data, but the wrong tool could leave you vulnerable. Explore these two services to find the right level of protection. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2021
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure adds next-gen AMD EPYC instances
Oracle hopes new AMD EPYC instance types that deliver more performance at the same price as the previous generation can bring more attention to its IaaS. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Mar 2021
A better way to query DynamoDB data with SQL
Not everything is a one-click solution. Review two ways to query DynamoDB with SQL, as well as what these methods reveal about AWS' future as the top cloud provider. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Mar 2021
autoscaling
Autoscaling provides users with an automated approach to increase or decrease the compute, storage or networking resources they have allocated, as traffic spikes and use patterns demand. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Feb 2021
Build a cloud resiliency strategy with these best practices
Implement these tips and strategies to minimize downtime and support resiliency in your cloud-based organization. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2021
Pandemic cloud migration push to have lasting impact
Enterprises boosted their investments in cloud computing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if vaccines resolve the crisis, COVID-19's influence will linger in the cloud market. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2021
Cloud infrastructure automation: When and where to use it
Manual tasks are time consuming and can lead to mistakes. Free up your IT teams and ensure an error-free environment by adding automation to these cloud processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2021
How to choose between IaaS and SaaS cloud models
Even if you already moved a few workloads to the cloud, it's never too early to start looking at where you are going and never too late to make a change. See if IaaS or SaaS is the right service model for your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2021
COVID-19 and remote work shift cloud predictions for 2021
If we learned anything from 2020, it's to expect the unexpected. Yet that doesn't stop analysts from trying to predict what's to come in the world of cloud computing this year. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2020
How to prepare for the OCI Architect Associate certification
Author of 'Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Associate All-in-One Exam Guide' Roopesh Ramklass shares his expert advice on OCI concepts and certification in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 Dec 2020
Cloud security: The building blocks of a secure foundation
Before going ahead with digital transformation, ensure your organization has created its cloud security strategy to ensure that moving to the cloud doesn't create vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Nov 2020
How do I configure AWS Lambda functions in a VPC?
Lambda and VPCs are essential to many AWS architectures, but they don't come together as intuitively as you might think. Learn how to configure Lambda functions within a VPC. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2020
3 SaaS cost management tips for new-to-cloud usage
When it comes to SaaS spending, IT must ensure that everyone from users to management is on the same page. Use these strategies to stay within your cloud budget. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2020
Why is high availability important in cloud computing?
How many "nines" does your own cloud app really need? High availability is still an important factor in a cloud SLA, but uptime needs vary for each service and company. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2020
Compare Google Cloud Deployment Manager vs. Terraform on GCP
Determine whether to opt for cloud native Deployment Manager or third-party Terraform for infrastructure as code on Google Cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2020
Explore the tools for disaster recovery on AWS, Azure and GCP
Utilize cloud infrastructure for your disaster recovery plan. Learn about the tools and services from AWS, Google and Microsoft to see if they fit in your DR plan. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2020
Put an IT succession plan in place for your cloud team
IT is a small world. Before you leave your current company and role, make sure your successor has the right training, support and documentation to hit the ground running. Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2020
AWS Cost Management adds anomaly detection
AWS has added an Anomaly Detection service to its Cost Management suite that applies machine learning to a customer's usage and fires off alerts when thresholds are exceeded. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2020
When -- and when not -- to use cloud native security tools
Security tools from cloud vendors are convenient, but that doesn't mean they are always the right choice. Learn how to decide when you should opt to use third-party security tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2020
Chart an Azure administrator certification path
Advance your career as an IT administrator with Azure certifications. Review the requirements and exams associated with Azure administrator roles with this guide. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
24 Aug 2020
COVID-19 and the cloud: How to maintain systems resilience
Kishore Durg explains how enterprises can leverage systems resilience to ensure that they don't experience any cloud disruptions during the pandemic. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2020
Collaboration is key to earning cloud computing cost savings
Many organizations turn to the cloud for greater flexibility and dynamic scalability, but IT and financial teams must work together to address the complicated pricing scenarios. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2020
Oracle Cloud at Customer adds Dedicated Regions
Oracle has added Dedicated Regions to its Cloud at Customer managed service. Now customers can consume all of Oracle's cloud-based services on premises, the company says. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2020
What's behind cloud providers' push for custom hardware?
The nature of the cloud market demands innovation, and custom hardware might be the next move for the major vendors in this space. Experts weigh in on the key drivers of this shift. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Jul 2020
When should you use cloud vs. on-premises storage?
Choose the right data storage approach with this breakdown on the differences between cloud and on-premises storage. Consider cost, compliance, performance and other factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2020
Establish S3 bucket security with proper access control
Misconfigured S3 buckets can put your sensitive data at risk. Learn to configure secure S3 buckets and block public access with this guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2020
What should be on your cloud audit checklist?
Although strenuous, audits are a critical part of a cloud compliance strategy. Learn about the different types of cloud audits to better prepare for your next review. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2020
Confront cloud security challenges with these 5 tips
Security gets complicated when the cloud overlaps with other technologies, such as AI and serverless. Review these common risks, and learn how to prevent attacks. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2020
Cloud use spikes amid COVID-19 but IaaS costs remain stable
Don't expect hyperscalers like AWS to profiteer from the COVID-19 pandemic. But enterprises must take extra precautions as they invest in cloud-based infrastructure and software, analysts say. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2020
Watch out for these 5 hybrid cloud security challenges
Protect your hybrid cloud environment against these five common security vulnerabilities. Avoid the risks with established strategies and public cloud tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2020
A guide to cloud capacity planning for unexpected spikes
Unpredictable traffic spikes can make or break applications. Make sure your apps can handle scaling demands with this breakdown of cloud capacity strategies. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2020
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure adds new AMD EPYC instances
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure has boosted its support for mission-critical workloads with new options based on AMD's second-generation EPYC processors. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2020
5 tips that can lead to Azure cloud management success
Many factors go into managing Azure resources, and they vary based on a company's needs. Explore five pieces to the larger cloud management puzzle to optimize your environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2020
7 Google Cloud database options to free up your IT team
Moving data to a cloud database is an effective way to optimize cost and performance for applications. Review seven of Google's database services and decide if one is right for you. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2020
Microsoft Azure capacity woes don't signal the worst
Microsoft Azure experienced capacity issues in Europe, with some users unable to spin up VMs. The company is taking 'proactive steps' for the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2020
7 tips to manage cloud sprawl in your enterprise
Cloud sprawl can lead to all sorts of unwanted surprises. Review these recommendations to get control over all the cloud resources across your business. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2020
Compare web and mobile testing tools from AWS, Microsoft and Google
Compare and contrast the mobile testing tools from the big three cloud vendors -- AWS Device Farm, Google Firebase Test Lab and Microsoft Visual Studio App Center Test. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2020
Is the cloud's shared responsibility model broken?
An organization that doesn't fully participate -- or even understand -- its role in securing its data in the public cloud takes unnecessary risks. You need to do your part. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2020
Maintain multi-cloud security parity with these practices
Establish consistent security measures across distributed environments. Automate configuration management and increase monitoring and training to reduce multi-cloud vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2020
HPE buys Scytale to hone cloud-native security chops
HPE has scooped up Scytale, a startup that has developed a cloud-native security framework for highly distributed applications. While most enterprises don't need such capabilities today, HPE has taken a step that could serve them down the road. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2020
Get a handle on AWS costs with these tips and tools
It's normal for your AWS bill to fluctuate, but don't let it spike for the wrong reasons. Take these steps to avoid unnecessary charges and keep your cloud costs in check. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2020
Establish cloud visibility with Azure monitoring tools
Learn about the various monitoring services available on the Azure cloud platform. Use these tools for application performance metrics, data analytics and other insights. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jan 2020
Confidential computing promises secure cloud apps
Adopt confidential computing to protect sensitive data in the cloud. Learn the basics about these technologies and evaluate offerings from AWS, Google, Microsoft and others. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Dec 2019
Get the lowdown on these 4 Google Cloud management services
Google Cloud Platform offers numerous tools to manage and deploy resources -- each with its own specific focus. Learn about these four services before you get started on Google Cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2019
It's time to implement a cloud data retention policy
While cloud storage is cheap, that doesn't mean you should keep data forever. There are four main factors to consider before you put your data in cold storage and throw away the key. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2019
Evaluate general and niche cloud service use cases
Can't decide between a niche cloud provider or a hyperscaler? Review some real-world examples to help weigh the options and find the best fit for your workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2019
Instill cloud change management best practices
Automation is essential to change management in the cloud. Discover the best practices that ensure your IT team is in sync and productive when handling change. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
Establish a self-service cloud brokerage from scratch
Make developers and admins happier with a self-service portal that delivers an in-house marketplace of approved cloud tools and services. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2019
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
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Infographic
22 Nov 2019
Keep the costs of cloud computing under control
Enterprises need to track, manage and optimize cloud spending to keep budgets in check. Get to the bottom of your overspending problem, and learn how to fix it, with this infographic. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2019
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
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News
14 Nov 2019
AWS, Azure and Google peppered with outages in same week
Cloud outages hit AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud within the past week, an outcome that suggests customers must take a more sophisticated approach to ensure maximum uptime. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2019
Google to unveil post-Chronicle cloud cybersecurity plans
Google plans to discuss its cloud cybersecurity portfolio at a conference next week, with the capabilities developed by Chronicle figuring heavily into the mix. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Nov 2019
Get to know Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB use cases
Organizations can deploy Cosmos DB for a range of important applications. Learn how to bolster Azure workloads with this Microsoft database service that is highly distributed and multi-model. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2019
Mars gains sweet cloud savings with Azure Cost Management
Azure Cost Management, which helps customers track spend on the cloud platform, can provide sweet rewards if used correctly and comprehensively, according to candy maker Mars. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2019
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
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Tip
29 Oct 2019
5 security oversights to avoid with IAM configurations
IAM provides the granularity organizations need to secure their cloud workloads, but only if it's properly implemented. Refrain from making these common IAM mistakes. Continue Reading
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Quiz
25 Oct 2019
Test your cloud automation and orchestration expertise
Are you familiar with the tools and services available for cloud orchestration and automation? Take this quiz and see how you stack up. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Oct 2019
Utilize AI for cloud cost optimization
The sticker shock of cloud bills is still a pain point for enterprises. Providers are looking to AI to fix the problem, but can this technology actually meet customers' needs? Continue Reading
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Video
18 Oct 2019
Watch this Google Cloud Console tutorial
Get accustomed to the Google Cloud Console. Explore the management features the admin UI has to offer and learn how to customize it to meet your needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2019
Top 5 cloud architect interview questions and answers
Job candidates need technical skills and much more to work in the cloud. Prepare for your cloud architect interview with these potential questions and answers to stand out from the crowd. Continue Reading