Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• What is a cloud-based system?

  Get an overview of what a cloud-based system is and what would work best in your enterprise. Continue Reading

• RightScale Inc.

  RightScale is a software as a service (SaaS) provider that offers cloud management and analytics tools for public, private and hybrid clouds. Continue Reading

• Experts call for a cloud service-level agreement evolution

  As more and more workloads move to the cloud, cloud provider SLAs should evolve in a number of ways. Here are the changes cloud experts and users would like to see. 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

• 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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is cloud migration? An introduction to moving to the cloud
  • Microsoft Azure
  • cloud computing
  • single-tenancy

  • multi-cloud strategy
  • confidential computing
  • cloud sprawl
  • private cloud (internal cloud or corporate cloud)

  View All Definitions

• Get to know the cloud integration environment

  Integrating disparate applications is not a one-shot deal. There are several pieces of the puzzle, including data governance and combining app functionality.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

• Cloud certifications that stand out from the crowd

  Cloud computing knowledge is almost a must-have in today's IT market. To land that dream job, consider these cloud certifications and courses.Continue Reading

• Squeezing the most out of your organizations' SaaS apps

  Despite the popularity of SaaS, questions around the technology remain. To get some answers, Modern Infrastructure spoke with Cloud Sherpas' CTO.Continue Reading

• Crafting a cloud business case execs can't resist

  For some executives, the cloud is still a frightening proposition. But with a solid business case, even the biggest cloud skeptics become believers.Continue Reading

• data residency

  Data residency is a concept that refers to the physical location of information, as well as the local regulations imposed on that information based on where it resides.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

• 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

• 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

• Google’s cloud explained in five quick links

  With its Compute Engine and other services, Google has joined the cloud elite. Here are five links to explain Google's cloud to enterprises.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

• cloud load balancing

  Cloud load balancing is the process of distributing workloads and network traffic among multiple servers or other resources in a cloud environment.Continue Reading

• Guiding your enterprise to the SoftLayer cloud platform

  With a range of service offerings, the SoftLayer cloud platform is central to IBM's cloud strategy. But what options are under the SoftLayer umbrella?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

• Three hybrid cloud advantages that fly under the radar

  While some hybrid cloud advantages, such as greater flexibility, are obvious, others fly under the radar. Are you missing out on hybrid cloud perks?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

• Tips on building a hybrid cloud management strategy

  The evolution and increasing popularity of the cloud has led to the development of a hybrid model -- a combination of public and private clouds. The hybrid alternative to the traditional cloud may be the best choice for organizations. Ideally, an ...Continue Reading

• Criteria for choosing a public cloud provider

  When it comes to choosing a public cloud provider, cost is often top of mind. But other factors, such as VM migration, storage and autoscaling, should also be considered.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

• Nine questions for hybrid cloud integration

  Learn which nine questions companies should be asking when considering a hybrid could application integration strategy.Continue Reading

• Test your ability to avoid cloud security risks

  Storing data in the cloud can be risky, but there are methods to minimize risks. Take our quiz to measure your cloud security expertise.Continue Reading

• Best practices for BPaaS adoption

  Learn why more and more businesses are adopting BPaaS and how it differs from other service layers.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

• How to choose the best cloud big data platform

  Finding the best cloud big data platform requires picking a database model, choosing a cloud service or cloud platform, and reviewing their features.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

• Maximize your ROI with cloud storage management

  While cloud storage may seem simple, there's a lot to consider to maximize ROI. Make sure security, metadata and management are top of mind.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

• Who should be crafting my cloud budget?

  IT plays a crucial role in planning and tracking cloud budgets. But should my business and finance executives also have a heavy hand in the process?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

• Tools to tackle multi-cloud management

  Because no two clouds are built alike, managing multi-cloud environments can be tough. Luckily, there's an emerging class of tools that can help.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

• subscription-based pricing model

  A subscription-based pricing model is a payment structure that allows a customer or organization to purchase or subscribe to a vendor's IT services for a specific period of time for a set price.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

• Sharpen your pencils: It's a Microsoft Azure cloud quiz

  Microsoft Azure is a force in cloud and widely considered a top-three vendor. So, how well do you know Microsoft's cloud? Take our quiz to find out.Continue Reading

• cloud engineer

  A cloud engineer is an IT professional responsible for any technological duties associated with cloud computing, including design, planning, management, maintenance and support.Continue Reading

• cloud collaboration

  Cloud collaboration is a system of communication that enables employees to work together on a project that is hosted in the cloud, can be accessed at any time and can be edited by multiple users at once.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

• What we learned about application migration to the cloud in 2014

  This recap of what we learned about application migration to the cloud in 2014 features content from multiple sites and offers developers helpful information for their next migration project.Continue Reading

• Should I use Go as my cloud programming language?

  With a number of available programming languages, it's hard for enterprises to find the best option. Is Go the right language for my cloud project?Continue Reading

• CloudBees

  CloudBees is a former platform as a service cloud provider that now focuses on open source continuous integration.Continue Reading

• Devise a cloud security strategy for governance needs

  IT breaches stir up cloud security concerns. To limit potential issues, enterprises must consider governance needs, tools, providers and more.Continue Reading

• Overcome the most feared cloud security issues in 2015

  Security is a big concern for companies considering cloud deployments. However, many cloud security issues are self-inflicted.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

• How do iPaaS and SaaS integration vendors differ?

  What's the difference between iPaaS and SaaS integration vendors? Are they the same? Get the facts in this expert answer.Continue Reading

• Hybrid clouds a key step in the evolution of the cloud

  Three trends are shaping hybrid cloud: the evolution from compartments to components, emergence of 'migratory processing,' and event-based applications.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

• Test your knowledge of cloud application migration

  Think you know all of the basics of cloud application migration? Take this five-question quiz and find out.Continue Reading

• Winning a cloud business case debate

  The strongest cloud business case used to be reducing capital costs. Today, business cases should highlight other cloud perks, such as process automation.Continue Reading

• SaaS platform changes: Is there a migration model?

  Is there a data migration model if a company leaves the SaaS platform it has been using? Read this expert answer to find out.Continue Reading

• Guide to cloud application testing

  Learn how to manage and test cloud application in this essential guide.Continue Reading

• High-performance cloud apps require new technologies

  As cloud evolves, new applications such as big data analytics and HPC enter the fray. What do these new apps mean for cloud's future and performance?Continue Reading

• Guide to SOA and the cloud

  The cloud can benefit from certain aspects of SOA. Learn more in this essential guide to SOA and the cloud.Continue Reading

• Hybrid clouds refresher: Top five tips of 2014

  Companies choose hybrid cloud for the perks of public and private clouds, but not all get it right. These top hybrid cloud tips from 2014 will help you succeed next year.Continue Reading

• Quiz: What do you know about cloud application testing?

  Cloud application testing is designed to ensure that data can be accessed and shared safely. Take this five question quiz on cloud app testing.Continue Reading

• noisy neighbor (cloud computing performance)

  Noisy neighbor is a phrase used to describe a cloud computing infrastructure co-tenant that monopolizes bandwidth, disk I/O, CPU and other resources, and can negatively affect other users' cloud performance.Continue Reading

• Can I use OpenStack to build an enterprise private cloud?

  Building an enterprise private cloud is a complex proposition. OpenStack holds a lot of potential as an open-source private cloud distribution, but is it right for you?Continue Reading

• Cloud portability concerns in cloud service systems

  Learn about cloud portability integration issues when moving to a cloud service system.Continue Reading

• How to use cloud BI to improve application design

  Thanks to cloud BI tools, developers have easier access to historical business data that can help steer application design.Continue Reading

• Take the private cloud out of hybrid cloud computing

  Private cloud hesitation often hampers hybrid cloud adoption. A DevOps mindset lets enterprises go hybrid without the private cloud commitment.Continue Reading

• Engine Yard

  Engine Yard is a platform as a service (PaaS) provider that automates, configures and deploys applications in the cloud.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

• cloud architect

  A cloud architect is an IT professional who is responsible for overseeing a company's cloud computing strategy.Continue Reading

• Do we still need cloud data encryption?

  Our public cloud provider guarantees our data is separate from others' in the cloud. Does our enterprise still need to use cloud data encryption methods?Continue Reading

• Map out an automation strategy with Automation Passport

  Automation Passport's free combination of documents and consultations brings a method to the madness that IT automation can be.Continue Reading

• Map customer trends with cloud predictive analytics

  Cloud predictive analytics use data to give users insight into what keeps customers happy and what drives them away. How do these services work?Continue Reading

• Replicating Google's cloud model in the enterprise

  Google is firmly among the cloud elite, and many enterprises want to follow in its footsteps. Becoming a Google copycat may not be as hard as you think.Continue Reading

• Cloud management services: Tips for implementation

  Cloud management services are useful for organizing the ever-growing, complex and sophisticated interconnections within the cloud structure.Continue Reading

• What do you know about the benefits and drawbacks of bring your own cloud?

  Test your knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks of the bring your own cloud trend with this six-question quiz!Continue Reading

• Getting started with cloud analytics services and tools

  Cloud analytics and BI are useful tools that help companies make informed, data-based business decisions. Read this tip to find out how to take advantage of those uses.Continue Reading

• private PaaS (private platform as a service)

  Private platform as a service (private PaaS) is software that facilitates development, deployment and operations for IT on a private infrastructure or behind a firewall.Continue Reading

• HP Helion (Hewlett-Packard Helion)

  HP Helion (Hewlett-Packard Helion) is the brand name for HP’s custom distribution of OpenStack.Continue Reading

• What intelligent security means for your business

  Security intelligence is more than the latest buzzword. It's an essential function a successful business needs to protect its internal systems from data theft or loss of network resources.Continue Reading

• Piecing together the hybrid cloud management puzzle

  Managing the hybrid cloud means covering all of your bases from having a solid cloud management strategy to security. Having a plan helps to ensure high performance from the best of both cloud worlds.Continue Reading

• Guide to app portability and interoperability

  Learn about how app portability and interoperability allow for moving from one service to another without interference.Continue Reading

• How to make enterprise IT hire you in a cloud career

  From keeping up with the cloud's evolution to quelling security concerns, cloud admins have their work cut out for them -- but if you can master these skills, you'll be a desirable candidate for the job.Continue Reading

• Getting quizzical with open source cloud computing

  An apple on the teacher's desk won't help you with this open source cloud quiz, which includes facts on OpenStack, Docker, Hadoop and more. Test your knowledge to see where you stack up.Continue Reading

• FaaS (Framework as a Service)

  FaaS (framework as a service) is a service offering that falls somewhere between SaaS (software as a service) and PaaS (platform as a service).Continue Reading

• Explore cloud application integration use cases

  Integrating cloud applications may be complicated, but it is essential. There are a few different use cases developers can use, including iPaaS services, cloud to cloud, cloud to integrator to cloud and hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• Cloud models enhance security, potential of Internet of Things

  Combining the Internet of Things and cloud services could build an IT superpower. With its infinite capabilities and security enhancements, it'd be hard to find its kryptonite.Continue Reading

• What developers need to know about cloud app integration

  Cloud app integration is a complex and enduring challenge. This essential guide provides tools and strategies that can help.Continue Reading

• Separating DevOps from the future-driven cloud orchestration

  Applications are getting complicated and finding the best tools is tough. Cloud orchestration and DevOps can help, but they aren't quite the same thing.Continue Reading

• Popular cloud integration services to bridge the cloud to legacy systems

  Cloud integration services should be tailored to companies' specific integration needs. Steve Weissman lists options for many different scenarios.Continue Reading

• IBM Cloud Marketplace one-stop shop for every XaaS need

  IBM's SoftLayer acquisition and BlueMix PaaS helped launch its cloud marketplace, where the vendor hopes to meet any enterprise demand.Continue Reading

• OASIS Cloud Application Management for Platforms (CAMP)

  OASIS Cloud Application Management for Platforms (CAMP) is a specification intended to foster interoperability between cloud environments and to simplify the management of cloud applications.Continue Reading

• Protecting cloud networks against DDoS and DoS attacks

  DDoS and DoS attacks are simple to implement but more difficult to prevent. How can these attacks on cloud services be avoided?Continue Reading

• What is PaaS? FAQs about uses, security, frameworks

  Caroline de Lacvivier offers a brief answer to the question, what is PaaS? She also explores frequently asked questions about uses, security and more.Continue Reading

• How Java developers can find cloud computing careers

  In a new IT landscape, IT pros are worried their jobs are on the chopping block -- but Java developers in particular can position themselves in the cloud world.Continue Reading

• A RESTful approach to cloud application management

  Cloud application management is the essential link between cloud-enablement and ALM processes. Tom Nolle offers RESTful strategies to get you started.Continue Reading