Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• Counting down the top cloud computing vendors of 2013

  Though it may be clear to cloud pros and experts which vendor 'won' this year, the more interesting story is who is making the case to take them down. Continue Reading

• Apache Software Foundation unveils new multi-cloud PaaS framework

  In this report from WSO2Con 2013, George Lawton discusses the ASF's planned release of its new multi-cloud PaaS offering, Apache Stratos 4.0. Continue Reading

• How to get everyone on-board with a cloud migration project

  Cloud naysayers reject the idea that benefits of a migration outweigh the trouble, but AWS customers list five benefits that could prove them wrong. Continue Reading

• The state of the enterprise cloud and prepping for AWS re:Invent 2013

  Enterprise cloud has seen plenty of movement since AWS re:Invent 2012, while many of the recurring security concerns continue to plague enterprises. 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

• SoftLayer users say choice over IBM SmartCloud Enterprise was easy

  The writing was on the wall before IBM shut down its SmartCloud Enterprise service in favor of SoftLayer.Continue Reading

• Cloud integration platforms help users build an integration process

  Learn how running a cloud integration platform can add value to your integration process.Continue Reading

• Docker could improve cloud portability, app development

  Cloud portability and automated app development edge closer to practical reality with a new spin on application containers called Docker.Continue Reading

• Is public cloud adoption in the enterprise on the upswing?

  Is public cloud adoption in the enterprise on the upswing? Depends who you ask. Verizon and Citrix think it needs a little assistance.Continue Reading

• Build an in-house enterprise app store without breaking the budget

  Contributor Chris Moyer discusses ways to launch an online enterprise app store to help meet mobile employees' needs.Continue Reading

• Platform as a Service: Expert advice for selecting a PaaS vendor

  Seeking a PaaS vendor? Browse this collection of articles, tips, expert answers and other content to help you make the right choice.Continue Reading

• Validating applications as cloud compatible with security, testing

  An app may run smoothly on-premises, but that doesn't guarantee cloud success. With security measures and testing, companies can validate cloud apps.Continue Reading

• Choosing among IaaS, PaaS and Database as a Service for a cloud database

  Regardless of which cloud database you choose, multiple factors must come into play, ranging from costs and availability to feature support.Continue Reading

• Cloud and startups a less-than-perfect match as companies grow

  The cloud computing model offers cost and flexibility advantages for startups, but the downsides may eventually outweigh the initial benefits for growing companies.Continue Reading

• Google Compute Engine and Google App Engine: What is the difference?

  Many IT pros cannot distinguish Google Compute Engine from Google App Engine. Here are the most important details you need to know.Continue Reading

• Best practices for comparing and deploying cloud servers

  Before you can compare performance benchmark reports on cloud servers, know the facts on what to look for when it comes to price and performance.Continue Reading

• IaaS infringes on acceptance of true PaaS cloud architecture

  Despite the many benefits of a true PaaS cloud architecture, IaaS vendors are marking their territory by offering pseudo PaaS.Continue Reading

• Building a cloud ecosystem with open source software

  The open source community fosters innovation in the name of cloud. OW2's Cédric Thomas talks of 'coopitition' and the open source cloud revolution.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

• SaaS tools step up to fill identity management void

  A new breed of SaaS-based identity management tools are cropping up, with some integrating with Active Directory to assist with the transition.Continue Reading

• Ask the Expert: Is PaaS vendor lock-in unavoidable?

  Will your PaaS of choice interoperate with future SaaS and IaaS installments? Here's how to find out, before it's too late to turn back.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

• What's wrong with the Gartner Hype Cycle for Cloud Computing, 2012?

  The Gartner Hype Cycle for Cloud Computing report offers some insights into the cloud market. But its poorly defined cloud terms can be misleading.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

• Cloud stack comparison shopping for your private cloud build

  Will it be OpenStack, CloudStack, Eucalyptus or another option? Save yourself from costly mistakes by choosing the right cloud software up front.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

• 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

• 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

• The role of software-defined networks in cloud computing

  Software-defined networking can be difficult to define. Understanding SDN models is key for enterprises trying to properly position cloud services.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing vendors came en masse to AWS re:Invent 2012

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• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How cloud computing is transforming the IT department

  As enterprise IT adopts cloud, traditional IT pros struggle to remain relevant, often molding their roles to adapt to the changing environment.Continue Reading

• On-premises vs. SaaS: Making the choice

  Choosing between on-premises or SaaS is a common problem in today's IT world, but there are many things to consider before making that decision.Continue Reading

• Windows Azure Active Directory enables single sign-on with cloud apps

  Linking Active Directory to multi-tenanted Windows Azure apps can simplify user sign-on in the cloud.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

• 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

• Top 10 cloud computing leaders in 2012

  Our cloud leaders list includes the usual suspects and some surprises, ranging from cloud architects to CEOs to those with influence in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Keys to integrated cloud application management

  Seamless cloud application management isn’t a pipe dream. By following a few steps, cloud admins can monitor cloud app performance from one interface.Continue Reading

• Checklist: Managing applications in the cloud

  Moving applications to the cloud goes beyond selecting the right apps. Next steps include configuring apps, migrating data and monitoring.Continue Reading

• To cloud skeptics: Don't diss Dropbox

  While many IT departments may try to put a stop to Dropbox because of its cloud storage roots, it still provides useful file-transfer services.Continue Reading

• Mapping applications to the hybrid cloud

  Moving the right application to a hybrid cloud can help enterprises eke out the most value from the public cloud.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

• Was Citrix's acquisition of Cloud.com a defensive move?

  There's a lot of speculation in the cloud market about why Citrix purchased Cloud.com this week, including talk of Citrix trying to edge out VMware.Continue Reading

• Resolving cloud application migration issues

  To construct increasingly portable cloud applications, more appropriate application architectures and open cloud standards are a necessity.Continue Reading

• Apple fuels cloud computing hype all over again

  Apple launches iCloud, a highly anticipated new service that has nothing to do with its namesake, and joins the march of major IT vendors and telcos into whatever they're calling "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

• 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

• Cloud computing development for beginners

  Cloud newbies that find themselves navigating unfamiliar terrain should check out this collection of tips, tutorials and news for a cloud development orientation.Continue Reading

• Sun Microsystems: The real inventor of cloud computing?

  The co-founder of Sun Microsystems reminds everyone that before Amazon Web Services, there was Sun Cloud Compute.Continue Reading

• Choosing from the major Platform as a Service providers

  Many organizations prefer Platform as a Service offerings for their cloud needs. Our expert compares options from Google, Microsoft and Amazon.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

• IBM’s cloud computing strategy: Flying blind?

  IBM seems like a natural to lead in the cloud computing market, but instead the industry pioneer struggles to redefine itself in a fast-changing services world.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

• Cloud computing models: Public vs. private vs. hybrid

  Find out the differences between the three major types of cloud computing models: public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• How cloud computing is changing IT

  How much disruption will the cloud model cause in the average enterprise? This special report digs into strategic areas of cloud computing where IT pros are short on answers.Continue Reading

• Five tips for evaluating the TCO of a cloud application

  Before moving applications into a cloud computing environment, take a look at these five guidelines for calculating the total cost of ownership of your apps.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

• Cloud computing complicates customer-vendor relationships

  Find out how both customers and vendors can adapt to the contractual demands of a cloud computing environment in this podcast with Jeff Kaplan of THINKstrategies.Continue Reading

• What is VMforce?

  On April 27, VMware and Salesforce.com will reveal VMforce to the world. As anticipation builds, find out everything we know about VMforce in this special report.Continue Reading

• Cloud management tools guide for beginners

  Get a better understanding of the major players in cloud infrastructure management and provisioning, including RightScale, Kaavo, Zeus and Scalr.Continue Reading

• How to build an application for the cloud

  The CTO and founder of email archiving service provider Sonian discusses how he designed his Software as a Service application specifically for the cloud.Continue Reading

• Understanding cloud computing pricing

  Someday, cloud computing providers may simplify pricing models. But until that day, when determining total pricing for a cloud computing service, consider the services offered by the provider and how each pricing structure is worded.Continue Reading

• Mitigating the top three Software as a Service security concerns

  While Software as a Service users rely on the service's provider for general security needs, issues such as insecure credentials can still threaten a system's privacy.Continue Reading

• Five requirements for deploying an application in a public cloud

  Thinking about deploying an application in a public cloud? Investigate these five requirements to ensure success.Continue Reading

• Running a Web service on Google App Engine

  Google's App Engine for building Web applications in the cloud is beginning to support Java servlet-based Web services. It's still under development, but you can experiment using Eclipse support or command-line utilities in the SDK.Continue Reading

• Identifying applications for public and private clouds

  Before leaping head first into cloud services, figure which applications are best suited to a public versus private cloud. This article will help you define target apps for the cloud.Continue Reading

• Choosing an application architecture for the cloud

  Have you pondered moving data or applications to the cloud? Consider your system requirements and cloud provider capabilities before you choose one of these three application architectures.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing cheat sheet

  All our resources on the cloud computing delivery model are gathered right here, including news, blogs, tips and podcasts on cloud computing.Continue Reading

• Code sample illustrates how to write Azure applications for the cloud

  In a series of blog entries on MSDN, Microsoft's Maor David-Pur has given developers a concrete, step-by-step Azure tutorial geared to experienced .NET developers.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing and application security: Issues and risks

  Contrary to popular belief, moving applications to the cloud won't make your application security responsibilities disappear. Learn more about the misconceptions around app security in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Tech Watch: Cloud computing services

  With cloud computing services projected to rake in a third of IT spending by 2013, there are a few key functions that value-added resellers should target. Find out what those functions are and how to keep up with this evolutionary change.Continue Reading