Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• Understanding public cloud risks and costs

  Public cloud boasts a number of enterprise benefits, but it isn't perfect. Enterprises should be aware of unpredictable cost structures and other drawbacks.Continue Reading

• Where to turn for OpenStack development support

  While OpenStack's ecosystem continues to grow, finding support for the open source platform can be difficult. Luckily, there are resources to help.Continue Reading

• A primer on public cloud benefits

  When used to extend existing data center footprints, public cloud can deliver big benefits for data backup and scalability.Continue Reading

• Colocation vs. cloud: Can your IT team tell them apart?

  Colocation, much like virtualization, is often mistaken for cloud. Despite some similarities, the two technologies are worlds apart.Continue Reading

• Test your cloud skills with some April Fools' folly

  April Fools' Day is filled with pranks and practical jokes, so try your luck at this tricky cloud quiz. But read carefully, or the joke will be on you.Continue Reading

• Four cloud computing ideas that faded away

  Despite many successful cloud computing developments, not every idea is a hit. Here are four cloud concepts that seemed great, but fell flat.Continue Reading

• PaaS a step and stumbling block for Microsoft Azure cloud

  Microsoft Azure's PaaS strategy separates it from rivals like AWS. But there's a flip side to every coin -- even with Azure PaaS.Continue Reading

• Cloud and big data don't necessarily mean Hadoop

  The cloud and big data don't always mean Hadoop. Careful study is required before choosing the right technology, says consultant Tom Nolle.Continue Reading

• New player battles for U.S. cloud market share

  The U.S. cloud market is highly competitive, with Amazon, Microsoft and Google firmly planted at the top. Can new player Alibaba shift the balance?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

• Constructing a solid hybrid cloud governance strategy

  The proliferation of SaaS and hybrid cloud forces IT teams to re-think data governance and compliance. What's the key to a solid cloud governance strategy?Continue Reading

• Which cloud management tools can track my cloud budget?

  Cloud costs can fluctuate as user demands change. Are there cloud management tools that can help me track my cloud budget and spending?Continue Reading

• Private cloud adoption dwindles in the enterprise

  Private clouds are trailing public clouds when it comes to enterprise adoption. And the cost of private cloud deployments could be partially to blame.Continue Reading

• How does cloud change IT budget planning?

  Cloud services, such as SaaS, introduce a lot of change into an organization. But how exactly do they affect my IT budget and approval process?Continue Reading

• Where does IT privacy end and government control begin?

  Cloud and IT security is already a hot-button issue. And now, U.S. law enforcement is looking for an easier path to search remote computers.Continue Reading

• When to embrace, or walk away from, open source options

  Open source cloud allows enterprises to dodge software payments and vendor lock-in. But some organizations are better off walking away.Continue Reading

• What's the best cloud services broker option?

  A cloud services broker role can be filled by a third party, a cloud provider or even in-house IT. So which is the best option for my business?Continue Reading

• Weighing the perks, drawbacks of open source model

  Open source cloud computing eliminates vendor restrictions and lock-in -- but those perks come at the cost of provider support.Continue Reading

• Azure vs. Google: Finding your cloud vendor fit

  Amazon Web Services is the clear cloud market leader, but Microsoft Azure and Google have their advantages. Which cloud provider is right for you?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

• Is the cloud services brokerage model redefining IT?

  Cloud brokers connect a growing landscape of service providers with busy business users. But what impact would they have on my IT team?Continue Reading

• AWS cloud management tool another home run for vendor

  While AWS Config looks like another home run for the cloud giant, that doesn't mean everything is perfect. So where does AWS need to improve?Continue Reading

• How provisioning fits into cloud orchestration evolution

  Cloud orchestration is gaining traction -- but how does it differ from provisioning? Expert Tom Nolle suggests thinking of one process as walking and the other as dancing.Continue Reading

• Cloud storage options: Object storage systems or Hadoop?

  Object storage systems and Hadoop are both viable cloud storage options. But consider the latter when performing big data analysis in the cloud.Continue Reading

• An enterprise guide to Microsoft Azure cloud

  While Amazon Web Services is the reigning cloud king, Microsoft Azure is among the elite. Get to know Microsoft's cloud with this complete Azure guide.Continue Reading

• Which cloud storage system matches your data?

  Choosing a cloud storage system can be a daunting task. Expert Dan Sullivan explores the benefits of SSDs, databases and other cloud storage options.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

• Does Hadoop in the cloud give big data a boost?

  Hadoop is an option for handling the vast and diverse data sets that come with big data. But how exactly can it be used in an organization?Continue Reading

• Straight from the source

  The open-source revolution has benefited the entire tech industry, and cloud is no exception. Indeed, open source is becoming one of the biggest movements in cloud computing. OpenStack, Docker, Eucalyptus, OpenNebula and others are leading the way ...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

• In cloud storage, options abound

  This handbook examines cloud-based storage in terms of cost, manageability, scalability, security, latency/availability and more. While cost and security remain pressing concerns, cloud-based storage holds an increasing appeal for more ...Continue Reading

• Which cloud model is best for your big data project?

  Cloud computing comes in three distinct flavors: public, private and hybrid. But which is best for my big data project?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

• What to expect from Google Compute Engine in 2015

  To trump the competition this year, Google will likely soup up its Google Compute Engine with new features around containers, hybrid cloud, SDN and more.Continue Reading

• Should cloud and big data go hand-in-hand?

  Cloud and big data are major focuses for many businesses right now. But how are the two technologies related? Does your big data project require cloud?Continue Reading