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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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