Features

Features

• SaaS apps reshaping face of enterprise IT

  As SaaS apps continue to infiltrate the enterprise, they're freeing up precious resources -- and reshaping IT's role.  Continue Reading

• VMware-Google cloud partnership means little -- for now

  Google and VMware are big names in the cloud world, so the agreement to bring Google cloud services to VMware's platform should be a big deal. But is it?  Continue Reading

• Making SaaS integration an on-going IT priority

  Deploying SaaS apps doesn't necessarily signal the end for your on-premises ones. Instead, IT should be continually focused on making the two work together.  Continue Reading

• Five quick links: Managing big data in the cloud

  Cloud computing can streamline big data management and analysis. But, before diving in, be sure to know the latest in cloud and big data technology.  Continue Reading

• Cloud migrations often -- but not always -- reduce app TCO

  With high hopes for reducing TCO, many enterprises migrate apps to the cloud. But, depending on the app, those cost reductions aren't always in the cards.  Continue Reading

• IncrediBuild 6.0 cranks up speed with Visual Studio, visualization support

  IncrediBuild 6.0 offers customers several improvements over previous versions, including faster builds made possible by making use of idle CPU.  Continue Reading

• Choosing a cloud provider that's in it for the long haul

  Switching cloud vendors can be costly, so it's wise to choose a provider that has staying power -- along with the ability to interoperate others.  Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about the BYOC, BYOA movement

  Employees and managers should read the answers to these frequently asked questions about BYOC and BYOA before making major decisions regarding the trend.  Continue Reading

• Control vital to build a solid hybrid cloud environment

  While many organizations want cloud access control with private cloud, hybrid cloud offers an internal environment coupled with public cloud resources.  Continue Reading

• Effective management key to a clear cloud usage picture

  As many organizations continue to adopt cloud, it's important to understand effective cloud management -- from control to choosing the right provider.  Continue Reading

• Time for IT to rein in cloud computing control

  Developers have enjoyed an era of 'free cloud love,' with unlimited public cloud access. But nothing lasts forever, as IT looks to rein in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Top considerations for choosing a cloud provider

  With options ranging from AWS to Rackspace, choosing a cloud provider can be tough. Consider these key factors before taking the leap.  Continue Reading

• AWS and OpenStack hybrid cloud a balancing act

  Using a mix of services from OpenStack and AWS, one company gained efficiency and agility -- without sacrificing control.  Continue Reading

• Amid microservices boom, smart pipes emerge

  In part two of a two-part series about the tradeoffs between smart endpoints and smart pipes in microservices, experts describe the value of smart pipes.  Continue Reading

• Discover the role of smart endpoints in microservices

  In part one of a two-part series, a software architect describes how his organization has used microservices and smart endpoints.  Continue Reading

• Detect cloud computing SLA mumbo jumbo like a boss

  Service-level agreements are crucial to ensure cloud providers meet expectations. A strong cloud SLA starts with answering five common questions.  Continue Reading

• How microservices bring agility to SOA

  Learn about a new style of application development called microservices and how it is bringing Agile development to classic SOA services.  Continue Reading

• Using the cloud to enable microservices

  Microservices can bring agility and scalability to enterprise applications. A key enabler to implementing microservices is the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Ensure project success with private cloud planning

  Before taking the leap to private cloud, it's important to ask -- and answer -- five common questions on performance, security and more.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing technology trends in 2015

  As the IT world looks ahead to 2015, which new technologies will take off? Our cloud experts predict the top cloud technology in the New Year.  Continue Reading

• 2015 cloud predictions: What to expect

  Contributor George Lawton spoke with many industry experts to discuss 2015 cloud predictions.  Continue Reading

• Cloud data security comes with hefty price tag

  As attacks on IT systems with sensitive data continue, cloud security becomes a top concern. Users won't find the best security practices on a clearance rack.  Continue Reading

• Cloud app management -- from migration to monitoring

  Performance monitoring and application migrations are only a few layers of the cloud app onion. And not managing them effectively can leave an admin in tears.  Continue Reading

• What to buy: Private cloud management tools compared

  Compare leading third-party private cloud management tools to pick the right one for your environment.  Continue Reading

• iPaaS vendors: 'Old and experienced' vs. 'born in the cloud'

  Software tester Amy Reichert reviews the top iPaaS vendors and offers advice on choosing between veteran companies and those born in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Cloud value proposition heightened with proper cost controls

  Public cloud marketing hype promises cost savings, but your budget can easily be destroyed without mitigating cloud's unpredictable costs.  Continue Reading

• RTO, RPO metrics find the true value of a cloud DR strategy

  IT pros are intrigued by cloud DR’s shortened recovery, but companies should really be looking at RTO and RPO metrics for cloud DR’s true value.  Continue Reading

• Networking costs swell pay-per-use public cloud bills

  Pay-per-use cloud billing means enterprises need to monitor usage to stay in budget, but unpredictable networking costs can complicate this task.  Continue Reading

• Reducing network latency means focusing on location, location, location

  As the real estate motto goes, what matters is 'location, location, location.' The same goes for your data when it comes to network latency.  Continue Reading

• Is networking infrastructure the Achilles' heel of cloud computing?

  The network is a complicated piece of the data center puzzle and can often be a stumbling block for IT pros, although crucial for cloud success.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing timeline illustrates cloud's past, predicts its future

  To know where cloud is going, you have to know where it's from. This timeline illustrates cloud's bumpy history and what that means for its future.  Continue Reading

• Considering migration to the cloud? Answer five key questions first

  In this Q&A, Todd DeCapua of Shunra Software Ltd. discusses considerations for minimizing risk and maximizing benefits in a migration to cloud.  Continue Reading

• Winner: Best cloud management software product

  The winner of the best cloud management software product category in the Impact Awards is the third-party provider deemed to have the best overall offering.  Continue Reading

• Analytics as a Service aims to solve big data's big problems

  While many businesses see the benefit of running big data in public clouds, others look to nix infrastructure altogether for their analytics projects.  Continue Reading

• Cloud migration strategy: Consider portability, security, overall risk

  In this Q&A, author Thomas Erl explains why -- and how -- companies should get smarter about portability, security and other cloud migration risks.  Continue Reading

• PaaS application development: Key factors to keep in mind

  In this feature, former SearchCloudApplications editor Adam Riglian delivers an introduction to application development with Platform as a Service.  Continue Reading

• What is PaaS? Experts explain growing role in 'as a service' family

  Former assistant editor Stephanie Mann shares insights on the increasingly popular but still nascent Platform as a Service (PaaS) delivery model.  Continue Reading

• Understanding IT's role in cloud security and compliance

  Cloud security and compliance concerns linger for enterprise IT, but not all responsibility falls on them. Vendors must carry some of the load.  Continue Reading

• Private PaaS eases enterprise governance, cloud security concerns

  Enterprise IT is seeing the value of private PaaS on the path to true public PaaS. But don't ditch your existing IaaS architecture.  Continue Reading

• PaaS adoption hindered by cloud washing, market immaturity

  Many cloud pros see PaaS as the next big thing, if it can overcome vendors' cloud washing tricks and market immaturity. But what makes true PaaS?  Continue Reading

• Focus on cloud goals and developer needs to choose the right PaaS

  Companies looking to invest in PaaS are faced with more choices than ever before. Focus on cloud goals and developer needs to choose the right one.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing services: Lease vs. own

  Many services and applications can be handled by cloud computing providers. But enterprises should look carefully at cost before deciding whether to lease or own.  Continue Reading

• Wrestling with the concept of private PaaS

  Enterprise IT pros anxious about maintaining security and control in public cloud are looking to private PaaS, but it may not alleviate all worries.  Continue Reading

• HPC systems: Out of the lab and into the enterprise

  HPC was once sequestered in research labs, but enterprise IT is beginning to see its value for addressing some of the toughest business challenges.  Continue Reading

• Beat challenges of integrating SaaS apps with on-premises legacy apps

  As companies turn to Software as a Service, they must prepare for challenges that arise when integrating with legacy enterprise applications.  Continue Reading

• 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.  Continue Reading

• Making a hybrid cloud model a reality in enterprise IT

  Talk about the emergence of hybrid cloud is real, but with few enterprises actually building hybrid clouds is the myth greater than reality?  Continue Reading

• The cloud computing market forecast for 2013: Experts predict what to expect

  In this expert cloud computing market forecast for 2013, learn which vendors and technologies will prevail in the unpredictable cloud industry.  Continue Reading

• When an in-house IT infrastructure wins out over cloud computing

  You don’t have to be all cloud, all the time, argues one analyst. The hybrid cloud model balances on-premises IT infrastructure and public cloud.  Continue Reading

• Big data analytics, CloudStack top hot cloud computing trends in 2013

  As cloud vendors look to entice enterprise IT, 2013's cloud computing trends center on BYOD policy, big data analytics and debates around standards.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises see clear advantage of cloud computing and BYOD combo

  The BYOD trend puts enterprise IT in a sticky spot. Despite benefits, BYOD and cloud cause security pains. This FAQ helps you prep for what's coming.  Continue Reading

• Introducing IT chargeback to meter private cloud use

  IT chargeback is a vital cog in your private cloud wheel. To properly bill users for IT resources, choose one of these four models.  Continue Reading

• AWS re:Invent public cloud conference praise and snark from Twitter

  Packed hallways and technical sessions didn't dampen attendees' glowing tweets about AWS re:Invent 2012 cloud conference in Las Vegas.  Continue Reading

• 'Big data' collection efforts spark an information ethics debate

  Applications vendors have some soul-searching to do over their approach to 'big data' ethics and information privacy, according to experts.  Continue Reading

• 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.  Continue Reading

• Is the public cloud the best place for legacy applications?

  While the prospect of porting new applications in the cloud gets lots of airtime, legacy apps in the cloud may provide major ROI.  Continue Reading

• Why SaaS application integration requires new strategies, tools

  When companies need to integrate their in-house and SaaS applications, old tools won't stand up to challenges.  Continue Reading

• Can Amazon Web Services' cloud offerings evolve with the times?

  Amazon Web Services cloud is the de-facto industry leader. This AWS deep dive explains why and looks at what the IaaS vendor must do to keep its lead.  Continue Reading

• Three cloud computing buzzwords I wish would go away

  Overused cloud computing buzzwords can sound like nails on a chalkboard. Even worse, catchphrases can contribute to confusion in the IT industry.  Continue Reading

• What keeps Amazon Web Services cloud on top?

  Amazon Web Services shows no sign of handing over the throne as cloud king. Better stay up-to-date on its services and role in the cloud market.  Continue Reading

• Storage and PaaS shine in cloud computing adoption spotlight

  As cloud computing adoption proliferates, certain use cases, such as storage, stand out as clear winners for the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Cost savings, efficiencies lead IT pros to cloud computing

  Public and private cloud use has gained steam in the enterprise, shows survey data, despite IT pros' nagging concerns.  Continue Reading

• Experts weigh in on Platform as a Service adoption

  Amid claims that PaaS adoption will take off in the coming year, our cloud experts weighed in on its pros and cons -- and what the future will hold.  Continue Reading

• The road to SaaS and on-premises integration is treacherous—take a map

  Getting fundamentally different applications to play nice is not simple, but with careful planning and a good understanding of your requirements, rewards are well within reach.  Continue Reading

• Cloud integration a challenge for testers

  Developers have more cloud integration technology choices than ever, but system and application dependencies can complicate integration testing.  Continue Reading

• Top five must-read cloud computing blogs

  It's the tail end of the summer-reading season. Check out these voices in cloud computing: the top five bloggers who help shape cloud discussions.  Continue Reading

• 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.  Continue Reading

• The lifecycle of your enterprise cloud adoption strategy

  Cloud adoption is more than choosing a technology; it requires planning for the future. This chapter looks at all steps of a cloud adoption strategy.  Continue Reading

• SaaS Application Management FAQ

  SaaS is a staple in many organizations because of its wide reach and flexibility, but managing such an array of apps -- and vendors -- can be a challenge.  Continue Reading

• Making sense of the cloud API war

  As Google enters the IaaS market, enterprises have yet another cloud API choice to make. Yet, taking a wait-and-see-who-wins approach could cost them.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing gaffes and other letdowns

  Stuff happens. Not only do IT admins flub cloud projects but even IT giants like Google slip up. Take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.  Continue Reading

• Cloud application development and cloud API FAQs

  Cloud APIs are changing the way cloud application development is done, and many consider them to be an integral part of cloud computing.  Continue Reading

• Application portability: What enterprises need to know

  Since many IT organizations are wanting to move apps between public clouds and private clouds, application portability is a growing concern. He discusses the current obstacles and steps enterprises can take to enhance portability of their apps.  Continue Reading

• Public vs. private cloud applications: Two critical differences

  Private cloud applications are similar to public cloud applications, but there are a few key considerations, experts warn.  Continue Reading

• SaaS SLAs: What you must have in an agreement

  Learn what to expect from a service-level agreement when looking to providers for Software as a Service.  Continue Reading

• Real and perceived security threats of cloud computing

  The idea of public and private cloud can be unnerving to risk-averse IT pros. But not all security threats are real, says CSA director Jim Reavis.  Continue Reading

• Warning: Not all cloud licensing models are user-friendly

  Cloud licensing models can be complex, limiting and aggravating. Don't get trapped with the wrong license.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 cloud computing leaders of 2011

  From CTOs to cloud architects, the biggest and best cloud leaders of 2011 are represented in this look at the top players in the cloud market.  Continue Reading

• Calculating the cost advantages of private cloud

  In the right situation, private cloud can save you money. This chapter excerpt explains the value in estimating the pricing benefits of an in-house cloud.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft brings rapid application development to the cloud

  If you're an enterprise user with little programming experience who needs to design and deploy apps on Azure, Microsoft's LightSwitch development environment is for you.  Continue Reading

• How cloud computing kills clustering

  Cloud computing's benefits, including improved disaster recovery and increased connectivity flexibility, have surpassed what clustering has to offer. Cloud is the new cluster.  Continue Reading

• Piecing together VMware's cloud strategy

  Can VMware's lead in server virtualization translate to cloud supremacy? A bevy of challengers will make VMware's goal of bringing cloud to the enterprise a difficult one.  Continue Reading

• How DevOps brings order to a cloud-oriented world

  Today's evolved IT model magnifies the divide between developers and IT operatives, but DevOps pushes to increase collaboration among these diverging departments.  Continue Reading

• Can you trust your public cloud provider?

  Secure public cloud services aren't a pipe dream; service providers just have to connect some of the dots. How close are we to regulatory compliance in the cloud?  Continue Reading

• The last cloud computing definition you'll ever need

  What is cloud computing? This overview defines cloud for once and for all -- until the next round of vendor hype.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 cloud computing providers of 2011

  Which cloud computing provider leads the pack? This top 10 list takes all the big names and ranks their impact on the cloud world.  Continue Reading

• Verizon/Terremark: 2011 top cloud computing provider

  Verizon has launched itself into the number two spot on our list of the top 10 cloud providers by buying premier cloud hoster Terremark.  Continue Reading

• Comparing four cloud computing strategies

  It's important for prospective cloud adopters to know what the key vendors are planning. Our expert explains what to expect from four different offerings.  Continue Reading

• Weighing the cloud computing standards dilemma

  Until the cloud computing world agrees on common standards and APIs, IT shops should choose cloud providers that appropriately satisfy their needs.  Continue Reading

• Why is cloud computing so hard to understand?

  In this chapter excerpt, see why cloud computing can be considered both a tangible delivery model and a buzzword for advanced IT services.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing crime poses unique forensics challenges

  As cloud services grow, so does the likelihood of their use in criminal activities. Providers must prepare for an increased emphasis on cloud forensics.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating cloud computing services: Criteria to consider

  Not all clouds are created equal. When considering possible cloud computing providers, be sure to factor in differing criteria like performance levels, cost and reliability.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing performance FAQ: What makes the cloud go?

  Cloud computing offers many benefits, but performance issues can complicate matters. Find out how to combat service-level agreement concerns, deal with varying performance levels and solve other frequently asked cloud performance questions.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing outages: What can we learn?

  When cloud services go down, the IT community takes notice. Find out what went wrong in the most high-profile cloud computing outages and how each company resolved its issues.  Continue Reading

• Open source's role in cloud computing

  The open source market for cloud computing already features a well-formed batch of tools and services. As open source evolves, our guide can help you keep up with the latest news and advice on Red Hat, Eucalyptus and all the major open source ...  Continue Reading

• Comparing open source cloud platforms: OpenStack versus Eucalyptus

  OpenStack, Rackspace and NASA's new open source cloud offering, has already drawn significant praise. How does it compare to open source stalwart Eucalyptus?  Continue Reading

• Deciphering Red Hat's cloud computing strategy

  Red Hat's cloud strategy seems aimed at providing consistent open source cloud service for data centers and public clouds using tools like Deltacloud and Linux -- an approach our expert thoroughly examines.  Continue Reading

• Why cloud computing is here to stay

  Some industry experts expect the cloud business model to fail. What they're ignoring, however, is that cloud computing can solve real world problems at a reasonable cost.  Continue Reading

• Wanted: New skills for cloud computing success

  As IT departments adapt to the cloud, managers may need new skill sets to make cloud computing architectures work.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing from A to Z

  From Amazon EC2 to Windows Azure, we define the terms you need to know in this cloud computing glossary.  Continue Reading