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
19 Nov 2024
Microsoft Launches Azure Local for Hybrid Cloud, edge uses
Along with Azure Local, Microsoft 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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Definition
11 Mar 2024
AWS CloudFormation (Amazon Web Services CloudFormation)
AWS CloudFormation is a free service that provides Amazon Web Services customers with the tools they need to create and manage the infrastructure a particular software application requires to run on AWS. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2024
Google App Engine
Google App Engine (GAE) is a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) product that enables web app developers and enterprises to build, deploy and host scalable, high-performance applications in Google's fully managed cloud environment without having to worry about infrastructure provisioning or management. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2024
cloud audit
A cloud audit is an assessment of a cloud computing environment and its services, based on a specific set of controls and best practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Feb 2024
containers as a service (CaaS)
Containers as a service (CaaS) is a cloud-based service that provides a secure environment for running containerized applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2024
Compare CompTIA Cloud+ vs Cloud Essentials+ certifications
CompTIA Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials cover various areas and target different career paths. Find out which certification is right for you and how to prepare. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2024
Intel Foundry launches as enterprise AI surges
If the trend continues, enterprises will need more AI chip suppliers to help stabilize prices and meet the demand for AI processing at the edge and the data center, experts said. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2024
AWS CloudFormation vs. Terraform: How to choose?
Once you decide that IaC is the best approach for your AWS environment, it is time to choose a tool. Assess your needs when it comes to stack management, failure and support. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Feb 2024
Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service)
Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) is a managed database service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It makes it easy to set up and operate a scalable relational database in the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2024
on-demand computing (ODC)
On-demand computing (ODC) is a delivery model in which computing resources are made available to the user as needed. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Feb 2024
Google Transfer Appliance
Google Transfer Appliance is a high-capacity storage server that enables enterprises to transport large volumes of data to Google Cloud Storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Feb 2024
OpenStack
OpenStack is a collection of open source software modules and tools that provides organizations with a framework to create and manage both public cloud and private cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2024
Top 11 cloud certifications for 2024
Cloud certifications are available for all levels of cloud expertise. Use this guide to evaluate basic, topic-specific, high-level and vendor-neutral certifications. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2024
7 best practices for cloud storage migration
While some organizations are moving data back on site, cloud storage is still popular. A successful migration is important -- these best practices and third-party tools could help. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jan 2024
Amazon ECS vs. Kubernetes: Which should you use on AWS?
Learn the basics about Amazon ECS and Kubernetes, as well as EKS and Fargate, before you choose an application architecture for your workloads on AWS. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2024
What you need to know about Microsoft Azure Spot VMs
The cost of spot prices can be a risk-and-reward kind of strategy. Better understand the risks that come with Azure Spot VMs so your enterprise can reap the rewards. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2024
Equinix data centers offer Nvidia AI infrastructure
Equinix data centers will offer Nvidia DGX as a managed service. The platform is also available on public cloud providers, AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jan 2024
Top 10 PaaS providers of 2024 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
19 Jan 2024
On premises vs. cloud pros and cons, key differences
Immersed in the 'should I stay or should I go' cloud migration debate? Before vacating the premises and moving 'up there,' ponder these advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2024
What is hybrid cloud? The ultimate guide
A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment that uses a mix of on-premises, private cloud and third-party public cloud services with orchestration among these platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jan 2024
7 keys to an effective hybrid cloud migration strategy
Cloud readiness, storage costs, network lag and metrics can make or break the choice to move data, applications and workloads to today's more complex hybrid cloud environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2024
8 hybrid cloud security challenges and how to manage them
Hybrid cloud's benefits are many and varied but so are the security issues surrounding integration, compatibility, governance, compliance, APIs, visibility and responsibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2024
Pros and cons of 10 common hybrid cloud use cases
For businesses contemplating the advantages and disadvantages of their applications living in a distributed cloud infrastructure, take a cue from these hybrid cloud use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Dec 2023
The future of hybrid cloud: What to expect in 2024 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
21 Dec 2023
Top enterprise hybrid cloud management tools to review
The techniques used to build hybrid cloud architectures have come a long way, but managing these environments long term is plenty more complex without the right software. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2023
Top 8 benefits of hybrid cloud for business
Why choose between public cloud and private systems when you can have both? With hybrid cloud, enterprises can address workload requirements, business demands and budgetary needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2023
Navigate the eviction policies for Azure Spot Virtual Machines
When things go right, Azure Spot VMs are a good investment to save money. However, users need a greater understanding of how eviction policies will affect their VMs. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Dec 2023
Multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud: The main difference
As businesses digitally transform across increasingly distributed environments, know the benefits, challenges, similarities and differences between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2023
Compare Azure Blueprints vs. Terraform
Azure Blueprints helps companies with strict compliance needs in Azure environments, while Terraform is a versatile tool that suits multi-cloud strategies. Evaluate the tools here. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Dec 2023
Key cybersecurity takeaways from AWS re:Invent
Security was strongly emphasized throughout the AWS re:Invent user conference, with product updates to help companies secure data as they build apps and scale in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Dec 2023
file synchronization (file sync)
File synchronization (file sync) is a method of keeping files that are stored in several different physical locations up to date. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2023
Compare AWS, Azure and Google Cloud IAM services
This comparison dives into the differences among cloud IAM services from AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Use it to evaluate features, resource hierarchy configuration and pricing. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2023
Microsoft launches custom AI, server chips for Azure
Maia is for AI inferencing, while the Arm-based Cobalt is for general-purpose computing. The chips could compete with AMD, Nvidia and Intel offerings eventually. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2023
Deploy ML on edge devices with SageMaker, IoT Greengrass
Amazon SageMaker, ONNX and AWS IoT Greengrass help deploy machine learning models to edge devices. Steps include component creation, recipe building and core device configuration. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Nov 2023
Optimize ML models with Amazon SageMaker Neo
Machine learning models that run inference tasks require optimized performance and monitoring. Amazon SageMaker Neo can be a helpful tool in the ML model release cycle. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Nov 2023
Cloud experts weigh in with 2023 AWS re:Invent predictions
As AWS re:Invent 2023 approaches, our experts predict what announcements will come out of the AWS conference. Read up on this year's predictions ahead of the big day. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
13 Nov 2023
A conference guide to AWS re:Invent 2023
Explore the latest news, product releases and technology updates, as well as analysis and expert advice, from AWS re:Invent 2023 through this regularly updated guide. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Nov 2023
Red Hat Analyst Day vision focuses on AI and automation
Organizations are embracing modern distributed cloud environments. At its analyst day, Red Hat advised taking a platform approach to simplify operations and speed innovation. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2023
Compare Google Cloud Storage vs. Google Drive for enterprises
Explore the differences between Google Cloud Storage and Google Drive, such as storage type and space, to decide what's best for your enterprise, and consider their similarities. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Nov 2023
Create a private endpoint to secure Azure Functions apps
Don't overlook security and leave your functions exposed. Learn how private endpoints can add an extra layer of protection for your Azure Function apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2023
Prep data for ML training with SageMaker Data Wrangler
Are you ready to wrangle some data? Follow this step-by-step tutorial, and learn how to load, analyze and transform data to train a ML model with Amazon SageMaker Data Wrangler. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2023
Data center power constraints send AI everywhere
Most experts agree there isn't enough unused electricity to perform future AI processing in hyperscale data centers and colocation facilities as GenAI demand soars. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2023
Introduction to Amazon SageMaker Edge Manager alternatives
Amazon SageMaker Edge Manager helps manage ML applications at the edge. But enterprises can evaluate tools such as ONNX and AWS IoT Greengrass to prepare for Edge Manager's sunset. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Oct 2023
Cloud-native firewalls are the next step in network security
The network security challenges associated with cloud provider and virtual firewalls are leading to third parties introducing cloud-native firewalls. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2023
Compare Amazon CloudWatch vs. AWS CloudTrail
Amazon CloudWatch and AWS CloudTrail help cloud administrators view configuration history and set up predictive monitoring alerts. Here are the major differences between the tools. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Oct 2023
How to use Amazon SageMaker Canvas for accurate predictions
Amazon SageMaker Canvas is a useful machine learning tool for both technical and nontechnical professionals. This tutorial shows how to create data sets and train custom models. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2023
Secure service edge strengths drive SASE deployments
Enterprise Strategy Group's John Grady discusses the latest findings in his newly released report and why businesses won’t start a SASE initiative without first implementing SSE. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2023
5 Azure Functions logging best practices
Implement these Azure Functions best practices to improve logging strategies, optimize application performance and ensure application strength and dependability. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Sep 2023
vertical SaaS (software as a service)
Vertical SaaS describes a type of software as a service solution created for a specific industry, such as retail, financial services, insurance, healthcare or manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Sep 2023
digital platform
A digital platform is a web-based structural software package that speeds and eases transactions among users. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2023
Oracle databases in OCI now run on Microsoft Azure
A new partnership between two enterprise technology giants adds Oracle's hardware and software for Microsoft Azure customers, as former rivals unite to compete against AWS. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 Sep 2023
Follow these 3 Azure Pipelines best practices
IT teams can better streamline workflows, enhance security and improve the developer experience by understanding these Azure Pipelines best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
Secure Azure Functions with these authentication methods
Securing Azure Functions is paramount to maintaining the integrity and reliability of your applications. Read over the methods, tools and best practices. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
18 Sep 2023
Get started with this quick Amazon SageMaker Autopilot tutorial
Building machine learning models can be a daunting and complicated task. Learn how Amazon SageMaker Autopilot can help and how to start an Autopilot experiment. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2023
Compare Azure Bicep vs. ARM templates
Azure Bicep can be easier to use than ARM templates when deploying Azure resources. Learn how the languages compare and how Bicep can help automate deployment. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Sep 2023
Google Cloud Next focuses on generative AI for security
Google discussed its vision for applying generative AI to cybersecurity at its Google Cloud Next conference in August, with announcements about new features and capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2023
How to develop a cloud backup ransomware protection strategy
Deploying cloud backups for ransomware protection has become a common security strategy. Here's how to properly vet cloud storage vendors to ensure backups stay secure. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2023
Get started with SageMaker JumpStart
SageMaker JumpStart is a tool for both beginner and experienced machine learning software developers. Learn how the tool simplifies and accelerates the learning process. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Sep 2023
What are 3 top Google Cloud Storage limitations?
While Google Cloud Storage has several limitations, these three are among the most prevalent -- but users have straightforward ways to get around them. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Aug 2023
Comparing AVD vs. VDI and how to start a migration plan
When organizations evaluate their existing business technologies, choosing a method to host and deliver virtual desktops is a critical decision. Find out how to make that decision. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2023
7 use cases for Google Cloud committed use discounts
Google offers discounted prices for VM instances in exchange for year commitments. Find out what discounts are available, when to use them and common use cases. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Aug 2023
An Azure Repos tutorial to build a container image
Azure Repos is a tool for IT teams working with repositories and code versions. Get to know the tool better, and see how to use it alongside pipelines to build a container image. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2023
A list of AWS networking services cloud users should know
AWS has cloud networking services for load balancing, traffic routing, content delivery and more. Learn which services and features work best with this overview. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Jul 2023
Get started with Kubernetes Cloud Controller Manager
Kubernetes Cloud Controller Manager is an optional tool used to manage cluster resources. Learn how it works, why you may want to use it and the basics for getting started. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2023
5 Google Cloud cost optimization best practices
Cost is always a top priority for enterprises. For those considering Google Cloud, or current users, discover these optimization best practices to gain better control of spending. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2023
cloud telephony (cloud calling)
Cloud telephony (cloud calling) is a type of unified communications as a service (UCaaS) that offers voice communication services through a third-party host. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
12 Jul 2023
How to create and manage Amazon EBS snapshots via AWS CLI
EBS snapshots are an essential part of any data backup and recovery strategy in EC2-based deployments. Become familiar with how to create and manage them with the AWS CLI. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2023
Prices for cloud infrastructure soar 30%
Tough macroeconomic conditions as well as high average selling prices for cloud computing and storage servers have forced enterprises to spend less on private cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2023
Deploy a low-latency app with AWS Local Zones in 5 steps
Once you decide AWS Local Zones are right for your application, it's time for deployment. Follow along in this step-by-step video tutorial to get started. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2023
Microsoft Azure Functions
Azure Functions is a serverless computing service, hosted on the Microsoft Azure public cloud, that streamlines the development of systems and applications. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Jun 2023
HPE bets big on public cloud offering for AI
HPE is entering the AI public cloud provider market -- but is it ready? Read more about its AI offerings for HPE GreenLake and what this move means for users. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2023
IBM aims to reduce cloud costs with $4.6B Apptio acquisition
Apptio fills FinOps holes in IBM Turbonomic, providing a tool to help organizations make IT budgeting decisions based on their business objectives. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2023
HPE GreenLake expands further into AWS, VMware clouds
Updates to GreenLake services and new partnerships allow customers to integrate more AWS and VMware public cloud workloads into HPE's private cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2023
Explore Red Hat's bring-your-own-subscription model for RHEL
Many organizations use pay-as-you-go models with public cloud providers to run their Red Hat products in the cloud. Explore how bring-your-own-subscription differs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Jun 2023
New AWS security tools, updates help IT protect cloud apps
AWS released a slew of updates to improve security as IT pros develop and deploy more enterprise applications via public cloud services. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2023
Reduce latency with the right AWS placement group
When prioritizing latency in AWS, evaluate the advantages and limitations of placement groups and how they fit the desired cloud architecture outcome for an application. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jun 2023
Google interconnects with rival cloud providers
Video platform provider Pexip said Google's Cross-Cloud Interconnect reduced the cost of connecting Google Cloud with Microsoft Azure by eliminating other products. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 May 2023
Prepare for the Azure Security Engineer Associate certification
Are you ready to boost your resume or further your cloud career path? Review this preparation guide to get ready for Exam AZ-500 to become Microsoft certified. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2023
Evaluate Google Anthos for Kubernetes management
Discover the benefits and drawbacks of the Google Anthos platform, and compare it to other options for managing Kubernetes deployments in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
22 May 2023
How to create an incremental snapshot in Azure
Incremental snapshots provide several advantages over full snapshots, including lower cost and faster backups. Learn how to create an incremental snapshot in Azure. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 May 2023
vendor lock-in
Vendor lock-in is a situation in which a customer using a product or service cannot easily transition to a competitor's product or service. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 May 2023
How to create a Google Cloud Spot VM
A Google Cloud Spot VM can help you take advantage of discounts, but you must be careful not to run certain apps on it. Learn more about Spot VMs and the process to create one. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2023
FTC examines competition in cloud computing
The Federal Trade Commission is examining the impact of a handful of big tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google providing a large portion of cloud services. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2023
Deploy an app on Google Cloud Run with Terraform
Using Terraform to deploy an application to Google Cloud Run enables a scalable deployment process and can reduce configuration struggles. Follow this tutorial to get started. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 May 2023
VMware strives to become the multi-cloud leader
The multi-cloud world continues to expand, and VMware is taking its tag line of 'Realize what's possible' seriously. Learn more about what VMware has planned for multi-cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 May 2023
Microsoft Azure Stack
Microsoft Azure Stack is an integrated platform of hardware and software that delivers Microsoft Azure public cloud services in a local data center to enable organizations to construct hybrid clouds. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Apr 2023
How to create a CloudWatch alarm for an EC2 instance
CloudWatch alarms are the building blocks of monitoring and response tools in AWS. Get familiar with them by creating an Amazon CloudWatch alarm for an EC2 instance. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2023
The benefits and limitations of Google Cloud Recommender
Cloud costs can get out of hand but services such as Google Cloud Recommender provide insights to optimize your workloads. But can you trust its recommendations? Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2023
Zadara taps new CEO as founder moves to CTO role
Yoram Novick, the second CEO for cloud startup Zadara, brings decades of IT executive experience to the role and talks about private cloud competition in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Apr 2023
Microsoft Azure Key Vault
Microsoft Azure Key Vault is a cloud-based security service offered by Microsoft as part of its Azure platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2023
backup as a service (BaaS)
Backup as a service (BaaS) is an approach to backing up data that involves purchasing backup and recovery services from an online data backup provider. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2023
Azure Container Instances (ACI)
Azure Container Instances (ACI) is a service that enables a developer to deploy containers on the Microsoft Azure public cloud without having to provision or manage any underlying infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Apr 2023
Google AI
Google AI, formerly known as Google Research, is Google's artificial intelligence (AI) research and development branch for its AI applications. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2023
OnAsset logistics service taps Amazon Sidewalk
Logistics company OnAsset Intelligence expects Amazon Sidewalk to be most beneficial for tracking goods on trucks heading to their final destinations in densely populated areas. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2023
Oracle OKE takes on Azure, AWS with serverless Kubernetes
Oracle added serverless Kubernetes and a financially backed SLA to its OKE managed service, playing catch-up with AWS, Google and Azure and taking a swipe at them on pricing. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Mar 2023
Microsoft Azure monitoring tools
Azure monitoring tools are software meant to assist in the different aspects of cloud infrastructure management and monitoring, centering around Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, Azure. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Mar 2023
How to use startup scripts in Google Cloud
Google Cloud lets you use startup scripts when booting VMs to improve security and reliability. Follow these steps to create your own startup scripts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2023
When to use AWS Compute Optimizer vs. Cost Explorer
AWS Compute Optimizer and Cost Explorer monitor, analyze and optimize your cloud costs. Compare the two tools to choose which is best for VM rightsizing. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2023
6 alternatives to Heroku's defunct free service tiers
Though the end of Heroku's free-tier services has left many developers and software teams in the cold, a flock of cloud platform providers seem determined to fill the void. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2023
Get to know the Azure resource hierarchy
Azure management groups, subscriptions, resource groups and resources are not mutually exclusive. Businesses can -- and often do -- use all of these scopes simultaneously. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Feb 2023
Get started with Amazon CodeGuru with this tutorial
Amazon CodeGuru reviews code and suggests improvements to users looking to make their code more efficient as well as optimize costs. Follow this tutorial to get started. Continue Reading