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
07 Oct 2024
14 top multi-cloud management platforms for 2025
Dig into the benefits -- and drawbacks -- of the top tools and services designed to help enterprises manage their hybrid and multi-cloud environments Continue Reading
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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
06 Jun 2018
Don't let Kubernetes services stall a multi-cloud strategy
Despite the benefits of managed Kubernetes services from AWS, Microsoft and Google, these offerings can impede workload portability when tied closely to other provider-native tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jun 2018
Hybrid cloud adoption trends and strategies explained
Hybrid cloud deployments are gaining traction because they enable private cloud security and public cloud flexibility, and orchestration between the two cloud models has improved. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2018
Three ways to prepare applications for serverless platforms
Compared to those that run in more traditional PaaS or IaaS environments, apps on serverless platforms bring a unique set of demands around performance, storage and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2018
Build a CI/CD pipeline to simplify multi-cloud deployment
While some cloud providers support simple app deployment processes and tools, they could hinder a multi-cloud model. Fortunately, there are some workarounds. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 May 2018
Top IaaS providers slowly warm up to multi-cloud
While major IaaS vendors all offer some flavor of multi-cloud support, they still have work to do to help customers achieve the dream of seamless portability. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2018
Evaluate private cloud service providers in the market
Red Hat, Microsoft and VMware all provide private cloud environments that offer security and compliance, but it's important to consider other business needs, as well. Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2018
In a serverless architecture age, infrastructure still matters
Sorry, developers, but infrastructure still matters, even as serverless architectures and containers diminish its central role to build new applications. Continue Reading
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Quiz
23 May 2018
Test your private vs. public cloud knowledge
Although public and private clouds might seem similar on the surface, they differ greatly in terms of their architecture and use cases. Take our quiz to see if you know your stuff. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2018
Top 5 features to look for in private cloud services offerings
When evaluating private cloud services, consider offerings that provide an intuitive self-service portal, RBAC, capacity planning and policy enforcement for tenant workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2018
Four tips for a successful hybrid cloud POC
A hybrid cloud proof of concept is an important step to ensure a deployment will fully meet IT and business needs. Mind these best practices around data, networks and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2018
Amazon Virtual Private Cloud 101: Features, pricing and more
Evaluate the key features of Amazon Virtual Private Cloud, learn about its advantages and disadvantages, and consider pricing and best practices before implementing the platform. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 May 2018
Find a way forward in the cloud vs. virtualization debate
IT admins weighing the options available for cloud and virtualization services against use cases and economics must navigate a complex market with an uncertain future. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2018
Understand major private cloud services advantages
Consider the benefits of private cloud services before jumping on the public cloud bandwagon. There's more to private clouds than control over infrastructure and better security. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2018
Google tips open source cloud tools so customers can be free
Three new tools illustrate Google's strategic approach to its cloud platform customers and echo an old proverb: Set them free, so they can return and stay. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2018
Azure IoT Edge tool set stirs AI into Microsoft's cloud
Microsoft extended more of its AI capabilities to connected devices to resolve some of the IoT shortcomings of the public cloud's consolidated data center model. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2018
Create a private cloud in SCVMM with these factors in mind
The process of creating a private cloud with System Center Virtual Machine Manager starts with getting to know major private cloud components and calculating resource requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2018
Optimize load balancing for a hybrid cloud architecture
Load balancing plays a critical role in ensuring application availability and high performance in hybrid cloud. Follow these general rules to get it right. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2018
Google cloud database updates reinforce enterprise IT allure
Google looks to make Cloud Spanner, Cloud Bigtable and Cloud SQL more attractive to corporate IT with some key updates to its fully managed database lineup. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2018
Compare virtual private cloud server providers
Cost is an important factor to consider when evaluating different VPC providers, but the kind of hardware and data lines the providers offer plays a role, too. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2018
Virtual private cloud vs. private cloud differences explained
Virtual private clouds and private clouds differ in terms of architecture, the provider and tenants, and resource delivery. Decide between the two models based on these distinctions. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2018
Hybrid cloud advantages and disadvantages explained
Hybrid cloud is touted as providing the best of both private and public clouds, but this type of infrastructure comes with its own pros and cons, such as flexibility and complexity. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2018
Single pane of glass for multi-cloud management still elusive
Unified management for multi-cloud remains a work in progress. Vendors have yet to produce the perfect single-pane-of-glass tool -- and some IT teams can't afford to wait for one. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2018
Overcome hybrid cloud deployment challenges
Before adopting a hybrid cloud, think about how it will benefit the business and the ultimate goal. Also, hire IT staff with the appropriate level of expertise and start small. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2018
Microsoft, Google polish cloud budgeting tools
Recently added Google and Microsoft cloud cost control tools are critical for users who want to gain insight into how corporate cloud budgets are spent. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2018
Grasp the key concepts of hybrid cloud orchestration
As hybrid cloud becomes increasingly common, organizations need an effective orchestration platform that can seamlessly span public and private infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2018
Manage private cloud performance and troubleshoot issues
Management tools intended for private clouds are key to troubleshooting performance issues because they provide insight that traditional virtualization management tools might not. Continue Reading
- 12 Apr 2018
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Tip
12 Apr 2018
Hybrid cloud providers offer different architecture types
Hybrid cloud means different things to different vendors; some set aside part of the public cloud for private cloud purposes and others simply support an on-premises private cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2018
Hybrid cloud deployment demands a change in security mindset
To fully protect data in a hybrid cloud model, enterprises need to scrutinize integration points, network access controls and the policies they have in place. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2018
Azure serial console update addresses cloud troubleshooting
An Azure debugging tool gives admins a better handle on problems when VMs don't boot properly, with a familiar feel for those more comfortable with on-premises architectures. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2018
Blockchain and cloud combine to fuel enterprise adoption
While still in its infancy, blockchain technology is no longer theoretical. And cloud providers will line up to cash in, as enterprises plan to invest millions. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2018
Simplify multi-cloud management with two abstraction models
To streamline management and reduce complexity in a multi-cloud model, enterprises can turn to two abstraction techniques: resource and orchestration. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2018
IBM PAIRS Geoscope brings geospatial-temporal data to devs
IBM Research's Geoscope service targets developers who build complex applications that require data from large, disparate geospatial-temporal data sets. Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2018
Cloud security challenges spark startup acquisitions
Cloud security startups are popular acquisition targets, as cloud providers and third parties seek to address corporate IT concerns across multiple platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2018
Optimize serverless apps with real-time troubleshooting
Serverless computing demands a new way of thinking to successfully troubleshoot apps. Carefully define error states, and maintain logs to pinpoint and solve performance issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2018
Four things to know before an Azure Stack deployment
Intended to simplify management and development across public and private clouds, Azure Stack looks to address some of IT's biggest hybrid hang-ups. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2018
Hyperscale providers bet big on cloud AI
AI cloud services have emerged as yet another battleground for the hyperscale providers, as they entice data scientists and developers to train their models on their platforms. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Feb 2018
Explore the revert-to-snapshot feature in OpenStack Cinder
OpenStack Cinder has added a revert-to-snapshot function, enabling enterprises to recover from corrupted data sets. However, if the feature falls into the wrong hands, risks arise. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2018
Multi-cloud management still a work in progress for IT teams
Multi-cloud deployments are a mixed bag, providing both business value and complex management challenges. Fortunately, a number of third-party management tools can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2018
Bare-metal cloud services lure legacy workloads off premises
For some enterprises, bare-metal services in the cloud act as a crucial steppingstone to an IaaS deployment, and providers, including IBM, Oracle and AWS, have taken notice. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2018
Virtualization trends in 2018 signal edge technology disruption
New technologies build on virtualization and threaten disruption. Virtualization administrators must familiarize themselves with what's coming and plan their careers accordingly. Continue Reading
- 20 Feb 2018
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Tip
19 Feb 2018
Prepare for hybrid cloud implementation with these key steps
As enterprises mix public and private IT resources, they grapple with app workflows, network connections and more. Here are four ways to alleviate common hybrid cloud challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2018
Build a multi-cloud app with these four factors in mind
A multi-cloud strategy reduces vendor lock-in and outage risks. But to realize those benefits, development teams must first design apps to successfully run on various platforms. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2018
VMware acquisition continues move toward cloud security
VMware cloud security tools will get a boost from the company's acquisition of CloudCoreo, a security and management startup focused on cloud deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2018
User self-service challenges mount in multi-cloud computing
Self-service provisioning presents challenges with a single cloud provider, and a multi-cloud strategy only magnifies those issues, as IT seeks to integrate multiple interfaces. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2018
Oracle Cloud data center buildup aims to enchant enterprises
An updated Oracle Cloud SLA becomes the first to factor in performance standards for customers -- one of several moves aimed at luring enterprises to its expanding public cloud. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2018
Serverless technology seeks mainstream enterprise traction
Serverless tech providers continue to add features as a service that have enterprise interests in mind, and IT pros have some wish list items. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jan 2018
Serverless cloud providers aim to ease adoption in 2018
As the buzz around serverless computing carries over into 2018, providers will look to simplify adoption in several ways, including more support for hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2018
Prep an OpenStack private cloud for a multi-cloud deployment
Enterprises with an OpenStack private cloud can still jump on the multi-cloud bandwagon. But they should prepare for challenges around data management and platform compatibility. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2018
Hybrid cloud migration starts with updating the private cloud
It might seem counterintuitive, but a key part of hybrid cloud adoption is committing the time and resources to updating your private cloud. These steps will set you up for success. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2018
Prepare for these cloud computing technologies in 2018
Not sure what to expect, exactly, in the cloud computing market in 2018? Three of our Advisory Board members share their top predictions. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2018
Words to go: Basic cloud computing terms
New to cloud computing? Use this list of basic terms to familiarize yourself with common deployment models, service categories and top providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2018
Choose a loosely coupled architecture for DevOps success
To successfully pivot your organization toward DevOps and cloud, carefully evaluate and fine-tune your architecture first, and then think about tool sets. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2018
Evaluate VMware, public cloud provider integration
Hybrid cloud providers don't yet have the seamless integration they promised. VMware cluster admins need to evaluate available options in order to formulate a VMware cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2018
Meltdown-Spectre bugs hit cloud usage less than first feared
IT shops expected their cloud usage to flag due to recent chip bugs, but most environments survived the patches unscathed. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2018
Migrate cloud applications back to on-premises applications
In the cloud frenzy, it's easy to lose sight of what to do if the cloud doesn't work. With time, patience and cost planning, administrators can migrate applications back on premises. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jan 2018
Providers continue to push hybrid cloud technologies in 2018
The hybrid cloud market changes rapidly, as major cloud providers release new services to bridge private and public platforms, but for now, management challenges remain. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jan 2018
Transition to a hybrid cloud platform from a private cloud
Consider factors like security, platform compatibility, data usage requirements and management when transitioning from a private cloud to a hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jan 2018
Creating a private cloud with minimal issues
If you consider security, performance, scalability, expertise, network visibility and service management when creating a private cloud, you avoid problems down the road. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2018
Explore private cloud platform options: Paid and open source
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a private cloud platform. Evaluate the different paid and open source options to figure out which one is best for you. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jan 2018
The case for private cloud vs. public cloud implementation
Take security, compliance, cost and scalability into account when deciding between a private and public cloud. Also, think about the future potential of hybrid cloud adoption. Continue Reading
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Quiz
03 Nov 2017
Test your knowledge of these core OpenStack components
The OpenStack platform contains a mix of services for compute, networking, security and more. See if you can identify which service performs which function with this quick quiz. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Oct 2017
Use OpenStack Senlin, Heat templates to enable autoscaling
As it is with other cloud platforms, autoscaling in OpenStack is important to meet changing workload demands. Here's how to enable that process with Senlin and Heat templates. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Oct 2017
IaaS benefits broaden as public cloud market evolves
The benefits of IaaS now range from increased scalability to access to emerging technologies, such as serverless. Review these key benefits, as well as management implications. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2017
Cloud management platforms offer a unified approach to hybrid IT
While more cloud platforms can mean more challenges, the right management platform makes an admin's job easier. But with all the options, how do you know which one to choose? Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2017
Google cloud data transfer appliance eases move to public cloud
Google's cloud options look to lure more enterprises with a physical device that simplifies data transfer in-house to the Google Cloud Platform. Continue Reading
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Quiz
28 Jun 2017
Quiz time: Test your knowledge of hybrid cloud computing trends
Do developers and IT decision-makers cite different factors for moving to -- and staying away from -- a hybrid cloud architecture? See where your opinions line up. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jun 2017
Compare OpenStack local storage options for now and in the future
SSDs, HDDs and NVMe can all provide local storage for an OpenStack deployment. But what are the benefits and tradeoffs of each, and how will these technologies evolve? Continue Reading
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Feature
11 May 2017
Build a cloud-based infrastructure one layer at a time
As enterprise IT teams enter the cloud adoption phase, they must understand the technical underpinnings that comprise cloud infrastructure -- from servers to storage to apps. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2017
What are some ways to stop and restart OpenStack instances?
Admins can pause, suspend, shelve or stop a compute instance in OpenStack. But what are the key differences between each option? Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2017
Cloud-first strategy speeds spinoff of American Express' travel unit
Given just months to spin off a $20 billion operation into a new, independent company, American Express Global Business Travel turns to the Dell Boomi cloud integration platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2017
Discover the pros, cons of bare-metal cloud services
A bare-metal cloud service combines the benefits of physical servers with public cloud, but may not be right for all workloads. Weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2016
Google Cloud Storage prices cut, Glacier cold storage competitor added
Google is revamping its Cloud Storage services to woo users and challenge AWS with price cuts, lifecycle management and cold storage with quicker retrieval times than Amazon Glacier. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2016
How do I determine which OpenStack version I have?
Figuring out the OpenStack release or version running in your organization isn't as easy as it sounds. What are some quick tips to find that information? Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Sep 2016
How can we customize the OpenStack Horizon dashboard?
Admins can use the OpenStack Horizon dashboard to deploy and manage cloud services. But what are some options for customizing the dashboard's view? Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2016
Enterprise architect career path has bright and dark sides
IASA CEO Paul Preiss discusses how the digital transformation and technology advances are the drivers creating opportunities in the burgeoning enterprise architecture profession. Continue Reading
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Quiz
16 Aug 2016
Test your grasp of hybrid cloud migration and related challenges
Test your knowledge of hybrid cloud migration and other shifting aspects of cloud networking. Use this quiz to determine how well you understand these cloud challenges. Continue Reading
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Quiz
03 Aug 2016
Quiz: The latest software-defined data center industry trends
To join those who want everything delivered as a service, you have to be up on the latest software-defined data center trends. Take this brief quiz and gauge your knowledge. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jul 2016
How do I prevent an I/O bottleneck in hybrid cloud?
In a hybrid cloud deployment, what are some ways to eliminate I/O bottlenecks that hurt application performance? Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2016
How to effectively work with multiple cloud providers
Before working with multiple cloud providers, evaluate their services for compute, storage, security and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2016
Containers vs. VMs: Which should you use for cloud?
Before going all in with containers, it's critical to understand how the technology differs from VMs in terms of private, public and hybrid cloud deployment. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2015
Reduce hybrid cloud latency with these five tips
With the right workload design and infrastructure changes, organizations can minimize latency and boost hybrid cloud performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2015
Considerations for choosing an OpenStack distribution
When it comes to choosing an OpenStack distribution, HP, Red Hat, Cisco and others are all viable options. But enterprises should make their decision carefully. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Sep 2015
What is a cloud-based system?
Get an overview of what a cloud-based system is and what would work best in your enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2015
Five challenges with open source cloud infrastructure tools
Open source cloud infrastructure platforms like OpenStack offer many benefits to an enterprise -- but first, IT must clear these five adoption hurdles. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2015
Testing cloud applications for Azure, Google Cloud
As software development cycles accelerate, IT must more rapidly test cloud-based applications. The right tools and services can help pick up the pace. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2015
Evaluating OpenStack vs. VMware for private cloud
OpenStack and VMware are both viable options for hybrid and private cloud. So which one should your organization choose? Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2014
OpenStack features, services creating industry buzz
OpenStack features, including portability, security and storage are prompting vendors and IT pros alike to support the open source cloud platform. Continue Reading
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Podcast
19 Jun 2014
Cloud competition heating up as Amazon takes aim at VMware
In this podcast, we talk about what the AWS Management Portal for vCenter means for VMware and how to calculate true cloud computing costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2013
Choosing among IaaS, PaaS and Database as a Service for a cloud database
Regardless of which cloud database you choose, multiple factors must come into play, ranging from costs and availability to feature support. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2013
Cloud computing templates give IT teams control
Cloud computing templates can make cloud server builds easier and give IT admins some cloud control. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Feb 2013
Six cloud computing industry leaders to follow on Twitter
Want to eavesdrop on what cloud computing leaders are saying about industry trends? Follow these six Twitter accounts for expert opinions and scoops. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2012
mobile cloud
The mobile cloud is Internet-based data, applications and related services accessed through smartphones, laptop computers, tablets and other portable devices. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Nov 2010
How Azure actually works, courtesy of Mark Russinovich
Mark Russinovich -- Microsoft technical fellow, a lead on the Azure platform and a renowned Windows expert -- took pains at PDC '10 (Watch the "Inside Windows Azure" session here) to lay out a ... Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Mar 2010
Cloud computing resources center
Cloud standards organizations, open source cloud projects, cloud computing and social media and more, all explained in this compendium of cloud resources. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Nov 2009
Five requirements for deploying an application in a public cloud
Thinking about deploying an application in a public cloud? Investigate these five requirements to ensure success. Continue Reading
