Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• .NET programming language tutorial: Making more with .NET development

  This .NET programming language tutorial covers what modern application developers and testers need to understand: the strengths and challenges in the .NET platform. Continue Reading

• IAM technologies change the cloud security game

  By controlling who sees what, identity and access management tools give a business a much better hand to play in the always tricky cloud security game. Continue Reading

• Proper hybrid cloud deployment means not repeating old mistakes

  Hybrid cloud usage is on the rise. Before making the jump, ask the right questions about the organization, applications and cloud vendors to ensure a clean transition. Continue Reading

• shared responsibility model

  A shared responsibility model is a cloud security framework that dictates the security obligations of a cloud computing provider and its users to ensure accountability. Continue Reading

• Scale resources automatically with Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets

  Scalability is an attractive capability of cloud computing that reels in enterprises of all sizes. Learn how Virtual Machine Scale Sets in Azure can help you achieve that benefit. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • vertical cloud
  • multi-cloud strategy
  • cloud sprawl
  • cloud browser

  • cloud application
  • cloud-native application
  • cloud infrastructure
  • cloud automation

  View All Definitions

• Get started with Microsoft Azure Functions

  Microsoft recently released Azure Functions to stand up to AWS Lambda. Learn how to get started with this event-driven service, and if it's the right fit for you.Continue Reading

• Manage OpenStack deployments with Red Hat's Platform Director

  An OpenStack deployment doesn't always come easy for an IT team. Learn how Red Hat's Platform Director can help with OpenStack implementation and lifecycle management.Continue Reading

• Cloud Foundry

  Cloud Foundry is an open source cloud platform as a service (PaaS) on which developers can build, deploy, run and scale applications on public and private cloud models.Continue Reading

• Building applications for AI demands real intelligence from developers

  Artificial intelligence apps that learn from experience are behind the wheel of self-driving cars and are poised to do more. Know the speed limits and how to get started quickly.Continue Reading

• IBM Bluemix Local

  IBM Bluemix Local is a private version of the IBM Bluemix public cloud platform. Users deploy the IBM Bluemix Local platform on their own on-premises hardware, behind their firewall within their own data center.Continue Reading

• Cloud and DevOps practices help make app development a breeze

  Merging DevOps with the cloud improves application development strategies. Learn how to create the perfect cloud and DevOps environment for efficient app development.Continue Reading

• Words to go: Containers in cloud computing

  It's hard to talk about cloud today without mentioning containers. Whether you're new to the technology or a seasoned pro, know these key terms related to containers in the cloud.Continue Reading

• An enterprise guide to big data in cloud computing

  Big data has made big waves in the cloud market, with top vendors rushing to offer services. Discover what technologies are out there, and learn best practices to manage them.Continue Reading

• Get faster Azure T-SQL queries using the new database query editor

  Microsoft has recently added a SQL Database Query editor to its Azure cloud service. Expert Michael Otey walks you through the new T-SQL development process step-by-step.Continue Reading

• TOSCA (Topology and Orchestration Specification for Cloud Applications)

  The Topology and Orchestration Specification for Cloud Applications (TOSCA) is an open-source language used to describe the relationships and dependencies between services and applications that reside on a cloud computing platform.Continue Reading

• Learn these lessons before a hybrid cloud adoption

  Businesses have enjoyed the advantages of hybrid clouds for years. There have been growing pains, though, and hybrid newcomers can learn from their predecessors' mistakes.Continue Reading

• Get started with the Azure API Management service

  APIs are vital to open the communication lines between cloud apps, and proper management of those APIs is also critical. Learn how Azure's API service can kick start that process.Continue Reading

• Google Cloud Storage Nearline

  Google Cloud Storage Nearline is a public cloud storage service from Google intended for data archiving, backup and disaster recovery.Continue Reading

• Discover the pros, cons of bare-metal cloud services

  A bare-metal cloud service combines the benefits of physical servers with public cloud, but may not be right for all workloads. Weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision.Continue Reading

• Google Cloud Storage Coldline

  Google Cloud Storage Coldline is a public cloud cold storage service from Google intended for archiving and disaster recovery.Continue Reading

• Cloud developer job description getting more complicated all the time

  The cloud developer job is getting even more complex. Learn about cloud developer salaries, opportunities and hirers' most-valued cloud platform here.Continue Reading

• .NET programmers, it's time to look to the Azure IoT Hub for help

  Mixing Java and other platforms with .NET can help when building IoT applications. In fact, expert Tom Nolle explains why Azure is a great place to begin.Continue Reading

• How microservices and cloud application performance fit together

  Microservices can be your best friend when it comes to cloud application development, but they can also be detrimental. Expert Tom Nolle shares what to focus on.Continue Reading

• Words to go: Google cloud storage services

  When it comes to cloud storage, going in blind will cause inefficiency and high costs. Familiar yourself with these key Google storage terms to determine where your data best fits.Continue Reading

• Get started with Microsoft Azure Security Center

  Azure Security Center offers tools to monitor and manage VMs and cloud resources within the Azure cloud. Learn about its features for threat detection, security policies and more.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing programming API tutorial

  Developers have a wide range of platforms to choose from to create cloud-based applications. Dive into cloud programming resources that will help you get rolling.Continue Reading

• Adopting cloud computing? Take this cloud shift quiz

  Application migration is one part of cloud shift, the larger corporatewide effort required to move the whole of IT off premises and into the cloud. Quiz yourself on the trends.Continue Reading

• Google Stackdriver

  Google Stackdriver is a tool that provides application and virtual machine monitoring services for Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services.Continue Reading

• Words to go: Azure storage types

  As more data and applications move to the cloud, enterprises' storage needs evolve. Learn which Azure storage options would work best for you with this rundown of must-know terms.Continue Reading

• Test your cloud knowledge in this cloud computing quiz

  In this quiz on cloud computing skills, find out how much you know about the IT functions and programming languages being used in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Security issues in cloud computing

  While the cloud may be flexible and cost-efficient, a lack of data safeguards and compliance standards makes security the largest hurdle to leap.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure Security Center

  Microsoft Azure Security Center is a set of tools and services for securing virtual machines that run on the Azure public cloud. With Azure Security Center, an IT team can establish security policies, set up alerts and receive recommendations for ...Continue Reading

• cloudlet

  A cloudlet is a small-scale data center or cluster of computers designed to quickly provide cloud computing services to mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and wearable devices, within close geographical proximity.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

• How and why to use system containers in production

  System container platforms, such as OpenVZ and LXD, make it possible to run complete operating systems inside of containers. Expert Christopher Tozzi outlines the options.Continue Reading

• Three steps to ponder for your first cloud-based analytics project

  For the uninitiated, analytics can be overwhelming. How you approach your first analytics project in the cloud can make it bloom or lead to doom. To hit the big time, start small.Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about creating a virtual container

  It's tempting think of containers as just another type of VM, but that's not accurate. Expert Mark Betz offers a look at what's easy and tricky about containers in the cloud.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

• Quiz: The latest software-defined data center industry trends

  To join those who want everything delivered as a service, you have to be up on the latest software-defined data center trends. Take this brief quiz and gauge your knowledge.Continue Reading

• IBM SoftLayer

  IBM SoftLayer is a public cloud computing platform that offers a range of services for compute, networking, storage, security and application development. IBM acquired SoftLayer in 2013, and the platform now competes with other public cloud ...Continue Reading

• Google Cloud Dataproc

  Google Cloud Dataproc is a managed service within the Google Cloud Platform for processing large datasets, such as those used in big data initiatives. Dataproc is built on open source platforms including Apache Hadoop, Spark and Pig. The service is ...Continue Reading

• Public cloud brings machine learning services to the masses

  Machine learning represents a new frontier for compute, and the public cloud is making it more affordable and available than ever. But that doesn't mean you should rush in.Continue Reading

• Ten cloud conferences to pencil in for 2016

  Cloud conferences and events are the perfect place to gain more industry knowledge and sharpen your skills. For the remainder of 2016, there are numerous opportunities to grow your networking base ...Continue Reading

• Quiz: Test your knowledge about the future of cloud traffic

  How fast is cloud-based IP traffic growing? Take this quiz and see if forecasts for cloud traffic volume, download speeds and server workloads are in line with your expectations.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure Marketplace

  Microsoft Azure Marketplace is an online store that provides tools and applications that are compatible with the Azure public cloud.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure VM Scale Sets

  A Microsoft Azure VM Scale Set is a group of individual virtual machines (VMs) within the Microsoft Azure public cloud that IT administrators can configure and manage as a single unit. They are best suited for large-scale computing services, such as...Continue Reading

• What are my cloud requirements for implementing direct connections?

  Direct connections provide a more efficient way to move data to the public cloud. But how does my organization set one up?Continue Reading

• How do I establish network security groups for public cloud?

  Network security groups control the lines of communication between network traffic and cloud instances. How do I set them up in AWS or Azure?Continue Reading

• Boost public cloud reliability through direct connections

  Direct connections, such as those from AWS and Azure, can put data on the fast track to the public cloud. But organizations should be ready to pay a price.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Are you ready for digital technology disruption?

  Cloud, mobile and IoT are shaking up not just IT, but entire industries. Is your organization part of the digital disruption technology revolution? Take this quiz and find out.Continue Reading

• How to effectively work with multiple cloud providers

  Before working with multiple cloud providers, evaluate their services for compute, storage, security and more.Continue Reading

• How well do you know the public cloud service market?

  Private and public cloud services are growing fast. Take this brief quiz and find out just how fast that growth really is, and if you align with the majority.Continue Reading

• How hybrid cloud adoption impacts ALM

  Learn how to update ALM processes in preparation for hybrid cloud adoption.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Cloud-based data storage trends

  Storing data in every corporate branch is expensive and hinders performance. Are you up to date on current cloud-based data storage trends? Take this short quiz and find out.Continue Reading

• Mapping the best cloud backup options to your IT needs

  When it comes to data backup in the cloud, there's no one-size-fits-all approach -- so be sure to select your backup services carefully.Continue Reading

• Build a shadow IT strategy all departments will love

  To minimize shadow IT risks in the enterprise, some IT pros find that adhering to the old adage, 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em' is the best approach.Continue Reading

• Effective app testing and ALM techniques in the cloud era

  When moving software projects to the cloud, organizing application testing and ALM strategies help you optimize business opportunities.Continue Reading

• Cloud Cruiser

  Cloud Cruiser is a vendor that offers cost-analtyics software for hybrid cloud and multi-cloud computing environments. The software helps customers monitor and control how much money they are spending on cloud deployments across heterogeneous IT ...Continue Reading

• DigitalOcean

  DigitalOcean is an Infrastructure as a Service provider for software developers.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Application development trends

  Big data, mobile apps and programming languages continually change. Do you know which application development trends are hot? Take this quiz and find out.Continue Reading

• CloudVelox

  CloudVelox is a software provider that offers migration and disaster recovery tools for cloud computing environments, including Amazon Web Services (AWS). CloudVelox's software is intended to minimize the manual processes typically required to ...Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge on pricing cloud apps

  Know the best choices when pricing cloud app solutions? Take this quiz and see how your answers compare to expert opinions.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing certifications to strive for in 2016

  As they kick off the new year, enterprises will have OpenStack, security and other cloud technologies on their minds. Be ready, and advance your career, with new cloud certifications.Continue Reading

• PaaS provider hinges on four factors

  Selecting a PaaS provider involves many steps. Learn the top four considerations when making this decision.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

• Test your multicloud deployment knowledge

  Businesses recognize that the apps and services it needs to function can no longer all run on one platform in a single location. Test your understanding of multicloud deployment.Continue Reading

• dynamic infrastructure

  Dynamic infrastructure refers to a collection of data center resources, such as compute, networking and storage, that can automatically provision and adjust itself as workload demands change.Continue Reading

• Implementing open source requires tough staffing, IT calls

  When building a business case for open source technology, organizations need to factor in how their IT staff and skillsets need to evolve.Continue Reading

• Optimize hybrid cloud environments with these five tips

  Hybrid clouds offer a range of benefits, causing more and more enterprises to climb on board. Follow these quick tips and join the hybrid crowd.Continue Reading

• Reduce hybrid cloud latency with these five tips

  With the right workload design and infrastructure changes, organizations can minimize latency and boost hybrid cloud performance.Continue Reading

• Rackspace Fanatical Support

  Rackspace Fanatical Support is Rackspace's customer service program, which provides support for customers using its managed hosting services and cloud platforms.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

• OpenStack Innovation Center

  The OpenStack Innovation Center is a research and development facility dedicated to the open source cloud platform OpenStack. Rackspace and Intel opened the center in September 2015.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

• A vendor cloud platform comparison guide

  Cloud platform development is the key to enhancing an organization's security, speed and performance. Get a cloud platform comparison here to better understand your options.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

• Crafting a cloud disaster recovery plan

  A cloud disaster recovery plan can protect your data and cut costs. Here's what to know before embarking on your cloud DR journey.Continue Reading

• What to know before migrating applications to the cloud

  From DevOps to DR, there's a lot to consider before migrating an app to the cloud. Cloud expert Robert Green explains what businesses should keep in mind.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

• Three issues that hinder cloud computing API performance

  APIs can be critical to a cloud application's success. But if poorly designed, they can also be a big headache for cloud providers, developers and users.Continue Reading

• Open source platform as a service doesn't always come easy

  Open source platform as a service can ease cloud app development and deployment. But it also poses these six challenges for developers and the business.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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