Prepare and manage enterprise apps for an IaaS model
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Three questions to ask before you migrate apps to public cloud
Just because public cloud infrastructure is increasingly popular doesn't mean you should race to get there. Before you make the move, ask these three questions to see if an application will run more efficiently in IaaS. Read Now
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Heed these warning signs an app isn't right for IaaS
IT cost reduction is a top priority for enterprises, and public cloud, in many cases, offers that. However, some apps, such as those that make a lot of I/O requests, might end up costing more after a move off premises. Read Now
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Carefully map out each step of an app migration plan
A public cloud migration won't succeed without a detailed, step-by-step plan. To start, assess your current application inventory, determine which apps to migrate first and take note of any dependencies for mission-critical workloads. Read Now
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Don't give up on a legacy application migration
Enterprises with a large portfolio of legacy applications can still realize the benefits of cloud; they just need to find the right service and migration approach first. Read Now
Editor's note
Enterprises continue to recognize the benefits of infrastructure as a service, such as increased scalability and the option to access a range of services for big data, serverless computing and more. But an application migration to the public cloud is not a process you want to rush; there are a number of steps an enterprise must take -- both before and after it moves an application off premises.
IT and development teams, for example, have to evaluate how much applications will cost on a public IaaS platform and whether they will continue to meet performance expectations. In some cases, enterprises need to refactor or redesign an application to take advantage of cloud-native features, and in other cases, they might determine that certain compliance requirements or dependencies justify leaving an app in the data center.
And the work doesn't stop there. After an organization decides on an IaaS model, chooses a specific provider and completes an app migration, it still needs to carefully monitor and manage cloud workloads. Fortunately, various tools are available to help teams track costs, monitor performance and enforce security policies.
Use this end-to-end guide to walk through the process of an application migration to IaaS. You'll learn how to decide which applications to move, how to choose a migration approach and how to manage applications once they run in the public cloud.
1Evolve your app management practices for public IaaS
So, you've successfully migrated applications to the public cloud -- now what?
Management and monitoring tools are a must to gain visibility into workflows, optimize application performance and track costs in an IaaS model. Admins can also use these tools to ensure they right-size their cloud computing instances to avoid paying for resources their applications and users don't need. But keep in mind that not all tools are created equal; be sure to weighs the pros and cons of using a native tool from your IaaS provider vs. a third-party option. If you plan to have a multi-cloud deployment, for example, it's generally best to avoid vendor-native tools, as they won't work across different platforms.
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See the big picture with cloud performance monitoring tools
Compared to on-premises environments, public cloud, especially at first, can seem difficult to monitor, as the provider dictates how much information is available to users. Learn how to combat this and other challenges with the right set of tools. Read Now
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Map application workflows to simplify cloud management
A successful cloud management strategy requires application workflow monitoring, as well as tools that fit your unique needs now and in the future -- including for hybrid cloud. Read Now
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Prevent billing surprises from overprovisioned cloud resources
When businesses overprovision cloud resources or choose an incorrect instance size, they can rack up unnecessary costs. Determine the appropriate resources for your cloud applications, and monitor them over time. Read Now
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Evaluate integration tools for common cloud app models
The three most popular application models -- service bus, cloud front end and microservices -- all pose unique challenges around integration in public cloud. Read Now
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Multi-cloud API management is far from a piece of cake
Each public IaaS provider has unique APIs, which presents a challenge if you want to run apps in a multi-cloud model. Understand the specific hurdles you'll face and how to ease these multi-cloud woes. Read Now
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Establish new rules to monitor, troubleshoot cloud apps
Some enterprises remain wary of the public IaaS model, fearing their resources will be out of their control. But if they choose cloud vendors and app monitoring tools carefully, they'll gain the visibility they crave. Read Now
2Explore options for cloud app security and testing
Security should play a big role in every public cloud strategy. But since some traditional on-premises practices might not translate well to cloud, many enterprises will need to evolve their application security models. Fortunately, there are various tools enterprises can use to manage user identities, set up multi-factor authentication and prevent malicious attacks. Pay special attention to any custom applications that run on an IaaS platform, as they might not respond to some cloud-native security tools. And remember that your security model must extend beyond your applications; APIs are a common target for hackers as well. As always, be sure to regularly test your applications for any vulnerabilities.
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Protect cloud apps with identity management tools
Balancing security and easy user access is a top IT challenge -- especially with cloud, which brings new application types and integration points into an enterprise. Learn how authentication and single sign-on tools can help. Read Now
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Cloud access security brokers meet multiple IT demands
Complex cloud apps often require more than traditional security tools. Discover how CASBs can provide a more focused approach around compliance, threat protection and data loss prevention. Read Now
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Overcome the security obstacles of custom cloud apps
Custom applications present unique security and monitoring challenges, particularly as they move off premises. Be sure to build an app with cloud in mind, and take a reliable inventory of where exactly your custom apps run. Read Now
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Secure your cloud APIs now and in the future
After a move to a public IaaS model, carefully review your APIs' vulnerabilities, and then address security risks with network connection control and encryption. Read Now
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Break down two major cloud testing strategies
To ensure both high performance and security, IT teams need to test the cloud platform itself, as well as the data and apps that run within it. Learn why you should do both, and prepare for potential challenges. Read Now



6 Multi-Cloud Management Tool Must-Haves
To address issues with managing multi-cloud environments, some teams are turning to a cloud management platform to bring disparate environments under control. In this expert guide, explore key features your tool should have to ensure it can meet your organization’s specific requirements.