Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• OpenStack automation evolving -- but not there yet

  While OpenStack tools such as Heat and Graffiti can help IT pros automate the open source platform, there's still work to be done in 2016. Continue Reading

• Should I build a dedicated private cloud staff?

  Cloud computing requires a unique set of IT skills. What staffing changes should I make to build and maintain a successful private cloud? Continue Reading

• Cloud predictions to watch for in 2016

  Between major acquisitions and the rise of containers, the cloud market was bustling with activity in 2015. But what will 2016 bring? Continue Reading

• Assessing cloud infrastructure provider performance in 2015

  Evaluating a cloud provider's reliability isn't easy, but there are resources and tools that can help. Before kicking off the New Year, consider how your provider performed in 2015. Continue Reading

• How to plan for the cost of cloud computing

  Choosing a multicloud solution can save up to 74%, if you review the cost of cloud computing first. Continue Reading

• Advance your cloud career with these top tips of 2015

  With so many businesses using cloud, job opportunities continue to rise. Here's a look back at the top five tips in 2015 for advancing your cloud career.Continue Reading

• Microservices architectures increase cloud and app efficiency

  Microservices offer a number of advantages over traditional, monolithic applications. And when combined with cloud, those advantages are amplified.Continue Reading

• Five cloud computing startups to watch heading into 2016

  Hoping to challenge the cloud status quo, new vendors are making moves in IaaS and SaaS. Here are five cloud startups that piqued analyst interest in 2015.Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud deployment model acceptance soars

  Using a multi-cloud deployment model can help servers stay secure if used in consistent methods.Continue Reading

• Private cloud benefits don't always justify migration

  Since private cloud and virtualization can offer similar benefits, enterprises should carefully justify private cloud use before planning a migration.Continue Reading

• How do I prep cloud automation tools for an upgrade?

  Hardware and software upgrades in a data center can cause big disruption to cloud automation tools. How can my organization prepare?Continue Reading

• Cloud computing APIs pose vendor lock-in risks

  Cloud APIs are playing an increasingly important role within many IT shops. But without proper governance, they're also a gateway to cloud vendor lock-in.Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of automation in a private cloud?

  No one likes repetitive, time-consuming tasks -- especially if they have to be done manually. Can private cloud automation free IT teams from this never-ending Groundhog's Day?Continue Reading

• Developing cloud applications in the new IT era

  Development teams are shedding their traditional ways and looking up to the cloud. But to make apps cloud-ready, they need to embrace the latest development tools and trends.Continue Reading

• Should I use Rackspace Fanatical Support?

  For organizations lacking in-house cloud expertise, managed cloud services like Rackspace Fanatical Support could be a way to fill that gap.Continue Reading

• How internal IT can become a cloud services broker

  Evidence suggests that cloud projects are much more likely to fail without IT support. Expert Tom Nolle explains how organizations benefit when IT becomes a cloud services broker.Continue Reading

• How do OpenStack and CloudStack stack up against each other?

  When choosing an open source cloud platform, there are many options, including OpenStack and CloudStack. So what are the big differences between the two?Continue Reading

• Craft a strong cloud service-level agreement

  Adopting a service-level agreement is an important part of the software-buying process. Agreements help ensure users get what they expect and consequently help vendors that are able to uphold their end of the bargain retain customers. But ...Continue Reading

• Assess how cloud changes IT and business mind-sets

  Businesses need a new mind-set to succeed in the cloud. Test your knowledge of cloud trends, and the cultural shifts cloud drives in the enterprise, with this quiz.Continue Reading

• Cloud and big data strategies that won't make IT shudder

  For many IT organizations, big data seems too big to tackle. But there are several ways an enterprise can ease into big data, and cloud computing can help.Continue Reading

• Jumping ship from VMware to OpenStack private cloud

  While some IT shops use both VMware and OpenStack for private cloud, others -- especially larger organizations -- are going all-in with the open source option.Continue Reading

• How are microservices and cloud computing related?

  Microservices and cloud are both on the up and up when it comes to enterprise adoption. But what exactly is the connection between the two technologies?Continue Reading

• When should I use Red Hat OpenShift PaaS?

  Most major cloud providers have a platform as a service offering. So what makes Red Hat's OpenShift platform stand out?Continue Reading

• Why should I consider a microservices architecture?

  Microservices-based architectures can provide greater flexibility to IT organizations and developers. But how exactly do microservices work?Continue Reading

• Is aggregated data always useful for business?”

  Storage is cheap, but that alone cannot justify collecting data forever. In this podcast, IBM's Mike O'Rourke offers ways for dealing with aging data.Continue Reading

• What are the key DevOps roles in an enterprise?

  The DevOps model is taking off as cloud adoption grows. But what exactly are the key responsibilities of a DevOps team in the enterprise?Continue Reading

• Top five Azure application development resources

  Are you just getting started with Azure application development? Here are five resources to ease your way.Continue Reading

• Considerations for choosing an OpenStack distribution

  When it comes to choosing an OpenStack distribution, HP, Red Hat, Cisco and others are all viable options. But enterprises should make their decision carefully.Continue Reading

• HPC market opening arms to public cloud

  While only a small percentage of HPC applications run in the public cloud today, new services from AWS and Google could soon increase that number.Continue Reading

• A successful cloud DevOps project requires new ways of thinking

  As a concept, DevOps is intriguing. Enhanced cooperation between developers and IT operations staff, after all, makes perfect sense. Still, implementing DevOps in a real-world IT environment can be a significant challenge.

  This handbook looks ...Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of continuous cloud app development?

  Traditional software development processes are tedious and slow. How could continuous cloud app development benefit my business?Continue Reading

• When should I use Azure SQL Data Warehouse?

  Amazon Redshift is the market leader in cloud data warehousing services. But what does Azure SQL Data Warehouse bring to the table?Continue Reading

• Consider identity federation for mobile cloud app requirements

  While traditional IT perimeter security worked well for decades, today's mobile cloud apps demand a different approach: identity federation.Continue Reading

• Evaluating OpenShift vs. Cloud Foundry for open source PaaS

  OpenShift and Cloud Foundry are two popular options for open source PaaS. Here's how to tell which one is right for your development needs.Continue Reading

• Cloud trend: Balance public and private cloud

  Dell's Jim Ganthier discusses how understanding the balance of public and private cloud within an enterprise is the latest cloud trend.Continue Reading

• Editor's choice for innovation: Jitterbit Harmony Live

  Jitterbit's recently released Harmony Live cloud platform streamlines API creation and automation. Learn why it is the editor's choice for innovation.Continue Reading

• Is Spark the answer for cloud and big data apps?

  Spark is gaining corporate sponsorship at an astounding rate. If big data, cloud data and business data are to meet somewhere, Spark is likely that place.Continue Reading

• Find your cloud computing and big data recipe for success

  Supporting big data and high-performance computing in the cloud introduces a number of challenges. Fortunately, larger VM instances and GPUs offer relief.Continue Reading

• Cloud migration strategies for a hybrid cloud world

  In the era of hybrid IT, migrating apps to the public cloud is only the first step of a sound cloud computing strategy.Continue Reading

• Explore open source cloud software in five quick links

  When dealing with open source cloud computing, there are many factors to consider, ranging from support to hidden costs. Make informed decisions with these five quick links.Continue Reading

• Explore the role of network as a service in cloud computing

  With the right network as a service (NaaS) offering, enterprises can boost the availability and performance of their cloud applications.Continue Reading

• Developing and deploying cloud apps on GAE

  Expert Bill Claybrook breaks down the pros and cons of developing cloud apps in Google App Engine. Get a comparative analysis between AWS and GAE.Continue Reading

• Which open source cloud infrastructure tool is right for me?

  Choosing the wrong open source cloud infrastructure tool can take a toll on your IT environment. So which one is right for my business?Continue Reading

• Tips for deploying cloud applications on GCE

  Cloud application developers should select an IaaS platform carefully. To aid your selection, here are pros and cons of deploying cloud applications on GCE.Continue Reading

• Vendors' cloud partnerships not always an IT blessing

  Ranging from IBM to AWS, many technology titans have forged cloud-related partnerships. But how quickly could those agreements go sour?Continue Reading

• How to detect cloud vendor lock-in before it's too late

  Many IT organizations unknowingly go "all in" with a single cloud provider. Here's how to make sure your cloud options stay open.Continue Reading

• Do cloud service providers scare you?

  In this podcast, Dyn's Mike Kane talks about his ideas for how reluctant businesses can get more comfortable with cloud service providers.Continue Reading

• The benefits of hybrid cloud aren't enough for every enterprise

  Hybrid cloud was once the cool kid on the market, but its fame has faded. Enterprises wonder about hybrid cloud advantages and if they're worth the work.Continue Reading

• Four questions to ask cloud integration vendors

  When evaluating applications, know what you need from vendors, like API management or multi-tenant services, and what you don’t, like lock-in.Continue Reading

• Integrating cloud data? Don’t let data governance be an afterthought

  Companies taking on cloud data integration projects must give ample thought to compliance, data sources and international regulations.Continue Reading

• Cloud integration tools: The most popular products

  There’s no shortage of tools to integrate cloud applications. Here’s a brief – but thorough – list of the most popular products on the market.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based integration seeks to tear down data silos

  As companies adopt a pantheon of cloud apps, so grows the risk of having isolated bodies of data. The cloud-based integration of far-flung systems can have divine results.Continue Reading

• Be sure you have the right hypervisor in your cloud stack

  Understanding the three cloud stack hypervisor types and learning how to validate apps against the one you choose will help you know you've chosen the best hypervisor possible.Continue Reading

• Testing cloud applications for Azure, Google Cloud

  As software development cycles accelerate, IT must more rapidly test cloud-based applications. The right tools and services can help pick up the pace.Continue Reading

• Catch these high-flying cloud computing jobs

  The cloud computing market is brimming with opportunity for IT pros -- and especially those with open source and PaaS expertise.Continue Reading

• Evaluating OpenStack vs. VMware for private cloud

  OpenStack and VMware are both viable options for hybrid and private cloud. So which one should your organization choose?Continue Reading

• Expert Roberto Medrano reveals tips for sharing data via secure APIs

  Akana's Roberto Medrano discusses how developers' needs expanded from API development tools to platforms for managing, distributing and securing APIs.Continue Reading

• Should I back up data on Google Cloud Platform or another option?

  Find out whether Google Cloud Platform is the best option for backing up data.Continue Reading

• When to adopt the lift-and-shift cloud migration model

  The lift-and-shift approach is a common migration option, in which an enterprise moves in-house apps to the cloud without redesign. But is it right for you?Continue Reading

• Cloud migration strategy success starts with a plan

  Cloud migrations can be arduous, with many considerations. And first, businesses need to choose between the lift-and-shift and re-architecture models.Continue Reading

• How to define hybrid cloud service-level agreements

  Defining hybrid cloud service-level agreements takes more forethought and planning than traditional SLAs. Here is what you should consider.Continue Reading

• Fill security gaps with centralized cloud data encryption

  Most cloud providers offer data encryption services, but for some users, those services aren't enough to fully protect enterprise data in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Should PaaS providers fear the Docker invasion?

  Docker and platform as a service providers offer similar features, making the container platform a PaaS alternative. So will Docker fully replace PaaS?Continue Reading

• The public cloud adoption trends sweeping the enterprise

  Citing security and other concerns, many organizations have passed on public cloud. But is the technology finally ready for enterprise prime time?Continue Reading

• Cloud security breaches still the stuff of IT nightmares

  Following major breaches at retail giants, government agencies and others, cloud's reputation has taken a hit. But cloud may not be entirely to blame.Continue Reading

• Overcoming obstacles to cloud adoption

  Interest in the cloud is steadily increasing, but an organization looking to make the move must first grapple with learning an entirely new way of computing. Privacy, security and compliance issues can be impediments to cloud adoption, but there are...Continue Reading

• Beware the hidden costs of open source cloud computing

  Many businesses assume open source cloud is cheaper than proprietary models. But that's not always the case, as many costs are often overlooked.Continue Reading

• Niche cloud computing environments gain steam

  By offering more targeted services, niche cloud environments are gaining traction within multiple vertical markets.Continue Reading

• Top five APM tools for capacity planning

  Learn about five popular APM tools that have added capacity and demand planning to ensure improved user needs.Continue Reading

• Is Google's PerfKit a reliable cloud benchmarking tool?

  As the IaaS market grows, choosing the right vendor becomes challenging. Google's PerfKit Benchmarker can help, but will it provide unbiased results?Continue Reading

• Cloud blurs the line between cloud brokers and CIOs

  As cloud continues to expand its market reach, IT roles are forced to evolve -- including CIOs. And it starts with breaking down department barriers.Continue Reading

• Would Azure Data Factory benefit my cloud data?

  Azure Data Factory helps move large volumes of data between the cloud and on-premises environments. But how else could it impact my big data strategy?Continue Reading

• Management, analytics tools underpin Virtustream cloud

  In addition to providing a mix of public and private cloud services, Virtustream's cloud platform offers tools for analytics and resource management.Continue Reading

• Getting reacquainted with the refocused Verizon Cloud

  Verizon recently shifted its cloud focus to go beyond just public cloud. Enterprises can now choose between public, private and hybrid cloud services.Continue Reading

• Are DevOps, cloud made for each other?

  DevOps and cloud go hand-in-hand, according to many experts, which means IT's use of cloud computing may make DevOps tools an inevitability.Continue Reading

• How do I move between Google Compute Engine instances?

  Organizations often have to move workloads from one Google Compute Engine instance to another. So how should IT pros plan for such a move?Continue Reading

• Nearline, Glacier on brink of cloud archiving war

  With speed and a modest price tag, Google Nearline is emerging as a serious competitor to Amazon's Glacier cloud archiving system.Continue Reading

• Looking at NetSuite SuiteCloud under the microscope

  NetSuite SuiteCloud targets organizations looking to integrate their enterprise apps, such as those from Salesforce or SAP, with the NetSuite cloud.Continue Reading

• Peeling back the layers of Rackspace managed cloud

  Facing steep competition from the likes of AWS and Google, Rackspace distinguishes itself as a managed cloud services provider.Continue Reading

• Exploring capabilities, costs of Microsoft Azure cloud

  Microsoft Azure targets enterprises that want to connect their existing data centers to the cloud. But is Azure the best bet for your organization?Continue Reading

• Pick the right tools for cloud and big data

  The cloud and big data are infiltrating company practices, and in some cases, they're doing it together. The intersection of the two brings many challenges and opportunities for companies that choose to process and store big data in the cloud. Once ...Continue Reading

• Getting a handle on Google Cloud Platform options

  With a range of options for big data, storage and more, Google Cloud Platform has become the public cloud of choice for many enterprise users.Continue Reading

• Not all providers support hybrid cloud applications

  An expert says you should pick wisely when selecting a provider for hybrid cloud apps. Here he clarifies misconceptions and defines selection criteria.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing careers reshaping IT jobs market

  Cloud is one of the fastest growing and most popular areas of IT. As the IT job market evolves around the technology, new cloud computing job titles and roles emerge.Continue Reading

• Gauging capacity and performance management in the cloud

  An expert suggests that you make application capacity and performance management part of the application development process; you'll find it far easier to accomplish.Continue Reading

• How to use application performance modeling techniques

  Effective application performance modeling requires understanding the techniques, gathering the right data and benchmarking against reality.Continue Reading

• A closer look at the Amazon Web Services cloud platform

  Before deploying AWS, it's crucial to understand the public cloud provider's options for cloud storage, networking and more. Here's a closer look.Continue Reading

• Comparing features, tiers and pricing of PaaS vendors

  As cloud services become more complex and customized, the harder they are to evaluate. An expert offers advice for evaluating PaaS vendors.Continue Reading

• Compare the market-leading public cloud providers

  With criteria ranging from cost to connectivity, choosing a cloud provider can be tough. Here's how AWS, Google, Microsoft and Rackspace stack up.Continue Reading

• Free-falling cloud prices can't buy enterprise love

  Even as vendors slash their prices, choosing a cloud platform is about more than the costs. Cloud features and performance top enterprise wish lists.Continue Reading

• Big data tools a must for developers

  To find the right frameworks and big data tools, big data developers need to consider the full scope of their big data efforts.Continue Reading

• How to compare platforms for enabling big data in the cloud

  When you're ready for the move, evaluate big data in the cloud providers carefully to ensure the best fit. Here is a look at four cloud service offerings.Continue Reading

• When should a developer transition to DBaaS?

  Managing and scaling from a DB to a DBaaS takes a significant effort for a developer. Find out to make those updates a little easier.Continue Reading

• What should I include on my hybrid cloud roadmap?

  Given how rapidly IT evolves, it's tough to shape a long-term cloud strategy. So how can I build a hybrid cloud roadmap that lasts?Continue Reading

• Should I move my cloud computing application in-house?

  Despite its many benefits, cloud isn't a good fit for all applications. So how do I know if it's time to move my cloud app back on-premises?Continue Reading

• Azure adoption gets a boost, but challenges remain

  Microsoft's hybrid focus is boosting Azure adoption within Windows shops. But not all Azure customers are using the cloud platform to its fullest.Continue Reading

• Are OpenStack and VMware waging a private cloud war?

  While VMware is the reigning private cloud king, performance and costs issues are driving some enterprise users into the arms of OpenStack.Continue Reading

• Windows Azure emerges as an improved cloud option

  In companies where Windows already has a strong foothold, the Microsoft Azure platform has gained ground against its top competitors. Microsoft has recently added notable features, such as security and container technologies, which are expected to ...Continue Reading

• Expanding PaaS opportunities lead to confusion

  At first, platform as a service, or PaaS, was adopted primarily as a cloud development environment. Since then, PaaS uses have expanded to fit specific application and services needs and have been integrated with IaaS platforms. The variety of ...Continue Reading

• Taking the mystery out of Google Compute Engine pricing

  As the cloud market's IaaS war ensues, pricing battles between major cloud providers heat up. Will Google Compute Engine fit in your cloud budget?Continue Reading