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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Video
01 Jul 2025
Send SMS texts with Amazon's SNS simple notification service
Learn how to build a Python-based AWS Lambda function that uses Amazon SNS to send SMS text messages as notifications to your application users. Continue Reading
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Video
27 Jun 2025
Host a static website on AWS with Amazon S3 and Route 53
Want to quickly and affordably get your website hosted in the cloud? If you don't need advanced services such as EC2 or Fargate, a simple S3-hosted website might be the answer. 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
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Definition
19 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Sales Cloud?
Salesforce Sales Cloud is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to support sales, marketing and customer support in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer contexts. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2024
Intel gets boost from AWS, government contracts
Intel's turnaround efforts are progressing, but the chipmaker will need more than government funding and a deal that expands its AWS manufacturing partnership, an analyst said. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2024
Oracle users share challenges, successes with cloud, AI
At Oracle CloudWorld, companies ranging from banks to candy makers shared the challenges and benefits of using Oracle cloud software and AI in enterprise environments. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Sep 2024
Oracle CloudWorld 2024 delivers AI, database and OCI updates
Oracle delivered more AI features at its conference, including over 50 AI agents and a new generative AI RAG Agent in OCI, as well as a long-awaited partnership with AWS. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Platform (formerly Force.com)?
Salesforce Platform (formerly known as Force.com) is a platform as a service (PaaS) product that simplifies the development and deployment of cloud-based applications and websites. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Developer Experience (Salesforce DX)?
Salesforce Developer Experience (Salesforce DX) is a set of software development tools that lets developers build, test and ship many kinds of applications on Salesforce Platform (formerly called Force.com). Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Commerce Cloud?
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a cloud-based suite of products that enable e-commerce businesses to set up e-commerce sites, drive more automation and provide customers with seamless shopping experiences. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2024
AWS joins Microsoft, Google Cloud in offering Oracle database
AWS joined Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud in offering the Oracle Database, an indication that enterprises want to use Oracle alongside the cloud providers' AI services. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2024
Compare Box vs. Dropbox enterprise storage platforms
Both Box and Dropbox offer features and integrations that any modern enterprise could use for its cloud storage. Choosing between Box vs. Dropbox depends on various factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2024
7 essential steps to create a contact center RFP
Successful contact center RFPs are built on collaboration, vendor research, countless questions and answers, scorecards, shortlists, trial runs, bakeoffs and the final decision. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Sep 2024
What is AWS? Ultimate guide to Amazon Web Services
AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a comprehensive, evolving cloud computing platform provided by Amazon. It includes a mixture of infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service and packaged software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Sep 2024
Can VMware's private cloud spur the demise of siloed tech?
The private-cloud-centric future VMware presents could benefit enterprises if it continues to innovate and deliver an integrated, full-stack private cloud its customers want. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2024
Contact center outsourcing: What businesses need to know
Businesses use contact center outsourcing to alleviate agent understaffing, expand customer service and reduce costs, but loss of control and service inconsistency are concerns. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2024
Why contact centers have high turnover and how to combat it
The alarming rise in contact center turnover rates negatively impacts agent morale, customer interactions and ROI. In many ways, AI is seen as both the cause and the solution. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2024
How to manage today's remote contact center agents
Technologies like agent analytics, video conferencing, collaboration tools, workforce management applications and cloud software can help manage remote contact centers. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2024
The ultimate contact center security checklist
If customers know organizations can keep their data safe in the contact center, they have more positive experiences. This checklist of best practices can help establish that trust. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Aug 2024
10 strategies to improve contact center agent performance
Call monitoring, skills-based routing, positive reinforcement, training resources and coaching can help contact center agents improve their performance and customer interactions. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Aug 2024
HPE to acquire Morpheus Data, expanding cloud experience
HPE has announced its acquisition of Morpheus Data, a move intended to bolster the hybrid, multi-cloud experience of HPE GreenLake and to complement HPE’s OpsRamp acquisition. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Aug 2024
What is AWS Glue?
AWS Glue is a cloud-based and serverless data integration service that helps users to prepare data for analysis through automated extract, transform and load (ETL) processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is cloud automation?
Cloud automation is a broad term that refers to processes and tools that reduce or eliminate manual efforts used to provision and manage cloud computing workloads and services. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2024
History and evolution of contact centers
Alexander Graham Bell, Steve Jobs and the Baby Bells played notable roles in the contact center's transformation into the front line of communication for businesses and customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2024
What is call management?
Call management is a process in which inbound telephone calls are routed to call center agents. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Aug 2024
What is Microsoft Azure File Service?
Microsoft Azure Files -- sometimes known as Microsoft Azure File Service -- is a simple, secure, serverless, fully managed and cloud-based file sharing service for enterprise users. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Aug 2024
A guide to Microsoft Azure storage pricing
Take a deep dive into the costs of Microsoft Azure cloud storage across several different types, including Blob Storage and Files. Compare pricing with AWS and Google Cloud. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Aug 2024
10 must-have contact center skills for agents in 2024
Contact center agents must have a wide range of interpersonal and technological skills to interact with customers and resolve their issues in a timely and empathetic manner. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2024
10 best practices for contact center quality assurance
To ensure quality and results in the contact center, businesses must define clear metrics, use real-time analytics, seek customer feedback, upskill agents and automate everywhere. Continue Reading
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Report
09 Aug 2024
15 essential contact center features
Today's multifunctional contact centers must cut through the product hype and incorporate software features that meet customer demands for fast, seamless and personalized service. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2024
8 contact center metrics to improve agent performance and CX
These metrics measure and report on productivity and effectiveness at the contact center agent level to ensure performance aligns with the overall mission of the organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2024
7 contact center trends for 2024 and beyond
As contact centers trend toward becoming viable profit centers, AI's influence is at the core of conversational analytics, omnichannel communications and a mobile-first strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2024
How to improve the contact center experience for customers
Customers want their contact center interactions to be fast, seamless, tailored and personal in the form of mobile apps, self-service, improved IVR and knowledgeable human agents. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2024
Explore options for FinOps certifications and training
Receiving a FinOps certification helps individuals develop their cloud financial management skills. Discover training and certification options that can help your resume stand out. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2024
How to launch an EC2 instance using Terraform
With Terraform, developers can lean on familiar coding practices to provision the underlying resources for their applications. Follow these steps to use the IaC tool to create an Amazon EC2 instance. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2024
8 contact center challenges in 2024 and how to overcome them
Multifunctional contact centers must meet the expectations of savvy customers, hire and maintain qualified agents, monetize data, safeguard information and modernize operations. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2024
Google launches Distributed Cloud edge hardware
The hardware for highly regulated industries runs the Google Cloud infrastructure stack, data security services and the Vertex AI platform for running pretrained AI models. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2024
The pros and cons of sovereign clouds
The global distribution of cloud data centers raises serious concerns about regional data privacy laws. Can sovereign clouds help to ease those doubts? Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2024
Optimize Amazon Athena performance with these 5 tuning tips
Amazon Athena can provide an efficient, cost-effective method of data analysis. But did you properly optimize Athena performance to see these benefits? Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2024
8 benefits of a modern contact center
Contact centers and their multifunctional capabilities can provide businesses with a competitive edge through improved agent performance, customer engagement and brand loyalty. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2024
A timeline and history of blockchain technology
Riding the back of volatile cryptocurrencies, blockchain's trek has been raucous since 2009, but the technology's roots are much deeper and applications much richer than Bitcoin. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2024
Google targets GenAI accuracy, speed, size, efficiency
The tech giant advances again in the generative AI competition that has rocked the tech industry over the last two years, with key updates to its Gemini and Imagen models. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2024
Broadcom faces challenges with latest VMware releases
CIOs are taking a hard look at the VMware portfolio as the number of alternatives rises in the hybrid cloud infrastructure market. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2024
HPE to offer KVM virtualization for GreenLake private cloud
HPE debuts its virtualization capability for HPE Private Cloud later this year as an integrated GreenLake alternative to third-party vendors such as VMware, Nutanix or Red Hat. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2024
HPE GreenLake adds GenAI capabilities as on-premises PaaS
HPE GreenLake debuts a new PaaS offering for enterprise GenAI development, co-created with Nvidia. HPE also updated OpsRamp and server hardware refreshes for AI workloads. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 May 2024
Compare Amazon Redshift, Athena and EMR for data analysis
Trying to decide among Amazon EMR, Amazon Redshift and Amazon Athena? Check out this overview of capabilities and use cases to help narrow down your choice. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2024
12 core Azure networking services you need to know
Network connectivity can make or break a cloud deployment. Discover the basics of Azure network services with this list of key offerings and terms. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
Matt Garman to replace Adam Selipsky as AWS CEO
Matt Garman will become the new CEO at AWS. He will replace Adam Selipsky, a tech veteran who came to the role when current Amazon CEO Andy Jassy took over for Jeff Bezos. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 May 2024
A guide to AWS storage cost
Amazon S3, FSx, Elastic File System and Elastic Block Store have different price structures, but data use remains the top factor in determining the cost of cloud storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2024
Compare Azure Government vs. commercial cloud offering
Microsoft's Azure Government and global cloud offerings serve different customers and have different compliance requirements. See how they compare to make the right choice. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2024
Troubleshooting 7 common errors in AWS CloudFormation
Errors can occur when an AWS developer builds a CloudFormation template, launches a stack or rolls back an update. Prevent and address common errors by following best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2024
Explore CASB use cases before you decide to buy
CASB tools help secure cloud applications so only authorized users have access. Discover more about this rapidly evolving technology and its use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2024
Learn the basics of industry cloud platforms
Healthcare, finance and other specialized industries can ask a lot of cloud services. Find out more about industry cloud platforms, and compare tools from the major cloud providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2024
Compare ESG tools from AWS, Azure and Google Cloud
ESG standards are beginning to influence how large enterprises procure and consume cloud services. Take a closer look at the offerings from the biggest providers. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Apr 2024
warm site
A warm site is a type of facility an organization uses to recover its technology infrastructure when its primary data center goes down. A warm site features an equipped data center but no customer data. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Mar 2024
How to Create an AWS Lambda Function with CloudFormation
Do you want to enhance automation, consistency, scalability and cost-effectiveness? Follow this step-by-step tutorial on how to create an AWS Lambda function using CloudFormation. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Mar 2024
IBM focuses on platform-based plan for hybrid cloud and AI
For decades, pundits have suggested that IBM has lost relevance. IBM wasn't in trouble then, and it's not in trouble now. See how IBM's cloud focus provides great advantages. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2024
12 cloud storage and file-sharing services to consider
Cloud-based file-sharing services, such as the list of products here, enable organizations to collaborate with colleagues and clients all over the world. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Mar 2024
How to monitor and deallocate Azure VMs to save money
Enterprises can save costs by deallocating Azure VMs during inactive periods. Teams can use log files and automation to monitor VM jobs and push deallocation when a job is complete. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2024
Understanding the basics of Windows 365 Government
Windows 365 Government isn't available to all Microsoft customers, but organizations such as governments and privileged contractors can benefit from this specialized offering. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Mar 2024
AWS CloudFormation (Amazon Web Services CloudFormation)
AWS CloudFormation is a free service that provides Amazon Web Services customers with the tools they need to create and manage the infrastructure a particular software application requires to run on AWS. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2024
Google App Engine
Google App Engine (GAE) is a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) product that enables web app developers and enterprises to build, deploy and host scalable, high-performance applications in Google's fully managed cloud environment without having to worry about infrastructure provisioning or management. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2024
cloud audit
A cloud audit is an assessment of a cloud computing environment and its services, based on a specific set of controls and best practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Feb 2024
containers as a service (CaaS)
Containers as a service (CaaS) is a cloud-based service that provides a secure environment for running containerized applications. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2024
Intel Foundry launches as enterprise AI surges
If the trend continues, enterprises will need more AI chip suppliers to help stabilize prices and meet the demand for AI processing at the edge and the data center, experts said. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2024
AWS CloudFormation vs. Terraform: How to choose?
Once you decide that IaC is the best approach for your AWS environment, it is time to choose a tool. Assess your needs when it comes to stack management, failure and support. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Feb 2024
Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service)
Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) is a managed database service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It makes it easy to set up and operate a scalable relational database in the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2024
on-demand computing (ODC)
On-demand computing (ODC) is a delivery model in which computing resources are made available to the user as needed. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Feb 2024
Google Transfer Appliance
Google Transfer Appliance is a high-capacity storage server that enables enterprises to transport large volumes of data to Google Cloud Storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2024
7 best practices for cloud storage migration
While some organizations are moving data back on site, cloud storage is still popular. A successful migration is important -- these best practices and third-party tools could help. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jan 2024
Amazon ECS vs. Kubernetes: Which should you use on AWS?
Learn the basics about Amazon ECS and Kubernetes, as well as EKS and Fargate, before you choose an application architecture for your workloads on AWS. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2024
What you need to know about Microsoft Azure Spot VMs
The cost of spot prices can be a risk-and-reward kind of strategy. Better understand the risks that come with Azure Spot VMs so your enterprise can reap the rewards. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2024
Equinix data centers offer Nvidia AI infrastructure
Equinix data centers will offer Nvidia DGX as a managed service. The platform is also available on public cloud providers, AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2024
On premises vs. cloud pros and cons, key differences
Immersed in the 'should I stay or should I go' cloud migration debate? Before vacating the premises and moving 'up there,' ponder these advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2024
What is hybrid cloud? The ultimate guide
A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment that uses a mix of on-premises, private cloud and third-party public cloud services with orchestration among these platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2024
Pros and cons of 10 common hybrid cloud use cases
For businesses contemplating the advantages and disadvantages of their applications living in a distributed cloud infrastructure, take a cue from these hybrid cloud use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2023
Top enterprise hybrid cloud management tools to review
The techniques used to build hybrid cloud architectures have come a long way, but managing these environments long term is plenty more complex without the right software. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2023
Navigate the eviction policies for Azure Spot Virtual Machines
When things go right, Azure Spot VMs are a good investment to save money. However, users need a greater understanding of how eviction policies will affect their VMs. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2023
Compare Azure Blueprints vs. Terraform
Azure Blueprints helps companies with strict compliance needs in Azure environments, while Terraform is a versatile tool that suits multi-cloud strategies. Evaluate the tools here. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Dec 2023
Key cybersecurity takeaways from AWS re:Invent
Security was strongly emphasized throughout the AWS re:Invent user conference, with product updates to help companies secure data as they build apps and scale in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Dec 2023
file synchronization (file sync)
File synchronization (file sync) is a method of keeping files that are stored in several different physical locations up to date. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2023
Compare AWS, Azure and Google Cloud IAM services
This comparison dives into the differences among cloud IAM services from AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Use it to evaluate features, resource hierarchy configuration and pricing. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2023
Microsoft launches custom AI, server chips for Azure
Maia is for AI inferencing, while the Arm-based Cobalt is for general-purpose computing. The chips could compete with AMD, Nvidia and Intel offerings eventually. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2023
Deploy ML on edge devices with SageMaker, IoT Greengrass
Amazon SageMaker, ONNX and AWS IoT Greengrass help deploy machine learning models to edge devices. Steps include component creation, recipe building and core device configuration. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Nov 2023
Optimize ML models with Amazon SageMaker Neo
Machine learning models that run inference tasks require optimized performance and monitoring. Amazon SageMaker Neo can be a helpful tool in the ML model release cycle. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Nov 2023
Red Hat Analyst Day vision focuses on AI and automation
Organizations are embracing modern distributed cloud environments. At its analyst day, Red Hat advised taking a platform approach to simplify operations and speed innovation. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2023
Compare Google Cloud Storage vs. Google Drive for enterprises
Explore the differences between Google Cloud Storage and Google Drive, such as storage type and space, to decide what's best for your enterprise, and consider their similarities. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Nov 2023
Create a private endpoint to secure Azure Functions apps
Don't overlook security and leave your functions exposed. Learn how private endpoints can add an extra layer of protection for your Azure Function apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2023
Prep data for ML training with SageMaker Data Wrangler
Are you ready to wrangle some data? Follow this step-by-step tutorial, and learn how to load, analyze and transform data to train a ML model with Amazon SageMaker Data Wrangler. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2023
Data center power constraints send AI everywhere
Most experts agree there isn't enough unused electricity to perform future AI processing in hyperscale data centers and colocation facilities as GenAI demand soars. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2023
Introduction to Amazon SageMaker Edge Manager alternatives
Amazon SageMaker Edge Manager helps manage ML applications at the edge. But enterprises can evaluate tools such as ONNX and AWS IoT Greengrass to prepare for Edge Manager's sunset. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Oct 2023
Cloud-native firewalls are the next step in network security
The network security challenges associated with cloud provider and virtual firewalls are leading to third parties introducing cloud-native firewalls. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2023
Compare Amazon CloudWatch vs. AWS CloudTrail
Amazon CloudWatch and AWS CloudTrail help cloud administrators view configuration history and set up predictive monitoring alerts. Here are the major differences between the tools. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Oct 2023
How to use Amazon SageMaker Canvas for accurate predictions
Amazon SageMaker Canvas is a useful machine learning tool for both technical and nontechnical professionals. This tutorial shows how to create data sets and train custom models. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2023
Secure service edge strengths drive SASE deployments
Enterprise Strategy Group's John Grady discusses the latest findings in his newly released report and why businesses won’t start a SASE initiative without first implementing SSE. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2023
5 Azure Functions logging best practices
Implement these Azure Functions best practices to improve logging strategies, optimize application performance and ensure application strength and dependability. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Sep 2023
What is vertical SaaS?
Vertical SaaS describes a type of software as a service solution created for a specific industry, such as retail, financial services, insurance, healthcare or manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Sep 2023
digital platform
A digital platform is a web-based structural software package that speeds and eases transactions among users. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2023
Oracle databases in OCI now run on Microsoft Azure
A new partnership between two enterprise technology giants adds Oracle's hardware and software for Microsoft Azure customers, as former rivals unite to compete against AWS. Continue Reading