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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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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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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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
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News
15 Feb 2023
Cloud is a growing force in industrial IoT
Utilities and manufacturers are examples of industries using distributed cloud computing in private facilities to collect and send data across multiple facilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2023
Explore Google Cloud Storage classes
For organizations that use Google Cloud Storage, it's crucial to store data in the optimal class. Understand top uses, benefits and drawbacks of Google Cloud's assorted services. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2023
AWS Management Console
The AWS Management Console is a web-based application that lets users access the broad range of services included in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2023
AWS On-Demand Instances (Amazon Web Services On-Demand Instances)
AWS On-Demand Instances (Amazon Web Services On-Demand Instances) are virtual servers that run in AWS Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) or AWS Relational Database Service (RDS) and are purchased at a fixed rate per hour. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Feb 2023
How can users securely access Google Cloud Storage?
With security top of mind across IT, consider best practices for safe Google Cloud Storage access. Admins should be careful about assigning roles and permissions. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2023
Oracle officially supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux on OCI
Responding to user demand, Oracle struck a deal with Red Hat to make the latter's Enterprise Linux operating system an integral part of Oracle's multi-cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2023
Microsoft bets on AI to drive next wave of cloud, revenues
While Microsoft revenues grew slightly in its second fiscal quarter, the company's cloud revenues continue to stall as users become more conservative with their IT spending. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2023
Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud is a subscription-based public cloud services offering from database company Oracle. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jan 2023
cloud collaboration
Cloud collaboration is a type of enterprise collaboration that allows employees to work together on documents and other data types, which are stored off-premises and outside of the company firewall. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 Jan 2023
How to set up autoscaling in Azure Kubernetes Service
Explore scaling options in AKS, such as the horizontal pod and the cluster autoscaler. Then, follow a step-by-step tutorial on how to manually and automatically scale resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2023
Citrix
Citrix Systems is a U.S.-based cloud computing and virtualization company that produces software designed to provide secure access to applications and content. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jan 2023
Yahoo
Yahoo, or Yahoo.com, is a web services provider that offers both a search engine and a directory of World Wide Web pages organized in a hierarchy of topic categories. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Jan 2023
2023 predictions for cloud, as a service and cost optimization
Given the highly uncertain state of the economy, this should be the year that brings an end to dinosaur thinking about enterprise IT and costs. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jan 2023
Public cloud spending, competition to rise in 2023
In 2023, companies expect to increase spending on public cloud applications and infrastructure, and hyperscalers that have dominated the market will face new competition. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jan 2023
AWS Educate (Amazon Web Services Educate)
AWS Educate is a free, online learning program that teaches students about cloud computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Dec 2022
Microsoft Azure Marketplace
The Microsoft Azure Marketplace is an online store that offers applications and services either built on or designed to integrate with Microsoft's public cloud. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Dec 2022
How to perform and automate key rotation in Azure Key Vault
To add another level of security, find out how to automatically rotate keys within Azure key vault with step-by-step instructions for Azure Portal, CLI and PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Dec 2022
Deploy and manage Azure Key Vault with Terraform
Terraform manages resources using configuration files within cloud platforms. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to deploy and manage Azure Key Vault with Terraform. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2022
Interpret and apply AWS Compute Optimizer recommendations
It is challenging to find the right balance between performance, availability and cost. Learn how to enable and apply AWS Compute Optimizer to monitor your metrics. Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2022
Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Oracle win JWCC contract
The Department of Defense Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability contract allows DOD departments to acquire cloud services and technology from Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Oracle. Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2022
Hyperscalers tackle supply chain resilience
Microsoft and AWS unveiled supply chain management platforms that are intended to enable businesses to build capabilities in their clouds and tackle supply chain problems. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2022
HPE GreenLake for Private Cloud updates boost hybrid clouds
HPE continues investing in GreenLake for private and hybrid clouds as demand for those services increases. Meanwhile, competition in the cloud market heats up. Continue Reading
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News
05 Dec 2022
Reynolds runs its first cloud test in manufacturing
The maker of popular household brands will decide whether an IoT system from DXC Technology will help reduce natural gas use in Reynolds' manufacturing operations. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2022
Rise in Nutanix revenue driven by subscription renewals
Nutanix revenues jumped 15% thanks to more users renewing their subscriptions. The company also reported positive quarterly non-GAAP income for the first time. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2022
Compare Azure Key Vault vs. Kubernetes Secrets
Secrets require a certain level of upkeep such as storage, delivery and management. Compare services in these criteria and learn how to use Key Vault for AKS. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2022
AWS joins Microsoft in providing supply chain visibility
AWS found that the core reason companies find supply chains challenging to manage is the lack of visibility across complicated networks. Continue Reading
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News
29 Nov 2022
Amazon boosts CodeWhisperer, AI and ML tools
AWS rolled out updates to a series of AI tools and services, highlighted by improvements to its CodeWhisperer coding system and Textract AI service for extracting document text. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2022
Amazon EBS vs. EFS: An 'elastic' comparison
Elastic Block Store and Elastic File System are two of Amazon's most popular storage types. Compare how they store data before deciding which one to use. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2022
Google Cloud Nearline Storage
Google Cloud Nearline Storage is a public cloud storage service from Google intended for storing infrequently accessed data. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Nov 2022
Google Cloud Coldline Storage
Google Cloud Coldline Storage is a public cloud cold storage service for infrequently accessed data. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2022
Cloud experts and their AWS re:Invent 2022 predictions
As AWS prepares for its biggest event of the year, our contributors predict what the cloud vendor will unveil at re:Invent 2022. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2022
How to use S3-compatible storage
Amazon S3 is a popular platform for object storage. Through the use of APIs, though, storage vendors can offer their own take on S3, potentially improving management and cost. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Nov 2022
The multi-cloud networking mandate
With most organizations using more than two public clouds, new multi-cloud networking strategies are essential to enable cross-cloud traffic and visibility across multiple clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2022
Signs of a Golden Hammer antipattern, and 5 ways to avoid it
The Golden Hammer antipattern can sneak up on a development team, but there are ways to spot it. Learn the signs, as well as some direct steps a team can take to avoid it. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2022
VMware adds multi-cloud management tools
VMware debuted HCX+, a managed service for multi-cloud data centers, as well as Kubernetes capabilities for private clouds and more SD-WAN points of presence. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2022
Protect data with these Azure Key Vault best practices
Enterprises must secure, manage and monitor Azure key vaults correctly to ensure protection. Follow these best practices to effectively protect your data. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2022
Compare AWS Global Accelerator vs. Amazon CloudFront
AWS Global Accelerator and Amazon CloudFront solve similar problems. But users must know when to use one over the other. Discover how they differ to choose the right service. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Nov 2022
What is a private cloud?
Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers similar advantages to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2022
Amazon Elastic Container Service (Amazon ECS)
Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS) is a cloud computing service in Amazon Web Services (AWS) that manages containers and allows developers to run applications in the cloud without having to configure an environment for the code to run in. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Oct 2022
pay-as-you-go cloud computing (PAYG cloud computing)
Pay-as-you-go cloud computing (PAYG cloud computing) is a payment method for cloud computing that charges based on usage. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Oct 2022
Set up a basic AWS Batch workflow with this tutorial
AWS Batch enables developers to run thousands of batches within AWS. Follow this tutorial to set up this service, create your own workflow and manage your batch environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Oct 2022
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft's public cloud computing platform. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2022
Oracle partners can now sell Oracle Cloud as their own
Alloy, a new infrastructure platform, lets partners and Oracle-affiliated enterprises resell OCI to customers in regulated industries or at the edge. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2022
New Microsoft AI tools aim at business end users
Microsoft released new features for the Azure Cognitive Services suite, as well as a Form Recognizer and Responsible AI dashboard aimed at both data scientists and business users. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2022
New Google service aims to move mainframe workloads to cloud
Google Cloud wants to shift workloads and applications from banks, healthcare and other industries into the cloud with a new mainframe migration service and performance tier. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2022
Google Cloud introduces new AI tools for business users
The tech giant released new a translation hub aimed at business users, a computer vision feature for the Vertex AI platform, and the OpenXLA Project open source initiative. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2022
Choose the right on-premises-to-cloud migration method
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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News
11 Oct 2022
Google Cloud consolidates analytics tools under Looker name
The tech giant renamed Data Studio, its primary BI platform before its acquisition of Looker, and unveiled a new enterprise version of the rebranded platform. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2022
Google grows data cloud capabilities for data management
The tech giant brings open source Apache Iceberg table format support to its BigLake data lake as it extends BigQuery support for unstructured data and Apache Spark. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2022
Microsoft, Kyndryl deal connects Azure to IBM mainframe data
Aiming to break the mainframe out of its silo, Microsoft and Kyndryl will collaborate on allowing mainframe users to send data across multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Oct 2022
cloud service provider (cloud provider)
A cloud service provider, or CSP, is a company that offers components of cloud computing -- typically, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) or platform as a service (PaaS). Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Sep 2022
How to reduce Azure costs via automation
One way for Azure customers to reduce their spending is to be sure VMs deployed in the cloud aren't running when they aren't needed. Automation can help. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Sep 2022
How to set up Azure budget alerts
Azure budget alerts can be configured to your specific needs by customized email notifications regarding financial budgets. Follow this tutorial to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2022
Implement these 6 Azure cost optimization best practices
From resource tagging to serverless deployments, there are several ways cloud admins can optimize Azure spending to stay within their company's budget. Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2022
Google launches trio of new tools for its data cloud
The data management and analytics tools, including new data sharing and data lake platforms, are designed to let users access more data at lower expense. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2022
Azure cost management tools to control cloud spending
With alerts, cost analysis dashboards and other features, Azure cost management tools can help admins more clearly see their cloud usage and optimize their spending. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2022
Compare Azure Data Factory vs. SSIS
Discover the differences between Azure Data Factory and SSIS, two ETL tools. These contrasts include key data management features, GUI layout, performance, data volumes and more. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Sep 2022
Ease package management with this Azure Artifacts tutorial
An extension of the Azure DevOps service, Azure Artifacts can help developers manage and share packages to streamline the overall development process. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
Google eases cloud database migration, improves Datastream
Google wants to make migrating to its new AlloyDB database easier for its users as well as provide new support for database migration from PostgreSQL. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
Oracle hones in on AWS cost, multi-cloud database support
Oracle is allowing its database users to access those services on rival clouds, while aggressively pursuing AWS customers in search of lower-cost cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
Oracle brings MySQL Heatwave cloud database service to AWS
The tech giant launched a new MySQL cloud database service running on AWS infrastructure that will support both analytical and transactional database workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2022
Compare AWS Glue vs. Azure Data Factory
AWS Glue and Azure Data Factory have key differences despite being similar services. Learn which best suits your organization's data integration and ETL requirements. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Sep 2022
How VMware Explore 2022 changed my mind
Multi-cloud and cloud-native strategies emerged as major themes at VMware Explore 2022. Explore key announcements from the conference and their impact here. Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2022
Storage, backup services to expand on Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud Platform adds new features and managed services, including high-performance block storage, Kubernetes backup services and new products using Actifio technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2022
Which should I choose? AWS Shield vs WAF vs Firewall Manager
AWS WAF focuses on Layer 7 protection, while Shield protects against DDoS attacks. Firewall Manager manages the protection. Learn their key features, pricing and use cases. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2022
VMware CEO reveals big changes amid multi-cloud shift
VMware plans to change products, strategic direction and marketing to keep up with customers rushing to deploy multi-cloud architectures. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2022
IBM, VMware to jointly develop services for hybrid clouds
IBM and VMware expanded their long-held partnership with a deal to provide hybrid cloud services and consulting to IT pros in regulated industries. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2022
VMware expands vSphere, vSAN for hybrid cloud enterprises
Updates to VMware's flagship vSphere and vSAN software keep pace with enterprise interest in hybrid cloud infrastructure for applications and workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2022
Break down Azure VM pricing models and discounts
Azure offers three VM pricing models. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of each, which model works best for you and discount options to help you save. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2022
8 secure file transfer services for the enterprise
With a plethora of options, finding the best secure file transfer service for your business can pose a challenge. Learn how to make an informed decision. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
17 Aug 2022
Tips for smoother, more secure cloud performance
It's easy for an unanticipated glitch to create a significant disruption to a cloud environment. To get around these pitfalls, here are some key things to watch out for. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Aug 2022
An Azure Data Factory tutorial for beginners
Azure Data Factory can be used to create data pipelines to process data from multiple sources. Learn how to effectively create these pipelines within Azure Portal. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Aug 2022
What are the top 5 Amazon S3 storage security best practices?
Public bucket access is a prevalent and discussed S3 security issue. However, there are several other important security measures to take, including monitoring and MFA. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2022
Gain insights from Azure Advisor recommendations
Microsoft's Azure Advisor service offers recommendations based on five categories. Learn these categories and the roles they play in a cloud management strategy. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2022
AWS adds Kubernetes security tie-ins amid SecOps tool sprawl
Amazon Detective pulls Kubernetes security data into a broader threat detection and CSPM context as IT pros at large orgs seek integrated multi-cloud security workflows. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2022
Microsoft Azure revenue continues to climb, despite slowdown
Microsoft Azure revenue extended its rocket rise in the latest quarter -- but a variety of industry and geopolitical issues put a lid on the company's overall revenue growth. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2022
Oracle Database Service for Azure connects Microsoft to OCI
Oracle and Microsoft are extending their partnership to enable Microsoft cloud users to directly provision and access Oracle Cloud Infrastructure database services. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jul 2022
Can HPE change what it means to use the cloud?
The latest updates to HPE GreenLake demonstrate the tech vendor's commitment to "everything-as-a-service." Will it be enough to transform the cloud computing model? Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2022
These Azure Logic Apps examples assist with your admin needs
Admins can get some automated assistance with provisioning and monitoring by learning how to work with triggers in Microsoft's integration platform as a service. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2022
DigitalOcean
DigitalOcean Inc. is a cloud computing vendor headquartered in New York City with data centers worldwide that offers an infrastructure as a service (IaaS) platform for software developers. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2022
IT buyers respond to HPE GreenLake cloud pitch
Tech buyers are interested in the breadth and depth of services sold through the HPE GreenLake service, but want proof of cost savings and data control. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2022
Send automated messages with this Azure Logic Apps tutorial
Learn to use the Microsoft cloud-based product to automatically send an email or a message from Microsoft Teams when you need to know if a task completed properly. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jun 2022
Amazon
Amazon (Amazon.com) is the world's largest online retailer and a prominent cloud services provider. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Jun 2022
What the Broadcom-VMware acquisition means for cloud users
How will the Broadcom acquisition affect VMware's cloud strategy? As-a-service models, observability and partnerships are some key factors to consider. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Jun 2022
How Broadcom's merger with VMware will affect developers
Broadcom's acquisition of VMware may seem like a straightforward business move, but some key details surrounding the deal point to big potential shakeups in the market. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2022
DataRobot AI hits Google Cloud Marketplace, adds GitHub
The AI vendor puts its products on Google Cloud Marketplace and integrates with GitHub and other major online platforms including Sumo Logic, Splunk, Datadog and Zendesk. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Jun 2022
Improve Azure storage security with access control tutorial
These step-by-step guidelines detail how to grant limited access in Microsoft Azure storage. This best practice helps keep storage secure from internal and external threats. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
Microsoft won't lower software costs on AWS, Google clouds
Microsoft plans to loosen restrictions to lower the cost of running Office and Windows on clouds smaller than Azure. The changes won't affect running the products on its largest rivals. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2022
Evaluate key Azure Data Factory benefits and limitations
Organizations have plenty of options for data integration tools, some on premises and others in the cloud. Find out which type is the better fit and whether Azure is a good choice. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2022
What is multi-cloud visibility, and how do I achieve it?
It's not always clear how visibility relates to monitoring or observability or how these terms fit together in a multi-cloud environment. Let's sort it out. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2022
IBM steps up its cloud partnership strategy with AWS deal
Still lagging behind the Big Three in the cloud market, IBM hopes its coopetition partnership agreement with AWS will help close down the market share gap. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 May 2022
Examine IBM's hybrid cloud strategy
IBM's focus on hybrid cloud efforts, including Cloud Paks and OpenShift, makes for a competitive option. See if its strategy fits your enterprise needs. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2022
Google introduces AlloyDB PostgreSQL-based cloud database
The tech giant is growing its cloud database portfolio with a new service that add analytics query acceleration to and boosts performance of the PostgreSQL database. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 May 2022
Google Compute Engine
Google Compute Engine (GCE) is an infrastructure as a service (IaaS) offering that allows clients to run workloads on Google's physical hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2022
8 native Google Cloud management tools admins should know
IT teams can use a range of native management and monitoring tools from Google to ensure their public cloud deployments are reliable and cost-effective. Continue Reading