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

Tip 25 Sep 2023
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
Tip 21 Sep 2023
3 rules to avoid high multi-cloud integration costs

When using multiple cloud providers, integration costs can grow quickly. To prevent billing surprises, enterprises must carefully plan application deployments and workflows. 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
Photo Story 30 Aug 2019

6 steps to survive a cloud outage

Providers aren't perfect and outages are inevitable. The key is to have a DR plan in place before a problem occurs. The following slides illustrate the six key steps to get back up and running. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Aug 2019

Top 8 cloud administrator interview questions and answers

Hoping to become a cloud administrator? There's a lot to cover -- from tools to certifications. Prepare for your interview with these eight questions. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Aug 2019

Use modern cloud security best practices

Enterprises still worry about the security of cloud and if migrating will put data at risk. Explore modern methods, technologies and tools that help strengthen cloud environments. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Aug 2019

Public cloud services grow HPC market, but work remains

HPC applications need a lot of resources, but not all enterprises can meet those requirements. However, new cloud services are emerging to address that gap in the market. Continue Reading
News 16 Aug 2019

Virtual Instruments expands portfolio with Metricly acquisition

Virtual Instruments added more offerings to its cloud migration and hybrid infrastructure management portfolio with an acquisition of Metricly. Continue Reading
Feature 14 Aug 2019

Cloud compliance strategies for a multi-cloud world

Cloud computing and compliance don't need to be at odds -- even when an organization uses services from multiple cloud providers. Here's how to meet your compliance goals. Continue Reading
Tip 14 Aug 2019

How to live with loss of control with cloud software updates

IT pros don't have the same control over updates and versions in the cloud as they do on premises. Stay ahead of the changes and communicate to staff to lessen any negative impacts. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Aug 2019

Ensure cloud migration security with these tips

Security is always a concern in the data center, as well as in cloud -- but what about during a migration? Learn how to protect sensitive data both in transit and before it goes live. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Jul 2019

Azure resource management tips to optimize a cloud deployment

Prepare -- or revamp -- an Azure cloud strategy with these essential resource management tips for workload resiliency, access control and more. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Jul 2019

CASB tools evolve to meet broader set of cloud security needs

When choosing a CASB, enterprises face two primary options: a stand-alone service from a third party or a bundled tool set from some of the large cloud providers. It's important to pick your flavor wisely. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Jul 2019

Conduct cloud security training across the business

A well-educated staff is one of the best tools in the fight against security breaches. Consider these tips to prepare your employees for the risks in the cloud. Continue Reading
News 19 Jul 2019

Microsoft Azure feature targets application latency woes

An additional Microsoft Azure function can place VMs associated with a multi-tier application inside the same cloud data center to reduce latency. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jul 2019

Best practices for negotiating a SaaS SLA

SaaS apps offer convenience, but enterprises still need to do their due diligence with prospective vendors. Follow these tips to get the best SaaS service-level agreement. Continue Reading
News 18 Jul 2019

Hearst puts cloud governance first in move to AWS, Azure

Cloud governance, both from a security and cost perspective, was crucial for Hearst Corp. as it moved its IT operations to AWS and Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
News 12 Jul 2019

Alluxio updates data orchestration platform, launches 2.0

The latest version of the Alluxio data orchestration platform includes several new capabilities and features designed with hybrid and multi-cloud environments in mind. Continue Reading
Feature 02 Jul 2019

An introduction to the 6 OpenStack orchestration components

Cloud orchestration is a critical part of workflow simplification and task automation. If you prefer open source options, see what OpenStack has to offer. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Jun 2019

Navigate public cloud availability zones for optimal performance

Google's recent outages show that AZs aren't a panacea for high availability. See how differences in cloud vendors' approaches to isolation can affect workload performance. Continue Reading
News 25 Jun 2019

Oracle layoffs hit Dyn team's sales, marketing staffs

Oracle Dyn cuts sales and marketing jobs as Oracle plans to end some Dyn services in 2020. The layoffs come amid other Oracle downsizing as the vendor moves toward the cloud. Continue Reading
News 19 Jun 2019

Microsoft Azure Bastion service seeks to secure VMs

Microsoft's Azure Bastion managed service provides a means for companies to remotely access their VMs without touching the public internet. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Jun 2019

Ask these 5 questions before deploying cloud HA

IT teams can build HA into their organization's cloud apps, but is it worth it? And how much is too much? Ask these and other critical questions before architecting for HA. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Jun 2019

Know the tools needed to bake cloud HA into apps

The cost for HA might outweigh the benefit for many cloud apps. But, before you can debate the need to architect a highly redundant system, you need to know the tools at your disposal. Continue Reading
News 05 Jun 2019

Google Cloud price change eyes AI and machine learning workloads

Google Cloud has expanded its committed use discount plan to include GPU, TPU and local SSD resources to spark more AI and machine learning workloads. Continue Reading
News 16 May 2019

Apptio buys Cloudability for cloud cost optimization

Apptio looks to strengthen its cloud cost optimization services with the addition of Cloudability, as the industry continues to coalesce around hybrid and multi-cloud management. Continue Reading
Feature 15 May 2019

Cloud cost management tactics that work

This guide looks at strategies and best practices for cloud cost savings. We'll focus on public clouds, although many of these tips apply to private and hybrid cloud architectures as well. Continue Reading
Quiz 15 May 2019

Test your knowledge of Google Cloud management tools

Are you a Google Cloud expert? Can you ace this quiz focused on Google's management and monitoring tools? Find out how you stack up against your colleagues. Continue Reading
News 10 May 2019

Microsoft to reduce Azure outages with Project Tardigrade

Microsoft's plans to make Azure more reliable include Project Tardigrade, which keeps running VMs alive even when their host platforms go down due to hardware problems. Continue Reading
Tip 09 May 2019

Explore multi-cloud Kubernetes deployment options

IT teams can use Kubernetes to deploy and manage containerized workloads across multiple clouds -- but it's not the best approach for everyone. Look at the benefits and implementation options. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Apr 2019

Cloud cost calculators come with some limitations

Enterprises that plan to move to the cloud should get a good idea of the costs upfront. While calculator tools can give you an estimate, they don't factor in external costs. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Apr 2019

Navigate serverless cloud SLAs for event-driven apps

Each cloud provider defines serverless uptime differently. Consider platform reliability, other guarantees and refund rates before building an event-driven app. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Apr 2019

What users should know about cloud governance models

Governance is on the mind of most enterprises, no matter where they store the data -- but the cloud adds another layer of risk. Examine the common security issues, and learn how to combat them. Continue Reading
News 15 Apr 2019

Kroger buys into Google Cloud migration, despite challenges

It wasn't easy for Kroger to migrate its customer-facing search engine to Google Cloud, but it happened fast, thanks to proper planning and the right mix of talent. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Mar 2019

Set the foundation for a solid cloud backup strategy

Behind any effective cloud DR strategy is a solid backup plan. Follow these tips around common backup methods, tools and replication to get started. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Mar 2019

Updated Microsoft Azure certifications emphasize IT roles

Microsoft revamped its public cloud certifications in a move away from holistic skill sets. Review the newly tailored exams you'll need to take to get the Azure seal of approval. Continue Reading
News 25 Mar 2019

Oracle layoffs underpin its IaaS ambitions

Oracle plans further investments in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, but to do so it has cut jobs and made plans to hire fresh talent to support its cloud business. Continue Reading
Feature 25 Mar 2019

Manage public cloud storage for optimal performance, costs

Storage is one of the most commonly used resources on public clouds, which means admins should be well-versed in performance and cost optimization strategies. Use these expert tips to get started. Continue Reading
Tip 04 Mar 2019

Google tool signals move to greater cloud transparency

Access Transparency users can review the work Google admins did on their cloud accounts. It's a step toward greater accountability, but large organizations will want even more. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Feb 2019

Overcome IoT challenges for cloud-based workloads

Organizations often build IoT apps on public clouds for their scalability, but these platforms introduce their own obstacles. Factor in these network, storage and security impacts. Continue Reading
Feature 27 Feb 2019

Words to go: Google cloud security services

Digging through all of Google's cloud security tools can seem overwhelming. Get a snapshot of key services, and when to use them, with this quick list. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Feb 2019

Compare reserved instances pricing for AWS, Azure and GCP

Got commitment issues? When it comes to long-term instance reservations, cloud users should look closely at what AWS, Microsoft and Google offer. Continue Reading
Opinion 20 Feb 2019

Automation drives next wave of multi-cloud management tools

The current cloud landscape indicates a clear need for management tools that can span multiple platforms -- and they'll likely place an emphasis on automation, abstraction and orchestration. Continue Reading
Feature 14 Feb 2019

Control the cloud bill and avoid unexpected costs

Don't get discouraged by high cloud costs. Use these four tips to whip your bill into shape. Continue Reading
News 06 Feb 2019

UK news org plots move from AWS to Google Cloud Platform

Google Cloud Platform has scored one against rival AWS with The Telegraph's plan to switch providers to prep the British newspaper for continued success in digital publishing. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Jan 2019

Follow these 6 serverless security best practices

Optimal security for serverless architectures requires developers and ops teams to embrace best practices around dependencies, testing, access and more. Continue Reading
Tip 10 Jan 2019

Cloud disaster recovery services evolve, but gaps remain

A severe outage can cripple a business, which is why a disaster recovery plan is critical. While today's DRaaS offerings make it easier to recover, there's still room for growth. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Jan 2019

Implement cloud failover, replication for workload protection

Businesses increasingly use public cloud services as workload protection targets. But cloud failover and replication are hardly hands-off processes for IT teams. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Jan 2019

5 open source cloud monitoring tools to evaluate in 2019

Open source monitoring tools can offer a number of advantages over cloud providers' native options. Review these five to find out which tool is best for your cloud strategy. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Dec 2018

Review Google cloud IAM fundamentals and best practices

To learn the ins and outs of Google’s identity and access management service, start with the basic concepts of roles, permissions and policies. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Dec 2018

Secure data in the cloud with encryption and access controls

Enterprises can't rely on their IaaS provider to protect sensitive information in the cloud. Implement these data security techniques to mitigate potential risks. Continue Reading
Tip 04 Dec 2018

An overview of ARM templates for Azure resource deployment

Azure Resource Manager templates streamline the way IT and development teams deploy cloud resources. To get started, grasp these key concepts around formatting, syntax and more. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Nov 2018

5 best ways to minimize cloud scaling costs

Many factors can contribute to a high public cloud bill -- one of which is scalability. Apply these five practices to effectively scale cloud resources without breaking the bank. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Nov 2018

How to use Azure Site Recovery Deployment Planner

A successful disaster recovery procedure is more complicated than most people think. Learn how an Azure service can streamline the process of VM replication and failover. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Nov 2018

Evaluate 3 cloud-native CI/CD pipeline tools

When it comes to continuous integration and delivery tools, there is no shortage of comparable options -- including those from public cloud providers, such as AWS, Azure and Google. Continue Reading
News 02 Nov 2018

CockroachDB managed database service rises into the cloud

The Managed CockroachDB distributed database cloud service targets megascale workloads but faces stiff competition from public cloud players Microsoft, AWS and Google. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Oct 2018

Here's what it takes to become a cloud automation engineer

A cloud automation engineer is a challenging role for any IT professional because of the varied requirements. Find out what education, experience and skill sets you need to get the job. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Oct 2018

Azure Reserved Instances boost flexibility around VM size

A recent Azure update for Reserved Instances offers enterprises increased flexibility in terms of VM size, but it also comes with some additional management tasks. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Oct 2018

Avoid these app design mistakes to save a cloud budget

Certain oversights during app design can increase cloud costs. Dive into the details of four often-overlooked mistakes, and learn how to avoid them to keep your budget in check. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Oct 2018

Properly configure resources to reduce cloud security threats

Misconfigured cloud resources can quickly open the door to IT risks. Be mindful of access controls, and don't brush off your cloud provider's recommended security practices. Continue Reading
Blog Post 29 Oct 2018

Three events that spooked cloud admins in 2018

So far this year, outages, security breaches and GDPR compliance have haunted cloud admins in the enterprise. Take a closer peek at each of these three big scares. Continue Reading
Tip 18 Oct 2018

Estimate cloud computing costs prior to app migration

Enterprises should enlist a number of resources, including cost calculators and third-party tools, to assess what they'll pay for cloud computing -- before they start migration. Continue Reading
Opinion 16 Oct 2018

Containers, cloud orchestration tools rattle DevOps foundation

Any form of virtualization that disconnects infrastructure from apps threatens the foundation of DevOps and could push IT toward more cloud-native and container orchestration tools. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Sep 2018

The first 5 steps to build a private cloud infrastructure

To implement a private cloud, IT teams must start at the beginning -- and define what a cloud strategy will mean, exactly, to their organization -- before they proceed. Continue Reading
Feature 26 Sep 2018

Cost management the next big issue in multi-cloud computing

Multi-cloud computing continues to make its way into the enterprises and, as it does, introduces some significant cost management challenges. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Sep 2018

Compare IaC tools for hybrid, multi-cloud environments

Infrastructure-as-code tools come in two flavors: third-party and those native to a certain cloud provider. Keep these factors in mind to choose the right one. Continue Reading
Blog Post 13 Sep 2018

Learn from these Microsoft's Azure outage postmortem takeaways

Microsoft shed more light on last week's major Azure outage that generally confirm what everyone already knew - a storm near the Azure South Central US region knocked cooling systems offline and ... Continue Reading
Feature 30 Aug 2018

Cloud vendor lock-in fears dwindle for enterprises

Vendor lock-in concerns are slowly dissipating as enterprises prioritize functionality and speed to market. Other concerns continue to climb up the list, including skills and compliance. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Aug 2018

Establish a data classification model for cloud encryption

Not all data requires the same level of encryption. Use data classification to gauge your security needs, including for workloads that span on-premises and cloud environments. Continue Reading
Opinion 31 Jul 2018

It's time to tap into the business value of cloud computing

With increasing market maturity, all cloud adopters -- not just the Netflixes of the world -- have a chance to translate the technology into a competitive business edge. Continue Reading
Answer 31 Jul 2018

What's a cloud migration factory, and how does it work?

When properly implemented -- and understood -- a cloud migration factory combines the right mix of people, processes and tools to smoothly transition an app into the public cloud. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Jul 2018

Cloud billing surprises help pinpoint app performance issues

To assess cloud app performance, don't forget to closely monitor monthly bills from your IaaS provider. They might point to inefficiencies you'd otherwise overlook. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Jun 2018

Manage Google cloud instances with images, templates

Recent additions to Google Compute Engine, particularly around images and templates, streamline how admins can create and manage VMs. Continue Reading