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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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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Tip
03 Feb 2022
When to use Amazon RDS vs. Redshift
Let's look at the similarities and differences between Amazon RDS and Redshift. Discover key factors, such as price and scalability, to consider in the database choice. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2022
Compare Google Cloud Run vs. App Engine for enterprise software
Google's Cloud Run and App Engine both aim to accelerate app development and simplify deployment. Developers will want to choose between the services on a case-by-case basis. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2022
Dig into Oracle Cloud's Always Free offerings
Oracle's Always Free services let developers build and experiment with cloud-native apps without incurring costs. There are, however, important limitations to note. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2021
Major Amazon Web Services outage downs businesses, services
An AWS outage slowed or took offline popular websites and services for several hours. The outage reportedly disrupted parent company Amazon's package delivery service. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2021
What are the main features of Azure Storage Explorer?
With Azure Storage Explorer, cloud admins can centrally manage storage accounts and resources. Here are some key features to tap into. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2021
How to create an AWS Lambda function
Many developers are turning to AWS Lambda as an alternative to EC2 instances. Here are two ways to create a Lambda function. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2021
Compare products within the Azure Stack portfolio
Azure Stack Hub, Azure Stack HCI and Azure Stack Edge all support a hybrid cloud architecture. Learn their key differences in terms of form factor, management options and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2021
Break down the different AWS Graviton2 instance types
AWS Graviton2 processors power a range of EC2 instance types. To select the right one, consider an application's specific compute, memory and storage requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2021
When to use Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling vs. AWS Auto Scaling
They sound similar, but Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling and AWS Auto Scaling have different purposes. Let's break down what each enables you to do and how exactly they differ. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2021
How to avoid 4 common errors in EC2 Instance Connect
The EC2 Instance Connect feature enables users to securely connect instances, but there are certain pitfalls to avoid. Here are some issues to look out for. Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2021
Verizon, Microsoft partner on 5G edge
The alliance connects Verizon's 5G Edge mobile edge computing platform with Microsoft's Azure Stack Edge cloud computing product. Verizon has a similar deal with AWS. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2021
Compare Azure Private Link vs. service endpoints
When dealing with PaaS services running within a cloud environment, private connectivity is a must to secure resources. Compare these two services to see which one is a good fit. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2021
DoD scraps politically fraught $10B JEDI cloud deal
The Pentagon's $10 billion cloud contract with Microsoft is no more. The DoD will solicit bids from Microsoft and AWS for a new pact called Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability. Continue Reading
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Quiz
01 Jul 2021
Get Azure Fundamentals exam practice with this quick quiz
Getting officially certified in MS Azure Fundamentals is a career-booster. This 12-question quiz will help assess your readiness for this key professional exam. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2021
AWS Outposts: What you need to know to get started
AWS Outposts is a managed device that brings Amazon cloud services into your data center. Review its requirements, use cases and a step-by-step guide to the installation process. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2021
An introduction to AWS IAM best practices
Follow this AWS IAM overview to better understand Amazon's core access management service. Implement these tips to get the most out of this foundational security service. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2021
Oracle's new Arm-based cloud instances target penny pinchers
Oracle enters the Arm-based processor market alongside other top-tier cloud providers to improve price-performance for cloud app development. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2021
Get started on AWS with this developer tutorial for beginners
Kick-start your AWS cloud developer journey with this breakdown of essential services, deployment options and other cloud basics you'll need to get started. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Apr 2021
Google Anthos features and updates
Review the latest improvements to Google's hybrid cloud platform, such as bolstered multi-cloud and on-premises support. Here are the Anthos updates you won't want to miss. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2021
Tips to prepare for Google Cloud Architect certification
Author of 'Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect All-in-One Exam Guide' Iman Ghanizada explains how to approach the cloud architect certification and role in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Apr 2021
Elastic vs. AWS highlights open source monetization dilemma
The fight between AWS and Elastic over the commercial usage of Elasticsearch highlights how open source software vendors need to change in the era of cloud computing. Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2021
Amazon taps Tableau CEO Selipsky to lead AWS
Amazon has named a familiar face to lead AWS in Tableau CEO Adam Selipsky. AWS is poised for massive growth under his leadership. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2021
Compare Amazon VPC vs. Azure VNet for private networking
Evaluate the core private networking services from AWS and Azure to see which one could best serve your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2021
How to create snapshots for Azure VMs and managed disks
Azure snapshots are useful backups for short-lived, easily replaceable VMs that have failed. Follow these step-by-step examples to create Azure snapshots. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2021
How providers' industry-specific cloud offerings impact IT
Vertical industry offerings are a trend among the leading cloud providers. IT teams will have to learn to adapt to the complications and changes these efforts will spark. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Feb 2021
Build a custom VM image for Azure deployments
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a custom virtual machine image for Microsoft Azure deployments. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
Microsoft cloud revenues soar on digital transformation trend
Momentum for Microsoft Azure continues to build with the company reporting a 50% increase in sales of the cloud platform, helping lift sales of the company's other cloud offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2021
Review these 7 CASB vendors to best secure cloud access
CASB technology offers threat protection, increased visibility and policy enforcement. Explore how these seven vendors stack up and protect access to cloud applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2020
Top cloud computing tips of 2020
As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Check out the articles that caught the attention of IT pros this year and learn what that says about the current state of the market. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2020
Re:Invent recap: Week 3
Another re:Invent is -- mostly -- in the books. Check out the highlights from the third week of the virtual conference, including product news and thoughts from AWS leadership. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Dec 2020
Re:Invent recap: Week 2
The second batch of re:Invent keynotes highlighted AWS AI services and sustainability ventures. Here's what you need to know about the features and services AWS rolled out. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2020
Re:Invent recap: Week 1
AWS' annual December deluge is in full swing. Check out this recap of all that happened in week one of re:Invent as you get up to speed on the biggest conference in cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2020
Analyze Google's cloud computing strategy
After a few false starts, Google has taken a different, more open approach to cloud computing than AWS and Azure. Let's take a look at this strategy and roadmap to date. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2020
AWS re:Invent 2020 underscores push toward cloud in pandemic
AWS re:Invent 2020 launches with a slew of public cloud news announcements, as well as new motions by the company toward hybrid and multi-cloud scenarios. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Nov 2020
What is the difference between Amazon MSK and Kinesis?
When it comes to data stream processing and analysis, AWS offers Amazon Kinesis or a managed version of Apache Kafka. Compare these two options to pick the best fit for your app. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2020
Cognito user pools vs. identity pools -- what AWS users should know
Familiarize yourself with user pools and identity pools in Amazon Cognito and learn how to better protect your workloads in a cloud environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2020
A look back at re:Invent 2019 and the year since
Catch up on some of the biggest services and feature updates AWS added to its cloud platform since re:Invent 2019 as you prepare to attend this year's virtual conference. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2020
Microsoft's SpaceX partnership sends Azure to the final frontier
Microsoft has partnered with SpaceX to tie Azure to low-orbiting satellites. The company also introduced a modular data center to connect remote locations to satellites. Continue Reading
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Quiz
13 Oct 2020
Test your knowledge with this Microsoft Azure cloud quiz
Fancy yourself a Microsoft Azure cloud expert? Put your knowledge to the test with this quiz on Azure services, tools and recent market news. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2020
Partner products now certified for AWS Outposts
AWS has brought more than 30 certified partner software products into the mix for Outposts, the on-premises version of its public cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Sep 2020
DynamoDB on-demand vs. provisioned capacity: Which is better?
There are two primary ways to handle capacity in DynamoDB: on-demand or provisioned. Learn the advantages, concerns and use cases for each option. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Sep 2020
How can AWS, Azure and GCP increase cloud market share?
The Big Three dominate the cloud market, but they all have room for improvement. See what each vendor needs to do to increase its market share and attract more enterprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2020
See if Azure Arc fits in your hybrid and multi-cloud strategy
Azure Arc is central to Microsoft's hybrid cloud strategy. Discover how it compares to competing services from AWS and Google and see where it might be headed next. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Aug 2020
Get a quick rundown of 12 cloud developer tools from AWS
With so many available options, it can be difficult to keep track of all the developer tools AWS has to offer. Check out 12 tools that are a part of AWS' toolkit. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2020
Google Anthos update adds on-premises clout
An update to Google's Anthos makes the container management and orchestration platform feel more at home inside customers' data centers. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Aug 2020
10 cloud computing experts you should follow
Get up to speed on what's happening in the cloud by following some of the top voices in the industry, including those who are building the technologies and other industry experts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2020
Use this Amazon Cognito review to assess authentication tools
Amazon Cognito isn't as user-friendly as some competitors, but it does offer some unique advantages. Explore the pros, cons and alternatives for Cognito. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2020
Top 5 cloud news stories of 2020 -- so far
As cloud outages and acquisitions rolled on in early 2020, it seemed like the news cycle would never slow down. Review the top news articles to prepare for the rest of the year. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2020
4 tips to pick the right cloud database service
Before you migrate your data to the cloud, evaluate your cloud database options. Use these guidelines to choose the right database offering for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2020
How Azure, AWS, Google handle data destruction in the cloud
Data destruction is a topic that has been poorly covered until recently. Regardless of which cloud service provider you use, this review of the top three CSPs' data destruction documentation should improve your due diligence. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2020
AWS Savings Plans vs. Reserved Instances, explained
AWS Savings Plans offer discounted EC2 rates to help reduce your AWS bill and compute costs. Learn why Savings Plans are a good alternative to Reserved Instances. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jun 2020
AWS, Microsoft and Google should retire these cloud services
Nothing lasts forever. Whether they've been supplanted by newer offerings or simply outlived their usefulness, these cloud services on AWS, Azure and GCP are ready to be retired. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 May 2020
10 open source cloud security tools to know
While cloud providers offer native security tools, there also are plenty of useful open source options. Here's a sample of open source tools for cloud security. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 May 2020
Identify the Google Cloud developer tools you need
Developers want more from their cloud than APIs and services; they want tools to accelerate and improve the app dev lifecycle. Use this rundown to assess Google Cloud's developer tool set. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2020
How to deploy Terraform code in an Azure DevOps pipeline
Automation in the cloud will not only make you move faster, it will do so in an efficient way. Learn how to create an Azure DevOps pipeline with Terraform code. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 May 2020
What is the difference between AKS and Azure Service Fabric?
Azure users have a few ways to manage containers on Microsoft's cloud. Learn when and why to pick between two of them -- AKS and Service Fabric. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2020
VMware Cloud Foundation to run on new Google Cloud service
VMware and Google signed their second deal in less than a year, this time to support VMware Cloud Foundation workloads on Google Cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 May 2020
How do I store secrets in AWS so they don't appear in my code?
To secure a cloud environment, IT teams must keep their application's secrets under wraps. Learn how AWS users can keep sensitive information out of their code with tools like Secrets Manager. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2020
How do I apply ECS auto scaling to my containerized apps?
Break down ECS auto scaling options for container-based applications on AWS. Learn how to automatically scale at the service and cluster level to match user demand. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2020
How to prep for your AWS cloud certification exam
Use this guide to AWS certifications to start your exam prep. Let's make sense of all the exam resources out there. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2020
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure pitch focused on cost, security
Oracle is intent on migrating its vast installed base to its IaaS platform through measures such as cut-rate pricing and strong SLAs on availability, performance and manageability. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2020
12 AWS security tools to protect your environment and accounts
AWS manages the security of the cloud, but it's your job to secure your data in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Video
07 Apr 2020
Get started with this AWS IoT tutorial for beginners
Learn how to connect a device to AWS IoT Core in this video tutorial. Go through the IoT connection, workflow and security process to get your fleet of devices up and running. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2020
AWS security options grow with Amazon Detective
AWS has released Amazon Detective, a managed threat hunting service that generates visualizations out of log data from native Amazon Web Services. Continue Reading
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Infographic
31 Mar 2020
Follow the evolution of AWS Lambda
AWS Lambda sparked the rise of serverless computing in the cloud. Explore how the function-as-a-service platform developed over time with this infographic. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2020
How to protect and manage Azure Pipelines secrets with Key Vault
Follow along with this Azure Key Vault tutorial to securely manage passwords and other sensitive information in an Azure DevOps pipeline. Continue Reading
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Video
05 Mar 2020
Watch this Azure Arc tutorial on hybrid cloud management
Get to know Microsoft's hybrid cloud service. Learn to use Azure Arc to connect a local machine to Azure, apply configuration policies and check configurations. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
Get to know the core Oracle IaaS offerings
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure may not be for everyone, but it does have its appeal for certain workloads. Learn about the core IaaS tools that act as the service's foundation. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2020
Learn how to negotiate your way to Azure cost savings
Discover how to counter Microsoft's sales playbook. ClearEdge Partners licensing specialist Steve Paradis explains how to navigate your next negotiation and get the best price for Azure. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2020
Lower your cloud bill with these AWS cost control tips
Without an AWS cost management strategy in place, cloud bills can spiral out of control. Explore these tools and best practices to optimize your AWS spending. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Google adds single-tenant cloud options to court enterprises
Google Cloud has added more features to its single-tenant cloud deployment option, such as live migration for Windows BYOL scenarios, that cater to the needs of certain workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2020
Use these CloudWatch features to improve AWS app monitoring
Amazon CloudWatch ServiceLens, Synthetics and Contributor Insights give users more ways to monitor their AWS applications. Find out how these features work before you get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2020
AWS Local Zones offers low latency, with clear limitations
Get to know Local Zones, the AWS infrastructure deployment service built for customers that need to run low-latency applications in specific areas far from AWS Regions. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2020
Learn best practices for cloud automation on Microsoft Azure
Check out these best practices for workload automation on Microsoft Azure. Review the tools and techniques that can free your IT team to focus on more important responsibilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2020
A look at AWS antipatterns: What not to do in the cloud
In this Q&A, Clive Harber, co-author of "Implementing Cloud Design Patterns for AWS," breaks down why traditional enterprises sometimes struggle to establish efficient cloud design patterns. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2020
AWS multi-account management best practices with Control Tower
With the help of AWS Control Tower, organizations who own and operate multiple cloud accounts can manage them all under one roof -- but not without challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2020
Beat vendor lock-in with a cloud exit strategy
Without a comprehensive cloud exit strategy, an organization might fall victim to vendor lock-in and find itself dependent on proprietary tools and services. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2020
Google Cloud support premium tier woos enterprise customers
Google Cloud has rolled out a new Premium Support offering aimed at deep-pocketed enterprises with larger, more complex implementations. Experts say the timing is right. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2020
IBM Power Systems lands on Google Cloud
Google Cloud has added IBM Power Systems to its lineup of instance types. It's available via monthly subscription and could appeal to customers moving SAP apps onto the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2020
Niche cloud providers take on market giants
Choose the cloud that best fits your enterprise's needs. While one of the Big Three may seem like the most logical choice, a niche vendor might actually serve your needs better. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jan 2020
AWS Serverless Application Repository explained
To address the needs of its serverless users, AWS released its Serverless Application Repository. Explore the ways users can benefit and a few best practices everyone should follow when they use this feature. Continue Reading
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Video
27 Dec 2019
Learn to run a CI pipeline with this Google Cloud Build tutorial
Follow this Google Cloud Build tutorial to build a continuous integration pipeline in Google Cloud. Incorporate Cloud Build with Cloud Source Repositories to make it work. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2019
Use these 8 tools to deploy microservices on Azure
IT teams deploy microservices to quickly build and scale apps, but it can get complicated fast. Check out these Microsoft Azure tools and best practices to get started the right way. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2019
Get started with Azure tags
The more Azure resources an organization consumes, the harder it becomes to track those resources. Proper tagging can help manage and automate workloads, as well as control costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2019
How to evaluate CASB tools for multi-cloud deployments
When it comes to evaluating CASB tools, it's essential to be an informed customer. Identify your organization's usage and security goals to get the context you need before you buy. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2019
Review these Azure Service Bus best practices
When applications talk, you need to listen. Learn about Microsoft's cloud messaging service, its main features, best practices to follow and practical applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2019
Decipher how and when to utilize the Azure logging options
Logging is a big piece of the cloud management puzzle. Do you know which logs to track in Azure Monitor, and when to use them? Learn more about Azure log types and best practices. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2019
Google boosts VMware public cloud support with CloudSimple buy
Google has acquired CloudSimple to get a slice of the VMware public cloud deployment market. Indications are that CloudSimple will continue to support Google's rival Azure as well. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2019
A primer on Alibaba Cloud for enterprises outside of APAC
When Western cloud users think of major cloud providers, it's typically the top three: AWS, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure. But what about the world's fourth largest cloud provider? Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2019
Microsoft cybersecurity training to become mandatory for its workers
Microsoft's cybersecurity training program, which uses AI-powered tools to reinforce learning, is mandated for all employees. It will also be launched in a version for customers. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2019
IBM's financial services cloud offers developer opportunity
IBM hopes to bring developers to its new financial services cloud that runs on the IBM Cloud platform and uses Red Hat OpenShift as its Kubernetes environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2019
Integrate applications with these 4 Azure integration tools
Integration can ensure consistent and scalable workflows in cloud applications, even connected to on-premises resources. Evaluate tools and services Azure offers for the task. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2019
Microsoft Azure Arc faces cautiously interested user base
The hybrid cloud offering, announced this week at Ignite, will let users manage across multi-cloud, on-premises and edge environments -- but is it relevant? Customers weigh in. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2019
How Google Cloud Composer manages workflow orchestration
Before users get started with Google Cloud Composer, a workflow orchestration service, they need to grasp key concepts of the Apache Airflow software that underpins it, including DAGs. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2019
Microsoft hybrid cloud strategy expands with Azure Arc
Azure Arc will bring Microsoft's public cloud management tools together for use by customers on any type of infrastructure. The move underscores the drive toward hybrid cloud deployments as customer needs evolve. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Oct 2019
Google Cloud Anthos
Google Cloud Anthos is a hybrid, cloud-agnostic container environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2019
Licensing changes reveal Microsoft's cloud strategy
IT analysts share insights on the Microsoft licensing updates, and what it says about the on-premises giant's push for Azure adoption and the impact on current and future workloads. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2019
Microsoft JEDI contract leaves AWS to weigh its options
Losing the $10 billion JEDI cloud computing contract to Microsoft forces AWS to consider its next steps in trying to reverse the government's surprise decision. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Oct 2019
Get up to speed on Azure's serverless functionality
With so many serverless tools on the market, it can be difficult to pick the right one. Review some of the features of Azure serverless options to help you choose. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2019
Microsoft wins $10 billion JEDI contract over AWS
In a surprise move, the DOD has awarded Microsoft, not AWS, its controversial JEDI cloud computing contract. The deal has a price tag of up to $10 billion over 10 years. Continue Reading