Tips

Tips

• Serverless showdown: Microsoft Azure Functions vs. AWS Lambda

  Serverless computing offers a way to more easily deploy and manage complex enterprise apps. Learn how options from AWS and Azure differ in terms of pricing, triggers and containers.  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

• Tips to right-size, not overprovision, public cloud capacity

  While enterprises want to be prepared in the cloud, they shouldn't have to pay for unused resources. Use these tips to right-size your cloud instances and avoid overprovisioning.  Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about securing microservices

  Microservices can make software development faster and easier. But they're also inherently insecure. Expert Christopher Tozzi offers step-by-step advice on how to safely use them.  Continue Reading

• Five open source cloud tools admins need to know

  Offering flexibility and minimal lock-in risk, open source cloud tools are gaining ground in the enterprise. Here's a look at five leading open source options for cloud deployment and management.  Continue Reading

• Infrastructure as code complicates hybrid, multiple cloud management

  With every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The same rule applies to IaC: While it's beneficial, it creates some problems.  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

• A DevOps implementation plan for better cloud apps projects

  Learn how DevOps tactics can improve and ease the pain of cloud application projects. Christine Parizo discusses how organizational groups need to come together for cloud apps.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate cloud log management tools from top providers

  Log management is just as critical in the cloud as it is in the data center. Evaluate log management tools for public cloud, such as AWS CloudWatch and Google Stackdriver.  Continue Reading

• Aiming for portable cloud? Containers might be the answer

  If portability is your goal in the cloud, there are options including virtual machines and containers. But which is the best? Expert Tom Nolle spells out the differences.  Continue Reading

• Control the costs of cloud storage with these five steps

  Your cloud storage could be costing you more than it should. Follow these five steps to identify and eliminate any unnecessary cloud storage fees.  Continue Reading

• Optimize your cloud bursting architecture through data duplication

  Cloud bursting gives you the capacity you need during peak times, but won't work unless you properly manage private and public cloud data. Duplication and other strategies can help.  Continue Reading

• Use infrastructure as code to simplify hybrid, multicloud management

  Multicloud deployments create new IT challenges. Consider infrastructure as code to streamline the app development and management process across multiple cloud platforms.  Continue Reading

• Is your SLA in cloud computing negotiable?

  While some are more flexible than others, not all SLAs are set in stone. Review your requirements with your cloud provider to see if there are areas you can negotiate.  Continue Reading

• Build a cloud redundancy strategy using multiple providers

  No cloud platform is perfect; there is always a risk of an outage or data loss. Consider a multicloud model to ensure redundancy and backup.  Continue Reading

• Create a PaaS model for application portability

  Some PaaS offerings have specialized features that limit users, and their apps, to a specific vendor. Consider containers and other technologies for increased PaaS flexibility.  Continue Reading

• Create a cloud DDoS protection plan

  Hackers don't just steal data; they can also crash applications with spam requests and traffic. Protect your cloud against DDoS attacks by employing these tools and techniques.  Continue Reading

• Tips and tools to manage Azure roles, access controls

  Azure Resource Manager has a complete, but complex, set of role-based access controls that let admins create policies to manage who can access Azure cloud services.  Continue Reading

• Multiple screen sizes create mobile app challenges

  In nine years, app downloads went from zero to 225 billion. Yet, multiple device types, screen sizes and operating systems still spark lingering mobile app challenges.  Continue Reading

• Cloud storage issues are more complicated than you think

  Your app might be happy in the cloud, but it's possible your storage might not be. Find out why 'noisy neighbors' can make cloud storage so tricky and what to do about it.  Continue Reading

• Multicloud app performance a moving target for IT pros

  The design of your applications could impact their performance in a multicloud environment. Avoid app performance challenges with these monitoring and management techniques.  Continue Reading

• PaaS, present and future: How containers evolve PaaS frameworks

  As PaaS capabilities expand to support new technologies, such as containers and microservices, IT teams and developers face new challenges around visibility, monitoring and more.  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

• Best practices for building apps with cloud computing tools

  To build better apps, developers should understand the nature of different cloud computing tools. It's essential to first evaluate these services. Expert Tom Nolle explains more.  Continue Reading

• Achieve better performance with cloud microservices and apps

  Cloud microservices can be powerful tools, but nothing is perfect. Users have reported performance issues, so how do you fix them? Tom Nolle has the answers.  Continue Reading

• A custom cloud instance lets admins get choosey

  Not satisfied with the standard instance types from your public cloud provider? Consider customizing your own to cut down on costs and unneeded resources.  Continue Reading

• Boost private cloud storage performance with SSDs, flash

  Sharing is great, but can do a number on private cloud storage performance. Consider new SSD and networking options to get the speed you need.  Continue Reading

• Expanded Azure licensing options give users more choice

  With expanded Azure licensing options from Microsoft, some enterprises moving workloads to the cloud won't have to repurchase software they already own.  Continue Reading

• Cloud performance monitoring tools eliminate IT's blind spot

  Using the public cloud doesn't mean you have to sacrifice visibility into app and workload performance. The right set of tools can give IT a fuller picture.  Continue Reading

• Four ways to streamline cloud access security broker adoption

  A cloud access security broker provides an extra layer of protection, but IT must choose the tool carefully to avoid weighing down cloud performance.  Continue Reading

• Expand your IaaS reach beyond hosted infrastructure

  Public cloud is more than just hosted IT infrastructure. Organizations should evaluate other useful cloud services, such as those for workflow and deployment management.  Continue Reading

• Bridge the VMware and AWS hybrid cloud gap

  Integration is a common challenge when deploying hybrid cloud -- and bridging VMware and AWS is no exception. Luckily, the right mix of tools can help.  Continue Reading

• Spot cloud security strategy flaws before it's too late

  From compliance to encryption, there are many boxes an organization needs check to ensure its public cloud is secure. Use this flow chart to kick start that critical process.  Continue Reading

• How Azure Stack aims to solve hybrid cloud challenges

  With Azure Stack, Microsoft looks to help enterprises bridge their private and public clouds. But it's still a work in progress.  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

• The AWS vs. Azure race isn't over yet

  AWS has been king of the public cloud mountain for years. But now, Azure is steadily climbing up, with a host of new services in tow.  Continue Reading

• Cloud cost management tips for working with multiple vendors

  Using more than one cloud has its benefits, but can also get expensive. To manage costs, examine your providers' data access charges, as well as your application design.  Continue Reading

• Compare AWS vs. Azure vs. Google big data services

  Big data services are an attractive cloud lure for enterprises. AWS, Azure and Google are fighting for number one, but who will come out on top?  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

• Implementing a tiered storage architecture with hybrid cloud

  By offering lower costs, higher performance and reduced data loss, hybrid cloud helps some organizations optimize their tiered storage systems.  Continue Reading

• Getting a grip on Azure Resource Manager and templates

  Azure Resource Manager is a critical tool for cloud admins that need to manage applications and services within Microsoft's growing public cloud.  Continue Reading

• White box servers turning tide back toward private cloud

  Offering an affordable alternative to most vendor-branded servers, white box systems could lure some enterprises out of the public cloud and back into private environments.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing taxes pose big questions for vendors, users

  As states develop different standards for taxing cloud computing services, uncertainties remain for cloud vendors and users alike.  Continue Reading

• Cloud access security brokers fill critical enterprise void

  Enterprises are adding cloud access security brokers to their tool chain to protect data as it moves between on-premises and cloud provider platforms.  Continue Reading

• Master the CloudOps model with four key steps

  To evolve IT operations for cloud, organizations must embrace automation and change the way they think about resource provisioning.  Continue Reading

• Application workflow is key to cloud management success

  To build a solid cloud management strategy, take a closer look at your application workflow and select the right mix of tools.  Continue Reading

• Prepare for these multicloud security snags

  The interoperability hurdles that still exist in multicloud environments can create new security headaches for enterprise IT teams.  Continue Reading

• Managing OS and middleware platforms in the cloud

  Getting operating systems and middleware tools to work together in the cloud can be overly complicated. Tom Nolle shares some tips.  Continue Reading

• Overcoming OpenStack hybrid cloud integration challenges

  Many IT pros still have a long wish list when it comes to building a hybrid cloud with OpenStack and public cloud providers like AWS.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft OMS offers new functionalities

  Microsoft OMS was released in 2015. Learn what new IT management features have been recently released.  Continue Reading

• HPC in the cloud role intensifies as compute demands grow

  As more big data and IoT applications find their way into the enterprise, high-performance computing in the cloud will become more mainstream.  Continue Reading

• SaaS technology still requires preparation

  SaaS technology may be convenient for many reasons, but there are still some considerations enterprises need to remember. Expert Kurt Marko explains.  Continue Reading

• Build an effective IoT model with microservices, cloud

  Organizations embracing the Internet of Things should consider using microservices and the cloud as a way to boost efficiency and minimize costs.  Continue Reading

• How hybrid cloud adoption impacts ALM

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

• Prepare for your next cloud security manager interview

  When interviewing for a cloud security manager position, candidates should be ready to talk about everything, from encryption technology to DevOps.  Continue Reading

• Hone your cloud computing skills for 2016 and beyond

  As cloud adoption continues to grow, many organizations are on the hunt for IT pros with cloud management, automation and architecture skills.  Continue Reading

• Consider costs when selecting a cloud deployment model

  Choosing a cloud deployment model is a multivariate problem, but cost differences between hybrid and all public can be important. Kurt Marko offers his take.  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

• SQL Server Azure IaaS vs. SQL Azure Database PaaS

  Learn the differences between SQL Server Azure IaaS and SQL Azure Database PaaS to figure out which would best support your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Prove the security of cloud computing in your organization

  Despite cloud's benefits, some enterprises still aren't convinced it's a secure IT option. Here are some tips to sway even the biggest cloud security skeptics.  Continue Reading

• How to choose between PaaS development and in-house app dev

  This tip compares the important factors when choosing between PaaS development and in-house app development.  Continue Reading

• Crafting an identity-based security strategy for cloud

  Identity and access management tools play a critical role in enterprise cloud security. But remember to carefully consider your requirements before jumping in.  Continue Reading

• Six questions cloud app developers should nail in an interview

  To wow potential employers, cloud app developers should prove in an interview that they're more than just code jockeys.  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

• Four cloud container tips to make your life easier

  Cloud containers aren't going away any time soon. To adopt and keep your containers running efficiently, follow these four tips.  Continue Reading

• Four keys to designing Docker applications

  Docker has become ubiquitous in container technology. Designing applications with portability in mind can help enterprises take advantage of all the container technology has to offer.  Continue Reading

• Navigating the OpenStack services maze

  While the range of OpenStack cloud services gives IT pros plenty of options, it can also lead to confusion -- especially in hybrid environments. Fortunately, a new tool called Project Navigator can help.  Continue Reading

• IaaS market consolidation a mixed bag for cloud users

  As the IaaS market continues to consolidate, cloud users will face new challenges and risks -- but it's not all bad news.  Continue Reading

• Hammering out a cloud API management strategy

  API management should be a priority for any organization using the cloud. And while challenging, there are management tools and strategies that can help.  Continue Reading

• Containers vs. VMs: Which should you use for cloud?

  Before going all in with containers, it's critical to understand how the technology differs from VMs in terms of private, public and hybrid cloud deployment.  Continue Reading

• Perfect your multicloud computing recipe with the right provider mix

  When choosing cloud providers for a multicloud deployment, it's not just about cost -- consider specialized features, along with management and integration options.  Continue Reading

• Multicloud computing demands careful planning, management

  When planning for a multicloud deployment, be sure to account for the various management and integration issues that can arise.  Continue Reading

• Abandon your old-school IT mind-set for cloud

  For successful cloud deployment, IT teams should move away from the traditional break/fix model, and adopt a cloud broker mind-set instead.  Continue Reading

• PaaS model and data center development: Differences and trends

  The PaaS model is bringing together cloud deployment and development. Learn how PaaS and data center development are similar and how they differ.  Continue Reading

• Determine if a multicloud strategy is right for you

  Sometimes, one cloud just isn't enough. Consider a multicloud strategy to more efficiently tackle your IT challenges.  Continue Reading

• Building a solid cloud governance model for 2016

  When building a cloud governance model, account not only for technical risks, such as a data center failure, but business risks, such as vendor lock-in, as well.  Continue Reading

• Overcome the most pressing OpenStack security challenges

  Despite the OpenStack community's recent efforts around security, OpenStack users still need to take steps of their own to secure the open source cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• Managing containers requires right mix of tools, IT skills

  Choosing the right tool is only the first step when building a container management strategy.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud management tools improve, but not perfect yet

  Cloud vendors continue to improve their hybrid cloud management tools, but there is still work to be done to give admins a true 'single pane of glass.'  Continue Reading

• Warning signs it's time to switch cloud providers

  Not all cloud providers and their users are a match made in heaven. Whether it's cost or security concerns, here are the most common red flags that it's time to switch cloud providers.  Continue Reading

• Build a cloud exit strategy in three steps

  For one reason or another, some enterprises need to move their applications out of the cloud. Here are three key steps to make sure your cloud exit goes smoothly.  Continue Reading

• Which OpenStack modules can help deploy containers?

  Organizations looking to deploy containers in OpenStack can use Magnum, Nova and other modules within the open source cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• Four private cloud costs IT pros often overlook

  While they offer many advantages to an enterprise, private clouds can also introduce new costs -- and they extend far beyond servers, storage and software.  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

• Microsoft Azure Site Recovery on guard for hybrid cloud battle

  With support for non-Windows workloads and mission-critical apps, Azure Site Recovery could give Microsoft's hybrid cloud strategy a boost in 2016.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Azure deployment methods

  Learn the differences between the classic Azure deployment and the newer Resource Manager deployment in this tip.  Continue Reading

• OpenStack automation evolving -- but not there yet

  While OpenStack tools such as Heat and Graffiti can help IT pros automate the open source platform, there's still work to be done in 2016.  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 the cloud complicates the data processing pipeline

  As apps move to a cloud infrastructure, it's difficult to answer key questions about data acquisition and placement. These guidelines will help you choose the best approach.  Continue Reading

• How to choose from cloud deployment models to fit your needs

  When it comes to deploying applications in the cloud, this expert believes companies should be moving to full-stack deployment and considering PaaS as new apps come into play.  Continue Reading

• Cloud spending doesn't need to be a guessing game

  Shadow IT and tough-to-navigate cloud computing bills make it difficult for organizations to get an accurate picture of cloud costs.  Continue Reading

• Microservices architectures increase cloud and app efficiency

  Microservices offer a number of advantages over traditional, monolithic applications. And when combined with cloud, those advantages are amplified.  Continue Reading

• Evolve your IT operations team for cloud success

  To succeed in the age of cloud, an IT operations team needs to change how it thinks about application deployment and IT resource planning.  Continue Reading

• Five cloud computing startups to watch heading into 2016

  Hoping to challenge the cloud status quo, new vendors are making moves in IaaS and SaaS. Here are five cloud startups that piqued analyst interest in 2015.  Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud deployment model acceptance soars

  Using a multi-cloud deployment model can help servers stay secure if used in consistent methods.  Continue Reading

• Piecing together a private cloud migration strategy

  Before giving IT the green light for a private cloud migration, organizations should take a good look at their existing data center environment.  Continue Reading

• Private cloud benefits don't always justify migration

  Since private cloud and virtualization can offer similar benefits, enterprises should carefully justify private cloud use before planning a migration.  Continue Reading

• How to implement a middleware governance process

  Having a middleware governance process is critical in industries like finance that need to navigate a host of government regulations and reporting requirements.  Continue Reading

• Play by the rules for private cloud automation

  Despite its name, private cloud automation doesn't come automatically. Instead, organizations need to carefully define cloud workflows and rule sets.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing APIs pose vendor lock-in risks

  Cloud APIs are playing an increasingly important role within many IT shops. But without proper governance, they're also a gateway to cloud vendor lock-in.  Continue Reading