Cloud deployment and architecture
Cloud service providers offer myriad options, from infrastructure to software to platforms. To make informed decisions about cloud deployment and architecture, organizations must know how to choose the resources that suit their workloads and budgets. That could mean adoption of a hybrid or even a multi-cloud architecture.
Top Stories
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Tip
30 Sep 2024
The basics, benefits and risks of cell-based architecture
Cell-based architecture adds a new twist to enterprise infrastructure by speeding deploys, improving uptime and maybe even reducing the test effort. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Sep 2024
3 takeaways from the CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam
The author of The Official CompTIA Cloud+ Instructor Guide and Student Guide shares his most interesting takeaways from the recent version of the CompTIA Cloud+ certification. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Jul 2019
Why the PaaS market failed to live up to the hype
PaaS' days as a stand-alone tech may be numbered as the cloud layer gets absorbed by IaaS platforms from AWS and others. See what went wrong for the market that once held such promise. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2019
Red Hat-IBM deal closes, both promise a friendly coopetition
IBM and Red Hat formally signed off on its $34 billion deal as the combined company sets off to make its mark in the hybrid cloud market. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2019
Get to know the VMware HCX platform
HCX connects on-premises systems, private clouds, VMware Cloud on AWS and hosted cloud infrastructures, creating a hybrid or multi-cloud environment for vSphere workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2019
Hybrid cloud strategies to bridge on-premises, public cloud gap
Moving workloads to a hybrid cloud environment requires several strategies, and organizations should look toward multi-hypervisors, SDDCs and Kubernetes to do so. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2019
IBM Blockchain platform adds hybrid, multi-cloud support
IBM has enhanced its blockchain platform such that it will run on other cloud platforms beyond the IBM Cloud, including the AWS and Microsoft Azure clouds. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2019
Oracle IaaS strategy pivots to specialization
Oracle probably won't get out of the public IaaS market entirely, but it seems clear that specialization is its goal, not head-to-head challenges to AWS, Microsoft and Google. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
HPE hybrid cloud poised for coopetition with AWS, Microsoft
HPE's newest offerings improve its chances in the hybrid cloud market, but may draw fire from its cloud partners, AWS and Microsoft. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
HPE GreenLake composable cloud services get a boost
HPE's latest products support hybrid cloud strategies by allowing users to tie composable and hyper-converged infrastructure technologies more tightly together. Continue Reading
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Quiz
04 Jun 2019
Test your cloud computing news knowledge
The beginning of the year was filled with new and improved cloud product offerings as providers vie for the top spot. Have you stayed up to date? Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 May 2019
Modern dev practices exacerbate private cloud disadvantages
The public cloud has become the go-to hosting environment for enterprise DevOps shops -- a trend that won't bode well for the future of private cloud architectures. Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
Azure Cost Management adds AWS, reflects multi-cloud strategies
Microsoft's Azure Cost Management tool now integrates with AWS to track spending across both cloud platforms, a nod to customers' increased shift toward multi-cloud strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 May 2019
TOSCA and other cloud standardization efforts stall
As enterprises continue to work with multiple cloud models, they are sure to face integration, interoperability and portability issues. Cloud standards may still be the answer. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2019
A guide to a cloud-to-cloud migration with 7 key steps
When an enterprise migrates between cloud environments, planning and process are more important than products and technology -- at least in the short term. Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2019
Couchbase cozies up to Kubernetes for multi-cloud deployments
Couchbase adds support for Kubernetes container-based deployments of its popular NoSQL database across multiple clouds, such as AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2019
Multi-cloud management tools fall short of expectations
Multi-cloud presents new management issues for enterprises. Users want better visibility and control of multiple clouds, but vendors struggle to meet these needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2019
Poor hybrid data placement can swell cloud costs
Enterprises that rely on public clouds are no stranger to egress traffic charges, but those costs can skyrocket when it comes to hybrid cloud data placement and usage. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
VMware's Bitnami buy targets multi-cloud deployments
VMware has inked a deal to buy Bitnami, maker of a catalog that vets and packages up popular software, such as MySQL, for quick, secure multi-cloud deployments. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2019
Build a multi-cloud application with these 4 tips
A multi-cloud architecture is often more aspirational than practical, but it's doable if you plan ahead. Follow these tips to learn when and how to build apps to span multiple public clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 May 2019
Improve cloud performance with these 6 techniques
Boost the performance of enterprise cloud applications with the right mix of services and design choices. Consider these elements to optimize your workloads. Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2019
New Azure-VMware integration means more hybrid cloud options
Rivals Microsoft and VMware joined forces this week, signing a deal to allow VMware to run natively on Azure, further complicating the coopetition among the top cloud vendors. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2019
5 types of cloud skills that IT professionals should know
Cloud computing has spawned a spectrum of new IT roles, and professionals must sharpen their technology expertise to remain competitive in the job market. Review these top skills that IT pros should focus on. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2019
Three steps to secure function as a service
Securely setting up function as a service, or serverless computing, is complicated. Learn how to secure function-as-a-service cloud environments with three standard principles. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2019
7 cloud computing job roles to advance your career
The cloud rapidly evolves, so cloud jobs must adapt accordingly. Job openings are going fast, so review these positions and their qualifications to plan your next move. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2019
Latest hybrid cloud services put public cloud into the data center
AWS, Google and Microsoft provide businesses with more deployment choices with cloud-extension services. See how these offerings can enable hybrid capabilities. Continue Reading
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Quiz
10 Apr 2019
Put your serverless computing knowledge to the test
The word 'serverless' is on everyone in IT's lips, but do you know the basics? Take this quiz and find out. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2019
Google's multi-cloud platform goes GA as Anthos
Google's Cloud Services Platform, now called Anthos, aims to make waves for hybrid and on-premises cloud management, but customers should be aware the GA tag has its limitations. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2019
Google, open source vendors join for cloud managed services
Google has partnered with seven prominent open source software providers, including MongoDB and Redis, to tap customer demand for managed OSS services in the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2019
Optimized Google Cloud VMs target cutting-edge workloads
Google Cloud's latest set of instances, optimized for compute- and memory-intensive workloads, underscore customer demand for more powerful cloud infrastructure choices. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2019
Strike a cost-performance balance in microservices deployment
To successfully deploy microservices in the cloud, IT teams should beware of these four common mistakes around resource locations, service selection and more. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2019
Turbonomic updates ease multi-cloud management, cut costs
Turbonomic's latest update focuses on not just ensuring cloud application performance but keeping the cost of cloud management in check. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2019
Cloud optimization hinges on smart instance size selection
App performance can suffer from poorly sized instances, the wrong instance type for the workload and other setbacks. Use these techniques and tools to optimize cloud operations. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2019
Google Cloud outages resolved, but stakes still high for users
Several Google Cloud services suffered some recent hiccups, but analysts gave the service provider high marks for quick resolution and transparency. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2019
What are the two types of hybrid cloud infrastructure?
Hybrid cloud designs are shifting as public cloud providers push on premises with alternatives to a two-vendor approach. Learn the pros and cons of heterogeneous and homogeneous models. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2019
Google Cloud Storage price plan stresses data gravity's pull
Google Cloud Storage's expanded annual budget framework may give customers more cost savings and control, but they should consider other factors such as vendor lock-in. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Feb 2019
Google Cloud Next 2019 agenda tips enterprise ambitions
Google's Cloud Next 2019 conference is coming up and the event session catalog illuminates some of the top priorities for the Google Cloud Platform. Here's a look at some notable talks slated for ... Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2019
TaylorMade Golf takes a shot with Oracle cloud database
TaylorMade Golf's move to Oracle's cloud data warehouse has produced major performance improvements, but other important Oracle workloads will remain on premises for now. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2019
Cloudability seeks to broaden the cloud cost management discussion
Enterprises can use a variety of software tools to control cloud spending, but they would further benefit from an operational model that aligns IT more closely with finance teams. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Feb 2019
AI democracy, hybrid clouds top IBM Think takeaways
IBM's extension of its Watson AI services beyond the IBM Cloud to users on other cloud platforms impressed IBM Think attendees, but is it ready for enterprise use? Meanwhile, IBM's hybrid cloud and ... Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Feb 2019
Compare tools for multi-cloud Kubernetes management
For IT teams that need to manage Kubernetes deployments that span multiple cloud platforms, here are seven tools intended to simplify that process. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2019
IBM's hybrid cloud plans extend AI to users across platforms
IBM doubles down on its hybrid cloud strategy with tools to help customers funnel data through their chosen cloud platform and apply IBM's AI to it all. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Feb 2019
Five cloud migration themes at IBM Think
The IBM Think conference will provide insight into Big Blue's current and future cloud agenda, which now focuses on private and multi-cloud scenarios. Like many legacy IT vendors, IBM has struggled ... Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2019
New cloud service models put providers in the data center
All of the major cloud players now offer on-premises hardware or specific technologies to make a data center look and feel more like the public cloud. What's driving this trend? Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2019
5 ways to smooth the road to hybrid cloud deployment
In the move to hybrid cloud, security, app requirements and monitoring are just a few of the many factors to consider. Follow these guidelines for a smooth deployment process. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Microsoft grabs Citus Data, expands Azure open source options
Microsoft's acquisition of Citus Data adds a distributed architecture for PostgreSQL on Azure and expands the cloud platform's array of open source software. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jan 2019
Acquisition talk mounts as Kurian plots Google's cloud plans
It may not be a question of if, but when Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian makes acquisitions to round out the company's cloud platform portfolio. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2019
Salesforce Lightning Platform update targets mobile apps
Salesforce targets line-of-business experts and citizen developers with the Lightning Platform Mobile development system to build enterprise mobile apps. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jan 2019
Private cloud platforms step out of the shadows
Enterprises often confront a choice: public or private cloud. Public cloud may be the easy option, but it isn't the right one for everyone. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jan 2019
Hybrid cloud trends offer lessons for potential adopters
Hybrid cloud use cases are growing more compelling as the need for workload flexibility increases. Potential adopters should plan ahead with these deployment and migration lessons. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Dec 2018
It's time to rethink app migration strategies for cloud
As applications increasingly become a collection of services rather than monolithic pieces of software, enterprises will start to question and rethink traditional migration practices. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Dec 2018
Prepare for these 3 cloud computing challenges in 2019
As enterprise cloud strategies continue to mature, IT teams will face a new set of challenges in 2019, ranging from cost governance to the management of complex, heterogeneous architectures. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2018
Hybrid cloud technologies become table stakes in IaaS market
In 2018, IaaS providers upped their commitment to hybrid cloud. Expect that trend to continue in full force next year -- with some key distinctions between vendors' strategies. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2018
A look back at the top cloud computing news of 2018
From product releases to acquisitions, there was no shortage of cloud technology news in 2018. Take a look back at some of the biggest headlines of the year. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2018
GCP addition targets cloud data access, privacy fears
Google Cloud Platform's Access Approval feature lets customers use more of the data access controls they have in their on-premises infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2018
Azure Scheduler retirement sends IT shops to Logic Apps
Microsoft's retirement of Azure Scheduler next year will mean more manual labor for users of the job scheduler. But the extra sweat will come with some benefits. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2018
Learn how to use Terraform for multi-cloud management
Terraform provides a highly configurable platform to manage infrastructure in a cloud-agnostic way. However, enterprises need to prepare for some challenges. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2018
Microsoft doubles down on Kubernetes with Azure Monitor, AKS
Microsoft's new monitoring tools for AKS and its decision to sunset Azure Container Service trumpet the rise of Kubernetes as the de facto choice for container orchestration. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2018
Pivotal Function Service aims at multi-cloud, serverless
Serverless might rule in the public cloud, but the new Pivotal Function Service targets enterprises that also have private clouds in their mix. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2018
Integration tactics to ease hybrid, multi-cloud environments
Hybrid and multi-cloud are increasingly common deployment models, which makes integration a priority. Review three specific approaches to connect on-premises and cloud-based systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2018
Compare Docker containers vs. VMs for app dev environments
While there are important technical distinctions between VMs and containers, the reasons developers opt for the latter are often more philosophical, or cultural, in nature. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2018
Cloudlets extend cloud power to edge with virtualized delivery
Cloud computing power for IoT and mobile devices is within reach due to the capabilities of cloudlets, which use virtualization and small data centers to extend computing power. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2018
Design data center redundancy based on cloud outage lessons
Public cloud providers have had catastrophic outages, but IT administrators can learn from cloud redundancy failures and successes -- and apply them to on-premises infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2018
Control resource sprawl in multi-cloud architectures
Resource sprawl can occur quickly and easily in a multi-cloud deployment. Learn how to dodge this costly, yet common, issue with these five best practices. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2018
Expanded IBM-VMware partnership eyes hybrid cloud deployments
A managed cloud service for high availability and additional product integrations for microservices and Watson are the latest fruits of a partnership between IBM and VMware. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2018
IBM-Red Hat juggernaut targets hybrid clouds
IBM and Red Hat plan to build a raft of complementary open source products to capture a huge hunk of the hybrid cloud market, but not offend their respective partners. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2018
Understand the ins and outs of private cloud architecture
Private clouds are based on server virtualization, but they aren't the same. Organizations must consider private cloud's specific use cases in comparison to server virtualization. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Oct 2018
AWS, Microsoft and Google push on with hybrid cloud strategies
As enterprises' appetite for hybrid cloud grows, the rivalry between AWS, Microsoft and Google will increasingly revolve around on-premises environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2018
Choose the right workloads for serverless platforms in cloud
Serverless might be the next big thing in cloud, but that doesn't mean it's a fit for all enterprise workloads. See if your requirements align with these common use cases. Continue Reading
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Quiz
24 Oct 2018
Can you ace this quiz on cloud computing privacy issues?
Consumers and enterprises are increasingly concerned about data privacy -- with good reason -- and cloud computing introduces a host of new challenges. How well do you know them? Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2018
IBM eyes services bid with Multicloud Manager
Organizations that run applications in a multi-cloud environment could benefit from IBM's Kubernetes-based management platform that supports on-premises and other cloud platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Oct 2018
Manage microservices in cloud with these native tools
AWS, Microsoft and Google all offer native resources and tools to support microservices-based architectures, most of which rely heavily on containers and service mesh technology. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Sep 2018
Automation poses risk and reward for cloud operations teams
While there's some concern among IT staff that automation will displace jobs, don't panic yet. There are several ways to stay relevant, and even thrive, in the age of automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Sep 2018
Single-tenant cloud services help alleviate security concerns
What happens when an enterprise wants the benefits of cloud but without the multi-tenancy? Isolated services are available for those willing to pay. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2018
Serverless platforms limit programming language options
Serverless computing can reduce infrastructure costs and streamline development processes, but don't assume that your programming language of choice will be available. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2018
Google Cloud CTO talks Cloud Services Platform hybrid play
Google Cloud CTO Brian Stevens envisions an IT landscape where enterprises can more easily develop and manage apps that span on premises and the cloud. Hint: Kubernetes plays a big role. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Sep 2018
Improve hybrid cloud monitoring through automation, alerts
To effectively monitor hybrid cloud infrastructure -- without being overloaded with data and alerts -- IT teams need to rethink some of their existing processes. Use these five best practices to get started. Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2018
Azure outage spotlights cloud infrastructure choices
One difference in Microsoft's cloud infrastructure design may have contributed to the extended outage this week in an Azure region that hit a large number of customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2018
Overcome 9 microservices challenges for platform flexibility
It's all well and good to tear apart your monolith, but a careless microservices approach can result in the same old problems. Watch out for these nine hurdles. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2018
Design a hybrid IT infrastructure with a strategic framework
Hybrid IT demands that IT managers and teams use frameworks, best practices and governance structures to ensure the success of on-premises and cloud deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2018
Open source low-code platforms extend app dev capabilities
Enterprises want their apps to go to market as fast as possible. Low-code platforms accelerate development processes, and with open source, these platforms are more customizable. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
Write your first Google Cloud Function with these three tips
To build a serverless function, many developers require a shift in mindset. Use these three tips to create a cost-effective and high-performing function in Google Cloud Platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2018
Right-size a cloud VM for better performance, lower costs
Most companies don't pay enough attention to VM selection during cloud app deployment -- which can drive up costs. Follow these steps to right-size a VM and stay within budget. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2018
Azure Stack growing pains could weigh on enterprise appeal
Microsoft's hybrid cloud platform continues to pique the interest of enterprise IT shops but still lacks the maturity and breadth of the Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2018
Optimize serverless function performance for faster deployments
Serverless computing offers numerous benefits, but poor performance can negatively affect deployment time. Follow these strategies to fine-tune and optimize serverless functions. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Aug 2018
The enterprise will kill cloud innovation -- but that's OK
Hyperscale cloud providers grew incredibly fast and created a whole new way of doing business. That's great, but it's also a problem that needs fixing. Continue Reading
- 21 Aug 2018
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Tip
21 Aug 2018
Incorporate virtual private clouds in a hybrid IT environment
Don't let the added complexity of VPCs deter you from integrating them with your hybrid cloud. Simply keep these configuration factors in mind to ensure seamless interoperability. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jul 2018
Want the new Google hybrid cloud? You'll need a middleman
The much ballyhooed Google hybrid cloud architecture earned plaudits for its unique approach, but what didn't get much attention was who will sell and manage it on-premises. Spoiler alert: it's not ... Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2018
Serverless infrastructure demands new roles for IT admins
Serverless technology is going to disrupt the data center, and IT administrators will need to shift their expertise from management to configuration and from servers to services. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2018
Google Cloud Services Platform moves hybrid approach on premises
Google has focused its hybrid strategy around containers and microservices, as Cloud Services Platform extends some of the public cloud provider's software to users' data centers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Jul 2018
Walmart's cloud strategy sticks by OpenStack, despite Azure migration
Walmart's cloud deployment strategy takes a big turn to Microsoft Azure, but it won't leave OpenStack completely in the dust. A five-year deal to make Microsoft Azure the preferred cloud provider ... Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2018
Overcome app deployment challenges in a multi-cloud strategy
Looking to adopt a multi-cloud model? Be sure to address these common app deployment, redeployment and scaling challenges first. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Jul 2018
Google needs to win enterprise confidence at cloud conference
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) has become a more robust and reliable public cloud in recent years but still has nowhere near the enterprise mindshare afforded to fellow hyperscale platforms AWS and ... Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2018
Harden cloud apps with a secure software development lifecycle
Wouldn't it be nice if every application were 100% cloud-ready? Unfortunately, that's often not the case, which can lead to security risks down the line if not properly addressed. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2018
Evolve IT staff, skill sets for a multi-cloud strategy
To effectively implement and manage a multi-cloud architecture, enterprises first need IT team members who hold a unique mix of technical and business skills. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Jun 2018
Cloud conferences to pencil in for the second half of 2018
Want to expand your cloud skills, gain industry insights and network with other pros? Consider these conferences and events throughout the second half of the year. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2018
Four signs you need a third-party cloud management platform
In a multi-cloud deployment, IaaS providers' native tools for admins often fall short. These four signs indicate it's time to invest in a third-party cloud management tool. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2018
Google dives into elusive cloud file storage market
Google Cloud Filestore may be the last piece of the puzzle for the vendor's storage services, but like its competitors' file offerings, it's far from a finished product. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2018
Three ways to ensure app portability in a multi-cloud strategy
As multi-cloud adoption grows, developers need to be careful they don't sacrifice application portability for the sake of using provider-native services. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Jun 2018
Emerging PaaS model puts cloud app dev into the fast lane
As they grapple with application backlogs and a shortage of seasoned, business-savvy developers, enterprises will increasingly look to drag-and-drop programming options. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2018
Map hybrid cloud applications to your VPN address spaces
Enterprise networks can easily become your Achilles' heel in hybrid cloud. Follow this advice to effectively manage your VPN, as well as scale and redeploy hybrid cloud apps. Continue Reading
