Multi-cloud strategies

Multi-cloud strategies typically involve at least two public, infrastructure-as-a-service platforms from different providers. This deployment model can minimize downtime and maximize service options, but it also adds management complexity. Explore ways to combat common multi-cloud challenges, including with third-party management tools.

Top Stories

News 25 Jan 2022
IBM hybrid cloud strategy driving revenue growth

IBM revenue for its hybrid cloud business showed little indication of slowing down, with the company reporting sales of $6.2 billion for the fourth quarter and $20 billion for 2021. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Nov 2021
9 cloud migration security considerations and challenges

Cloud migration may seem daunting to security teams. Follow these essential practices to safely and successfully migrate infrastructure and applications. Continue Reading

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
Tip 30 Jul 2021

Dive into DigitalOcean Droplets and App Platform

DigitalOcean vies with AWS, Azure and others by targeting developers and startups. See what it has to offer and how it competes with other VM instances and PaaS tools. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Jul 2021

4 best practices for big data security in cloud computing

When dealing with vast amounts of data in the cloud, enterprises need to be proactive with security. Don't wait for a threat to happen; apply these best practices first. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jul 2021

An introduction to big data in the cloud

As enterprises add big data projects in the cloud, IT admins need to adjust their skills accordingly. Dive into this comprehensive guide to see what makes a cloud shift so attractive. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Jul 2021

Should you migrate your on-premises app or go cloud-native?

Learn how cloud-native application development differs from traditional architecture, as well as the benefits and challenges in making the switch. Continue Reading
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
Feature 12 Jul 2021

Best practices for defining a cloud monitoring strategy

Uptime. Downtime. Security protections. There are plenty of things to watch for, so an effective cloud monitoring strategy requires an organization to set some priorities. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Jul 2021

3 AWS container security best practices

Security is crucial for container-based applications. Learn how to protect AWS container environments with best practices for ECS, EKS and the extension for on-premises deployments. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Jul 2021

6 cloud governance framework principles and challenges

An organization that wants to control its cloud environment should examine how well it adheres to these key pillars of cloud governance. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Jul 2021

A beginner's guide to cloud-native application development

Cloud-native applications have become ubiquitous in IT environments. Learn what it takes to create cloud-native apps and which development tools are available. Continue Reading
News 06 Jul 2021

DoD scraps politically fraught $10B JEDI cloud deal

The Pentagon's $10 billion cloud contract with Microsoft is no more. The DoD will solicit bids from Microsoft and AWS for a new pact called Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability. Continue Reading
Quiz 01 Jul 2021

Get Azure Fundamentals exam practice with this quick quiz

Getting officially certified in MS Azure Fundamentals is a career-booster. This 12-question quiz will help assess your readiness for this key professional exam. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Jun 2021

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 offers, see if an open source monitoring tool is a better fit. Continue Reading
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
Tip 28 Jun 2021

5 cloud design patterns to create resilient applications

Review five popular design patterns for cloud application development and how they solve a range of common challenges that IT teams face. Continue Reading
Answer 23 Jun 2021

Different types of cloud load balancing and algorithms

Learn how load balancing in the cloud differs from a traditional network traffic distribution, and explore services available from AWS, Google and Microsoft. Continue Reading
News 22 Jun 2021

HPE bolsters GreenLake with support for Microsoft Azure Stack

HPE took another step toward its goal of being mainly a software-as-a-services company by 2022 with new services for GreenLake and several partnerships, including Microsoft. Continue Reading
News 22 Jun 2021

Oracle offers on-premise support discount for cloud buyers

Oracle's latest bid to attract customer workloads to its public cloud involves discounts on traditional software license maintenance and support fees. Continue Reading
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
Guest Post 15 Jun 2021

Invest in cloud security to future-proof your organization

The cloud has opened many opportunities for enterprises to maintain operations during the pandemic, but it has also created numerous security challenges that must be addressed. Continue Reading
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
Tip 11 Jun 2021

AWS Outposts: What you need to know to get started

AWS Outposts is a managed device that brings Amazon cloud services into your data center. Review its requirements, use cases and a step-by-step guide to the installation process. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Jun 2021

Build apps with these cloud architecture diagram examples

Cloud changes the way IT teams build an application's architecture. Follow these diagram examples, using top cloud providers, to help guide your project. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Jun 2021

How to create Amazon EC2 security groups

Before setting up security groups for AWS resources, review rules, requirements and potential missteps. Follow these steps to properly configure security groups for EC2 instances. Continue Reading
News 07 Jun 2021

Oracle Cloud lures developers with 'Always Free' services

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure lags rivals, but the company hopes that a broader set of free services will draw interest from a critical constituency – developers. Continue Reading
Tip 02 Jun 2021

An introduction to AWS IAM best practices

Follow this AWS IAM overview to better understand Amazon's core access management service. Implement these tips to get the most out of this foundational security service. Continue Reading
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
Answer 26 May 2021

Compare EMR, Redshift and Athena for data analysis on AWS

Trying to decide between Amazon EMR, Amazon Redshift and Amazon Athena? Check out this overview of capabilities and use cases to help narrow down your choice. Continue Reading
News 25 May 2021

Oracle's new Arm-based cloud instances target penny pinchers

Oracle enters the Arm-based processor market alongside other top-tier cloud providers to improve price-performance for cloud app development. Continue Reading
Feature 24 May 2021

Pandemic-fueled cloud rush causes cost optimization woes

Amid the rise in cloud adoption prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, enterprises seek to contain and optimize costs through practices such as FinOps. Continue Reading
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
Tip 14 May 2021

Compare VMware cloud offerings for AWS, Azure and Google

With VMware cloud offerings, enterprises can integrate on-premises and public cloud infrastructures into a common IT environment. Explore the offerings from AWS, Azure and Google. Continue Reading
News 13 May 2021

IT pros see AWS SaaS Boost as a rudimentary start

AWS SaaS Boost may give developers a place to begin, but the new open source project needs work to become more than a lock-in tool for AWS, according to industry observers. Continue Reading
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
News 11 May 2021

IBM hybrid cloud, AI offerings ease data integration

IBM rolled out new hybrid cloud and AI offerings this week, while CEO Arvind Krishna offered his vision for how those technologies will reshape business. Continue Reading
News 11 May 2021

IBM hangs its hopes on hybrid clouds, AI to revive growth

After a decade of stagnant growth, IBM is betting all of its chips that hybrid clouds, new partnerships and AI will catapult it to a more competitive position. Continue Reading
Tip 07 May 2021

Get started on AWS with this developer tutorial for beginners

Kick-start your AWS cloud developer journey with this breakdown of essential services, deployment options and other cloud basics you'll need to get started. Continue Reading
Tip 05 May 2021

Top types of cloud testing organizations need to perform

Move to cloud-based testing to reduce overhead and avoid production missteps. Learn about testing types and some notable vendors to get your IT team started. Continue Reading
Answer 29 Apr 2021

Google Anthos features and updates

Review the latest improvements to Google's hybrid cloud platform, such as bolstered multi-cloud and on-premises support. Here are the Anthos updates you won't want to miss. Continue Reading
Feature 26 Apr 2021

Tips to prepare for Google Cloud Architect certification

Author of 'Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect All-in-One Exam Guide' Iman Ghanizada explains how to approach the cloud architect certification and role in this Q&A. Continue Reading
Opinion 21 Apr 2021

Elastic vs. AWS highlights open source monetization dilemma

The fight between AWS and Elastic over the commercial usage of Elasticsearch highlights how open source software vendors need to change in the era of cloud computing. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Apr 2021

How to calculate cloud migration costs before you move

Here's a primer on how to calculate the total cost of a cloud migration and compare your on-premises expenses to what you'll spend on the move. Continue Reading
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
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
Tip 12 Apr 2021

Choose the right serverless container service

Many IT pros consider serverless containers to be largely hype, while others say it offers real advances in serverless computing. See how the major cloud providers take their swing at this class of service. Continue Reading
News 09 Apr 2021

IBM boosts vertical cloud push with financial services cloud

IBM doubles down on its investment in vertical markets, rolling out a financial services cloud that shares workloads with clouds in telecommunications and healthcare. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Apr 2021

Open source cloud platforms and tools to consider

Although the most popular cloud platforms are proprietary, open source options can enhance the agility and cost-effectiveness of your overall cloud strategy. Continue Reading
News 31 Mar 2021

VMware offers new subscription for hybrid cloud deployments

An offering dubbed VMware Cloud presents a new option for customers that want to pursue hybrid cloud strategies supported by a subscription model, but it has limitations. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Mar 2021

A breakdown of core AWS identity services

Given the wide range of organizations that use AWS to power their applications, it's important to understand the options AWS offers to manage access to application components. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Mar 2021

5 bad practices that lead to insecure APIs in cloud computing

API security often feels complicated. However, your IT team will go a long way in securing its services if it avoids these common pitfalls in API design and implementation. Continue Reading
Feature 25 Mar 2021

Metrics that matter in cloud application monitoring

Error rates, compute cost, requests per minute -- there are many metrics to look at as part of a strategy for cloud application monitoring. Which ones should you prioritize? Continue Reading
News 23 Mar 2021

Amazon taps Tableau CEO Selipsky to lead AWS

Amazon has named a familiar face to lead AWS in Tableau CEO Adam Selipsky. AWS is poised for massive growth under his leadership. Continue Reading
Answer 22 Mar 2021

Choose the right Google Cloud serverless service

When it comes to selecting a serverless tool, Google Cloud users have plenty of options. Evaluate the platform's suite of serverless offerings to make the right choice. Continue Reading
Answer 18 Mar 2021

Compare Azure Firewall vs. NSGs for network security

Traffic to and from resources needs proper security to protect data, but the wrong tool could leave you vulnerable. Explore these two services to find the right level of protection. Continue Reading
News 17 Mar 2021

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure adds next-gen AMD EPYC instances

Oracle hopes new AMD EPYC instance types that deliver more performance at the same price as the previous generation can bring more attention to its IaaS. Continue Reading
Answer 15 Mar 2021

Cloudflare vs. Amazon CloudFront: Which CDN is right for you?

Review the similarities and differences between CloudFront and Cloudflare to help your IT team choose between these two popular CDN services. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Mar 2021

Compare Amazon VPC vs. Azure VNet for private networking

Evaluate the core private networking services from AWS and Azure to see which one could best serve your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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
News 03 Mar 2021

Microsoft ACS going GA with preview of Teams integration

Microsoft Azure Communication Services is now in preview, with deep integration with Microsoft Teams so developers can build real-time user experiences. Continue Reading
Tip 01 Mar 2021

Modernize and migrate mainframe apps to the cloud

Mainframe apps are typically difficult to move to the cloud without modernization. Review migration options and determine if it will be worth the effort. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Feb 2021

How to create snapshots for Azure VMs and managed disks

Learn best practices for creating VM snapshots in Microsoft Azure. Follow along with these step-by-step examples to try in your Azure environment. Continue Reading
News 26 Feb 2021

HPE acquires CloudPhysics, targets cloud migration projects

Hoping to up its visibility in the cloud computing market, HPE acquired CloudPhysics this week in hopes of simplifying cloud migration projects by leveraging AI. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Feb 2021

Compare Azure DevOps vs. GitHub for CI/CD pipelines

GitHub is a more recognized name in the development community than Azure DevOps, but now that Microsoft owns both tools, developers need to see how they differ and work together. Continue Reading
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
Feature 17 Feb 2021

How providers' industry-specific cloud offerings impact IT

Vertical industry offerings are a trend among the leading cloud providers. IT teams will have to learn to adapt to the complications and changes these efforts will spark. Continue Reading
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
Opinion 11 Feb 2021

The Elasticsearch sideshow and why Algolia is the better bet

Elastic and AWS continue to make headlines over their licensing dispute, but the bickering avoids an important question: Is Elasticsearch still the right tool for the job? Continue Reading
News 10 Feb 2021

IBM-Palantir pact speeds AI app delivery for hybrid clouds

The new Palantir IBM Cloud Pak for Data is designed to help inexperienced users create AI-based applications that can work across multiple hybrid cloud platforms. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Feb 2021

6 cloud vulnerabilities that can cripple your environment

Enterprises can be devastated by security-related weaknesses or flaws in their cloud environments. Find out where you are most vulnerable before an attacker comes knocking. Continue Reading
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
News 02 Feb 2021

Amazon CEO Bezos to step down; AWS' Jassy will take reins

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos will step down from his role later this year. He will be succeeded by AWS CEO Andy Jassy, in a move some observers have expected. Continue Reading
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
Tip 02 Feb 2021

What you need to know to manage multiple AWS accounts

Explore AWS services and best practices that can optimize multi-account management across your organization. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Jan 2021

Learn from these real-world AWS serverless examples

Check out how Equinox Media and BMW use AWS serverless tools and technologies to process and analyze data as part of their IT strategies. Continue Reading
News 27 Jan 2021

Microsoft cloud revenues soar on digital transformation trend

Momentum for Microsoft Azure continues to build with the company reporting a 50% increase in sales of the cloud platform, helping lift sales of the company's other cloud offerings. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Jan 2021

How to develop a cloud backup ransomware protection strategy

Deploying cloud backups for ransomware protection has become a common security strategy. Here's how to properly vet cloud storage vendors to ensure backups stay secure. Continue Reading
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
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
News 20 Jan 2021

IBM acquisition spree targets hybrid cloud consulting market

Acquiring five providers specializing in cloud-based consulting and managed services since November, IBM wants to make it easier for users to move workloads across multiple clouds. Continue Reading
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
Video 15 Jan 2021

How to migrate from AWS to Azure using Azure Migrate

Watch how to set up and configure Azure Migrate to easily convert your existing Amazon EC2 instances into Azure VMs. Continue Reading
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
Tip 11 Jan 2021

Review these 7 CASB vendors to best secure cloud access

CASB technology offers threat protection, increased visibility and policy enforcement. Explore how these seven vendors stack up and protect access to cloud applications. Continue Reading
Opinion 11 Jan 2021

Cloud providers jockey for 2021 market share

AWS and Microsoft still dominate the cloud market, but Google, IBM and Oracle aren't without merit. Learn where each provider excels to find your perfect match. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Jan 2021

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
Tip 08 Jan 2021

How to build a cloud center of excellence

Learn how to create an effective cloud center of excellence for your company with these steps and best practices. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Jan 2021

Evaluate these 15 multi-cloud management platforms

Dig into the benefits -- and drawbacks -- of the top tools and services to help enterprises manage their hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
Feature 05 Jan 2021

Top enterprise hybrid cloud management tools to review

Here's an overview of the types of hybrid cloud management tools available, along with tips on what to look for in each tool category. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Dec 2020

Review these top FAQs on cloud development APIs

APIs offer two capabilities central to cloud -- self-service and automation. APIs simplify application development, but there are limitations imposed by a lack of standardization. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Dec 2020

Five keys to an effective hybrid cloud migration strategy

The call to adopt a hybrid cloud strategy is persistent. Vendors suggest it, and management teams listen. So, what does it take to actually adopt the hybrid cloud approach? Continue Reading
Feature 21 Dec 2020

Top cloud computing tips of 2020

As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Check out the articles that caught the attention of IT pros this year and learn what that says about the current state of the market. Continue Reading
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
Feature 18 Dec 2020

Re:Invent recap: Week 3

Another re:Invent is -- mostly -- in the books. Check out the highlights from the third week of the virtual conference, including product news and thoughts from AWS leadership. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Dec 2020

Amazon Kendra vs. Elasticsearch Service: What's the difference?

Amazon Elasticsearch Service and Amazon Kendra both handle search, but that's about where the similarities end. Learn how and when to use each AWS offering for your application. Continue Reading
Guest Post 11 Dec 2020

Cloud security: The building blocks of a secure foundation

Before going ahead with digital transformation, ensure your organization has created its cloud security strategy to ensure that moving to the cloud doesn't create vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Dec 2020

Re:Invent recap: Week 2

The second batch of re:Invent keynotes highlighted AWS AI services and sustainability ventures. Here's what you need to know about the features and services AWS rolled out. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Dec 2020

Colocation vs. cloud: What are the key differences?

An organization can host a private cloud in a colocation facility, but using the colocation facility isn't the same as building a private cloud; the two are exceedingly different. Continue Reading
Tip 10 Dec 2020

How to become a cloud administrator

Although the cloud admin role varies from company to company, there are key skills every successful one needs. Explore seven areas of expertise and how they relate to this role. Continue Reading
News 09 Dec 2020

HPE GreenLake delivers high performance computing cloud

Looking to protect its advantage in the HPC market, HPE showed off a series of cloud services to be delivered via its GreenLake cloud platform. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Dec 2020

What the critics get wrong about serverless costs

While critics say serverless is an expensive, clunky way to deploy software, it really isn't -- if you use it right. Let's debunk some myths around the costs of using serverless. Continue Reading