Managing cloud infrastructure
To optimize cloud workloads, IT teams need to plan for every step of the way. Explore the latest news, tips and advice for managing cloud infrastructure resources, including those for compute, storage and networking -- from the initial design and build phase to monitoring in production.
Top Stories
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Tip
08 May 2023
7 factors to consider in network redundancy design
Network pros should consider multiple factors when adding redundancy to network design, including network equipment, protocols, backup, processing and subnet connections. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2023
Understand top public cloud repatriation use cases
Cloud technology can pose billing, management and compliance issues. Here are five reasons why repatriating cloud workloads back on premises might be a better option. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Aug 2022
Compare NoSQL database types in the cloud
NoSQL systems are increasingly common in the cloud. Read about the different types of NoSQL databases that are available from major cloud providers and other vendors. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2022
8 native Google Cloud management tools admins should know
IT teams can use a range of native management and monitoring tools from Google to ensure their public cloud deployments are reliable and cost-effective. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2022
Compare Azure instance types for cloud workloads
Deciding on the best Azure compute instance type for a cloud workload involves many choices. Use these tips to help select the right size VM, optimized for the right tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2022
What does a cloud network engineer do?
A cloud network engineer juggles a number of responsibilities -- from network design and troubleshooting to knowledge of specific cloud providers and platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2022
Weigh these 6 enterprise benefits of storage as a service
Storage as a service offers cloud procurement and remote management of on-premises storage. Benefits include scalability, utilitylike consumption pricing and storage optimization. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2021
Break down the Google Cloud resource hierarchy
Admins can use Organizations, Folders, Projects and Resources to manage employee access within Google Cloud. But first, they must understand the distinctions between each level. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Dec 2021
Compare file storage options in the cloud
In the hot market of file storage in the public cloud, there are many options across some of the largest vendors. Performance is a major consideration. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Nov 2021
Top cloud migration and adoption trends for 2022 and beyond
Cloud migrations are inevitable for some enterprises as they navigate a move off premises or between clouds. Evaluate some of the latest migration trends and the pros and cons that come with each. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2021
PaaS showdown: AWS Elastic Beanstalk vs. Google App Engine
AWS and Google Cloud offer their own flavor of PaaS. While they share some similarities, take a closer look at their core features and use cases before you choose an offering. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2021
Kion, formerly Cloudtamer, expands cloud management features
Cloudtamer, a cloud management startup, rebrands as Kion for the platform's 3.0 release. New features include expanded support for Google Cloud Platform and cloud finance tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2021
On premises vs. cloud: The major similarities and differences
An organization deciding whether to run a workload on premises or in the cloud must carefully evaluate security, reliability, costs and other factors -- and ask four key questions. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2021
The benefits of an IT management response
Many organizations create management responses to traditional audit findings. But did you know organizations can do them after IT audits and assessments, too? Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2021
Understand the 5 main benefits of hybrid cloud for businesses
Why choose between public cloud and private systems when you can have both? With hybrid cloud, enterprises can address workload requirements, business demands and budgetary needs. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Aug 2021
Step-by-step guide on how to create an IAM user in AWS
Learn how to make an AWS IAM user and assign an access policy to the user with a few commands. This detailed tutorial includes screenshots to guide you through the steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2021
Don't let your IT team make these 4 mistakes in cloud
As cloud adoption surges in popularity, it's important that your cloud team is well equipped to handle their next project. However, there are mistakes that can derail a project. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2021
Get to know 8 core cloud team roles and responsibilities
To fully realize the benefits of cloud, you're going to need to create a structure that puts the right people in the right places. Here are the key roles involved. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Aug 2021
3 delivery models for 5G and MEC
To enhance network capabilities, enterprises will need to consolidate 5G and MEC technologies in the future. Following a deployment model is the first step. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2021
Rust rises in popularity for cloud-native apps and environments
Rust is making a name for itself in cloud. See why developers are putting in the effort to adopt the programming language for cloud-native development. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2021
Key aspects of RPA in the cloud
As more enterprises prioritize automation, RPA seeks to build upon that growth within the cloud sector. Learn why vendors see the technology as an investment in the future. Continue Reading
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Quiz
15 Jul 2021
Ace the Google cloud engineer certification with this prep
This quick 12-question quiz will help you assess exactly where you stand in your preparation to take the career-making Google Cloud certification exam. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2021
A cloud services cheat sheet for AWS, Azure and Google Cloud
Don't know your Neptune from your Front Door? Check what AWS, Microsoft and Google call their myriad cloud services. And yes, those are real service names. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2021
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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Tip
14 Jun 2021
Benefits and drawbacks of AI in cloud computing
AI and cloud computing work hand in hand to improve upon various processes, but the combination of these technologies comes with a price. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 May 2021
Cloud vs. DevOps: What to know for your next career move
Cloud and DevOps can go hand in hand, but they don't have to. Learn the differences so you can see which path is best for your future IT role. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2021
Try before you buy with free tiers in cloud
Cloud services aren't cheap, and you don't want to get stuck using one that isn't the right fit. This is where the 'try before you buy' options come in. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2021
Understand cloud abstraction for your IT needs
Cloud users must select a cloud abstraction layer that meets their business requirements. Consider factors such as level of control and security when choosing SaaS, PaaS or IaaS. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2021
Evaluate Azure CLI vs. PowerShell for resource management
Compare two popular resource management tools for Azure -- Azure CLI and PowerShell -- to determine if one, or a combination of both, is right for your cloud environment. Continue Reading
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Quiz
16 Apr 2021
Ready to be a GCP architect? Try this quiz and see
This 10-question quiz, drawn from a new GCP certified professional cloud architect prep guide, helps identify your strengths and weaknesses to improve your odds of passing the exam. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2021
How cloud-native networking will transform infrastructure
Cloud-native networking aims to prioritize business needs and enable networks to become more efficient. Learn more about the potential benefits and challenges in this expert Q&A. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Mar 2021
A better way to query DynamoDB data with SQL
Not everything is a one-click solution. Review two ways to query DynamoDB with SQL, as well as what these methods reveal about AWS' future as the top cloud provider. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Feb 2021
Build a cloud resiliency strategy with these best practices
Implement these tips and strategies to minimize downtime and support resiliency in your cloud-based organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Feb 2021
Cloud computing conferences in 2021 you won't want to miss
Cloud industry players are preparing to showcase the latest developments at digital and in-person events this year. Plan your next round of cloud conferences with this guide. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2021
IBM, LucidLink the latest to tackle cloud file storage
Startup LucidLink has bundled its Filespaces file system with IBM's Cloud Object Storage offerings. Distributed work teams can access shared data as network-attached storage. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Feb 2021
Build a custom VM image for Azure deployments
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a custom virtual machine image for Microsoft Azure deployments. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2021
Pandemic cloud migration push to have lasting impact
Enterprises boosted their investments in cloud computing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if vaccines resolve the crisis, COVID-19's influence will linger in the cloud market. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2021
CS degrees vs. cloud certifications: Compare the pros and cons
Standards for IT qualifications are changing with the rapid pace of cloud adoption. See how experts evaluate the debate between individual cloud certifications or a full degree. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2021
Cloud infrastructure automation: When and where to use it
Manual tasks are time consuming and can lead to mistakes. Free up your IT teams and ensure an error-free environment by adding automation to these cloud processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2021
How to choose between IaaS and SaaS cloud models
Even if you already moved a few workloads to the cloud, it's never too early to start looking at where you are going and never too late to make a change. See if IaaS or SaaS is the right service model for your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2021
COVID-19 and remote work shift cloud predictions for 2021
If we learned anything from 2020, it's to expect the unexpected. Yet that doesn't stop analysts from trying to predict what's to come in the world of cloud computing this year. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2020
How to prepare for the OCI Architect Associate certification
Author of 'Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Associate All-in-One Exam Guide' Roopesh Ramklass shares his expert advice on OCI concepts and certification in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2020
Cloud data warehouse Firebolt secures $37 million at launch
Firebolt, a new challenger to established cloud data storage vendors including Microsoft and Google, launched recently after securing $37 million in financing. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Nov 2020
How do I configure AWS Lambda functions in a VPC?
Lambda and VPCs are essential to many AWS architectures, but they don't come together as intuitively as you might think. Learn how to configure Lambda functions within a VPC. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2020
Edge computing strategies will determine the next cloud frontier
The public cloud providers closed the 2010s as one of the dominant forces in IT, but they'll face competition in the 2020s from networking and telco vendors at the edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2020
How to work with Azure DNS zones
Microsoft's hosting service for DNS domains is an option for organizations with a heavy Azure investment that want the benefits associated with a cloud service. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2020
Compare Google Cloud Deployment Manager vs. Terraform on GCP
Determine whether to opt for cloud native Deployment Manager or third-party Terraform for infrastructure as code on Google Cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2020
Cloud storage best practices in the work-from-home era
Find out what data and applications are best for cloud storage, what design factors to consider and how to choose the right service to meet short- and long-term needs of remote workers. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2020
Explore the best free cloud backup services on the market
There are free cloud backup options for businesses, not just consumers. Discover some of the top choices, plus the limitations of free vs. paid versions. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
24 Aug 2020
COVID-19 and the cloud: How to maintain systems resilience
Kishore Durg explains how enterprises can leverage systems resilience to ensure that they don't experience any cloud disruptions during the pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2020
Oracle Cloud at Customer adds Dedicated Regions
Oracle has added Dedicated Regions to its Cloud at Customer managed service. Now customers can consume all of Oracle's cloud-based services on premises, the company says. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2020
How to evaluate cloud certification training
Cloud computing has changed the role of certifications. See why you're better served by breadth rather than depth of knowledge, and keep learning to keep pace with the industry. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2020
What's behind cloud providers' push for custom hardware?
The nature of the cloud market demands innovation, and custom hardware might be the next move for the major vendors in this space. Experts weigh in on the key drivers of this shift. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Jul 2020
When should you use cloud vs. on-premises storage?
Choose the right data storage approach with this breakdown on the differences between cloud and on-premises storage. Consider cost, compliance, performance and other factors. Continue Reading
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Infographic
30 Jun 2020
A beginner's guide to cloud computing basics
Cloud computing is complex. Use this infographic to understand the fundamentals, like how it contrasts with other computing models and the differences between IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2020
How do I apply ECS auto scaling to my containerized apps?
Break down ECS auto scaling options for container-based applications on AWS. Learn how to automatically scale at the service and cluster level to match user demand. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2020
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure adds new AMD EPYC instances
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure has boosted its support for mission-critical workloads with new options based on AMD's second-generation EPYC processors. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2020
Review hybrid cloud offerings that bring the cloud on premises
Check out this roundup of hybrid cloud tools and services from AWS, Microsoft and Google that extend public cloud platforms into on-premises environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2020
Small business cloud backup includes range of services
Cloud backup is a good option for small businesses, especially for a remote work environment. Choices range from file syncing to a more comprehensive feature set. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2020
SaaS ERP vs. cloud ERP: What's the difference?
SaaS ERP and cloud ERP represent two types of software systems that share some similarities. Learn what they have in common and how they are different. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2020
How SD-WAN and cloud exchanges benefit multi-cloud settings
As more organizations move IT workloads outside of company walls, SD-WAN services can help ease the shift to cloud environments and secure cloud connections, like cloud exchanges. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2020
5 tips that can lead to Azure cloud management success
Many factors go into managing Azure resources, and they vary based on a company's needs. Explore five pieces to the larger cloud management puzzle to optimize your environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2020
7 Google Cloud database options to free up your IT team
Moving data to a cloud database is an effective way to optimize cost and performance for applications. Review seven of Google's database services and decide if one is right for you. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Mar 2020
What does 'network on demand' mean for enterprises?
Following the on-demand trend, network on-demand options provide enterprises with more flexible consumption models, such as managed network services and cloud-based networking. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
Get to know the core Oracle IaaS offerings
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure may not be for everyone, but it does have its appeal for certain workloads. Learn about the core IaaS tools that act as the service's foundation. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2020
Multi-cloud adoption is the future, so be prepared
The move towards multi-cloud is imminent for most enterprises, according to IDC. Find out what this means for organizations and how they will need to adapt. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2020
Niche cloud providers take on market giants
Choose the cloud that best fits your enterprise's needs. While one of the Big Three may seem like the most logical choice, a niche vendor might actually serve your needs better. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Dec 2019
Review these 3 key cloud computing trends from 2019
What cloud trends played a large role in the IT industry in 2019? They might not be the first ones that come to mind. 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
24 Dec 2019
Compare AWS CDK vs. CloudFormation, and the state of IaC on AWS
Infrastructure as code has become an essential part of the cloud development process. Learn how the AWS CDK addresses the weaknesses of CloudFormation and improves automation on AWS. 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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News
19 Dec 2019
Hybrid, cost management cloud trends to continue in 2020
Hybrid and multi-cloud approaches evolved in 2019, cost management efforts rose and deployment options vied for dominance. Those trends are all likely to continue through 2020. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2019
Q&A: The challenges of cloud-native data management
Cloud native data management isn't usually the first thing on anyone's mind, acknowledges Portworx co-founder and CTO Goutham Rao -- but find out how it's become part of organizations' journey. 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
12 Dec 2019
Compare niche cloud services to the hyperscale offerings
Consider your enterprise's specific needs when choosing between niche clouds and hyperscale clouds. Here's an overview of what you should know about both options. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Nov 2019
How do I build the right cloud network design?
Networks look different now than they did a decade ago, and that continuous change isn't slowing down. Cloud networking plays a large role in the transformation of legacy networks. Continue Reading
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Quiz
26 Nov 2019
Test your cloud networking knowledge with these 10 questions
As cloud networks become more common, IT teams must understand how cloud architectures can benefit -- or impede -- business requirements. Take this quiz to see how much you know. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2019
Decipher how and when to utilize the Azure logging options
Logging is a big piece of the cloud management puzzle. Do you know which logs to track in Azure Monitor, and when to use them? Learn more about Azure log types and best practices. 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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Guide
21 Nov 2019
How to start your cloud career
As the IT field evolves, more professionals are pursuing cloud careers. To stand out in the crowd, you need proper training, skills and certifications. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2019
A primer on Alibaba Cloud for enterprises outside of APAC
When Western cloud users think of major cloud providers, it's typically the top three: AWS, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure. But what about the world's fourth largest cloud provider? 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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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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Tip
21 Oct 2019
How VCF on VxRail helps achieve hybrid cloud victory
Virtual Cloud Foundation on VxRail combines VMware software-defined private cloud technology with Dell EMC hyper-converged hardware to create an extensive hybrid cloud platform. 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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Video
30 Sep 2019
Learn the benefits and limits of a public cloud migration
The public cloud is an attractive option for enterprises looking to optimize their workloads. However, not all apps are meant for cloud. Find out what drives adoption in this video. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
An Azure subscription management how-to
Subscriptions are not as black and white as they seem. Review the concepts, roles and challenges involved when planning and managing subscriptions for Azure. 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
17 Sep 2019
Take a closer look at the AWS Hero and Microsoft MVP programs
Certifications are a popular option for candidates to gain credibility in a certain technology. Learn how AWS Heroes and Microsoft MVP programs help IT pros stand out from the crowd. 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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News
28 Aug 2019
Knative serverless Kubernetes bypasses FaaS to revive PaaS
Knative's emerging claim to fame is that it can turn Kubernetes into a next-gen platform as a service with both a Heroku-like developer experience and deep infrastructure control. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2019
Follow these hybrid cloud infrastructure best practices
Although a hybrid cloud approach can seem daunting, it enables enterprises to get the best of both worlds -- if managed correctly. Learn the dos and don'ts of hybrid cloud deployments. 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
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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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
09 Aug 2019
Compare Google Cloud Firestore and Firebase Realtime Database
Managed NoSQL databases are increasingly popular for app development. Compare two such options from Google -- Realtime Database and Cloud Firestore -- to see if they meet your needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2019
Explore Azure interface options for cloud developers
All cloud providers, including Microsoft, offer a range of resources to aid cloud development, deployment and management. Explore the various interfaces Azure developers can use to accomplish these tasks. 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
24 Jul 2019
Is a Cloud Foundry deployment right for you?
Enterprise PaaS needs have grown from streamlining app deployment to the ability to use the hosting infrastructure of their choice -- which has put Cloud Foundry in the spotlight. 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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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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Feature
10 Jul 2019
How cloud network services affect transformation and security
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts dive into three facets of networking that cloud can affect: network transformation, planning and security. Continue Reading