Infrastructure

desktop as a service (DaaS)

Desktop as a service (DaaS), also called virtual desktop or hosted desktop, is the outsourcing of a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to a third party service provider.Definition

Cloud control freaks must let go of responsibility

Traditional IT managers are hungry for control, but as public cloud benefits trump even private clouds, enterprises must learn to let go of responsibility.Podcast

Examining hybrid data center decision points

Choosing a hybrid data center can invite complexity, but add flexibility and resilience. There are pros and cons and some important decision points to consider when going hybrid.News | 09 May 2013

Examining hybrid data center decision points

Fitting together hybrid cloud's public and private cloud pieces

Cloud market maturity means options for IT. To create an efficient hybrid cloud, IT pros must mix and match the best public and private cloud choices.Tip

Private clouds considered a detour on the road to public cloud

Private cloud has its benefits, but some say the cost of maintaining a data center should dissuade companies from investing in more infrastructure.News | 18 Apr 2013

Prepping data center infrastructure for a cloud migration

Cloud migration projects affect existing infrastructure and your teams. Prep work should start with one question: 'Is it wise to move to cloud?'Tip

How a cloud migration affects existing data center infrastructure

When preparing for a cloud migration, don't overlook configuration management, network implications or storage, or the move may not be worth the cost.Tip

What's the difference between a private cloud and a virtual data center?

While virtualization is key to private cloud, the two are not synonymous. Features such as self-service provisioning will take your virtual data center to cloud.Answer

Modern Infrastructure Decisions conference coverage

Modern Infrastructure Decisions is a one-day conference designed to help IT pros navigate the changing tides of enterprise computing.guide

Is cloud-based storage the right option for you?

Cloud-based storage has become a viable, cost-effective alternative to onsite data backup. But it's not right for every company.Tip

How a cloud migration affects existing data center infrastructure

When preparing for a cloud migration, don't overlook configuration management, network implications or storage, or the move may not be worth the cost.Tip

Business continuity moves to the cloud as applications become resilient

Business continuity may be taking on a new flavor as the cloud gains prominence. Application resiliency is key to building an elastic infrastructure.Feature

A cost-driven view of cloud data storage

Cloud storage costs can be a blow to an enterprise's cloud adoption plans. These strategies can help you line up storage options to your advantage.Tip

Define a cloud storage policy that balances risks and cost

Creating a cloud storage policy can balance the risk of data loss with the cost of storing too much for too long.Tip

The basics of cloud-based data storage

Public cloud can offer near-limitless storage, though it’s not always the right choice. Storing the wrong type of data there has its consequences.Tip

Planning and testing cloud-based disaster recovery

Cloud-based disaster recovery can be less expensive and faster than traditional DR -- and it could protect your enterprise when all hell breaks loose.Tip

Amazon attempts to win over enterprises with cloud storage gateway

Facing reluctance from enterprises to adopt public cloud services, Amazon tries to entice them by bridging private and public data storage models.News | 29 Jan 2012

Virtual private clouds look to ease enterprise security, privacy fears

Vendors such as Amazon and SugarCRM bow to increasing pressure from enterprises to make cloud computing more secure and highly available.News | 10 Apr 2013

What's the difference between a private cloud and a virtual data center?

While virtualization is key to private cloud, the two are not synonymous. Features such as self-service provisioning will take your virtual data center to cloud.Answer

Virtual private clouds offer customers SLA security

Virtual private clouds can get the best of both the public and private cloud worlds, some enterprises say.News | 23 Jan 2013

Amazon reaches out to enterprise IT at re:Invent cloud conference

Enterprise IT has long feared data security in the cloud, but the AWS re:Invent cloud conference made it clear Amazon was gunning for the business.News | 04 Jan 2013

Understanding your options for outsourcing IT

The terms MSP, cloud, colocation and hosting are often used interchangeably, but they're far from the same. Know the differences when outsourcing IT.Feature

Amazon reaches out to enterprise IT at re:Invent cloud conference

Understanding your options for outsourcing IT

How cloud computing, tablets will reshape the desktop

The cloud and tablets both have sizable benefits for enterprises. Aligning the two can change the way you think about desktops.Tip

VMware and EMC align forces in cloud application development, big data

VMware and EMC's new Pivotal Initiative combines the two companies' cloud application development and big data efforts under a new organization.News | 04 Dec 2012

VMware delivers template for deploying, modeling cloud apps

IT pros can build cloud app templates using tools like AWS CloudFormation, but VMware hopes they'll consider its new vFabric Application Director.News | 03 Dec 2012

Colocation facility selection requires careful planning

In part two of a series on choosing a data center colocation facility, find out how to compare features accurately.Column

Understanding your options for outsourcing IT

The terms MSP, cloud, colocation and hosting are often used interchangeably, but they're far from the same. Know the differences when outsourcing IT.Feature

Amazon Redshift data warehouse sparks buzz among IT pros

Amazon Redshift can run for as little as $1000 per terabyte per year, which could prove a toothsome temptation for enterprises.News | 29 Nov 2012

How will the use of InfiniBand affect the cloud computing market?

Enterprises are turning to InfiniBand for a high-speed, high-density networking option in the cloud. How will that affect the cloud market?Answer

Coordinating cloud management between providers and the enterprise

Cloud management is most effective when an enterprise has a window into a cloud provider's platform. Some last-ditch efforts may uphold performance.Tip

How do you know your provider is following through on its cloud SLA?

You may be happy with the cloud SLA you've signed, but that's only Step 1. Pick a management system to check up on your cloud provider.Tip

plane (in networking)

A plane, in a networking context, is one of three integral components of a telecommunications architecture. These three elements -- the data plane, the control plane and the management plane – can be thought of as different areas of operations. Each plane carries a different type of traffic and is conceptually (and often in reality) an overlay network (a telecommunications network that runs independently on top of another one, although supported by its infrastructure).Definition

Enterprise skepticism remains despite cloud benefits, growth

Some companies are convinced virtualization suffices, or that clouds aren’t secure. That may not be true -- and it may cost them in the long run.News | 17 Sep 2012

Netflix Chaos Monkey tool protects against cloud failure, outages

Netflix releases the first of an 'army' of test tools meant to proactively break your cloud before an outage does.News | 15 Aug 2012

Primary factors for migrating VMs to the cloud

Cloud may seem to change everything, but the issues aren't new. Looking closely at virtual-to-cloud migration, it's more like a throwback to P2V days.Tip

Citrix pitches cloud credentials to IT faithful

Citrix is ready to claim serious cloud credentials, and it will not be ignored. This camel's nose has pushed its way into the tent through XenDesktop and shows no signs of stopping.News | 20 May 2011

Reducing cloud storage costs from BI, real data analysis

BI and data analytics are promising cloud apps, but data storage costs halt enterprise adoption. Data abstraction and other processes can cut costs.Tip

Is cloud-based storage the right option for you?

Cloud-based storage has become a viable, cost-effective alternative to onsite data backup. But it's not right for every company.Tip

How a cloud migration affects existing data center infrastructure

When preparing for a cloud migration, don't overlook configuration management, network implications or storage, or the move may not be worth the cost.Tip

What questions should I ask cloud storage providers before signing an SLA?

Do you know what to ask your cloud storage provider to ensure your data is accessible and safe? Here's a rundown of what do before settling on a vendor.Answer

With server end of life near, is cloud computing the answer?

As server end of life nears, public cloud entices SMBs that don't want to invest more capital expenses. But will cloud security be strong enough?Answer

Microsoft plays 'follow the leader,' cuts Azure cloud storage costs

In a move to remain competitive, after Amazon and Google cut cloud storage rates, Microsoft follows suit, slashing Azure storage by 28%.News | 06 Dec 2012

What's the difference between Amazon S3 and Amazon CloudFront?

Storing large files in the cloud has its advantages, and Amazon S3 and Amazon CloudFront are two seemingly identical options. What's the difference?Answer

News in review: Amazon Glacier puts the freeze on tape

As archiving needs grow, IT teams are trying to figure out whether it’s time to ditch tape and move to cloud archiving services. Amazon has waded into the market with its Glacier service.News | 15 Nov 2012

News in review: Amazon Glacier puts the freeze on tape

How to prevent cloud system outages

Amazon Web Services' outages last month underline some users' and experts' beliefs that cloud deployments can help prevent system downtime.News | 10 Jul 2012

VMware to compete against AWS with vCloud Hybrid Cloud Service

VMware's upcoming vCloud Hybrid Cloud Service will go up against Amazon Web Services for the hearts and minds of enterprise IaaS customers.News | 13 Mar 2013

VMware preps vCloud-based public cloud service

VMware is preparing to launch its own vCloud public cloud service, which some industry watchers consider a Hail Mary pass to compete with AWS.News | 07 Mar 2013

VMware and EMC align forces in cloud application development, big data

VMware and EMC's new Pivotal Initiative combines the two companies' cloud application development and big data efforts under a new organization.News | 04 Dec 2012

VMware to merge cloud and server virtualization suites

The fusion of VMware vCloud with vCenter Operations and Server has already begun with version 5.1, but sources say further integration is coming.News | 28 Aug 2012

New cloud integration, tools let IT pros mix and match platforms

IT managers have more cloud options thanks to increasingly flexible management tools, though much of the technology has yet to be proven.News | 28 Aug 2012

VMware attempts to win vCloud customers with paid eval service

VMware tries to jump-start its public cloud with a simple test-drive service, but it’s unclear if it will make the vCloud engine roar to life.News | 16 Aug 2012

VMware's Nicira acquisition adds fuel to its cloud management fire

VMware acquires Nicira and is expected to integrate it with its other cloud products, giving customers a flexible cloud management platform.News | 25 Jul 2012

Will a VMware cloud spin-off follow the CEO shift?

VMware has made several moves recently to broaden its market base beyond virtualization. Could a cloud-focused spin-off be next?News | 20 Jul 2012

Microsoft shops to get Azure cloud features in Windows Server 2012

Microsoft says new additions coming to make Windows Server 2012 into a "cloud OS" platform for hosting customers.News | 13 Jul 2012

VMware cloud management goes multi-hypervisor with DynamicOps buy

After insisting it wouldn’t go there, VMware went there; with its DynamicOps purchase, VMware offers cloud management for third-party hypervisors.News | 03 Jul 2012

Private cloud computing projects: The next frontier

You’ve done the research and know what you want. You want a private cloud. These best practices will help you take private cloud to the next level.Tip

Private cloud computing over the wide area network

Stephen Smoot, author of “Private Cloud Computing,” answers questions WAN managers may have about private cloud computing over the wide area network.Q&A | 01 Dec 2011

Are your cloud applications performing as they should?

As enterprises put mission-critical apps into cloud, performance takes a front seat. Performance monitoring tools are useful but not the only answer.Tip

How a cloud migration affects existing data center infrastructure

When preparing for a cloud migration, don't overlook configuration management, network implications or storage, or the move may not be worth the cost.Tip

How to optimize network bandwidth for the cloud

Cloud elasticity means little if your network can't handle the workload. Enterprise IT must understand users and traffic to ensure cloud apps deliver.Answer

Verizon Terremark CTO: VMware is 'suspect number one' in cloud vendor lock-in

Verizon Terremark's CTO talks hybrid clouds, cloud brokers and cloud portability, and he shares his concerns about vendors that hold back the market.News | 21 Dec 2012

The role of software-defined networks in cloud computing

Software-defined networking can be difficult to define. Understanding SDN models is key for enterprises trying to properly position cloud services.Tip

Getting your bearings on the basics of cloud networking

Cloud and networking are two complicated technologies that often leave IT admins asking tough questions. Here are a few common head scratchers.FAQ

Three hurdles of data portability with multiple cloud providers

Moving apps from on-premises to cloud or from one cloud provider to another won't happen overnight. And these three obstacles can halt it completely.Tip

Virtual WAN optimization could speed public cloud adoption

When going to the cloud, you could send data across town or across the ocean. Distance affects performance; virtual WAN optimization tools can help.Feature

Keys to integrated cloud application management

Seamless cloud application management isn’t a pipe dream. By following a few steps, cloud admins can monitor cloud app performance from one interface.Tip

Can cloud performance tests determine real-world results?

Microsoft Azure ranked behind Google App Engine in a recent global performance ranking of cloud providers. Should IT shops take note?News | 01 Jun 2011

Amazon CloudSearch

Amazon CloudSearch is a scalable, developer-friendly, cloud-based search service that forms part of Amazon Web Services (AWS). According to Amazon, developers can set CloudSearch up and deploy it fully in less than an hour.Definition

Cloud control freaks must let go of responsibility

Traditional IT managers are hungry for control, but as public cloud benefits trump even private clouds, enterprises must learn to let go of responsibility.Podcast

Cloud computing practices represent a fundamental shift in IT

As cloud evolves how IT does business, enterprises must better understand the cloud to ensure they're implementing effective cloud computing practices.Feature

Looking to the future of legacy applications in the cloud

Legacy applications and other apps may not be well suited for the cloud now, but the future is bright for overcoming these current challenges.Feature

Harvard Business Publishing shares cloud migration lessons learned

Despite a recent, costly server upgrade, Harvard Business Publishing opted to migrate to the cloud. Is the risk worth the potential rewards?News | 09 May 2013

Enterprise cloud services: Who's responsible?

Learn why the question of who's responsible for specific areas of security in the cloud is still a common enterprise cloud service unknown.Opinion

Dell shuffles cloud computing cards again with Enstratius buy

Has Dell gotten its cloud house in order with its latest cloud management platform buy or further muddied the waters? It all depends on integration.News | 06 May 2013

What happens in Vegas: Upcoming events and cloud market fatigue

David Linthicum and his guest discuss recent shakeups in the cloud market and whether IT pros are sick of hearing about cloud computing.Podcast

Cloud computing practices represent a fundamental shift in IT

Cloud computing continues to drive IT growth, shapes industry

IDC claims third platform technologies will drive 90% of growth in IT. Are enterprises choosing to ignore this shift sure to stagnate?Tip

OpenStack Summit review: What's hot and what's missing

Cloud expert David Linthicum sits down with Cloud Technology Partners' Beth Cohen to discuss the OpenStack Summit highlights and what's still missing.Cloud Computing Weekly

OpenStack cloud users share pros and cons

OpenStack users including Bloomberg, Samsung, Best Buy, and others discuss pain points and benefits of their deployments using the open source cloud.News | 17 Apr 2013

Manual OpenStack upgrades remain labor-intensive

OpenStack upgrades need to be easier, given how often new versions of the open source cloud management platform are released, IT pros say.News | 16 Apr 2013

Why are people so hung up on Apache Hadoop?

Despite being described as a 'perfect' cloud application framework, many enterprises still don't know how to deploy Hadoop or recognize its pitfalls.Tip

The rising tide of open source cloud platforms

As enterprises embrace the cloud, certain open source cloud platforms are gaining steam.Tip

OpenStack Grizzly release pushes scalability, high availability

OpenStack Grizzly contains a laundry list of operational improvements, but will it be enough to boost enterprise deployments?News | 04 Apr 2013

What makes OpenStack public cloud tick?

OpenStack may have lots of buzz, but it's not all hype. OpenStack APIs, including Quantum, could make it the biggest AWS competitor down the road.Tip

Oracle's Nimbula IaaS buy sparks open source speculation

Oracle's acquisition of Nimbula this week set the industry abuzz with speculation about whether Oracle will go the open source cloud route.News | 14 Mar 2013

Six cloud computing industry leaders to follow on Twitter

Want to eavesdrop on what cloud computing leaders are saying about industry trends? Follow these six Twitter accounts for expert opinions and scoops.Feature

Linux cloud makes some headway with enterprise IT

Linux has gained some enterprise traction as an open source OS option, but Microsoft Windows holds the lead. Could cloud be the key to Linux acceptance?Feature