Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Cloud partnerships, acquisitions to shake up market in 2017

  With rising competition between cloud vendors, more will pursue partnerships or acquire other companies to boost their own offerings. AWS and VMware provide one recent example. Continue Reading

• The what, why and how of the TOSCA cloud standard

  As the acceptance of DevOps rises, the TOSCA standard has become a popular option for cloud application deployment. Here's a closer look at how it works. Continue Reading

• Is application code walking out your door when developers jump ship?

  Departing employees routinely stuff their pockets with Sharpies and paper clips to stock their home offices. Are they walking out with application code, too? Continue Reading

• Quiz time: Popular programming language list shows changes at the top

  As tastes in fashion reflect changing times, the choice for most-popular programming language reflects computing advancements. And like blue jeans, some languages keep hanging on. Continue Reading

• How can I use OpenStack Tempest to test my deployment?

  The OpenStack cloud platform consists of a range of different services and components. How can Tempest help me test that everything works properly? Continue Reading

• Choose the best Google cloud instance types for your workloads

  Not all workloads are the same -- some require more CPUs, while other require more memory. Fortunately, Google's range of cloud instance types offers enterprises a lot of options.Continue Reading

• Build cloud computing APIs for app portability

  Well-designed APIs are key for cloud platform portability. And documentation, release stability and security also all play roles in maintaining a cloud API.Continue Reading

• Cloud data recovery is critical, but won't always come easy

  The last thing an enterprise wants is to lose data in the cloud. Take a proactive approach by evaluating recovery services from cloud and third-party providers.Continue Reading

• Manage hybrid cloud policies with the right set of templates, tools

  The rising adoption of hybrid cloud has prompted admins to rethink their management strategies. What tools can help create and manage user policies for hybrid cloud?Continue Reading

• Jump into 2017 with these top cloud computing predictions

  The cloud market constantly evolves, from new models such as multicloud to services for big data, serverless and more. Learn what 2017 has in store and how cloud admins can prepare.Continue Reading

• A look back at the top cloud technology news stories of 2016

  From Verizon's public cloud exit to Google's big data wins, the cloud market was busy in 2016. Here's a look back at SearchCloudComputing's top stories.Continue Reading

• The role of hybrid cloud management tools in today's IT shops

  Hybrid cloud is still a new concept for many IT shops. Learn about the most common enterprise use cases for hybrid cloud, and how automated management tools play a critical role in deployment success.Continue Reading

• How do I invoke Azure runbooks with a webhook?

  Runbooks help admins automate certain processes within the Azure cloud. But what capabilities do I gain if I kick-off Azure runbooks through a webhook?Continue Reading

• The outlook for cloud computing 2017? Lower costs and more options

  In 2017, serverless computing technologies, data analytics and Docker containers will help drive innovation in the cloud. And you'll even get pay-as-you-consume time in the cloud.Continue Reading

• SMBs seek alternatives to hyperscale cloud providers

  There's no denying the dominance of AWS, Azure and Google within the cloud market. But for some companies, smaller or regional cloud providers offer a more attractive alternative.Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about containers as a service

  Containers as a service provides an easy way to set up a container cluster. Choosing the right CaaS platform depends on hosting and the flexibility of a container stack.Continue Reading

• Ten ways to improve your private cloud self-service portal

  A private cloud portal allows users to tap into the self-service benefits of cloud. Follow these ten steps to guarantee user satisfaction, and ensure your portal runs smoothly.Continue Reading

• The hybrid cloud management platform and the modern enterprise

  Hybrid cloud management is a hot issue for modern IT operations. Read more to find out what it is, how it works and what it can do for your infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Editors' Choice for Innovation: Archive2Anywhere email migration tool

  The Archive2Anywhere legally compliant engine migrates legacy e-mail archives to local or cloud repositories while maintaining a clear chain of custody and ensuring data fidelity.Continue Reading

• Have you driven embedded software, lately?

  Hardware is nothing more than software that breaks if you drop it. Even today's vehicles are essentially little more than highly complex mobile computers with seating for five and cargo space.Continue Reading

• Perform a PaaS pricing comparison for public cloud

  When choosing a platform, enterprises need to focus on features and prices for Azure, Google and AWS. Take a look under the hood before you take it for a spin.Continue Reading

• Cloud orchestration tools become a must-have for hybrid IT

  Some IT shops try to force-fit legacy orchestration tools to cloud -- but that can backfire. Instead, evaluate new orchestration tools, especially those built for hybrid models.Continue Reading

• Learn how the changes in a PaaS business model impact application development

  With the evolution of PaaS in 2016, cloud spending has increased. Learn how these changes ease profit pressure on cloud providers and also reshape how applications are developed.Continue Reading

• Optimize load balancing methods for multicloud

  As enterprises move toward a multicloud model, IT shops need to evolve their load balancing strategy to optimize application performance across disparate cloud platforms.Continue Reading

• Prevent ransomware threats to cloud apps with backup, security tools

  As ransomware attacks become more sophisticated, cloud-based applications are at risk. Use continuous backup and educate end users to protect your data and apps.Continue Reading

• Explore Microsoft Azure automation options and tools

  Cloud admins can use a variety of tools and methods to automate Azure deployments. Decide whether runbooks, DSC or other alternatives would work best for you.Continue Reading

• Combat the latest cloud security challenges and risks

  Enterprises continue to put cloud security strategies at the top of their to-do lists. Learn the latest cloud security risks and trends, as well as tips to secure your deployment.Continue Reading

• Implement multifactor methods of authentication for public cloud

  Multifactor authentication is a critical step for securing IT apps and resources. Explore options for enabling and managing this model in public clouds like AWS and Azure.Continue Reading

• Developers are driving the advancement of cloud culture

  It's all very good for developers. You get to continually look at new technologies, new languages, and new opportunities to profoundly impact a business's operations and profitability.Continue Reading

• OpenStack skills shortage makes deployment an ongoing challenge

  Enterprises that pursue OpenStack deployments often scramble to find IT professionals experienced with the open source platform. Will that skills gap close any time soon?Continue Reading

• Practice cloud resource management to reduce sprawl, cut costs

  Some organizations go overboard with cloud deployments, paying for more resources than they actually need. Follow these steps to decrease wastefulness and increase cost efficiency.Continue Reading

• How the Microsoft-LinkedIn acquisition could reshape cloud apps

  The Microsoft-LinkedIn deal could create a new cloud approach, similar to microservices, that is more personalized for workers' needs.Continue Reading

• Learn the benefits of using software containers to build cloud apps

  Explore what types of cloud applications can be developed using containers, depending on their requirements, such as memory efficiency, application tenancy and network connectivity.Continue Reading

• Three IT nightmares that haunted cloud admins in 2016

  For admins, the cloud may trick as much as it treats. Here are three IT nightmares that spooked SearchCloudComputing Advisory Board members in 2016.Continue Reading

• Managing Azure resources with ARM vs. the classic admin portal

  Azure constantly changes to meet new IT demands, so management tools have to keep up. ARM replaces the classic Azure management portal, but be smart about moving your resources.Continue Reading

• Serverless computing helps enterprises reduce cloud resource worries

  New serverless options, such as AWS Lambda and Azure Functions, help enterprises distance themselves from traditional server management to obtain more flexibility and cost efficiency.Continue Reading

• NativeScript eases cross-platform app development for music app

  ShoutOutPlay app records and then blends user greetings with Spotify streams. The app runs natively on Android and iOS from a single NativeScript code base that compiles to JavaScript.Continue Reading

• IBM's cloud strategy advances, but more work remains

  IBM appears to be on the right track with its cloud computing plans, but bumps in the road remain, especially when it comes to targeting line-of-business users.Continue Reading

• How a hyper-converged appliance affects private cloud deployments

  Simplifying data center management, HCI continues to grow in popularity. Learn how these integrated systems affect private cloud performance and administration.Continue Reading

• NativeScript framework eases cross-platform app development woes

  Building apps to run natively on Android and iOS used to mean coding twice. NativeScript with Angular 2 solves this problem by leveraging the JavaScript developers already know.Continue Reading

• Why Google Cloud Platform services deserve a second look

  Google Cloud services have evolved significantly over the past year, with an eye toward the enterprise. But there's still room for improvement in 2017.Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about Docker and Windows Server 2016

  Docker and Windows are now compatible, but there's more work to do before they will provide everything a developer needs. Expert Christopher Tozzi breaks down the issues.Continue Reading

• Test yourself: Global IT spending trends and outlook

  IT spending in 2016, which was first expected to dip, will finish the year level with 2015. Take this quiz and see if you know what the experts are predicting for the next few years.Continue Reading

• Is it acceptable to write sloppy, inefficient, bloated code -- or just easy?

  Business cycles that demand frequent changes in application functionality make it difficult to write compact, efficient code.Continue Reading

• Podcast: Use cognitive analytics to reveal data's hidden patterns

  Rigid rules-based analytics falls short with unstructured data arriving from multiple sources. Cognition allows analytics to flex and consider a wider range of possibilities.Continue Reading

• Evaluate Swift vs. Ceph for OpenStack object storage

  Both Swift and Ceph are open source, object storage systems. But despite their similarities, there are differences to consider when choosing one for OpenStack storage.Continue Reading

• How the vertical cloud market is growing with PaaS

  Expert Tom Nolle explains three different ways the vertical cloud market is changing with PaaS.Continue Reading

• It's time for developers to become experts in artificial intelligence

  If you're an applications developer, You must add AI, cognitive computing, machine learning, and analytics expertise to your skills portfolio.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing employment trends shift from generalists to specialists

  Preparing to enter the cloud computing job market is tough, especially with DevOps, serverless computing and other trends. The SearchCloudComputing Advisory Board points you in the right direction.Continue Reading

• API technology helps developers glue services and data together

  As the number of APIs used by enterprises soars, tight control and security must be balanced against unfettered access and ease of use. Such is the state of API technology.Continue Reading

• What you need to know about Windows Server 2016 containers

  Deciding which container route to take while using microservices can be tricky. Expert Mike Otey explains what the differences are and how to best take advantage of the options.Continue Reading

• Public cloud deployment lessons learned from IT pros

  Public cloud adoption may be growing in the enterprise, but the experiences of two IT shops show that legacy apps and infrastructure aren't simply taking a back seat.Continue Reading

• API technology is Salsify's secret sauce for aggregating product info

  Retailers are under pressure to populate their mobile apps and websites with detailed product info and images. Salsify provides an as a service method for this via API technology.Continue Reading

• Five alternatives to Docker you should consider

  Docker led the way to the container world, but now there are a variety of other options. Expert Mark Betz outlines five solid alternatives to Docker, complete with hands-on advice.Continue Reading

• Explore OpenStack management options for private cloud

  IT pros face a variety of options when it comes to managing OpenStack -- and those options vary, depending on whether they take a DIY or vendor-supported approach.Continue Reading

• Who should build tomorrow's cloud and mobile apps?

  It hasn't taken long -- only about a year -- for so-called no-code/low-code application development tools to go from loathed to loved. But, as someone who makes your living as a professional ...Continue Reading

• BYOK grants users the key to cloud encryption kingdom

  BYOK options from public cloud providers like AWS and Azure give users more control over their data encryption keys -- but not without some tradeoffs.Continue Reading

• The cloud IAM market evolves to meet old and new IT challenges

  Single sign-on continues to be the main driver for cloud identity and access management systems, but BYOD and shadow IT bring new challenges for these tools to solve.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Test your cloud container technology knowledge

  The popularity of cloud containers is soaring. If your company isn't already working with containers, the time to get on board is now. Take this brief quiz to test your knowledge.Continue Reading

• Edge computing lets IoT systems tap into cloud efficiency

  Enterprises want their IoT systems to have ultra-fast response times, while also reaping the cost and efficiency benefits of cloud. Find out how edge computing bridges these two technologies together.Continue Reading

• Overcome cloud performance issues with these quick tips

  Poor performance can have a devastating impact on public, private and hybrid cloud. Use these quick tips to fix performance issues related to cloud apps, APIs and more.Continue Reading

• Apple App Store gets a long-overdue scrubbing

  If you're a lazy developer who hasn't invested the necessary time to keep your app up to date for changes in screen sizes and resolution, or leverage features added to iOS, you don't deserve to ...Continue Reading

• How do I deploy secure open source code for cloud?

  Open source code can bring flexibility and agility to a cloud environment. But are there any quick ways to make sure it's secure?Continue Reading

• Google's SQL Server support is latest bid to win enterprise love

  Google has expanded its support of SQL Server workloads on its public IaaS cloud, taking the latest in a recent series of steps aimed at increasing its enterprise appeal.Continue Reading

• Make cloud applications portable to avoid lock-in woes

  Containers may help developers build apps that can move across cloud environments, but they're not always enough to eliminate lock-in risks.Continue Reading

• Words to go: Microsoft Azure big data services

  As Microsoft grows its Azure big data portfolio, it can be tough for users to keep up. Here's a breakdown of must-know Azure terms for organizations taking the big data leap.Continue Reading

• Read between the lines of providers' cloud security assessments

  Certifications are a good starting point to evaluate a cloud provider's security, but users need to dig deeper than a simple checkbox to understand how much risk is involved.Continue Reading

• Seven must-have cloud computing tools for admins

  From security to automation, IT teams have a long to-do list when it comes to managing cloud. Here are seven cloud management tools they shouldn't go without.Continue Reading

• Serverless showdown: Microsoft Azure Functions vs. AWS Lambda

  Serverless computing offers a way to more easily deploy and manage complex enterprise apps. Learn how options from AWS and Azure differ in terms of pricing, triggers and containers.Continue Reading

• The true hybrid cloud definition has been lost in translation

  Hybrid cloud adoption is growing, but there's still confusion in the market about what it takes to truly go "hybrid." It's time to separate the hype from the facts.Continue Reading

• Ransomware is reaching for new targets. Protect thyself.

  The ubiquitous nature of the Internet of Things technology makes it a completely new fertile ground for ransomware attacks. Earlier this month, two security researchers demonstrated how a ...Continue Reading

• Keep app, pricing requirements in mind when comparing cloud services

  While price still matters, application requirements are playing a bigger role in cloud provider selection -- and may impact your billing more than you think.Continue Reading

• Five open source cloud tools admins need to know

  Offering flexibility and minimal lock-in risk, open source cloud tools are gaining ground in the enterprise. Here's a look at five leading open source options for cloud deployment and management.Continue Reading

• Choosing an IaaS provider for traditional vs. cloud native apps

  As IaaS providers expand their portfolios to include more higher-level services, the requirements of your apps -- not just your infrastructure -- should drive vendor choice.Continue Reading

• Infrastructure as code complicates hybrid, multiple cloud management

  With every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The same rule applies to IaC: While it's beneficial, it creates some problems.Continue Reading

• Citrix's new NetScaler CPX brings container technologies to developers

  Putting NetScaler into containers allows for easy deployment of container technologies. Expert Michael Otey drills down the product features for development and cloud applications.Continue Reading

• When to use an AWS Spot Instance, Google Preemptible VM

  For organizations with a tight cloud budget, AWS Spot Instances and Google Preemptible VMs offer a way to get spare capacity on the cheap. But beware -- that affordability comes with a catch.Continue Reading

• A DevOps implementation plan for better cloud apps projects

  Learn how DevOps tactics can improve and ease the pain of cloud application projects. Christine Parizo discusses how organizational groups need to come together for cloud apps.Continue Reading

• SiriKit, iMessage open new vistas for mobile app developers

  At last, the forthcoming iOS 10 includes SiriKit and an API. You'll also be able to create app extensions that let users interact with your app directly within messages.Continue Reading

• Evaluate cloud log management tools from top providers

  Log management is just as critical in the cloud as it is in the data center. Evaluate log management tools for public cloud, such as AWS CloudWatch and Google Stackdriver.Continue Reading

• Aiming for portable cloud? Containers might be the answer

  If portability is your goal in the cloud, there are options including virtual machines and containers. But which is the best? Expert Tom Nolle spells out the differences.Continue Reading

• Deciding what goes where in a multi-cloud environment

  A business running a multi-cloud environment will need to decide which of its applications belong in the cloud, and then with which provider a particular app should be placed. For instance, an organization may conclude that its cloud storage would ...Continue Reading

• Bust these common cloud computing myths

  Some enterprises still base their cloud decisions on false information. The SearchCloudComputing Advisory Board sets the record straight and busts common cloud technology myths.Continue Reading

• Survey says: Be careful what you ask for

  Questioning an online survey's questions might not be an app developer's job, but your logical mind is likely better-suited for finding the kinds of mistakes that could render a survey's results ...Continue Reading

• Podcast: Can cloud-in-a-box deploy a cloud in an hour?

  Developers often find public clouds faster and better-equipped for building and deploying cloud-based applications. Accelerite strikes back with a private cloud alternative.Continue Reading

• Android fragmentation: An app developer's worst nightmare?

  Android fragmentation is out of control. It's a complete mess for developers and not something they should have to put up with.Continue Reading

• Build a cloud redundancy strategy using multiple providers

  No cloud platform is perfect; there is always a risk of an outage or data loss. Consider a multicloud model to ensure redundancy and backup.Continue Reading

• On-premises vs. cloud: What's more cost-effective for your apps?

  Some organizations rush into a cloud migration, assuming cost savings are a guarantee. But not all applications are meant for the public cloud, and moving them may cost you more.Continue Reading

• Create a PaaS model for application portability

  Some PaaS offerings have specialized features that limit users, and their apps, to a specific vendor. Consider containers and other technologies for increased PaaS flexibility.Continue Reading

• Chef and Puppet lead the charge in open source cloud automation

  IT pros increasingly turn to Chef and Puppet for open source cloud automation and orchestration. But other options, such as TOSCA, are also worth exploring.Continue Reading

• Create a cloud DDoS protection plan

  Hackers don't just steal data; they can also crash applications with spam requests and traffic. Protect your cloud against DDoS attacks by employing these tools and techniques.Continue Reading

• Podcast: Rely on economical software-defined hyperscale storage

  RAID is so yesterday. Hyperscale software-defined storage is a modern model that unites disparate storage resources and recovers unused capacity that accrues over time.Continue Reading

• Build an application migration plan to stay on course for cloud

  When moving apps to the cloud, you can't just throw them up there and hope they stick. Form a strong migration strategy to make sure your apps perform well and are cost-effective.Continue Reading

• Multicloud app performance a moving target for IT pros

  The design of your applications could impact their performance in a multicloud environment. Avoid app performance challenges with these monitoring and management techniques.Continue Reading

• SearchCloudComputing Advisory Board profile: Alex Witherspoon

  SearchCloudComputing recently spoke with Advisory Board member Alex Witherspoon about top cloud management and security trends, as well the benefits of hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• PaaS, present and future: How containers evolve PaaS frameworks

  As PaaS capabilities expand to support new technologies, such as containers and microservices, IT teams and developers face new challenges around visibility, monitoring and more.Continue Reading

• Five recent cloud podcasts to help admins stay in the know

  The fast-paced nature of the IT world makes it tough to keep up. Explore the latest cloud computing trends -- ranging from new pricing models to IoT -- with these five podcasts.Continue Reading

• Open source cloud management means knowing your tools

  As more businesses turn to a virtual environment, the shortcomings of particular vendors' products are becoming apparent. Open source cloud tools can be effective at overcoming those deficiencies, but only if the right tool is used in the right ...Continue Reading

• Expanded Azure licensing options give users more choice

  With expanded Azure licensing options from Microsoft, some enterprises moving workloads to the cloud won't have to repurchase software they already own.Continue Reading

• Will a cloud access security broker impact users' experience?

  Cloud access security brokers can protect cloud environments from threats, but what is their effect on application performance and the end-user experience?Continue Reading