Tips

Tips

• Use cloud efficiently in a predictive analytics project

  Learn how using cloud computing for a predictive analytics project can help with streamlining workflow, application scaling and deployment. Expert Tom Nolle explains.  Continue Reading

• Compare two types of cloud automation and orchestration tools

  There are two camps of tools for automation and orchestration in cloud: provider-native and third-party. To pick the right one, know your future needs, especially for multi-cloud.  Continue Reading

• Learn the basics of Azure Container Instances

  The popularity of containers continues to prompt major cloud providers to offer new services. See how Azure's most recent release -- Container Instances -- aims to ease deployment.  Continue Reading

• A look at digital transformation tools and strategies

  An expert looks at tools and techniques, like containers, microservices and ChatOps, that can help enable digital transformation by overcoming roadblocks that make the move challenging.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud security challenges remain tough to overcome

  While hybrid cloud continues to offer significant benefits to the enterprise, it also demands a cohesive security strategy that bridges on-prem and cloud-based systems.  Continue Reading

• Master Azure subscriptions with these key concepts and terms

  Azure's subscription structure lets admins break out responsibility for billing and resource management. But first, they need to know concepts such as accounts and departments.  Continue Reading

• Map the best Azure VM sizes and types to your cloud workloads

  When it's time to choose a cloud instance type, one size definitely does not fit all. Determine which cloud workloads run best on which Azure VM types and sizes.  Continue Reading

• Maximize the benefits of containers in multicloud

  Containers offer a number of benefits over VMs but still present challenges. Learn how containers can fulfill, but also fall short on, the promise of multicloud app portability.  Continue Reading

• Fortify a hybrid cloud network with these connectivity types

  The network has grown in importance as enterprises move more data to the cloud. While latency is an ongoing challenge -- especially in hybrid cloud -- two connectivity types can help.  Continue Reading

• Build and test a cloud-based disaster recovery plan

  A disaster recovery plan is essential to protect critical workloads in the cloud, but unless you perform regular and extensive tests, that plan might let you down.  Continue Reading

• Three new Azure monitoring services to add to IT toolkits

  For some IT teams, the lines are blurry when it comes to the monitoring features of three new Azure tools. Learn when to use Azure Advisor, Monitor and Resource Health.  Continue Reading

• VMware vs. OpenStack debate takes a turn toward hybrid cloud

  As VMware's hybrid cloud strategy advances, OpenStack continues to build out a rich portfolio of services, which revives comparisons between the two platforms.  Continue Reading

• Cloud management platforms come with a catch for some admins

  A multicloud model creates new management challenges, and while third-party tools help, they can also introduce some new operational headaches of their own.  Continue Reading

• GCE committed use discounts offer perks for predictable workloads

  Google's committed use discounts cut cloud costs, but they aren't right for all workloads. Learn when to use them, potential risks and how they compare to AWS Reserved Instances.  Continue Reading

• How to conduct performance testing using VSTS and Microsoft Azure

  Performance testing using VSTS and Azure helps you collect critical data and know what to expect from your apps. Here's how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Consider new PaaS model for appmod, digital transformation

  A new PaaS model offers a wider range of OS and middleware choices. Developers need to understand how this model can support their appmod and digital transformation plans.  Continue Reading

• New tools aid cloud provisioning process, but issues remain

  Even with increased levels of automation, cloud provisioning gets complicated when multiple platforms are in use. A new wave of tools can help, but not necessarily out of the box.  Continue Reading

• OpenStack Foundation certification looks beyond vendor-specific skills

  The Certified OpenStack Administrator program aims to broaden IT pros' skills beyond vendor-specific knowledge. But what do employers covet more: certifications or experience?  Continue Reading

• Simplify OpenStack installation with Ansible playbooks

  OpenStack offers enterprises increased flexibility, but deployment is tough. Discover how Ansible playbooks can streamline installation and management of the open source platform.  Continue Reading

• Create a data governance plan for your PaaS efforts

  Data governance is something you cannot afford to ignore, and using a PaaS toolkit can make the process easier. Expert Tom Nolle explains why the first step is a pain.  Continue Reading

• Real-time vs. near-real-time analytics -- how to choose

  Data is king, but what happens when the data isn't truly real-time? Expert Tom Nolle explains the cloud platform choices when it comes to 'real-time' analytics.  Continue Reading

• Finding a digital transformation roadmap with containers

  Containers can help a company trying a digital transformation, but they're not without drawbacks. Expert Christopher Tozzi shares the right questions to ask.  Continue Reading

• Build a cloud provisioning portal your users actually want

  Cloud admins should ensure a self-service provisioning portal not only enforces policies but is simple for users to navigate -- otherwise, they leave the door open for shadow IT.  Continue Reading

• Set up Azure Multi-Factor Authentication for more secure cloud access

  Enterprises can never be too careful when it comes to security. Protect your Azure deployment with multiple verification methods and devices -- without putting a burden on users.  Continue Reading

• Compare cloud automation and orchestration processes

  IT shops aim to reduce manual management tasks, which is where cloud orchestration and automation comes in. Learn how these two technologies differ from, but also depend on, each other.  Continue Reading

• Choose the right Azure logging service for your monitoring needs

  Azure has two logging services -- Activity Log and Diagnostic Log – and both have distinct features, like the ability to monitor platform-level events versus guest OSes.  Continue Reading

• Manage containers in cloud computing to prevent sprawl, cut costs

  Too much of a good thing, including cloud containers, can cost you more in public cloud. Review three options to prevent container sprawl -- and the high price tag that comes with it.  Continue Reading

• Optimize a public cloud storage service with these performance tips

  Public cloud providers have a limited lineup of storage services, which makes optimization a challenge. Use these tips to boost performance and ensure your workloads run smoothly.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise identity management tools keep cloud hackers at bay

  Bringing new application types and integration points into the enterprise, cloud can complicate user identity management. So, how can you be sure your data is secure?  Continue Reading

• Learn the basics of PowerShell for Azure Functions

  Because of their familiarity with the scripting language, some Windows shops use PowerShell alongside Azure Functions. Here are some tips, and caveats, to note before you start.  Continue Reading

• API prices create cloud billing shock for some enterprises

  Cloud costs can sneak up on you, including charges for APIs in public cloud. Compare API prices for serverless options to prevent any surprises.  Continue Reading

• IBM Cloud Orchestrator smooths out differences across multiple clouds

  IBM's cloud management platform can be difficult to learn, but the benefits can outweigh the struggles in a multicloud environment.  Continue Reading

• Guarantee data consistency for hybrid cloud backup and disaster recovery

  For backup and disaster recovery to work successfully, data must be in sync. These tricks help IT teams ensure data consistency.  Continue Reading

• Ensure your serverless apps can scale with these deployment tips

  Scalability is a major goal for many IT shops, and serverless applications can help them achieve it. First, there are challenges, including load balancing, that they need to address.  Continue Reading

• Curb on-demand self-service risks with cloud inventory management

  Shadow IT can create compliance and security issues, as well as increase cloud costs. Take back control with these best practices for cloud inventory management.  Continue Reading

• Use Google KMS to control encryption keys in the cloud

  Google offers various encryption options for its public cloud, from default server-side to customer-supplied keys. Learn where its Key Management Service falls in that mix.  Continue Reading

• Why it's time to implement secure API best practices

  APIs are everywhere, and that's just one reason they're so difficult to keep secure. Expert Tom Nolle outlines a detailed, multipart security strategy.  Continue Reading

• Demand for cloud computing skills continues to outpace supply

  Despite growth in adoption, a cloud skills gap still exists. Now, firms hunt for candidates with more specialized skills related to public cloud and open source platforms.  Continue Reading

• Use Azure Container Registry to manage Docker images

  Azure has upped its container game with a registry to store and manage Docker images. Learn how it integrates with other Azure services, as well as steps to get started.  Continue Reading

• Justify the costs of multicloud for higher availability

  To keep users happy and ensure high availability, IT teams can implement a multicloud approach. First, though, they might need to sell the business on that strategy.  Continue Reading

• The state of upcoming cloud-based PaaS offerings in 2017

  The promise of platform as a service is strong but so is the competition. Here's a look at what the major players are offering in this increasingly key app dev area.  Continue Reading

• Build a continuous delivery pipeline with Azure App Service

  Enterprises often look to accelerate cloud app deployment, and continuous delivery can enable that. Learn how to build a delivery pipeline using Azure App Service.  Continue Reading

• Overcome common IP address issues during a cloud migration

  During a move to the cloud, many organizations overlook potential snags surrounding IP addresses. To start, know how cloud providers manage address assignment.  Continue Reading

• Using progressive web applications to improve the user experience

  Learn some of the tips that a cutting-edge web app developer learned from building progressive web apps. Expert George Lawton discusses how to implement this new style of app.  Continue Reading

• Assess the benefits and risks of compliance as a service

  With compliance as a service, organizations can lean more heavily on their cloud providers to ensure adherence with certain regulations -- but not without some risk.  Continue Reading

• Advance multicloud management with orchestration, cost optimization tools

  With the rise of multicloud computing, the focus for cloud admins shifts away from bits and bytes to orchestration, automation and more sophisticated cost management.  Continue Reading

• Avoid steep network integration costs in multicloud

  While a VPN is useful for multicloud networks, IT teams still need to be careful to avoid high traffic charges, as applications move from one provider to another.  Continue Reading

• Wrangle GCP, AWS cloud resources with Google Stackdriver

  Admins need monitoring tools to keep their fingers on the pulse of a public cloud deployment. Learn how Google Stackdriver stacks up to other tools and how it can apply to AWS as well.  Continue Reading

• Get the most out of your providers' cloud marketplaces

  Cloud providers have created online storefronts with third-party apps and services that users can tap into. But before getting started, understand the potential limitations.  Continue Reading

• Evolve vendor, cost management strategies for use with multiple clouds

  When you adopt multicloud, you align with multiple vendors -- and complications arise. Follow these steps to manage cloud provider negotiations, create polices and optimize costs.  Continue Reading

• Use Azure Managed Disks to simplify cloud storage management

  Unmanaged disks can pile on the complexity for cloud admins. Learn how Azure Managed Disks can simplify the cloud storage management process, improve availability and more.  Continue Reading

• How to reduce technical debt using enterprise architecture

  Find out how to reduce technical debt by mapping business and user requirements in an enterprise architecture. The results will cut the costs of finding and fixing software defects in production software.  Continue Reading

• Build a Kubernetes cluster on Azure Container Service

  A container orchestration tool, such as Kubernetes, is critical to manage containerized apps. Follow the steps below to get started with a Kubernetes cluster on Microsoft Azure.  Continue Reading

• SDN not yet an answer for hybrid cloud network bottlenecks

  While SDN has the potential to optimize enterprise networks for hybrid cloud, the technology -- and the ecosystem around it -- is still in its early days.  Continue Reading

• Optimize a hybrid cloud platform with storage as a service

  In hybrid cloud computing, where you store data has a major impact on overall performance. Learn how SaaS can solve hybrid cloud data management and latency issues.  Continue Reading

• Explore Google XPN for virtual private cloud networks

  Isolated networks strengthen cloud security, but sharing data can become a challenge. Learn how Google XPN enables multiple users or departments to share one virtual private cloud.  Continue Reading

• No-code/low-code project management best practices

  Before setting your no-code/low-code product into motion, you must prepare your organization. Expert Zach Flower discusses the importance of collaboration and communication.  Continue Reading

• Your cloud bill climbs due to these five overlooked costs

  AWS, Google and Azure offer tools that help users estimate cloud costs. But overlooked services, usage spikes and outages can cause actual cloud bills to far exceed those estimates.  Continue Reading

• Navigate blockchain services in the public cloud

  AWS, Azure and Google have entered the world of blockchain. See how this new technology could play a role in your business and learn the deployment challenges in public cloud.  Continue Reading

• Evolve your cloud cost management strategy for serverless computing

  Serverless computing can save enterprises money, but only for certain applications. Know your workload patterns, test processing times and use a cost calculator to stay on track.  Continue Reading

• Adopt a container orchestration engine for hybrid cloud management

  Hybrid cloud is the new go-to model for enterprises, but app portability is a top concern. Container engines can help solve that challenge with hybrid cloud orchestrations.  Continue Reading

• Tap into OpenStack container services for private, hybrid clouds

  OpenStack Magnum remains a key service for container deployment on the open source cloud platform. But new services, such as Kolla and Kuryr, also continue to mature.  Continue Reading

• The power of no-code/low-code platforms

  As developers are using no-code/low-code platforms more often, it makes sense that options are expanding. Expert Zachary Flower discusses the latest tools.  Continue Reading

• Misconceptions about applying ALM to cloud app development processes

  What's hampering your cloud ALM efforts? Find out how three ALM myths can affect cloud app development and management.  Continue Reading

• Techniques for optimizing microservice performance in the cloud

  Learn how to prevent bottlenecks, create efficient deployment and avoid security issues to ensure optimal microservice performance in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Avoid downtime during the cloud migration process

  During a public cloud migration, IT teams need to take a cautious, one-step-at-a-time approach to avoid hearing the dreaded phrase, 'the system is down.'  Continue Reading

• How serverless computing affects a cloud operations team

  Serverless architectures can cut costs and improve the user experience. But enterprises should prepare for how a serverless model changes day-to-day cloud operations.  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

• The best enterprise use cases for mobile backend as a service

  Mobile development is tricky and harder still when trying to integrate it with an enterprise platform. MBaaS has the potential to simplify things. Expert Tom Nolle explains.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Cloud engineering jobs demand mix of technical, business skills

  Cloud computing has become the norm for many enterprises -- and the IT job market reflects that. Learn what it takes to be a cloud engineer, and the skill set you need to succeed.  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

• Weigh virtual private cloud benefits for enterprise IT teams

  Many enterprises understand the benefits of public cloud, but would rather have them in a single-tenant environment. Here's how virtual private clouds help meet that need.  Continue Reading

• Build an effective API management system for multicloud

  APIs play a critical role in cloud, allowing apps and services to communicate with each other. But with multiple cloud providers in the mix, API management gets complicated.  Continue Reading

• Streamline cloud operations with Google automation tools

  Cloud admins can choose from a number of tools to drive automation in Google Cloud Platform. Learn how managed instance groups, Deployment Manager and other options stack up.  Continue Reading

• GPU cloud instances aid compute-intensive apps, but at a cost

  Public cloud providers increasingly offer GPU-based cloud services for compute-heavy applications, but organizations need the right skill sets -- and budget -- to deploy them.  Continue Reading

• Select the right cloud regions, availability zones to optimize costs

  Cloud computing can bring a multitude of unexpected costs. To stay within budget, evaluate the costs associated with regions and availability zones.  Continue Reading

• Choose cloud configuration management tools for multiple platforms

  The multicloud model presents unique configuration management challenges. When choosing a tool, enterprises should compare cloud native and third-party options carefully.  Continue Reading

• Combat OpenStack scalability issues with the latest Ocata release

  Scalability is a major benefit of the cloud, but enterprises have struggled to achieve the scale they need with OpenStack. A new Ocata release offers a few services to help.  Continue Reading

• Get the most from a serverless application in public cloud

  Serverless computing can cut application costs in the public cloud, but enterprises need the right set of skills to reap that and other benefits.  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

• What users can expect as cloud providers add new data centers

  As the price wars die down, cloud providers now target new land to expand their data center footprints. But will these new data centers impact users' workloads?  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

• Cloud computing startups help admins manage containers, hybrid IT

  As containers, open source and hybrid cloud move into the mainstream, tools to manage those technologies are in high demand. New companies have surfaced to respond to those needs.  Continue Reading

• Determine multicloud app placement based on these three factors

  For apps to perform optimally in multicloud, IT teams need to determine which public cloud platform will support them best. Use these three factors to help guide that decision.  Continue Reading

• Compare offline data migration services from AWS, Azure and Google

  Sending a storage disk to a cloud provider seems like an antiquated data-migration method, but it's a common choice. Here's how AWS, Azure and Google manage the process.  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

• Cheaper by the dozen: Uncover usage-based cloud discounts

  Enterprises constantly seek new ways to reduce cloud computing costs. Take time to review your instance types from AWS, Azure and Google to see if certain discounts apply.  Continue Reading

• Identify and reduce multicloud integration costs

  When using multiple cloud providers, application integration costs can grow quickly. To prevent billing surprises, carefully plan application deployments and workflows.  Continue Reading

• Using Azure Site Recovery for data and VM replication

  Data replication is a critical part of a disaster recovery plan, and the devil is in the details. Ease your plan with automation through Azure Site Recovery.  Continue Reading

• Five tips to overcome OpenStack management challenges

  Enterprises feel a sense of freedom with OpenStack, but management challenges can weigh them down. Use these tips to bolster your management strategy for the open source platform.  Continue Reading

• New on-premises cloud systems look to redefine hybrid cloud

  Hybrid cloud management continues to be a challenge for IT. Providers have stepped up to address those challenges with public cloud-like, on-premises systems -- but hurdles remain.  Continue Reading

• Three cloud computing skills to make your resume stand out in 2017

  As enterprises evolve their cloud strategies in 2017, expertise in vendor-specific services, containers and machine learning will pique the interest of IT hiring managers.  Continue Reading

• Unwrap containers-as-a-service challenges and best practices

  Despite the benefits of containers as a service, integration and security issues can plague a deployment. Pick the right provider and follow best practices to ease those troubles.  Continue Reading

• Get creative and use the cloud for faster software development

  From low-code/no-code to containers and microservices, expert Tom Nolle outlines how the cloud can dramatically shorten the software development process.  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

• Build cloud web services with microservices

  Building cloud web services with microservices provides benefits, such as scalability, and allows enterprise apps to access new features and tools. Follow these steps for success.  Continue Reading

• Breaking down the costs of cloud storage

  Storage is a primary reason enterprises move workloads to the cloud. But before shipping off your data, learn how region, capacity and other factors shape cloud storage costs.  Continue Reading

• The what, why and how of the TOSCA cloud standard

  As the acceptance of DevOps rises, the TOSCA standard has become a popular option for cloud application deployment. Here's a closer look at how it works.  Continue Reading