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• Cloud sprawl the death-knell of performance strategies

  Overprovisioning cloud services is a huge issue for maintaining high performance. This sprawl needs to be scaled back to keep costs and performance in line. Continue Reading

• Cloud performance strategy lives and dies by network monitoring

  Closely watching your private cloud network performance is important, but often overlooked. Finding the right monitoring tools can save you a lot of hassle. Continue Reading

• Target, Home Depot breach highlight need for cloud encryption

  Retail shoppers expect their card information is secure, but recent hacker attacks at Target and Home Depot proved otherwise. Is cloud encryption the best weapon for fending off hackers? Continue Reading

• Gambling on the public PaaS provider race

  When it comes to platform as a service, the usual suspects of Amazon, Microsoft and Google are at the top of the list -- but unique customer requirements complicate finding the best PaaS provider. Continue Reading

• Is it possible to block employees from public cloud access?

  Security concerns lead to organizations blacklisting some public cloud services as they would certain websites -- but not all blacklisting is increasing productivity. Continue Reading

• Solving CRM needs with iPaaS

  IPaaS helps eliminate customer relationship management concerns when integrating existing infrastructures to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Architecting IT for cloud integration platforms

  Enterprise architects need to take charge of cloud integration platforms for a smoother transition. This feature looks at several companies that have used different tools to achieve integration.Continue Reading

• Hype muddies waters around true hybrid cloud definition

  With all the hype around hybrid cloud, many companies say they're using the model when they're really just using both public and private cloud. What makes it a true hybrid cloud?Continue Reading

• Integrating applications across cloud boundaries

  Application integration can be broken into two layers. One is interfaces and addressing, the other is deployment and management practices. Get to the bottom of solutions for both.Continue Reading

• Enterprises overlook common cloud application migration snags

  Take it from the experts: Migrating an application to the cloud doesn't have to be as hard as it seems. But that doesn't mean you can jump in without proper planning and forethought.Continue Reading

• Apache Sqoop a crucial link for big data analytics in the cloud

  Hadoop is becoming the popular enterprise choice for big data analytics, but getting your data there isn't so simple. Apache Sqoop is stepping in to help bring the vital data from your database to Hadoop.Continue Reading

• Botnets creating security bugaboos for cloud users

  Botnets can impact any cloud user, but most are unaware of the security nightmare's existence. Understanding and minimizing the opportunities for attacks can keep you from becoming an unwitting accomplice.Continue Reading

• Application monitoring tools put Google Cloud under the microscope

  Public cloud has plenty of benefits, but it can be difficult to manage. Monitoring tools can ease the burden on cloud admins and keep your cloud under watch.Continue Reading

• Mission-critical workloads not always cloud cost budget-buster

  Controlling mission-critical application costs starts with knowing the expenses. With app resource requirements subject to change, knowing the numbers for monthly expenses can prevent budgeting bugaboos.Continue Reading

• Smoothing over a cloud provider breakup for a critical application

  'It's not you, it's me' doesn't apply to breakups with cloud providers. Regulations and better opportunities can cause the split, but knowing how to ensure the well-being of mission-critical workloads in a migration is key.Continue Reading

• Five steps to moving mission-critical applications to the cloud

  Some enterprises see migrating mission-critical apps to public cloud as an insurmountable obstacle. But, common sense precautions can smooth the transition of even the most crucial workloads.Continue Reading

• Strict monitoring keeps mission-critical apps out of trouble

  Mission-critical apps are bound to get into trouble if you take your eyes off of them. Being strict with performance monitoring can ensure the best availability and security for your vital applications.Continue Reading

• Can cloud providers' disaster recovery capabilities stand up to critical apps?

  When disaster strikes, you don't want to be left with regrets. Plan ahead, and make sure your cloud provider has sufficient DR plans in place -- especially for mission-critical apps.Continue Reading

• Three ways to bridge the gap between IaaS and PaaS

  Evolution from IaaS to PaaS seems like a no-brainer as the benefits of cloud platforms becomes clear. However, there's no one way to skin a cat, and finding the best path to PaaS means sifting through three possible options.Continue Reading

• Consider performance, time to improve cloud workflow

  Cloud computing can involve problems in the movement of information between application components, which can lead to degraded quality of experience. Architects should work on creating a concise cloud workflow.Continue Reading

• Enterprises gorging on excess cloud capacity

  Is it true that if you don't use it, you lose it? When it comes to the cloud, enterprises are buying excess capacity at lower prices. David Linthicum discusses whether the extra cloud capacity is being maximized.Continue Reading

• Assessing PaaS uses, the future of PaaS and PaaS security

  Read one expert's view on the future of PaaS, its current uses and relevant security considerations. With different versions of PaaS making names for themselves, some IT professionals are left wondering if there is still value in the parent model.Continue Reading

• Agile architecture a focal point of next IT revolution

  More organizations are moving toward cloud and becoming more technologically advanced. David Linthicum discusses Agile architecture and its potential impact on the enterprise.Continue Reading

• PaaS and SaaS focus on different aspects of development

  With so many "as a service" cloud products, it can be difficult to understand what they do. Chris Moyer breaks down the difference between PaaS and SaaS in this Ask the Expert answer.Continue Reading

• Cloud resources open the door for emerging economies

  Cloud computing is commonplace for First World nations, but has been pie in the sky for other countries. Cloud-based resources could present an opportunity for emerging economies to join the world market.Continue Reading

• A strong PaaS model lays the groundwork for SaaS development

  SaaS app development has the potential to continuously improve a development team's process. However, its success depends on the PaaS model that supports it.Continue Reading

• iPaaS vendors: 'Old and experienced' vs. 'born in the cloud'

  Software tester Amy Reichert reviews the top iPaaS vendors and offers advice on choosing between veteran companies and those born in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Network monitoring tools for when cloud monitoring falls short

  Cloud monitoring can collect a range of performance data, but a crucial piece of the puzzle, networking, often falls short. A third-party network monitoring tool is essential to keep your cloud running up to par.Continue Reading

• What architects need to know about cloud-based apps

  Cloud-specific apps are high revenue producers for companies. Here are several tips for understanding exclusively cloud-based apps.Continue Reading

• Lock down private cloud security with strict procedures, tools

  Despite opinions to the contrary, private cloud isn't secure just because it's private. Private cloud security requires a well-thought-out plan and frequent checks to avoid a disaster.Continue Reading

• Using cloud brokerage to ease the transition to the cloud

  Cloud expert Tom Nolle explains how cloud brokerage can be used to simplify a company's transition to the cloud.Continue Reading

• SaaS application development on PaaS: 5 steps to reduce risk

  Developers need only follow these five steps to mitigate the risks of SaaS application development.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

• Managed services separate Rackspace cloud from other vendors

  Despite Rackspace's uncertain future, its cloud continues to be a force in the market, from its OpenStack initiative down to its managed cloud support.Continue Reading

• Workflow analysis key to successful cloud integration

  To create a successful cloud integration strategy, architects first need to get serious about workflow analysis.Continue Reading

• Netflix model citizen for creating highly available cloud apps

  The first rule about building highly available cloud apps is: You do not think of apps; you think of services. But that's only the first rule.Continue Reading

• Attain magical five nines availability for cloud applications

  Every company seeks the magical five nines -- or 99.999% availability. If major providers can't promise it, how can you get it?Continue Reading

• Workarounds fit the bill for VMware-AWS integration

  Despite AWS' attempts with its management portal for vCenter, integration between the two still remains rocky. Enter: third-party workarounds.Continue Reading

• Smaller cloud success stories found in shadows of Netflix, Facebook

  When asked about cloud success stories, most IT pros point to Netflix. But daily cloud wins from smaller companies may mean more in the long term.Continue Reading

• U.S. cloud privacy fears inspire international market

  After the NSA spying scandal, global enterprises are reluctant to put their data in U.S. clouds -- helping to spark a cottage industry overseas.Continue Reading

• Amazon elusive on cloud data sovereignty

  Amazon may be the king of the cloud world, but some customers find its data sovereignty assurances clear as mud.Continue Reading

• Confusing, varied safe harbor laws trip up international clouds

  The dream of cloud resources that transcend geographic borders seems likely to remain just that -- a dream.Continue Reading

• A CAMP-centric approach to cloud application management

  Tom Nolle offers assessment strategies to determine CAMP's potential in a cloud application management project.Continue Reading

• When planning private cloud APM, audit resource usage

  APM for the private cloud can be enhanced by plotting resource usage and conserving resources.Continue Reading

• Types of cloud application integration

  Learn about strategies and vendors if your company is looking to cloud application integration.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing applications force attitude adjustment in the enterprise

  With companies everywhere still grappling with the bring-your-own-device phenomenon, industry observers are pointing to fast-growing "bring your own cloud" as the real trend to watch. Employees are increasingly bringing their own cloud apps to work,...Continue Reading

• A practical guide to app deployment with CAM tools

  Cloud expert Tom Nolle shares strategies for aligning a company’s cloud plans with the right CAM tools.Continue Reading

• Sidestep problems, be your own cloud SLA watchdog

  A service-level agreement is a vital piece to your cloud puzzle, so understanding what to expect is paramount. What goes into a typical cloud SLA?Continue Reading

• Cloud integration tools relieve the latest deployment challenges

  Accommodating cloud integration tools within cloud deployment is a complex but necessary undertaking. Tom Nolle explains why.Continue Reading

• OpenStack talk of open source town, but is it hype?

  OpenStack garnered a lot of hype over the past four years, and many companies got behind the open source platform. Has it met the high expectations?Continue Reading

• The security impact of moving public key infrastructure to public cloud

  Moving security controls like public key infrastructure to the cloud can save money, but is cloud security strong enough to handle it?Continue Reading

• Niche providers make a splash in the cloud computing market

  With big fish such as Amazon and Google stealing cloud computing market share, lesser-known providers must make a splash to get noticed.Continue Reading

• Cloud value proposition heightened with proper cost controls

  Public cloud marketing hype promises cost savings, but your budget can easily be destroyed without mitigating cloud's unpredictable costs.Continue Reading

• Companies undeterred by their cloud data security woes

  Many companies say they don't trust their data to cloud security, but that doesn't mean they aren't adopting public cloud.Continue Reading

• Provider-user teamwork key in cloud compliance

  Cloud standards and compliance are hard to keep track of, particularly because they keep changing. But experts have advice for how to stay ahead.Continue Reading

• True cloud value goes beyond basic ROI

  Finding the true value of a cloud project isn't as simple as CapEx vs. OpEx -- instead, you must look at your business’ particular problems.Continue Reading

• Consumption model makes or breaks cloud migration

  A public cloud is supposed to bring cost savings to the enterprise, but a private cloud build may be cheaper, depending on your consumption model.Continue Reading

• Seven ways to keep your cloud storage costs under budget

  Cloud storage can be an effective place to house your data, but keeping it cost-efficient means putting in some work up front.Continue Reading

• Beyond workarounds: How cloud beats BPM project obstacles

  See how one company used the cloud to boost their BPM project and open their workflow.Continue Reading

• Breaking down what's in your cloud SLA

  A cloud SLA can be scary. Filled with governance, security and uptime clauses, it's a lot to handle. Taking it step by step can make it less daunting.Continue Reading

• Making cloud-to-cloud integration strategy, tools decisions

  Cloud expert Jeff Kaplan delivers in-depth advice on cloud-to-cloud integration, as well as tool and services selection criteria.Continue Reading

• Shrouded costs could be death knell of traditional IT

  As SaaS and IaaS offer services for pricing transparency in monthly bills, shrouded costs may be the death of traditional IT.Continue Reading

• Architects revisit first cloud projects' problems, wins

  Enterprise architects offer advice on cloud provisioning, getting user buy-in, best practices in a cloud pilot program, and more.Continue Reading

• SaaS vendor evals make, break cloud app integration projects

  Jeff Kaplan, consultant at THINKstrategies, offers advice on how to master cloud app integration challenges.Continue Reading

• Widening cloud computing market overshadows SAP, embraces Docker

  While traditional enterprise software providers feel the pinch of cloud services in the market, other companies are capitalizing on the technology.Continue Reading

• Maintain cloud computing compliance in the enterprise -- or else

  Cloud compliance is a moving target, so enterprise IT must be diligent to stay on top of changing requirements and regulations to avoid sanctions.Continue Reading

• Storytelling software maker avoids cloud computing vendor lock-in

  Cloud computing vendor lock-in can be burdensome and expensive. See how Cloudbook managed around it by running MySQL in multiple global data centers.Continue Reading

• Untangle cloud billing knots across multiple providers

  Tracking your spending while using multiple cloud accounts can be a budgeting nightmare, but services are available to simplify the process.Continue Reading

• Master cloud BPM without bloopers: Dos, don'ts

  BPM expert Steve Weissman explains why cloud BPM is not a cure-all solution for business processes.Continue Reading

• Managing Azure development with more than just native tools

  Sound development practices may not change much across platforms, but with Windows Azure, there are a few tricks to the trade.Continue Reading

• Stripping down enterprise IT to the naked cloud

  A 'naked cloud' takes a minimalist approach to cloud computing, but is it right for enterprises?Continue Reading

• Make your enterprise invaluable to an IaaS provider

  When it comes to choosing an IaaS provider, don't be enticed by price drops. Your choice should be focused on partnering ability, not the lowest cost.Continue Reading

• Get comfortable designing cloud apps in Red Hat OpenShift

  OpenShift will make cloud developers using Git and Jenkins feel right at home. But for others, there are a few things to know.Continue Reading

• Avoid hidden cloud computing costs: Do the research

  Expert George Lawton offers advice on how to avoid hidden cloud computing costs that could do long-term damage.Continue Reading

• Seven deadly DevOps strategy sins and how to avoid them

  Like all transformational ideas, DevOps requires a real investment. Don't fall prey to these seven common failures.Continue Reading

• Letter from the SearchCloudComputing editor

  With the new SearchAWS site coming, Site Editor Caitlin White expresses her views on the future of SearchCloudComputing.Continue Reading

• Cloud-first initiatives alleviate standards and compliance pain points

  Don't just stick to test and dev. There are plenty of good reasons to put production workloads in the public cloud.Continue Reading

• New cloud service uses big data sources to improve emergency response

  A new cloud service from Swan Island Networks allows cities to tie information together from multiple big data sources to improve emergency response.Continue Reading

• A better SLA: Get a cloud contract that meets compliance requirements

  Businesses need a strong SLA for a cloud solution that satisfies compliance needs. Want a solid cloud contract? Start by asking the right questions.Continue Reading

• Designing a long-term cloud application integration strategy

  Though application integration is old hat for IT pros, when you add cloud, you can't just rely on strategies that have worked in the past.Continue Reading

• Bring your own cloud: The movement companies can't and shouldn't stop

  'Bring your own cloud' practices are on the climb. Tom Nolle explains how companies can apply governance practices to protect themselves.Continue Reading

• Startups find the public cloud value sweet spot

  Public cloud may seem like a great way to get your startup off the ground for minimal upfront IT costs, but don't jump in blindly.Continue Reading

• Cloud portability success means packing your own chute

  Cloud portability -- moving from one cloud service provider to another -- isn't impossible; you just need to know how to land.Continue Reading

• DRaaS pricing lifts the burden of backup responsibilities

  Disaster recovery in the cloud means even the little guys can have an affordable DR plan.Continue Reading

• To avoid cloud risk concerns, seek specific answers from providers

  In this Q&A, Adam Simpson, CEO of Easy Office Phone, discusses current cloud risk concerns and security concerns.Continue Reading

• Cloud culture shock may impede IT business value

  While culture shock in the cloud is a common problem, it can -- and should -- be overcome for IT to deliver the most business value.Continue Reading

• Public cloud users, providers missing core strategy of culture-first

  In a cloud market where users are still getting the technology right, focusing on company culture is low on the list -- but that is a mistake.Continue Reading

• IBM's Watson supercomputer gives developers access to cognitive cloud

  IBM makes the Watson supercomputer available to developers and brings the cognitive cloud to Internet applications.Continue Reading

• For successful hybrid cloud application development, know the mission

  Tom Nolle explains the importance of developing a hybrid cloud application with a clear mission and full awareness of technical requirements.Continue Reading

• Migrating to Office 365 requires planning, pilot-testing

  Contributor Tom Nolle explains why companies migrating to Office 365 need to plan, pilot-test and verify at every step.Continue Reading

• RTO, RPO metrics find the true value of a cloud DR strategy

  IT pros are intrigued by cloud DR’s shortened recovery, but companies should really be looking at RTO and RPO metrics for cloud DR’s true value.Continue Reading

• Climbing out of an AWS EC2 cost sinkhole

  Building a cloud without considering the future can be costly. Hybrid clouds or moving off a provider are ways to stem financial bleeding.Continue Reading

• Stampede to cloud presents data integration problems

  Alan Earls explains why the rapid adoption of the cloud is creating data integration problems, and what to do about it.Continue Reading

• Eclipse Scout: Open source framework offers enterprise cloud support

  Three Eclipse Scout experts offer advice to business application developers, providing strategies and practices for making the leap to cloud services.Continue Reading

• RTO, RPO metrics find the true value of a cloud DR strategy

  Continue Reading

• Manage change upfront to overcome user resistance to IT initiatives

  Consultant Steve Weissman offers expert advice on how to manage change and win user support for critical technology projects.Continue Reading

• New CTO previews VMware hybrid cloud strategy beyond DRaaS

  VMware's vCloud Hybrid Service ramps up with more to come, as the company seeks to integrate private and public clouds for enterprise workloads.Continue Reading

• FAQ: Use smart process apps to boost process-management benefits

  Associate site editor Caroline de Lacvivier answers frequently asked questions about using smart process apps for business process management.Continue Reading

• Platform services could signal cloud strategy shift

  As IaaS spending is still lackluster in the enterprise, is the cloud market ready for a strategy shift toward platform services?Continue Reading

• Mobile BPM: Business processes should not depend on devices

  BPM consultant Steve Weissman explains why mobile BPM should enhance workflows, but should never define them.Continue Reading