Cloud infrastructure design and management
Cloud computing delivers numerous benefits, but only if an IT organization is prepared to manage a cloud environment. Proper cloud infrastructure design and management entails an understanding of automation, orchestration, monitoring, compliance, pricing, availability, and other key elements of cloud services.
Top Stories
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News
17 Jun 2025
Oracle adds xAI Grok models to OCI
The move is customer-focused, as the tech giant aims to offer the models for applications such as content generation, research and business process automation. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2025
Google Cloud, Cloudflare struck by widespread outages
Multiple companies investigated a widespread outage Thursday. Google Cloud later said it was due to a faulty API update and promises a full incident report of the root cause. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2025
Oracle adds xAI Grok models to OCI
The move is customer-focused, as the tech giant aims to offer the models for applications such as content generation, research and business process automation. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2025
Google Cloud, Cloudflare struck by widespread outages
Multiple companies investigated a widespread outage Thursday. Google Cloud later said it was due to a faulty API update and promises a full incident report of the root cause. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2025
What is VMware NSX? Definition, features and use cases
VMware NSX is a network virtualization feature that allows VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) subscribers to replicate their entire network infrastructure with software. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 May 2025
AI and private cloud: 2 lessons from Dell Tech World 2025
Two key insights emerged for IT professionals around enterprise AI integration and private cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2025
Weigh these 6 enterprise advantages of storage as a service
Storage as a service offers cloud procurement and remote management of on-premises storage. Benefits include scalability, utilitylike consumption pricing and storage optimization. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2025
Understand how Windows Server 2025 PAYG licensing works
Microsoft debuts pay-as-you-go licensing for Windows Server 2025 for enterprises that need flexibility with their on-premises and third-party cloud workload needs. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2025
HPE adds Morpheus Data to KVM hypervisor for enterprises
A KVM hypervisor by Hewlett-Packard Enterprise evolves with technology and capabilities from Morpheus Data, an HPE acquisition, as the company also releases other products. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2025
How to use Windows Server 2025 hotpatching
Microsoft expanded this functionality to the Standard and Datacenter editions of its latest server OS to cover more environments and reduce reboots for critical workloads. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2025
What is cloud asset management?
Cloud asset management is the practice of tracking and managing the resources used in an organization's cloud-based services. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2025
Nutanix expands storage, Kubernetes and AI platforms at Next
The latest capabilities and partnerships highlighted at Nutanix's Next conference expand disaggregated storage to Pure Storage, more Kubernetes portability and new AI partnerships. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2025
Explore edge computing services in the cloud
Discover the powerful advantages of edge computing over cloud computing, delivering faster performance and significantly lowering data transfer costs. Dive into the essential services provided by leading industry players. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2025
A guide to the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ certification exam
The CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ certification empowers nontechnical professionals with essential cloud knowledge to make informed and impactful decisions within organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2025
Compare CompTIA Cloud+ vs Cloud Essentials+ certifications
CompTIA Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials+ cover various areas and target different career paths. Do you know which certification is best for you? Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2025
How to use AI to bridge the cloud skills gap
Once admins have acknowledged the cloud skills gap within their team, it's time to act. Can AI offer teams the resources they need to help reach peak efficiency? Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2025
Try these strategies to modernize Windows workloads
Legacy applications create tough choices for admins who must balance business needs and security. This article covers these challenges and modernization strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2025
10 cloud programming languages developers need to know
Cloud programming languages are not one-size-fits-all. Learn about the top cloud programming languages, and use our expert criteria to choose the best language for your workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2025
What does a cloud network engineer do?
A cloud network engineer juggles a number of responsibilities -- from network design and troubleshooting to learning about specific cloud providers and platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2025
What is cloud security?
Cloud security, or cloud computing security, is a set of policies, practices and controls deployed to protect cloud-based data, applications and infrastructure from cyberattacks and cyberthreats. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2025
5 strategies to address the cloud skills gap
There seems to be no end in sight to the cloud skills gap, given the pace of innovation and new offerings. Learn how organizations can bridge the gap before they get left behind. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Apr 2025
What is a northbound interface/southbound interface?
A northbound interface (NBI) is an application programming interface (API) or protocol that allows a lower-level network component to communicate with a higher-level or more central component; conversely, a southbound interface (SBI) allows a higher-level component to send commands to lower-level network components. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2025
Prepare for your FinOps interview with these 12 questions
FinOps promises to help organizations gain more value from their technology spending, especially in the cloud. Do you have the skills to become part of the FinOps team? Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2025
Is there still a cloud skills gap in 2025?
Cloud staff that is shorthanded or lacks skills can be a detriment to the business. Projects are left incomplete, security suffers and innovations are pushed off just to survive. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2025
What is ICT (information and communications technology)?
ICT (information and communications technology) is the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Mar 2025
What is single-tenancy? How's it different from multi-tenancy?
Single-tenancy is an architecture in which a single instance of a software application and supporting infrastructure serves one customer. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2025
The state of FinOps in 2025
What can we expect from FinOps in 2025? Experts share their insights and advice on real-time capabilities, AI assistance, cultural pushback and barriers to adoption. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2025
An overview of Amazon EC2 vs. AWS Lambda
EC2 and Lambda meet different needs in an AWS cloud environment -- but they can also work together. The only limits are in the minds of cloud architects. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2025
What is subscription-based pricing model?
A subscription-based pricing model is a payment structure that allows a customer or organization to purchase or subscribe to a vendor's IT services for a specific period for an agreed-upon set price. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2025
Why and how to create Azure service principals
Service principals are a convenient and secure way to protect Azure resources. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a service principal that defends vital Azure workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2025
How to start a FinOps career in cloud
FinOps is an integral part of many organizations' cloud strategy. Do you have what it takes to land a FinOps job? Explore the benefits and requirements to help jump-start your career. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2025
Top 13 cloud certifications for 2025
Cloud certifications are available for all levels of cloud expertise. Use this guide to evaluate basic, topic-specific, high-level and vendor-neutral certifications. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2025
What is cloud computing? Types, examples and benefits
Cloud computing is a general term for the on-demand delivery of hosted computing and IT services over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2025
What is usage-based pricing?
Usage-based pricing is a consumption-based pricing model in which customers are charged only when they use a product or service. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2025
What is a private cloud? Definition and examples
Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers advantages similar to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2025
What is Google Cloud Coldline storage?
Google Cloud Coldline storage is a public cloud cold storage class for infrequently accessed data. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jan 2025
What is Google Cloud Nearline storage?
Google Cloud Nearline storage is a public cloud storage class intended for storing infrequently accessed data. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jan 2025
What is cloud transformation and how do you get started?
Cloud transformation is a migration process in which a business's IT infrastructure, data, applications and software are moved to cloud-based environments. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Jan 2025
Steps to launch an EC2 instance using AWS CloudFormation
Admins can use AWS CloudFormation templates and resource stacks to deploy an EC2 instance using an infrastructure-as-code approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2025
The history of cloud computing explained
Get a clear view of cloud's historical milestones, how it evolved into the juggernaut it is today and transformed the commercial and working worlds for businesses and consumers. Continue Reading
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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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Tip
08 Jan 2025
How to protect VMs with Azure Bastion hosts
Port scans are a popular hacking technique used to find network vulnerabilities. Could Azure Bastion hosts provide the network security businesses need? Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2024
The future of hybrid cloud: What to expect in 2025 and beyond
For companies modernizing their business operations, hybrid cloud's embrace of AI, edge computing and integration promises unique levels of flexibility, security and control. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2024
Top public cloud service providers of 2025: How they compare
As the market share gap tightens among AWS, Microsoft and Google, see how their features and offerings stack up against each other and some of the smaller cloud providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2024
Cloud migration security challenges and best practices
Cloud migration can seem daunting to security teams. Following these essential practices can help them move infrastructure and applications to the cloud safely and securely. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2024
How to transition to the cloud: 7 best practices
Cloud migration provides numerous benefits, but there are pitfalls. Following these best practices builds a solid foundation for a systematic plan that sets you up for success. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2024
What is cloud migration? Your guide to moving to the cloud
Cloud migration is the process of moving data, applications or other business elements to a cloud computing environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2024
Cloud TCO: How to calculate cloud total cost of ownership
Unsure what it will cost to run workloads in the cloud? Learn the variables you need to compare on-premises deployment to cloud deployment and avoid costly surprises later on. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Dec 2024
What is pay-as-you-go cloud computing (PAYG cloud computing)?
Pay-as-you-go cloud computing, or PAYG cloud computing, is a payment method for cloud computing that charges based on usage. The practice is similar to that of utility bills, using only resources that are needed. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2024
How to calculate cloud migration costs
It's important to calculate the total cost of a cloud migration before making the move. Heer's how to compare your on-premises expenses to what you'll spend on the migration. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Dec 2024
What is Google Cloud?
Google Cloud is a suite of public cloud computing services offered by Google. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2024
How to prepare for long-lasting cloud outages
Cloud outages are more than a technical inconvenience -- they can threaten business continuity, customer satisfaction, security and innovation. Will your business survive one? Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2024
Understanding SaaS migration benefits and best practices
Consider the four common approaches to single-tenant and multi-tenant SaaS migration and get a good grasp on tradeoffs and challenges before making a move. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2024
5 examples of cloud migration success stories to learn from
Senior executives from Experian and TCW explain why and how they moved to the cloud. Plus: case-study highlights from Johnson & Johnson, Unilever and Capital One. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2024
The 7 R's of cloud migration: How to choose the right method
Gartner's easy-to-remember model summarizing cloud migration options, later expanded by AWS, neatly captures the choices. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of each. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2024
Linux text editor tips for cloud admins using Vim and Nano
Vim and Nano are common Linux text editors that can help cloud admins manage cloud-based Linux VMs. While the tools might seem overwhelming, a few basic skills can go a long way. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2024
On-premises-to-cloud migration: Top methods and tools to use
One of the first steps in a cloud migration is to choose a data transfer model. There are two options to consider -- online and offline -- but you need to weigh the pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2024
11 cloud migration benefits to know before making the move
The cloud's benefits are well established, but it's still useful to keep the biggest ones in mind before going through the trouble of moving on-premises systems to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2024
What is cloud testing? An introduction to testing in the cloud
Cloud testing is the process of using the cloud computing resources of a third-party service provider to test software applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Nov 2024
Cloud visibility: Definition, importance and challenges
Cloud visibility is a company's ability to monitor, track and gain insight into its cloud infrastructure and resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Nov 2024
What is distributed cloud and how does it work?
Distributed cloud is public cloud -- any third-party cloud computing service offered over public internet -- deployed in more than one location, ideally in proximity to whoever or whatever wants to access it. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Nov 2024
What is a cloud-native application?
A cloud-native application is a program that is designed for a cloud computing architecture. These applications are run and hosted in the cloud and are designed to capitalize on the inherent characteristics of a cloud computing software delivery model. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Nov 2024
What is a cloud server?
A cloud server is a virtual server that operates in a cloud computing environment and makes its resources accessible to users remotely over a network. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2024
12-step checklist for cloud migration success
Ready to move your on-premises apps to the cloud? From rehosting vs. redesigning to testing and monitoring, follow these key steps for a successful cloud migration. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2024
Microsoft launches Azure Local for Hybrid Cloud, edge uses
Along with Azure Local, Microsoft has launched a migration tool for enterprises that want to ditch their VMware by Broadcom VMs. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Nov 2024
What is public cloud? A definition and in-depth guide
A public cloud is a third-party managed platform that uses the standard cloud computing model to make resources, applications and services available on demand to remote users around the world. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2024
How to build a business case for cloud migration
Successful cloud migrations start with a solid business plan that details the costs, benefits, risks and challenges to key stakeholders and decision-makers. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Nov 2024
10 common issues when creating a private cloud
Organizations that want to create a private cloud must prepare for a multitude of issues, including security, compliance, staff expertise and cost. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2024
6 cloud migration challenges to prepare for and overcome
A cloud migration can bring lots of risks, unexpected costs and inconveniences. You can minimize or avoid them with thorough assessment, planning and training. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2024
Top 25 cloud computing skills to boost your career in 2025
As cloud adoption increases, so too does the need for IT experts with cloud computing skills. Explore these 25 key skills to help you on your journey. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2024
The future of cloud computing: Top trends and predictions
Expect GenAI, IoT, cloud-native, edge computing, power-hungry data centers, data-hungry LLMs, FinOps and privacy laws to shape public cloud's future as a viable service model. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Oct 2024
How to optimize Azure VMs for performance and cost savings
Learn how to reduce the monthly cloud bill from Microsoft while, in some cases, also improving Azure workloads performance by using a storage pooling technique. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2024
Top 12 cloud computing careers of 2025 and how to get started
Cloud computing touches many aspects of modern life, and cloud professionals are in demand. See the many positions, salaries and skills needed to launch a cloud computing career. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2024
10 key characteristics of cloud computing
Evaluate how these 10 characteristics of cloud computing, such as on-demand self-service and broad network access, can help you become a more nimble and cost-effective business. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Oct 2024
What is cloud compliance and why is it important?
Cloud compliance ensures the safe and secure use and storage of data through strict adherence to existing cloud computing rules and guidelines, including applicable federal or international laws and regulatory compliance, as well as industry frameworks and best practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Oct 2024
What is cloud architecture? Design and implementation
Cloud architecture is how infrastructure components are connected and configured to create a suitable cloud computing environment for the performance, reliability and scalability needed to host user workloads and data. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2024
AI in cloud computing: Benefits and concerns
Businesses see public cloud as the primary vehicle for delivering generative AI's benefits in productivity, operational efficiency and workflow automation, but challenges remain. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Oct 2024
What is cloud sprawl?
Cloud sprawl is the uncontrolled proliferation of an organization's cloud instances, services or providers. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2024
What is hyperscale cloud? Computing and data center uses explained
A hyperscale cloud is an extensive, scalable cloud computing operation that employs numerous hyperscale data centers. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
Sustainability and ESG glossary: 52 terms to know
Sustainable strategies require basic understanding of the fundamentals. Business leaders and IT teams can benefit from this list of essential sustainability terms and ESG concepts. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is multi-cloud? Definition, pros and cons
Multi-cloud is an approach to cloud computing that involves combining two or more cloud services from different providers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Oct 2024
How to create an EC2 instance using PowerShell
PowerShell has practical integrations that provide users with cross-platform capabilities. Get to know prerequisites and resources to create an EC2 instance using PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2024
How to implement an effective cloud governance framework
To ensure their cloud environments deliver expected benefits while keeping costs and risks under control, organizations need a process for adhering to key cloud governance pillars. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2024
5 open source cloud monitoring tools to consider
IT teams need visibility into their cloud environments. If your team wants more than its cloud providers offer, see if an open source monitoring tool is a better fit. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2024
Understand AWS Regions vs. Availability Zones
It's easy to forget about data centers when you run workloads in the cloud. Learn how AWS Regions and Availability Zones differ, and how they affect cloud costs and configurations. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Oct 2024
Public vs. private vs. hybrid cloud: Key differences explained
Public, private and hybrid clouds share similarities, but their differences in cost, control, flexibility, scalability and services determine which model best meets business goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2024
Cloud licensing explained: What businesses need to know
Businesses vacating the premises and setting up their data and applications in a distributed environment must consider cloud licensing's options, advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2024
How to plan a cloud strategy: Complete guide and template
A cloud strategy document is a mission statement, not a design document. It should capture the what and why of a company's cloud strategy, without delving into the minutiae of how. Continue Reading
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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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Definition
04 Oct 2024
What is contact center as a service (CCaaS)?
Contact center as a service (CCaaS) is a framework that combines contact center hosting principles and cloud-based contact center infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Oct 2024
How a zero-based approach can improve your cloud budget
Traditional budgeting strategies have IT teams scratching their heads about what costs to cut next. Could a zero-based approach to cloud budgeting shift this mindset? Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2024
What is cloud infrastructure?
Cloud infrastructure refers to the hardware and software components -- such as servers, storage, networking, virtualization software, services and management tools -- that support the computing requirements of a cloud computing model. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Oct 2024
What is cloud consulting? Everything you should know
Cloud consulting assists organizations with the complexity of cloud computing including building, deploying, managing and securing applications and infrastructure in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2024
Will Windows Server 2025 spark VMware migrations?
Can Microsoft capitalize on VMware customer concerns by touting enhancements to its next version of Windows Server along with its cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure options? Continue Reading
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News
23 Sep 2024
AI drives data center, energy race by Microsoft, others
Microsoft's latest moves to secure electricity and more data centers tackle two problems faced by major cloud providers: insufficient power and space to meet AI demands. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2024
Is cloud repatriation the only answer?
Cloud repatriation should be a last resort, not a repudiation of the cloud. Do you know how to fully optimize cloud workloads to avoid costly in-house investment? Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2024
What is cloud economics?
Cloud economics analyzes the total cost of ownership, benefits of cloud services and the overall computing costs in an enterprise environment, focusing on the economic principles driving these factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2024
9 cloud cost management tools you should know about
There's a whole category of tools dedicated to managing cloud costs. Here's how they optimize cloud resources and improve bottom lines, plus descriptions of nine of the best ones. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2024
16 metrics that matter in cloud performance monitoring
Compute cost and requests per minute are just two of the metrics that keep cloud performance humming. Here's how cloud metrics differ from on-premises, plus advice on buying tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2024
How to build a cloud capacity management plan
Running workloads in the cloud gives an organization access to unlimited resources. That's a good thing, but only if the IT team adopts good capacity planning practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Sep 2024
Cloud change management: What you need to plan for
Traditional change management and frameworks like ITIL are usually too slow and bureaucratic. You need to adapt them for the speed, and agility -- and risks -- of the cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2024
What is cloud repatriation and what are the leading causes?
Cloud repatriation refers to the practice of relocating public cloud applications to different locations, most often on premises and for financial, performance and regulatory reasons. Continue Reading