Cloud provider platforms and tools
When a business is ready to proceed with a cloud migration, it's prudent to consider which cloud provider platforms and tools meet business objectives and align with a staff’s skills. Hyperscale providers AWS, Azure and Google lead the market, offering ever-expanding portfolios of tools and services, but other providers deliver competitive offerings as well.
Top Stories
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Opinion
09 Jun 2025
FinOps X 2025: IT cost management evolves for AI, cloud
FinOps is evolving beyond cloud cost management to include AI, SaaS and IT asset management, offering new frameworks for measuring and optimizing IT spending. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2025
8 benefits of AI as a service
Some businesses lack the resources to build and train their own AI models. Can AIaaS level the playing field for smaller organizations to remain nimble? Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2025
8 benefits of AI as a service
Some businesses lack the resources to build and train their own AI models. Can AIaaS level the playing field for smaller organizations to remain nimble? Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
27 May 2025
Red Hat Summit 2025 news and conference guide
Our guide to the annual Red Hat Summit keeps you up to date on trends, emerging technologies, and information from keynote speakers and industry experts. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2025
Gain insights with Enhanced Monitoring in Amazon RDS
RDS Enhanced Monitoring provides teams with additional data visibility to improve database scalability, performance, availability and cost optimizations. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2025
What is private PaaS? How is it different from public PaaS?
Private platform as a service (private PaaS) is a cloud computing model that facilitates the development, deployment and management of software applications in a private cloud. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2025
Nutanix expands storage, Kubernetes and AI platforms at Next
The latest capabilities and partnerships highlighted at Nutanix's Next conference expand disaggregated storage to Pure Storage, more Kubernetes portability and new AI partnerships. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2025
Explore edge computing services in the cloud
Discover the powerful advantages of edge computing over cloud computing, delivering faster performance and significantly lowering data transfer costs. Dive into the essential services provided by leading industry players. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2025
Compare CompTIA Cloud+ vs Cloud Essentials+ certifications
CompTIA Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials+ cover various areas and target different career paths. Do you know which certification is best for you? Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2025
Compare Amazon Lightsail vs. EC2 for your web app needs
Developers can use Amazon Lightsail to quickly build websites and applications, but EC2 affords teams more customization. Which service best benefits your organization's needs? Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Apr 2025
What is quantum computing? How it works and examples
Quantum computing is an emerging area of computer science focused on building computers based on the principles of quantum theory to dramatically increase computation speeds. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2025
What is Amazon? Definition and company history of Amazon.com
Amazon (Amazon.com) is the world's largest online retailer and one of the largest providers of cloud services. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2025
10 cloud programming languages developers need to know
Cloud programming languages are not one-size-fits-all. Learn about the top cloud programming languages, and use our expert criteria to choose the best language for your workloads. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Apr 2025
Google Cloud Next 2025: Ambition to lead AI agent ecosystem
The cloud giant delivered new tools to provide interoperability, enterprise security, powerful reasoning-capable models and low-latency infrastructure for AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2025
A snapshot of Oracle AI in the cloud market
Oracle AI is riding recent success in the cloud market. Can Oracle Cloud Infrastructure rise to become a standard in enterprise applications? Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2025
What is cloud security?
Cloud security, or cloud computing security, is a set of policies, practices and controls deployed to protect cloud-based data, applications and infrastructure from cyberattacks and cyberthreats. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2025
How to create an AWS Lambda function
Many developers are turning to AWS Lambda as an alternative to EC2 instances. Here are two ways to create a Lambda function. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Apr 2025
What is quantum as a service? Definition and top providers
Quantum as a service (QaaS), or quantum computing as a service, is a cloud-based way for organizations to access quantum computing technologies and capabilities more affordably through a third-party provider. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2025
Explore these 7 popular API gateway tools
Plenty of vendors have jumped on the API gateway trend, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for you. We examine the key features of seven popular gateway tools. Continue Reading
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Video
27 Mar 2025
An explanation of software-as-a-service (SaaS)
Software-as-a-service is a way for organizations to rent cloud computing services rather than buy and own applications. It has both advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2025
Nvidia CEO leads expert panels on quantum computing
Nvidia's Jensen Huang and experts set realistic expectations for quantum computing and discuss its place next to traditional high-performance computing. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2025
Nvidia readies Vera Rubin to replace Blackwell
Nvidia's upcoming advanced GPUs, Blackwell Ultra and Vera Rubin, give it as much as a two-year lead over competitors, an analyst says. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2025
Compare AWS Lambda vs. AWS Fargate for serverless
AWS Lambda and Fargate are two serverless services tailored for application deployment. Choose the right tool to meet your performance needs while keeping costs down. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2025
When to use Amazon RDS vs. Redshift
Amazon RDS and Redshift are effective data warehousing services, but there are key differences that separate the two. Let's compare Amazon RDS vs. Redshift to find their use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2025
An overview of Amazon EC2 vs. AWS Lambda
EC2 and Lambda meet different needs in an AWS cloud environment -- but they can also work together. The only limits are in the minds of cloud architects. Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2025
Experts stunned by Trump attack on CHIPS Act
President Donald Trump challenged the CHIPS Act, favoring tariffs to attract semiconductors, despite experts arguing that subsidies have successfully drawn investment to the U.S. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2025
TSMC plans $100B investment boost for US AI chip production
TSMC said its historic $100 billion investment would create thousands of construction jobs and boost U.S. capacity for AI chips. However, its time frame is fuzzy. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2025
What is Google AI?
Google AI, formerly known as Google Research, is Google's artificial intelligence (AI) research and development (R&D) branch for its AI applications. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2025
Amazon, Google, Microsoft race for first in quantum computing
Amazon, Google and Microsoft prioritize quantum computing reliability for future enterprise applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2025
Why and how to create Azure service principals
Service principals are a convenient and secure way to protect Azure resources. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a service principal that defends vital Azure workloads. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2025
Nvidia reports strong Q4, prepares for new AI GPUs
Nvidia's revenue soared 78% to $39.3 billon, driven by strong AI GPU demand. With Blackwell's success, a more powerful variant launches later this year. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2025
Cisco, Nvidia expand AI infrastructure partnership
The broader Nvidia-Cisco partnership includes Cisco building systems that combine its OS with Nvidia's Ethernet technologies for optimized AI performance. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2025
Intel unveils more Xeon 6 chips for AI servers
Intel launches Xeon 6 processors, the 6700P and 6500P, targeting AI systems and multi-socket servers, and enhancing performance for enterprise applications while reducing prices. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2025
Top 9 bare-metal cloud providers of 2025
This overview looks at nine bare-metal cloud providers, including Amazon, OpenMetal and Vultr. It also discusses features to look for, common use cases and bare-metal limitations. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2025
Can TSMC save Intel chip manufacturing?
Analysts question whether TSMC could do a better job than Intel at turning around its manufacturing operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2025
What is Microsoft?
Microsoft is the world's largest vendor of computer software and a leading provider of cloud computing services, video games, computer and gaming hardware, search and other online services. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2025
Top 13 cloud certifications for 2025
Cloud certifications are available for all levels of cloud expertise. Use this guide to evaluate basic, topic-specific, high-level and vendor-neutral certifications. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Feb 2025
What is IBM Cloud?
IBM Cloud is a suite of cloud computing services from IBM that offers software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) models. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2025
Intel loses AI head Justin Hotard to Nokia
AI and data center chief Justin Hotard will leave Intel to become Nokia's CEO as the company struggles to regain its footing in the data center market. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2025
Amazon to spend $100B on AWS AI infrastructure
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said investors will eventually be happy he spent the money on the 'biggest technology shift in business since the internet.' Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2025
AMD trims delivery time for MI350
AMD plans to send samples of the rack-scale AI chip to key customers in the current quarter. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2025
Intel axes Falcon Shores amid market challenges
Intel decides its limited resources would be better spent on Falcon Shores' successor, Jaguar Shores. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2025
What is a private cloud? Definition and examples
Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers advantages similar to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2025
An introduction to AWS Graviton processors and instances
With improved performance in each generation, AWS Graviton processors reduce energy use and cost, making them ideal for many workloads. But which instance type should you choose? Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2025
4 AWS Backup best practices for reliable data protection
Unlock the power of AWS Backup. Discover how this centralized service enhances data reliability, fortifies disaster recovery and safeguards resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2025
What are metered services and how do they work?
Metered services (also called pay-per-use and consumption-based pricing) are any type of payment structure in which a customer has access to potentially unlimited resources but only pays for what they use. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2025
What is Google Cloud Coldline storage?
Google Cloud Coldline storage is a public cloud cold storage class for infrequently accessed data. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jan 2025
What is Google Cloud Nearline storage?
Google Cloud Nearline storage is a public cloud storage class intended for storing infrequently accessed data. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jan 2025
What is cloud transformation and how do you get started?
Cloud transformation is a migration process in which a business's IT infrastructure, data, applications and software are moved to cloud-based environments. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Jan 2025
Steps to launch an EC2 instance using AWS CloudFormation
Admins can use AWS CloudFormation templates and resource stacks to deploy an EC2 instance using an infrastructure-as-code approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2025
The history of cloud computing explained
Get a clear view of cloud's historical milestones, how it evolved into the juggernaut it is today and transformed the commercial and working worlds for businesses and consumers. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2025
Top 10 PaaS providers of 2025 and what they offer you
PaaS is a good option for developers who want control over application hosting and simplified app deployment, but not all PaaS tools offer the same feature set. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2025
Evaluate 7 cloud monitoring tools for networks
Organizations use cloud monitoring tools to manage on-premises, hybrid and cloud networks. Discover the features of seven cloud monitoring tools that can enhance performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jan 2025
Explore the top 12 private cloud providers of 2025
There are many factors to consider when choosing a private cloud platform. Explore these popular providers to see which one suits your business best. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jan 2025
What is a cloud service provider?
A cloud service provider, or CSP, is a company that offers components of cloud computing -- typically in an as-a-service model like infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) or platform as a service (PaaS). Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2025
How to protect VMs with Azure Bastion hosts
Port scans are a popular hacking technique used to find network vulnerabilities. Could Azure Bastion hosts provide the network security businesses need? Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jan 2025
What is a robo-advisor? Everything to know before using one
A robo-advisor is a virtual financial advisor powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that employs an algorithm to deliver an automated selection of financial advisory services. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jan 2025
What is Microsoft Azure and how does it work?
Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft's public cloud computing platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2025
How to launch an Amazon EC2 Mac instance
Amazon EC2 Mac instances empower macOS and iOS developers with essential capabilities for app development, testing and deployment. Discover their advantages and how to launch them. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2024
The future of hybrid cloud: What to expect in 2025 and beyond
For companies modernizing their business operations, hybrid cloud's embrace of AI, edge computing and integration promises unique levels of flexibility, security and control. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2024
Top public cloud service providers of 2025: How they compare
As the market share gap tightens among AWS, Microsoft and Google, see how their features and offerings stack up against each other and some of the smaller cloud providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2024
Rise of the subscription economy: What it is and how it works
The subscription economy is reshaping consumer habits, offering flexible access over ownership. It drives convenience, loyalty and predictable revenue. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Dec 2024
What is data segregation and why is it important in the cloud?
Data segregation, also commonly referred to as data separation, involves the policies and practices for isolating data and workloads based on specific criteria. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2024
4 popular machine learning certificates to get in 2025
AWS, Google, IBM and Microsoft offer machine learning certifications that can further your career. Learn what to expect from each one, as well as skills and tips you should know. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2024
AWS, Red Hat hybrid cloud wares court VMware converts
Broadcom has softened some of its stances on VMware licensing and public cloud, but competitors stay poised to pounce on customers looking to defect. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Dec 2024
What is pay-as-you-go cloud computing (PAYG cloud computing)?
Pay-as-you-go cloud computing, or PAYG cloud computing, is a payment method for cloud computing that charges based on usage. The practice is similar to that of utility bills, using only resources that are needed. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2024
Breaking down the cost of cloud computing in 2025
Businesses migrating to the cloud can reap benefits they wouldn't get staying on the premises -- but then there's the pricing. Check out cost structures of the big three providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2024
How to prepare for long-lasting cloud outages
Cloud outages are more than a technical inconvenience -- they can threaten business continuity, customer satisfaction, security and innovation. Will your business survive one? Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2024
JPMorganChase, NFL, Georgia-Pacific share GenAI ups, downs
Enterprises share how they've used GenAI to transform operations, boost revenue, and find new opportunities. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Dec 2024
How to create an EC2 instance from the AWS Console
AWS has made launching EC2 instances an easy task, but there are still many steps to the result. Learn how to successfully create an EC2 instance from AWS Console. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
06 Dec 2024
A conference guide to AWS re:Invent 2024
Explore the latest news, product releases and technology updates, as well as analysis and expert advice from AWS re:Invent 2024 in this updating conference guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2024
On-premises-to-cloud migration: Top methods and tools to use
One of the first steps in a cloud migration is to choose a data transfer model. There are two options to consider -- online and offline -- but you need to weigh the pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2024
11 cloud migration benefits to know before making the move
The cloud's benefits are well established, but it's still useful to keep the biggest ones in mind before going through the trouble of moving on-premises systems to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Dec 2024
A preview of the AWS re:Invent 2024 agenda
With AWS re:Invent 2024 offering in-person and virtual options this year, attendees can choose from a range of interactive session types. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2024
Best practices for rightsizing EC2 instances
EC2 instances that are improperly sized drain money and restrict performance on workloads. Learn how rightsizing EC2 instances can optimize costs with these best practices. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Dec 2024
Cloud experts share predictions for AWS re:Invent 2024
It's that time of year again: AWS re:Invent! Read on to learn what our cloud experts predict will be announced at this year's conference. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2024
What is SaaS (software as a service)?
Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a cloud provider hosts applications and makes them available to end users over the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2024
12 top contact center platforms of 2025
Which came first: the evolution of the contact center or the evolution of its supporting software? It's the old chicken-and-egg debate. Either way, AI is the catalyst. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2024
Microsoft launches Azure Local for Hybrid Cloud, edge uses
Along with Azure Local, Microsoft has launched a migration tool for enterprises that want to ditch their VMware by Broadcom VMs. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2024
AMD layoffs follow AI job trend
AMD joins other tech companies in using layoffs to make room for AI talent. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2024
Managed identity vs. service principal for Azure apps
Managed identities automate identity management for Azure-native applications, while service principals are ideal for external applications that need access to Azure resources. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
08 Nov 2024
Microsoft Ignite 2024 conference coverage
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly to see all the news and analysis related to the latest innovations launching at this year's Microsoft Ignite show. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2024
Microsoft, Google feud heats up with 'astroturfing' accusation
After Google filed a complaint with the EU about Microsoft's cloud practices, Microsoft accused Google of funding shadow campaigns to hurt its business. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Oct 2024
What is AIOps (artificial intelligence for IT operations)?
Artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) is an umbrella term for the use of big data analytics, machine learning (ML) and other AI technologies to automate and enhance IT operations. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2024
AWS, Box expand partnership for Q generative AI, app dev
Box users get deeper AWS integrations that enable Q Business generative AI agents, as well as the capability to build apps in Bedrock, AWS' multi-LLM AI platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2024
Use this EC2 instance type comparison to power your AWS apps
To get the most out of AWS, organizations need to get the most out of their EC2 instances. Use this comparison to help choose the right AWS instance type and pricing plan. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
A cloud services cheat sheet for AWS, Azure and Google Cloud
Can't make heads or tails of Amazon, Microsoft and Google cloud offerings? Use this list to help start your analysis of what's available from the largest cloud providers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Oct 2024
How to create an EC2 instance using PowerShell
PowerShell has practical integrations that provide users with cross-platform capabilities. Get to know prerequisites and resources to create an EC2 instance using PowerShell. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2024
Cloud providers escape regulatory scrutiny -- for now
Though U.S. and EU regulators aren't zeroed in on cloud competition, Google has raised its own concerns about Microsoft's cloud licensing practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2024
5 open source cloud monitoring tools to consider
IT teams need visibility into their cloud environments. If your team wants more than its cloud providers offer, see if an open source monitoring tool is a better fit. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Oct 2024
Use the AWS CLI to create an EC2 instance
IT admins can use the AWS CLI to launch and manage EC2 instances. Follow these steps to learn how. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is Salesforce Service Cloud?
Salesforce Service Cloud is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform for Salesforce clients to provide service and support to their business customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is IoT Cloud (Salesforce IoT Cloud)?
IoT Cloud is a Salesforce platform designed to store and process internet of things (IoT) data. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2024
What is Salesforce Customer Success Platform?
The Salesforce Customer Success Platform (CSP) is the official name of the Salesforce portfolio of products. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2024
15 best practices for contact center agent training programs
Agents thrive when contact center training programs are built on KSAC profiles, performance analysis and recognition, personal coaching and shadowing, AI integration, and ROI. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2024
Contact center monitoring: A step-by-step guide
A well-designed monitoring program identifies customer pain points and gathers valuable intelligence that can improve agent performance and CX, as well as products and services. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Oct 2024
Amazon RDS vs. Aurora Serverless: What's the better option?
Amazon RDS and Aurora Serverless both provide relational database services. But Aurora offers more flexible resource management and performance, and it can result in lower costs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Oct 2024
Research reveals strategies to improve cloud-native security
As organizations focus on the cloud to deliver and scale applications, security teams struggle to keep up. Recent research points to how teams can effectively manage cloud security risk. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2024
What is a cloud access security broker (CASB)?
A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a software tool or service that sits between an organization's on-premises infrastructure and a cloud provider's infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2024
Amazon Bedrock vs. SageMaker JumpStart for AI apps
Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker JumpStart both provide AI models for applications. Bedrock offers readily available models, while JumpStart supports more customization. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2024
FinOps consulting grows as IT cost management efforts expand
IT service providers pursue advisory, training and automation opportunities as customers adopt FinOps and apply its cost optimization principles across more IT resources. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2024
9 cloud cost management tools you should know about
There's a whole category of tools dedicated to managing cloud costs. Here's how they optimize cloud resources and improve bottom lines, plus descriptions of nine of the best ones. Continue Reading