Cloud provider platforms and tools
When a business is ready to proceed with a cloud migration, it's prudent to consider which cloud provider platforms and tools meet business objectives and align with a staff’s skills. Hyperscale providers AWS, Azure and Google lead the market, offering ever-expanding portfolios of tools and services, but other providers deliver competitive offerings as well.
Top Stories
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News
11 Feb 2025
Intel loses AI head Justin Hotard to Nokia
AI and data center chief Justin Hotard will leave Intel to become Nokia's CEO as the company struggles to regain its footing in the data center market. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2025
Amazon to spend $100B on AWS AI infrastructure
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said investors will eventually be happy he spent the money on the 'biggest technology shift in business since the internet.' Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2025
AMD trims delivery time for MI350
AMD plans to send samples of the rack-scale AI chip to key customers in the current quarter. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2025
Intel axes Falcon Shores amid market challenges
Intel decides its limited resources would be better spent on Falcon Shores' successor, Jaguar Shores. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2025
What is a private cloud? Definition and examples
Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers advantages similar to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2025
An introduction to AWS Graviton processors and instances
With improved performance in each generation, AWS Graviton processors reduce energy use and cost, making them ideal for many workloads. But which instance type should you choose? Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2025
4 AWS Backup best practices for reliable data protection
Unlock the power of AWS Backup. Discover how this centralized service enhances data reliability, fortifies disaster recovery and safeguards resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2025
What are metered services and how do they work?
Metered services (also called pay-per-use and consumption-based pricing) are any type of payment structure in which a customer has access to potentially unlimited resources but only pays for what they use. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2025
What is Google Cloud Coldline storage?
Google Cloud Coldline storage is a public cloud cold storage class for infrequently accessed data. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jan 2025
What is Google Cloud Nearline storage?
Google Cloud Nearline storage is a public cloud storage class intended for storing infrequently accessed data. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jan 2025
What is cloud transformation and how do you get started?
Cloud transformation is a migration process in which a business's IT infrastructure, data, applications and software are moved to cloud-based environments. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Jan 2025
Steps to launch an EC2 instance using AWS CloudFormation
Admins can use AWS CloudFormation templates and resource stacks to deploy an EC2 instance using an infrastructure-as-code approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2025
The history of cloud computing explained
Get a clear view of cloud's historical milestones, how it evolved into the juggernaut it is today and transformed the commercial and working worlds for businesses and consumers. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2025
Top 10 PaaS providers of 2025 and what they offer you
PaaS is a good option for developers who want control over application hosting and simplified app deployment, but not all PaaS tools offer the same feature set. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2025
Evaluate 7 cloud monitoring tools for networks
Organizations use cloud monitoring tools to manage on-premises, hybrid and cloud networks. Discover the features of seven cloud monitoring tools that can enhance performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jan 2025
Explore the top 12 private cloud providers of 2025
There are many factors to consider when choosing a private cloud platform. Explore these popular providers to see which one suits your business best. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jan 2025
What is a cloud service provider?
A cloud service provider, or CSP, is a company that offers components of cloud computing -- typically in an as-a-service model like infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) or platform as a service (PaaS). Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2025
How to protect VMs with Azure Bastion hosts
Port scans are a popular hacking technique used to find network vulnerabilities. Could Azure Bastion hosts provide the network security businesses need? Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jan 2025
What is a robo-advisor? Everything to know before using one
A robo-advisor is a virtual financial advisor powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that employs an algorithm to deliver an automated selection of financial advisory services. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jan 2025
What is Microsoft Azure and how does it work?
Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft's public cloud computing platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2025
How to launch an Amazon EC2 Mac instance
Amazon EC2 Mac instances empower macOS and iOS developers with essential capabilities for app development, testing and deployment. Discover their advantages and how to launch them. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2024
Top public cloud service providers of 2025: How they compare
As the market share gap tightens among AWS, Microsoft and Google, see how their features and offerings stack up against each other and some of the smaller cloud providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2024
The future of hybrid cloud: What to expect in 2025 and beyond
For companies modernizing their business operations, hybrid cloud's embrace of AI, edge computing and integration promises unique levels of flexibility, security and control. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2024
Rise of the subscription economy: What it is and how it works
The subscription economy is reshaping consumer habits, offering flexible access over ownership. It drives convenience, loyalty and predictable revenue. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Dec 2024
What is data segregation and why is it important in the cloud?
Data segregation, also commonly referred to as data separation, involves the policies and practices for isolating data and workloads based on specific criteria. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2024
4 popular machine learning certificates to get in 2025
AWS, Google, IBM and Microsoft offer machine learning certifications that can further your career. Learn what to expect from each one, as well as skills and tips you should know. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2024
AWS, Red Hat hybrid cloud wares court VMware converts
Broadcom has softened some of its stances on VMware licensing and public cloud, but competitors stay poised to pounce on customers looking to defect. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Dec 2024
What is pay-as-you-go cloud computing (PAYG cloud computing)?
Pay-as-you-go cloud computing, or PAYG cloud computing, is a payment method for cloud computing that charges based on usage. The practice is similar to that of utility bills, using only resources that are needed. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2024
Breaking down the cost of cloud computing in 2025
Businesses migrating to the cloud can reap benefits they wouldn't get staying on the premises -- but then there's the pricing. Check out cost structures of the big three providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2024
How to prepare for long-lasting cloud outages
Cloud outages are more than a technical inconvenience -- they can threaten business continuity, customer satisfaction, security and innovation. Will your business survive one? Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2024
JPMorganChase, NFL, Georgia-Pacific share GenAI ups, downs
Enterprises share how they've used GenAI to transform operations, boost revenue, and find new opportunities. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Dec 2024
How to create an EC2 instance from the AWS Console
AWS has made launching EC2 instances an easy task, but there are still many steps to the result. Learn how to successfully create an EC2 instance from AWS Console. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
06 Dec 2024
A conference guide to AWS re:Invent 2024
Explore the latest news, product releases and technology updates, as well as analysis and expert advice from AWS re:Invent 2024 in this updating conference guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2024
On-premises-to-cloud migration: Top methods and tools to use
One of the first steps in a cloud migration is to choose a data transfer model. There are two options to consider -- online and offline -- but you need to weigh the pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2024
11 cloud migration benefits to know before making the move
The cloud's benefits are well established, but it's still useful to keep the biggest ones in mind before going through the trouble of moving on-premises systems to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Dec 2024
A preview of the AWS re:Invent 2024 agenda
With AWS re:Invent 2024 offering in-person and virtual options this year, attendees can choose from a range of interactive session types. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Dec 2024
Cloud experts share predictions for AWS re:Invent 2024
It's that time of year again: AWS re:Invent! Read on to learn what our cloud experts predict will be announced at this year's conference. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2024
Best practices for rightsizing EC2 instances
EC2 instances that are improperly sized drain money and restrict performance on workloads. Learn how rightsizing EC2 instances can optimize costs with these best practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2024
What is SaaS (software as a service)?
Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a cloud provider hosts applications and makes them available to end users over the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2024
12 top contact center platforms of 2025
Which came first: the evolution of the contact center or the evolution of its supporting software? It's the old chicken-and-egg debate. Either way, AI is the catalyst. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2024
Microsoft launches Azure Local for Hybrid Cloud, edge uses
Along with Azure Local, Microsoft has launched a migration tool for enterprises that want to ditch their VMware by Broadcom VMs. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2024
AMD layoffs follow AI job trend
AMD joins other tech companies in using layoffs to make room for AI talent. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2024
Managed identity vs. service principal for Azure apps
Managed identities automate identity management for Azure-native applications, while service principals are ideal for external applications that need access to Azure resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Nov 2024
What is quantum computing? How it works and examples
Quantum computing is an area of computer science focused on the development of computers based on the principles of quantum theory. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
08 Nov 2024
Microsoft Ignite 2024 conference coverage
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly to see all the news and analysis related to the latest innovations launching at this year's Microsoft Ignite show. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Nov 2024
An explanation of software as a service (SaaS)
Software as a service can be a cost savings to organizations, as it eliminates licensing fees, expensive hardware and maintenance. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2024
Microsoft, Google feud heats up with 'astroturfing' accusation
After Google filed a complaint with the EU about Microsoft's cloud practices, Microsoft accused Google of funding shadow campaigns to hurt its business. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2024
AWS, Box expand partnership for Q generative AI, app dev
Box users get deeper AWS integrations that enable Q Business generative AI agents, as well as the capability to build apps in Bedrock, AWS' multi-LLM AI platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2024
Use this EC2 instance type comparison to power your AWS apps
To get the most out of AWS, organizations need to get the most out of their EC2 instances. Use this comparison to help choose the right AWS instance type and pricing plan. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
A cloud services cheat sheet for AWS, Azure and Google Cloud
Can't make heads or tails of Amazon, Microsoft and Google cloud offerings? Use this list to help start your analysis of what's available from the largest cloud 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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News
18 Oct 2024
Cloud providers escape regulatory scrutiny -- for now
Though U.S. and EU regulators aren't zeroed in on cloud competition, Google has raised its own concerns about Microsoft's cloud licensing practices. 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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Tutorial
16 Oct 2024
Use the AWS CLI to create an EC2 instance
IT admins can use the AWS CLI to launch and manage EC2 instances. Follow these steps to learn how. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is Salesforce Service Cloud?
Salesforce Service Cloud is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform for Salesforce clients to provide service and support to their business customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is IoT Cloud (Salesforce IoT Cloud)?
IoT Cloud is a Salesforce platform designed to store and process internet of things (IoT) data. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2024
What is Salesforce Customer Success Platform?
The Salesforce Customer Success Platform (CSP) is the official name of the Salesforce portfolio of products. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2024
15 best practices for contact center agent training programs
Agents thrive when contact center training programs are built on KSAC profiles, performance analysis and recognition, personal coaching and shadowing, AI integration, and ROI. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2024
Contact center monitoring: A step-by-step guide
A well-designed monitoring program identifies customer pain points and gathers valuable intelligence that can improve agent performance and CX, as well as products and services. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Oct 2024
Amazon RDS vs. Aurora Serverless: What's the better option?
Amazon RDS and Aurora Serverless both provide relational database services. But Aurora offers more flexible resource management and performance, and it can result in lower costs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Oct 2024
Research reveals strategies to improve cloud-native security
As organizations focus on the cloud to deliver and scale applications, security teams struggle to keep up. Recent research points to how teams can effectively manage cloud security risk. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2024
What is a cloud access security broker (CASB)?
A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a software tool or service that sits between an organization's on-premises infrastructure and a cloud provider's infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2024
Amazon Bedrock vs. SageMaker JumpStart for AI apps
Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker JumpStart both provide AI models for applications. Bedrock offers readily available models, while JumpStart supports more customization. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2024
FinOps consulting grows as IT cost management efforts expand
IT service providers pursue advisory, training and automation opportunities as customers adopt FinOps and apply its cost optimization principles across more IT resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Sales Cloud?
Salesforce Sales Cloud is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to support sales, marketing and customer support in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer contexts. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2024
Intel gets boost from AWS, government contracts
Intel's turnaround efforts are progressing, but the chipmaker will need more than government funding and a deal that expands its AWS manufacturing partnership, an analyst said. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2024
Oracle users share challenges, successes with cloud, AI
At Oracle CloudWorld, companies ranging from banks to candy makers shared the challenges and benefits of using Oracle cloud software and AI in enterprise environments. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Sep 2024
Oracle CloudWorld 2024 delivers AI, database and OCI updates
Oracle delivered more AI features at its conference, including over 50 AI agents and a new generative AI RAG Agent in OCI, as well as a long-awaited partnership with AWS. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Platform (formerly Force.com)?
Salesforce Platform (formerly known as Force.com) is a platform as a service (PaaS) product that simplifies the development and deployment of cloud-based applications and websites. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Developer Experience (Salesforce DX)?
Salesforce Developer Experience (Salesforce DX) is a set of software development tools that lets developers build, test and ship many kinds of applications on Salesforce Platform (formerly called Force.com). Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Commerce Cloud?
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a cloud-based suite of products that enable e-commerce businesses to set up e-commerce sites, drive more automation and provide customers with seamless shopping experiences. 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
Compare Box vs. Dropbox enterprise storage platforms
Both Box and Dropbox offer features and integrations that any modern enterprise could use for its cloud storage. Choosing between Box vs. Dropbox depends on various factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2024
7 essential steps to create a contact center RFP
Successful contact center RFPs are built on collaboration, vendor research, countless questions and answers, scorecards, shortlists, trial runs, bakeoffs and the final decision. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Sep 2024
What is AWS? Ultimate guide to Amazon Web Services
AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a comprehensive, evolving cloud computing platform provided by Amazon. It includes a mixture of infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service and packaged software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings. 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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Tip
27 Aug 2024
Contact center outsourcing: What businesses need to know
Businesses use contact center outsourcing to alleviate agent understaffing, expand customer service and reduce costs, but loss of control and service inconsistency are concerns. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2024
Why contact centers have high turnover and how to combat it
The alarming rise in contact center turnover rates negatively impacts agent morale, customer interactions and ROI. In many ways, AI is seen as both the cause and the solution. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2024
How to manage today's remote contact center agents
Technologies like agent analytics, video conferencing, collaboration tools, workforce management applications and cloud software can help manage remote contact centers. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2024
The ultimate contact center security checklist
If customers know organizations can keep their data safe in the contact center, they have more positive experiences. This checklist of best practices can help establish that trust. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Aug 2024
10 strategies to improve contact center agent performance
Call monitoring, skills-based routing, positive reinforcement, training resources and coaching can help contact center agents improve their performance and customer interactions. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Aug 2024
HPE to acquire Morpheus Data, expanding cloud experience
HPE has announced its acquisition of Morpheus Data, a move intended to bolster the hybrid, multi-cloud experience of HPE GreenLake and to complement HPE’s OpsRamp acquisition. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Aug 2024
What is AWS Glue?
AWS Glue is a cloud-based and serverless data integration service that helps users to prepare data for analysis through automated extract, transform and load (ETL) processes. 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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Feature
16 Aug 2024
History and evolution of contact centers
Alexander Graham Bell, Steve Jobs and the Baby Bells played notable roles in the contact center's transformation into the front line of communication for businesses and customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2024
What is call management?
Call management is a process in which inbound telephone calls are routed to call center agents. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Aug 2024
What is Microsoft Azure File Service?
Microsoft Azure Files -- sometimes known as Microsoft Azure File Service -- is a simple, secure, serverless, fully managed and cloud-based file sharing service for enterprise users. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Aug 2024
A guide to Microsoft Azure storage pricing
Take a deep dive into the costs of Microsoft Azure cloud storage across several different types, including Blob Storage and Files. Compare pricing with AWS and Google Cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Aug 2024
10 must-have contact center skills for agents in 2024
Contact center agents must have a wide range of interpersonal and technological skills to interact with customers and resolve their issues in a timely and empathetic manner. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2024
10 best practices for contact center quality assurance
To ensure quality and results in the contact center, businesses must define clear metrics, use real-time analytics, seek customer feedback, upskill agents and automate everywhere. Continue Reading
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Report
09 Aug 2024
15 essential contact center features
Today's multifunctional contact centers must cut through the product hype and incorporate software features that meet customer demands for fast, seamless and personalized service. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2024
8 contact center metrics to improve agent performance and CX
These metrics measure and report on productivity and effectiveness at the contact center agent level to ensure performance aligns with the overall mission of the organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2024
7 contact center trends for 2024 and beyond
As contact centers trend toward becoming viable profit centers, AI's influence is at the core of conversational analytics, omnichannel communications and a mobile-first strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2024
How to improve the contact center experience for customers
Customers want their contact center interactions to be fast, seamless, tailored and personal in the form of mobile apps, self-service, improved IVR and knowledgeable human agents. 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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Tip
24 Jul 2024
How to launch an EC2 instance using Terraform
With Terraform, developers can lean on familiar coding practices to provision the underlying resources for their applications. Follow these steps to use the IaC tool to create an Amazon EC2 instance. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2024
8 contact center challenges in 2024 and how to overcome them
Multifunctional contact centers must meet the expectations of savvy customers, hire and maintain qualified agents, monetize data, safeguard information and modernize operations. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2024
Google launches Distributed Cloud edge hardware
The hardware for highly regulated industries runs the Google Cloud infrastructure stack, data security services and the Vertex AI platform for running pretrained AI models. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2024
The pros and cons of sovereign clouds
The global distribution of cloud data centers raises serious concerns about regional data privacy laws. Can sovereign clouds help to ease those doubts? Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2024
Optimize Amazon Athena performance with these 5 tuning tips
Amazon Athena can provide an efficient, cost-effective method of data analysis. But did you properly optimize Athena performance to see these benefits? Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2024
8 benefits of a modern contact center
Contact centers and their multifunctional capabilities can provide businesses with a competitive edge through improved agent performance, customer engagement and brand loyalty. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2024
A timeline and history of blockchain technology
Riding the back of volatile cryptocurrencies, blockchain's trek has been raucous since 2009, but the technology's roots are much deeper and applications much richer than Bitcoin. Continue Reading