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

Feature 31 May 2023
Cloud experts weigh in on the state of FinOps

Surprised by your cloud bill? Experts weigh in on the rising popularity of FinOps, the art of building a FinOps strategy and the struggle to optimize cloud costs. Continue Reading
Opinion 25 May 2023
Dell Apex updates support enterprise 'cloud to ground' moves

Dell's latest Apex updates puts the company in a position to capitalize on the hybrid, multi-cloud and edge computing needs of enterprises. Continue Reading

Tip 10 Nov 2021

3 factors that influence multi-cloud cost optimization

Without careful oversight, multi-cloud deployments can be costly. These data management and security practices can help IT teams control and reduce monthly costs. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Nov 2021

PaaS showdown: AWS Elastic Beanstalk vs. Google App Engine

AWS and Google Cloud offer their own flavor of PaaS. While they share some similarities, take a closer look at their core features and use cases before you choose an offering. Continue Reading
Tip 05 Nov 2021

Best practices for endpoint security in the cloud

As the proliferation of cloud services continues, IT teams should revisit -- and potentially revamp -- their endpoint protection strategies. Continue Reading
News 05 Nov 2021

Kion, formerly Cloudtamer, expands cloud management features

Cloudtamer, a cloud management startup, rebrands as Kion for the platform's 3.0 release. New features include expanded support for Google Cloud Platform and cloud finance tools. Continue Reading
Tip 01 Nov 2021

Where cloud cryptography fits in a security strategy

IT teams face a never-ending challenge as they try to secure data. When that data lives in the cloud, encryption is a key concern. Implement these data encryption tips and tools. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Oct 2021

3 best practices for Amazon S3 cost optimization

Everything a business runs in the cloud costs money, and AWS S3 storage is no exception. Smart AWS users understand how to adjust S3 storage levels to control costs. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Oct 2021

How to negotiate a cloud agreement that works

In a cloud initiative, the difference between disappointment and success is connected to the quality of the contract. Consider these negotiation strategies. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Oct 2021

On premises vs. cloud: The major similarities and differences

An organization deciding whether to run a workload on premises or in the cloud must carefully evaluate security, reliability, costs and other factors -- and ask four key questions. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Sep 2021

How to manage cloud transfer and egress charges

It's expensive -- sometimes shockingly expensive -- to move data out of the cloud. Consider these factors to avoid costly data transfer bills. Continue Reading
Tutorial 30 Aug 2021

Step-by-step guide on how to create an IAM user in AWS

Learn how to make an AWS IAM user and assign an access policy to the user with a few commands. This detailed tutorial includes screenshots to guide you through the steps. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Aug 2021

Hybrid cloud connectivity best practices and considerations

Private and public clouds stress networks in different ways and don't always play well together. Here's what to know to set up a cost-effective hybrid cloud network architecture. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Aug 2021

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure targets devs and installed base

Though not the market leader, Oracle remains a feisty competitor in the competitive cloud computing market. Here are some added features and cost incentives introduced thus far. Continue Reading
Feature 04 Aug 2021

3 delivery models for 5G and MEC

To enhance network capabilities, enterprises will need to consolidate 5G and MEC technologies in the future. Following a deployment model is the first step. Continue Reading
Tip 03 Aug 2021

Rust rises in popularity for cloud-native apps and environments

Rust is making a name for itself in cloud. See why developers are putting in the effort to adopt the programming language for cloud-native development. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Jul 2021

Key aspects of RPA in the cloud

As more enterprises prioritize automation, RPA seeks to build upon that growth within the cloud sector. Learn why vendors see the technology as an investment in the future. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Jul 2021

4 best practices for big data security in cloud computing

When dealing with vast amounts of data in the cloud, enterprises need to be proactive with security. Don't wait for a threat to happen; apply these best practices first. Continue Reading
Quiz 15 Jul 2021

Ace the Google cloud engineer certification with this prep

This quick 12-question quiz will help you assess exactly where you stand in your preparation to take the career-making Google Cloud certification exam. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Jul 2021

3 AWS container security best practices

Security is crucial for container-based applications. Learn how to protect AWS container environments with best practices for ECS, EKS and the extension for on-premises deployments. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Jul 2021

6 cloud governance framework principles and challenges

An organization that wants to control its cloud environment should examine how well it adheres to these key pillars of cloud governance. Continue Reading
Answer 23 Jun 2021

Different types of cloud load balancing and algorithms

Learn how load balancing in the cloud differs from a traditional network traffic distribution, and explore services available from AWS, Google and Microsoft. Continue Reading
Feature 17 Jun 2021

Core Azure networking services you need to know

Network connectivity can make or break a cloud deployment. Discover the basics of Azure network services with this list of key offerings and terms. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Jun 2021

How to create Amazon EC2 security groups

Before setting up security groups for AWS resources, review rules, requirements and potential missteps. Follow these steps to properly configure security groups for EC2 instances. Continue Reading
Tip 18 May 2021

Try before you buy with free tiers in cloud

Cloud services aren't cheap, and you don't want to get stuck using one that isn't the right fit. This is where the 'try before you buy' options come in. Continue Reading
Tip 13 May 2021

Understand cloud abstraction for your IT needs

Cloud users must select a cloud abstraction layer that meets their business requirements. Consider factors such as level of control and security when choosing SaaS, PaaS or IaaS. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Apr 2021

How to calculate cloud migration costs before you move

Here's a primer on how to calculate the total cost of a cloud migration and compare your on-premises expenses to what you'll spend on the move. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Apr 2021

Evaluate Azure CLI vs. PowerShell for resource management

Compare two popular resource management tools for Azure -- Azure CLI and PowerShell -- to determine if one, or a combination of both, is right for your cloud environment. Continue Reading
Quiz 16 Apr 2021

Ready to be a GCP architect? Try this quiz and see

This 10-question quiz, drawn from a new GCP certified professional cloud architect prep guide, helps identify your strengths and weaknesses to improve your odds of passing the exam. Continue Reading
News 09 Apr 2021

IBM boosts vertical cloud push with financial services cloud

IBM doubles down on its investment in vertical markets, rolling out a financial services cloud that shares workloads with clouds in telecommunications and healthcare. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Mar 2021

A breakdown of core AWS identity services

Given the wide range of organizations that use AWS to power their applications, it's important to understand the options AWS offers to manage access to application components. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Mar 2021

5 bad practices that lead to insecure APIs in cloud computing

API security often feels complicated. However, your IT team will go a long way in securing its services if it avoids these common pitfalls in API design and implementation. Continue Reading
Answer 18 Mar 2021

Compare Azure Firewall vs. NSGs for network security

Traffic to and from resources needs proper security to protect data, but the wrong tool could leave you vulnerable. Explore these two services to find the right level of protection. Continue Reading
News 17 Mar 2021

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure adds next-gen AMD EPYC instances

Oracle hopes new AMD EPYC instance types that deliver more performance at the same price as the previous generation can bring more attention to its IaaS. Continue Reading
Tutorial 10 Mar 2021

A better way to query DynamoDB data with SQL

Not everything is a one-click solution. Review two ways to query DynamoDB with SQL, as well as what these methods reveal about AWS' future as the top cloud provider. Continue Reading
Guest Post 22 Feb 2021

Build a cloud resiliency strategy with these best practices

Implement these tips and strategies to minimize downtime and support resiliency in your cloud-based organization. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Feb 2021

6 cloud vulnerabilities that can cripple your environment

Enterprises can be devastated by security-related weaknesses or flaws in their cloud environments. Find out where you are most vulnerable before an attacker comes knocking. Continue Reading
News 02 Feb 2021

Pandemic cloud migration push to have lasting impact

Enterprises boosted their investments in cloud computing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if vaccines resolve the crisis, COVID-19's influence will linger in the cloud market. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Jan 2021

Cloud infrastructure automation: When and where to use it

Manual tasks are time consuming and can lead to mistakes. Free up your IT teams and ensure an error-free environment by adding automation to these cloud processes. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jan 2021

How to choose between IaaS and SaaS cloud models

Even if you already moved a few workloads to the cloud, it's never too early to start looking at where you are going and never too late to make a change. See if IaaS or SaaS is the right service model for your organization. Continue Reading
Feature 14 Jan 2021

COVID-19 and remote work shift cloud predictions for 2021

If we learned anything from 2020, it's to expect the unexpected. Yet that doesn't stop analysts from trying to predict what's to come in the world of cloud computing this year. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Dec 2020

Five keys to an effective hybrid cloud migration strategy

The call to adopt a hybrid cloud strategy is persistent. Vendors suggest it, and management teams listen. So, what does it take to actually adopt the hybrid cloud approach? Continue Reading
Feature 21 Dec 2020

How to prepare for the OCI Architect Associate certification

Author of 'Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Associate All-in-One Exam Guide' Roopesh Ramklass shares his expert advice on OCI concepts and certification in this Q&A. Continue Reading
Guest Post 11 Dec 2020

Cloud security: The building blocks of a secure foundation

Before going ahead with digital transformation, ensure your organization has created its cloud security strategy to ensure that moving to the cloud doesn't create vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
Answer 02 Nov 2020

How do I configure AWS Lambda functions in a VPC?

Lambda and VPCs are essential to many AWS architectures, but they don't come together as intuitively as you might think. Learn how to configure Lambda functions within a VPC. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Oct 2020

3 SaaS cost management tips for new-to-cloud usage

When it comes to SaaS spending, IT must ensure that everyone from users to management is on the same page. Use these strategies to stay within your cloud budget. Continue Reading
Answer 22 Oct 2020

Why is high availability important in cloud computing?

How many "nines" does your own cloud app really need? High availability is still an important factor in a cloud SLA, but uptime needs vary for each service and company. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Oct 2020

Compare Google Cloud Deployment Manager vs. Terraform on GCP

Determine whether to opt for cloud native Deployment Manager or third-party Terraform for infrastructure as code on Google Cloud. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Oct 2020

Explore the tools for disaster recovery on AWS, Azure and GCP

Utilize cloud infrastructure for your disaster recovery plan. Learn about the tools and services from AWS, Google and Microsoft to see if they fit in your DR plan. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Oct 2020

Put an IT succession plan in place for your cloud team

IT is a small world. Before you leave your current company and role, make sure your successor has the right training, support and documentation to hit the ground running. Continue Reading
News 01 Oct 2020

AWS Cost Management adds anomaly detection

AWS has added an Anomaly Detection service to its Cost Management suite that applies machine learning to a customer's usage and fires off alerts when thresholds are exceeded. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Sep 2020

When -- and when not -- to use cloud native security tools

Security tools from cloud vendors are convenient, but that doesn't mean they are always the right choice. Learn how to decide when you should opt to use third-party security tools. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Aug 2020

Chart an Azure administrator certification path

Advance your career as an IT administrator with Azure certifications. Review the requirements and exams associated with Azure administrator roles with this guide. Continue Reading
Guest Post 24 Aug 2020

COVID-19 and the cloud: How to maintain systems resilience

Kishore Durg explains how enterprises can leverage systems resilience to ensure that they don't experience any cloud disruptions during the pandemic. Continue Reading
Tip 18 Aug 2020

Collaboration is key to earning cloud computing cost savings

Many organizations turn to the cloud for greater flexibility and dynamic scalability, but IT and financial teams must work together to address the complicated pricing scenarios. Continue Reading
News 08 Jul 2020

Oracle Cloud at Customer adds Dedicated Regions

Oracle has added Dedicated Regions to its Cloud at Customer managed service. Now customers can consume all of Oracle's cloud-based services on premises, the company says. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Jul 2020

How to evaluate cloud certification training

Cloud computing has changed the role of certifications. See why you're better served by breadth rather than depth of knowledge, and keep learning to keep pace with the industry. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Jul 2020

What's behind cloud providers' push for custom hardware?

The nature of the cloud market demands innovation, and custom hardware might be the next move for the major vendors in this space. Experts weigh in on the key drivers of this shift. Continue Reading
Answer 02 Jul 2020

When should you use cloud vs. on-premises storage?

Choose the right data storage approach with this breakdown on the differences between cloud and on-premises storage. Consider cost, compliance, performance and other factors. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Jun 2020

Establish S3 bucket security with proper access control

Misconfigured S3 buckets can put your sensitive data at risk. Learn to configure secure S3 buckets and block public access with this guide. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jun 2020

What should be on your cloud audit checklist?

Although strenuous, audits are a critical part of a cloud compliance strategy. Learn about the different types of cloud audits to better prepare for your next review. Continue Reading
Feature 29 May 2020

Confront cloud security challenges with these 5 tips

Security gets complicated when the cloud overlaps with other technologies, such as AI and serverless. Review these common risks, and learn how to prevent attacks. Continue Reading
News 28 May 2020

Cloud use spikes amid COVID-19 but IaaS costs remain stable

Don't expect hyperscalers like AWS to profiteer from the COVID-19 pandemic. But enterprises must take extra precautions as they invest in cloud-based infrastructure and software, analysts say. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Apr 2020

Watch out for these 5 hybrid cloud security challenges

Protect your hybrid cloud environment against these five common security vulnerabilities. Avoid the risks with established strategies and public cloud tools. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Apr 2020

A guide to cloud capacity planning for unexpected spikes

Unpredictable traffic spikes can make or break applications. Make sure your apps can handle scaling demands with this breakdown of cloud capacity strategies. Continue Reading
News 29 Apr 2020

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure adds new AMD EPYC instances

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure has boosted its support for mission-critical workloads with new options based on AMD's second-generation EPYC processors. Continue Reading
Feature 02 Apr 2020

5 tips that can lead to Azure cloud management success

Many factors go into managing Azure resources, and they vary based on a company's needs. Explore five pieces to the larger cloud management puzzle to optimize your environment. Continue Reading
Feature 27 Mar 2020

7 Google Cloud database options to free up your IT team

Moving data to a cloud database is an effective way to optimize cost and performance for applications. Review seven of Google's database services and decide if one is right for you. Continue Reading
News 26 Mar 2020

Microsoft Azure capacity woes don't signal the worst

Microsoft Azure experienced capacity issues in Europe, with some users unable to spin up VMs. The company is taking 'proactive steps' for the future. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Mar 2020

7 tips to manage cloud sprawl in your enterprise

Cloud sprawl can lead to all sorts of unwanted surprises. Review these recommendations to get control over all the cloud resources across your business. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Feb 2020

Compare web and mobile testing tools from AWS, Microsoft and Google

Compare and contrast the mobile testing tools from the big three cloud vendors -- AWS Device Farm, Google Firebase Test Lab and Microsoft Visual Studio App Center Test. Continue Reading
Feature 19 Feb 2020

Is the cloud's shared responsibility model broken?

An organization that doesn't fully participate -- or even understand -- its role in securing its data in the public cloud takes unnecessary risks. You need to do your part. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Feb 2020

Maintain multi-cloud security parity with these practices

Establish consistent security measures across distributed environments. Automate configuration management and increase monitoring and training to reduce multi-cloud vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
News 04 Feb 2020

HPE buys Scytale to hone cloud-native security chops

HPE has scooped up Scytale, a startup that has developed a cloud-native security framework for highly distributed applications. While most enterprises don't need such capabilities today, HPE has taken a step that could serve them down the road. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Jan 2020

Get a handle on AWS costs with these tips and tools

It's normal for your AWS bill to fluctuate, but don't let it spike for the wrong reasons. Take these steps to avoid unnecessary charges and keep your cloud costs in check. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Jan 2020

Establish cloud visibility with Azure monitoring tools

Learn about the various monitoring services available on the Azure cloud platform. Use these tools for application performance metrics, data analytics and other insights. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Jan 2020

Confidential computing promises secure cloud apps

Adopt confidential computing to protect sensitive data in the cloud. Learn the basics about these technologies and evaluate offerings from AWS, Google, Microsoft and others. Continue Reading
Feature 24 Dec 2019

Get the lowdown on these 4 Google Cloud management services

Google Cloud Platform offers numerous tools to manage and deploy resources -- each with its own specific focus. Learn about these four services before you get started on Google Cloud. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Dec 2019

It's time to implement a cloud data retention policy

While cloud storage is cheap, that doesn't mean you should keep data forever. There are four main factors to consider before you put your data in cold storage and throw away the key. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Dec 2019

Evaluate general and niche cloud service use cases

Can't decide between a niche cloud provider or a hyperscaler? Review some real-world examples to help weigh the options and find the best fit for your workloads. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Nov 2019

Instill cloud change management best practices

Automation is essential to change management in the cloud. Discover the best practices that ensure your IT team is in sync and productive when handling change. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Nov 2019

Establish a self-service cloud brokerage from scratch

Make developers and admins happier with a self-service portal that delivers an in-house marketplace of approved cloud tools and services. Continue Reading
Feature 26 Nov 2019

The pros and cons of cloud disaster recovery

Cloud DR is a great option, but it's not as easy as it might look. For starters, you'll need to carefully prepare data and have servers prebuilt as VMs in the cloud. Continue Reading
Infographic 22 Nov 2019

Keep the costs of cloud computing under control

Enterprises need to track, manage and optimize cloud spending to keep budgets in check. Get to the bottom of your overspending problem, and learn how to fix it, with this infographic. Continue Reading
Feature 20 Nov 2019

Save money on instances with these cloud discounts

Don't pay full price for cloud computing resources when you don't have to. See how to save money for VMs on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Continue Reading
News 14 Nov 2019

AWS, Azure and Google peppered with outages in same week

Cloud outages hit AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud within the past week, an outcome that suggests customers must take a more sophisticated approach to ensure maximum uptime. Continue Reading
News 14 Nov 2019

Google to unveil post-Chronicle cloud cybersecurity plans

Google plans to discuss its cloud cybersecurity portfolio at a conference next week, with the capabilities developed by Chronicle figuring heavily into the mix. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Nov 2019

Get to know Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB use cases

Organizations can deploy Cosmos DB for a range of important applications. Learn how to bolster Azure workloads with this Microsoft database service that is highly distributed and multi-model. Continue Reading
News 07 Nov 2019

Mars gains sweet cloud savings with Azure Cost Management

Azure Cost Management, which helps customers track spend on the cloud platform, can provide sweet rewards if used correctly and comprehensively, according to candy maker Mars. Continue Reading
Feature 07 Nov 2019

Prepare your IT staff for a transition to the cloud

The cloud requires different types of skills compared to on premises. While there's a learning curve to cloud roles, training current staff is a better bet than competing for talent. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Oct 2019

5 security oversights to avoid with IAM configurations

IAM provides the granularity organizations need to secure their cloud workloads, but only if it's properly implemented. Refrain from making these common IAM mistakes. Continue Reading
Quiz 25 Oct 2019

Test your cloud automation and orchestration expertise

Are you familiar with the tools and services available for cloud orchestration and automation? Take this quiz and see how you stack up. Continue Reading
Opinion 23 Oct 2019

Utilize AI for cloud cost optimization

The sticker shock of cloud bills is still a pain point for enterprises. Providers are looking to AI to fix the problem, but can this technology actually meet customers' needs? Continue Reading
Video 18 Oct 2019

Watch this Google Cloud Console tutorial

Get accustomed to the Google Cloud Console. Explore the management features the admin UI has to offer and learn how to customize it to meet your needs. Continue Reading
Tip 17 Oct 2019

Top 5 cloud architect interview questions and answers

Job candidates need technical skills and much more to work in the cloud. Prepare for your cloud architect interview with these potential questions and answers to stand out from the crowd. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Oct 2019

6 cloud cost optimization strategies for long-term planning

Short-term cost management tools are one way to improve cost efficiencies in the cloud, but to stay on track, you also need long-term strategies to eliminate unnecessary cloud spend. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Sep 2019

Enterprises want more cloud transparency

Cloud providers have improved the visibility into their platforms, but enterprises still need more information about what goes on behind the scenes. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Sep 2019

Evaluate Azure Cost Management updates post-Cloudyn acquisition

Microsoft users have seen a number of improvements to the Azure Cost Management tool -- but there are still concerns about its support for other cloud platforms. Continue Reading
News 20 Sep 2019

Zenoss automates transition to cloud-based IT monitoring

In an effort to improve the user experience while transitioning from on-premises to cloud-based monitoring, Zenoss has added new capabilities to its platform. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Sep 2019

Top 5 nontechnical skills for cloud computing success

Companies that move to the cloud need a staff with a strong technical background, but soft skills are important too. Review five non-tech skills needed for a successful cloud initiative. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Sep 2019

Build cloud economics expertise in-house

Cloud bills shouldn't be filled with surprises, but unexpected costs are all too common. Ensure your staff can handle cost management and optimization processes to rein in spending. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Sep 2019

Top 6 Google cloud certification programs

The cloud job market continues to grow, but it can be hard to get your resume to the top of the pile. Consider these Google cloud certifications to stand out from the crowd. Continue Reading