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.

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Tip 29 Mar 2023
4 best practices to avoid cloud vendor lock-in

Without proper planning, an organization could end up feeling trapped in its relationship with a cloud provider. Follow these tips to avoid vendor lock-in. Continue Reading
Tutorial 16 Mar 2023
How to use startup scripts in Google Cloud

Google Cloud lets you use startup scripts when booting VMs to improve security and reliability. Follow these steps to create your own startup scripts. Continue Reading

Tip 16 Jan 2017

Breaking down the costs of cloud storage

Storage is a primary reason enterprises move workloads to the cloud. But before shipping off your data, learn how region, capacity and other factors shape cloud storage costs. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Jan 2017

The what, why and how of the TOSCA cloud standard

As the acceptance of DevOps rises, the TOSCA standard has become a popular option for cloud application deployment. Here's a closer look at how it works. Continue Reading
Tip 01 Dec 2016

Perform a PaaS pricing comparison for public cloud

When choosing a platform, enterprises need to focus on features and prices for Azure, Google and AWS. Take a look under the hood before you take it for a spin. Continue Reading
Quiz 29 Nov 2016

Test your cloud knowledge in this cloud computing quiz

In this quiz on cloud computing skills, find out how much you know about the IT functions and programming languages being used in the cloud. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jul 2016

Build a cloud redundancy strategy using multiple providers

No cloud platform is perfect; there is always a risk of an outage or data loss. Consider a multicloud model to ensure redundancy and backup. Continue Reading
Feature 19 Jul 2016

On-premises vs. cloud: What's more cost-effective for your apps?

Some organizations rush into a cloud migration, assuming cost savings are a guarantee. But not all applications are meant for the public cloud, and moving them may cost you more. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Jul 2016

Tips and tools to manage Azure roles, access controls

Azure Resource Manager has a complete, but complex, set of role-based access controls that let admins create policies to manage who can access Azure cloud services. Continue Reading
Quiz 13 May 2016

Quiz: Are you ready for digital technology disruption?

Cloud, mobile and IoT are shaking up not just IT, but entire industries. Is your organization part of the digital disruption technology revolution? Take this quiz and find out. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Mar 2016

Prepare for your next cloud security manager interview

When interviewing for a cloud security manager position, candidates should be ready to talk about everything, from encryption technology to DevOps. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Jan 2016

Managing containers requires right mix of tools, IT skills

Choosing the right tool is only the first step when building a container management strategy. Continue Reading
Answer 22 Jan 2016

What are my options for a third-party Azure management tool?

Microsoft offers a number of management tools for Azure, but what are some options for third-party or open source management tools? Continue Reading
Answer 07 Jan 2016

When should I use Azure VM Scale Sets?

Microsoft Azure VM Scale Sets help cloud admins manage a collection of VMs as a single unit. But what workloads are they best suited for? Continue Reading
Feature 14 Dec 2015

How to plan for the cost of cloud computing

Choosing a multicloud solution can save up to 74%, if you review the cost of cloud computing first. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Oct 2015

Five things to know to land a cloud architect job

Demand for cloud architects is growing in the enterprise, but competition for jobs is tough. Here are five questions to help you ace a cloud architect interview. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Jul 2015

How to define hybrid cloud service-level agreements

Defining hybrid cloud service-level agreements takes more forethought and planning than traditional SLAs. Here is what you should consider. Continue Reading
Answer 11 Jun 2015

Is Google's PerfKit a reliable cloud benchmarking tool?

As the IaaS market grows, choosing the right vendor becomes challenging. Google's PerfKit Benchmarker can help, but will it provide unbiased results? Continue Reading
Feature 20 Nov 2014

Cloud data security comes with hefty price tag

As attacks on IT systems with sensitive data continue, cloud security becomes a top concern. Users won't find the best security practices on a clearance rack. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Jul 2014

Attain magical five nines availability for cloud applications

Every company seeks the magical five nines -- or 99.999% availability. If major providers can't promise it, how can you get it? Continue Reading
Answer 27 Jun 2014

Protecting cloud networks against DDoS and DoS attacks

DDoS and DoS attacks are simple to implement but more difficult to prevent. How can these attacks on cloud services be avoided? Continue Reading
Feature 05 Apr 2013

Cloud computing services: Lease vs. own

Many services and applications can be handled by cloud computing providers. But enterprises should look carefully at cost before deciding whether to lease or own. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Feb 2013

Security considerations for IaaS cloud

Learn about the necessary security considerations for IaaS cloud environments. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Jan 2013

Building redundancy into your cloud outage strategy

Any effective cloud computing strategy should include measures to protect against outages. The best defense you can have is to plan for redundancy. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Mar 2011

Defining and allocating vCloud Director resources

For IT shops configuring VMware vCloud Director, here are the first four steps needed to make the service aware of a vSphere environment. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Jan 2011

Connecting to virtual servers in the cloud

For IT shops that must move content from an enterprise network or desktop to a cloud-based server, here's how to set up remote connections to virtual servers. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Mar 2010

Intrusion detection in a cloud computing environment

Make sure that your cloud computing environment is equipped to detect and respond to attacks with the appropriate intrusion detection systems. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Jan 2010

Understanding cloud compliance issues

Concerns about compliance have made companies wary of storing their data in public cloud environments. Continue Reading
Tutorial 08 Jan 2010

Understanding cloud computing pricing

Someday, cloud computing providers may simplify pricing models. But until that day, when determining total pricing for a cloud computing service, consider the services offered by the provider and how each pricing structure is worded. Continue Reading