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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Tip
15 Oct 2019
6 cloud cost optimization strategies for long-term planning
Short-term cost management tools are one way to improve cost efficiencies in the cloud, but to stay on track, you also need long-term strategies to eliminate unnecessary cloud spend. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2019
Enterprises want more cloud transparency
Cloud providers have improved the visibility into their platforms, but enterprises still need more information about what goes on behind the scenes. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2019
Evaluate Azure Cost Management updates post-Cloudyn acquisition
Microsoft users have seen a number of improvements to the Azure Cost Management tool -- but there are still concerns about its support for other cloud platforms. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2019
Zenoss automates transition to cloud-based IT monitoring
In an effort to improve the user experience while transitioning from on-premises to cloud-based monitoring, Zenoss has added new capabilities to its platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2019
Top 5 nontechnical skills for cloud computing success
Companies that move to the cloud need a staff with a strong technical background, but soft skills are important too. Review five non-tech skills needed for a successful cloud initiative. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2019
Build cloud economics expertise in-house
Cloud bills shouldn't be filled with surprises, but unexpected costs are all too common. Ensure your staff can handle cost management and optimization processes to rein in spending. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2019
Top 6 Google cloud certification programs
The cloud job market continues to grow, but it can be hard to get your resume to the top of the pile. Consider these Google cloud certifications to stand out from the crowd. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
30 Aug 2019
6 steps to survive a cloud outage
Providers aren't perfect and outages are inevitable. The key is to have a DR plan in place before a problem occurs. The following slides illustrate the six key steps to get back up and running. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2019
Top 8 cloud administrator interview questions and answers
Hoping to become a cloud administrator? There's a lot to cover -- from tools to certifications. Prepare for your interview with these eight questions. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2019
Use modern cloud security best practices
Enterprises still worry about the security of cloud and if migrating will put data at risk. Explore modern methods, technologies and tools that help strengthen cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2019
Public cloud services grow HPC market, but work remains
HPC applications need a lot of resources, but not all enterprises can meet those requirements. However, new cloud services are emerging to address that gap in the market. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2019
Virtual Instruments expands portfolio with Metricly acquisition
Virtual Instruments added more offerings to its cloud migration and hybrid infrastructure management portfolio with an acquisition of Metricly. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2019
Cloud compliance strategies for a multi-cloud world
Cloud computing and compliance don't need to be at odds -- even when an organization uses services from multiple cloud providers. Here's how to meet your compliance goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2019
How to live with loss of control with cloud software updates
IT pros don't have the same control over updates and versions in the cloud as they do on premises. Stay ahead of the changes and communicate to staff to lessen any negative impacts. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Aug 2019
Ensure cloud migration security with these tips
Security is always a concern in the data center, as well as in cloud -- but what about during a migration? Learn how to protect sensitive data both in transit and before it goes live. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2019
Azure resource management tips to optimize a cloud deployment
Prepare -- or revamp -- an Azure cloud strategy with these essential resource management tips for workload resiliency, access control and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2019
CASB tools evolve to meet broader set of cloud security needs
When choosing a CASB, enterprises face two primary options: a stand-alone service from a third party or a bundled tool set from some of the large cloud providers. It's important to pick your flavor wisely. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jul 2019
Conduct cloud security training across the business
A well-educated staff is one of the best tools in the fight against security breaches. Consider these tips to prepare your employees for the risks in the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2019
Microsoft Azure feature targets application latency woes
An additional Microsoft Azure function can place VMs associated with a multi-tier application inside the same cloud data center to reduce latency. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2019
Best practices for negotiating a SaaS SLA
SaaS apps offer convenience, but enterprises still need to do their due diligence with prospective vendors. Follow these tips to get the best SaaS service-level agreement. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2019
Hearst puts cloud governance first in move to AWS, Azure
Cloud governance, both from a security and cost perspective, was crucial for Hearst Corp. as it moved its IT operations to AWS and Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2019
Alluxio updates data orchestration platform, launches 2.0
The latest version of the Alluxio data orchestration platform includes several new capabilities and features designed with hybrid and multi-cloud environments in mind. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2019
An introduction to the 6 OpenStack orchestration components
Cloud orchestration is a critical part of workflow simplification and task automation. If you prefer open source options, see what OpenStack has to offer. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2019
Navigate public cloud availability zones for optimal performance
Google's recent outages show that AZs aren't a panacea for high availability. See how differences in cloud vendors' approaches to isolation can affect workload performance. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2019
Oracle layoffs hit Dyn team's sales, marketing staffs
Oracle Dyn cuts sales and marketing jobs as Oracle plans to end some Dyn services in 2020. The layoffs come amid other Oracle downsizing as the vendor moves toward the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Microsoft Azure Bastion service seeks to secure VMs
Microsoft's Azure Bastion managed service provides a means for companies to remotely access their VMs without touching the public internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2019
Ask these 5 questions before deploying cloud HA
IT teams can build HA into their organization's cloud apps, but is it worth it? And how much is too much? Ask these and other critical questions before architecting for HA. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2019
Know the tools needed to bake cloud HA into apps
The cost for HA might outweigh the benefit for many cloud apps. But, before you can debate the need to architect a highly redundant system, you need to know the tools at your disposal. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2019
Google Cloud price change eyes AI and machine learning workloads
Google Cloud has expanded its committed use discount plan to include GPU, TPU and local SSD resources to spark more AI and machine learning workloads. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2019
Apptio buys Cloudability for cloud cost optimization
Apptio looks to strengthen its cloud cost optimization services with the addition of Cloudability, as the industry continues to coalesce around hybrid and multi-cloud management. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2019
Cloud cost management tactics that work
This guide looks at strategies and best practices for cloud cost savings. We'll focus on public clouds, although many of these tips apply to private and hybrid cloud architectures as well. Continue Reading
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Quiz
15 May 2019
Test your knowledge of Google Cloud management tools
Are you a Google Cloud expert? Can you ace this quiz focused on Google's management and monitoring tools? Find out how you stack up against your colleagues. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2019
Microsoft to reduce Azure outages with Project Tardigrade
Microsoft's plans to make Azure more reliable include Project Tardigrade, which keeps running VMs alive even when their host platforms go down due to hardware problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2019
Explore multi-cloud Kubernetes deployment options
IT teams can use Kubernetes to deploy and manage containerized workloads across multiple clouds -- but it's not the best approach for everyone. Look at the benefits and implementation options. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2019
Cloud cost calculators come with some limitations
Enterprises that plan to move to the cloud should get a good idea of the costs upfront. While calculator tools can give you an estimate, they don't factor in external costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2019
Navigate serverless cloud SLAs for event-driven apps
Each cloud provider defines serverless uptime differently. Consider platform reliability, other guarantees and refund rates before building an event-driven app. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Apr 2019
What users should know about cloud governance models
Governance is on the mind of most enterprises, no matter where they store the data -- but the cloud adds another layer of risk. Examine the common security issues, and learn how to combat them. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2019
Kroger buys into Google Cloud migration, despite challenges
It wasn't easy for Kroger to migrate its customer-facing search engine to Google Cloud, but it happened fast, thanks to proper planning and the right mix of talent. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2019
Set the foundation for a solid cloud backup strategy
Behind any effective cloud DR strategy is a solid backup plan. Follow these tips around common backup methods, tools and replication to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2019
Updated Microsoft Azure certifications emphasize IT roles
Microsoft revamped its public cloud certifications in a move away from holistic skill sets. Review the newly tailored exams you'll need to take to get the Azure seal of approval. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2019
Oracle layoffs underpin its IaaS ambitions
Oracle plans further investments in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, but to do so it has cut jobs and made plans to hire fresh talent to support its cloud business. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2019
Manage public cloud storage for optimal performance, costs
Storage is one of the most commonly used resources on public clouds, which means admins should be well-versed in performance and cost optimization strategies. Use these expert tips to get started. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2019
Cloudability
Cloudability is a software vendor that provides financial management tools for monitoring and analyzing cloud computing costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2019
Google tool signals move to greater cloud transparency
Access Transparency users can review the work Google admins did on their cloud accounts. It's a step toward greater accountability, but large organizations will want even more. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2019
Overcome IoT challenges for cloud-based workloads
Organizations often build IoT apps on public clouds for their scalability, but these platforms introduce their own obstacles. Factor in these network, storage and security impacts. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2019
Words to go: Google cloud security services
Digging through all of Google's cloud security tools can seem overwhelming. Get a snapshot of key services, and when to use them, with this quick list. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Feb 2019
Compare reserved instances pricing for AWS, Azure and GCP
Got commitment issues? When it comes to long-term instance reservations, cloud users should look closely at what AWS, Microsoft and Google offer. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Feb 2019
Automation drives next wave of multi-cloud management tools
The current cloud landscape indicates a clear need for management tools that can span multiple platforms -- and they'll likely place an emphasis on automation, abstraction and orchestration. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Feb 2019
Control the cloud bill and avoid unexpected costs
Don't get discouraged by high cloud costs. Use these four tips to whip your bill into shape. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2019
UK news org plots move from AWS to Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud Platform has scored one against rival AWS with The Telegraph's plan to switch providers to prep the British newspaper for continued success in digital publishing. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2019
Follow these 6 serverless security best practices
Optimal security for serverless architectures requires developers and ops teams to embrace best practices around dependencies, testing, access and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2019
Cloud disaster recovery services evolve, but gaps remain
A severe outage can cripple a business, which is why a disaster recovery plan is critical. While today's DRaaS offerings make it easier to recover, there's still room for growth. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2019
Implement cloud failover, replication for workload protection
Businesses increasingly use public cloud services as workload protection targets. But cloud failover and replication are hardly hands-off processes for IT teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jan 2019
5 open source cloud monitoring tools to evaluate in 2019
Open source monitoring tools can offer a number of advantages over cloud providers' native options. Review these five to find out which tool is best for your cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2018
Review Google cloud IAM fundamentals and best practices
To learn the ins and outs of Google’s identity and access management service, start with the basic concepts of roles, permissions and policies. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2018
Secure data in the cloud with encryption and access controls
Enterprises can't rely on their IaaS provider to protect sensitive information in the cloud. Implement these data security techniques to mitigate potential risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2018
An overview of ARM templates for Azure resource deployment
Azure Resource Manager templates streamline the way IT and development teams deploy cloud resources. To get started, grasp these key concepts around formatting, syntax and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2018
5 best ways to minimize cloud scaling costs
Many factors can contribute to a high public cloud bill -- one of which is scalability. Apply these five practices to effectively scale cloud resources without breaking the bank. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2018
How to use Azure Site Recovery Deployment Planner
A successful disaster recovery procedure is more complicated than most people think. Learn how an Azure service can streamline the process of VM replication and failover. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2018
Evaluate 3 cloud-native CI/CD pipeline tools
When it comes to continuous integration and delivery tools, there is no shortage of comparable options -- including those from public cloud providers, such as AWS, Azure and Google. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
CockroachDB managed database service rises into the cloud
The Managed CockroachDB distributed database cloud service targets megascale workloads but faces stiff competition from public cloud players Microsoft, AWS and Google. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2018
Here's what it takes to become a cloud automation engineer
A cloud automation engineer is a challenging role for any IT professional because of the varied requirements. Find out what education, experience and skill sets you need to get the job. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2018
Azure Reserved Instances boost flexibility around VM size
A recent Azure update for Reserved Instances offers enterprises increased flexibility in terms of VM size, but it also comes with some additional management tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2018
Avoid these app design mistakes to save a cloud budget
Certain oversights during app design can increase cloud costs. Dive into the details of four often-overlooked mistakes, and learn how to avoid them to keep your budget in check. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2018
Properly configure resources to reduce cloud security threats
Misconfigured cloud resources can quickly open the door to IT risks. Be mindful of access controls, and don't brush off your cloud provider's recommended security practices. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Oct 2018
Three events that spooked cloud admins in 2018
So far this year, outages, security breaches and GDPR compliance have haunted cloud admins in the enterprise. Take a closer peek at each of these three big scares. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2018
Estimate cloud computing costs prior to app migration
Enterprises should enlist a number of resources, including cost calculators and third-party tools, to assess what they'll pay for cloud computing -- before they start migration. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Oct 2018
Containers, cloud orchestration tools rattle DevOps foundation
Any form of virtualization that disconnects infrastructure from apps threatens the foundation of DevOps and could push IT toward more cloud-native and container orchestration tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2018
The first 5 steps to build a private cloud infrastructure
To implement a private cloud, IT teams must start at the beginning -- and define what a cloud strategy will mean, exactly, to their organization -- before they proceed. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2018
Cost management the next big issue in multi-cloud computing
Multi-cloud computing continues to make its way into the enterprises and, as it does, introduces some significant cost management challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2018
Compare IaC tools for hybrid, multi-cloud environments
Infrastructure-as-code tools come in two flavors: third-party and those native to a certain cloud provider. Keep these factors in mind to choose the right one. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Sep 2018
Learn from these Microsoft's Azure outage postmortem takeaways
Microsoft shed more light on last week's major Azure outage that generally confirm what everyone already knew - Â a storm near the Azure South Central US region knocked cooling systems offline and ... Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Aug 2018
Cloud vendor lock-in fears dwindle for enterprises
Vendor lock-in concerns are slowly dissipating as enterprises prioritize functionality and speed to market. Other concerns continue to climb up the list, including skills and compliance. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2018
Establish a data classification model for cloud encryption
Not all data requires the same level of encryption. Use data classification to gauge your security needs, including for workloads that span on-premises and cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jul 2018
It's time to tap into the business value of cloud computing
With increasing market maturity, all cloud adopters -- not just the Netflixes of the world -- have a chance to translate the technology into a competitive business edge. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jul 2018
What's a cloud migration factory, and how does it work?
When properly implemented -- and understood -- a cloud migration factory combines the right mix of people, processes and tools to smoothly transition an app into the public cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2018
Cloud billing surprises help pinpoint app performance issues
To assess cloud app performance, don't forget to closely monitor monthly bills from your IaaS provider. They might point to inefficiencies you'd otherwise overlook. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jun 2018
Manage Google cloud instances with images, templates
Recent additions to Google Compute Engine, particularly around images and templates, streamline how admins can create and manage VMs. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2018
Embrace automation in a hybrid cloud deployment: Free chapter
Hybrid cloud is complex, and while automation helps, it also presents new risks. This book by Clive Longbottom dives into the details cloud adopters should know. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2018
Bolster multi-cloud security with these data privacy tips
Data privacy is always a top priority for enterprise IT teams. And those with a multi-cloud model should adopt a mix of security techniques -- from erasure coding to encryption. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Jun 2018
Edge devices' compute demands complicate cloud IoT choices
Cloud vendors want companies to use their platforms for the full scope of their IoT deployments, but that might not be their best choice. As edge computing emerges as part of IoT deployments, users ... Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Jun 2018
Avoid runaway costs to keep a cloud budget in check
Wasteful spending is still a prominent issue for enterprises in the cloud. Admins need to do their homework -- before migration -- to rein in runaway cloud costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2018
Enterprises wrestle with OpenStack backup, DR challenges
To work around the manual and often tedious processes associated with OpenStack DR and backup, some enterprises have turned to third-party tools. Continue Reading
- 18 Jun 2018
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Feature
05 Jun 2018
Let cloud orchestration tools do the hard work
A smart cloud strategy requires a smart automation strategy. These steps will help position your cloud to benefit from automation and orchestration technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2018
Cloud certifications play supporting role in IT hiring decisions
Certifications that are specific to a particular cloud provider are a great way for IT professionals to grow their foundational knowledge, but they shouldn't stop there. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2018
Don't let scalability ruin a cloud cost management strategy
Scalability is one of the cloud's biggest advantages, but misuse of the feature can cost you. Pay special attention to these three rules to avoid unwanted billing surprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 May 2018
Are you on the right cloud computing career path?
As more advanced cloud technologies and deployment models emerge, it's important to future-proof your career. Check your resume against these expert suggestions. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2018
Cloud billing APIs enable greater cost transparency
No enterprise wants to be surprised by its cloud computing bill. And, even as providers offer more visibility into users' costs through APIs and other tools, obstacles remain. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2018
Know what to look for in a cloud management platform
Like so many decisions in IT, choosing a cloud management tool takes time. Be sure to outline your key goals for resource deployment, cost monitoring and more. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Apr 2018
The best multi-cloud strategy is to just ignore the hype
Vague vendor and analyst definitions for multi-cloud only confuse business leaders and put IT professionals in a precarious position. Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2018
GDPR compliance requirements don't come cheap
GDPR has more teeth than any previous data privacy directive, but that looming threat hasn't motivated many companies to get their audit trail in order. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Apr 2018
Accounting for cloud computing costs requires a new approach
As cloud waste takes a big bite out of IT budgets, cloud administrators must shift their spending mindsets and consider management tools to help avoid unnecessary costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Apr 2018
GDPR requirements loom over cloud providers, users
Even if your cloud provider already complies with GDPR, you can't just take a backseat. Know what the requirements are and whether they apply to you -- or risk hefty fines. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Mar 2018
Azure Migrate aims to attract VMware workloads to the cloud
A new Azure service removes a lot of the guesswork for IT teams that want to move VMs to Microsoft's public cloud. But will a lack of early support from VMware hurt its appeal? Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2018
With more providers, security issues in cloud computing rise
We hear a lot about the pros and cons of a multi-cloud strategy, but a surprising number of organizations don't think they need to worry about it. They do. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2018
Human error still poses a significant cloud security risk
Even with the most sophisticated cloud security tools in play, human error -- both from end users and IT teams -- can open up your enterprise to numerous kinds of attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2018
Google preemptible VMs reduce cloud costs -- with a catch
With its preemtible VMs, Google offers spare compute capacity at a discounted price. But be careful not to run certain apps on these VM types, as they shut down at any time. Continue Reading
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Quiz
07 Mar 2018
Can you choose the right tools to manage Azure resources?
Azure continues to evolve its tool set to simplify cloud monitoring and management for admins. Take this brief quiz to see how much you know about these tools' capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2018
Structure public cloud accounts for optimal resource tracking
As enterprises move to public IaaS or broaden their existing deployments, cloud account management gets tricky. Follow this example to find the structure that works best for you. Continue Reading
