Tips

Tips

• 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

• IoT analytics should not be an afterthought

  IoT is driving huge data growth. Enterprise architects need to think about implementing an IoT analytics service for cloud applications in order to generate new business value.  Continue Reading

• Cloud apps benefit from identity management architecture

  Implementing a federated identity management architecture for cloud apps enables flexibility. Learn about the benefits of building a security tier that improves the user experience.  Continue Reading

• How internal IT can become a cloud services broker

  Evidence suggests that cloud projects are much more likely to fail without IT support. Expert Tom Nolle explains how organizations benefit when IT becomes a cloud services broker.  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

• Manage app deployments on multiple cloud computing platforms

  Using multiple cloud computing platforms may be ideal for everyone. The reason: No organization wants to have critical infrastructure solely dependent on a single vendor.  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

• Creepy cloud horror stories to keep IT up at night

  With Halloween creeping in, cloud expert David Linthicum shares three cloud computing horror stories -- and advice for not finding yourself in one.  Continue Reading

• Five things to know to land a cloud architect job

  Demand for cloud architects is growing in the enterprise, but competition for jobs is tough. Here are five questions to help you ace a cloud architect interview.  Continue Reading

• Lock down your cloud with a penetration testing plan

  Performing an end-to-end penetration test for public cloud is a must to prevent malicious attacks from both internal and external sources.  Continue Reading

• Jumping ship from VMware to OpenStack private cloud

  While some IT shops use both VMware and OpenStack for private cloud, others -- especially larger organizations -- are going all-in with the open source option.  Continue Reading

• Why a hybrid cloud platform serves modern app development well

  For many enterprise software development teams, adopting a hybrid cloud platform may be the best approach for entering the world of modern application development. Here is why.  Continue Reading

• DevOps teams offer relief for cloud migration headaches

  Given their knowledge of an organization's new and legacy apps, DevOps teams can streamline an application's move to the cloud.  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

• VMware NSX in AWS could fix hybrid cloud networking troubles

  VMware recently previewed NSX integration with AWS, in a move that could have big implications for vCloud Air users deploying hybrid cloud.  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

• Strategies for adopting continuous software development for cloud

  Management buy-in, along with the right mix of tools and staff, are critical to successfully implement continuous app development for cloud.  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

• Avoid the cloud computing SLA trap

  Service-level agreements for cloud computing will fail unless you approach the process like a small project. Expert Tom Nolle offers three steps for creating an effective cloud SLA.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based applications must deal with quirks of big data

  The veracity of big data processed by cloud-based applications is critical -- especially when the data isn't yours.  Continue Reading

• Embrace these cloud service-level agreement best practices

  SLAs help users know what to expect from their cloud provider. But they also present a number of headaches for the enterprise, according to legal experts.  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

• How to optimize dynamic hybrid cloud management

  When it comes to dynamic hybrid cloud management, full automation should be your goal. Cloud expert Tom Nolle offers advice to help you reach that objective.  Continue Reading

• Learn from Amazon, Google when you build a private cloud

  Private cloud planners can learn much from the public cloud examples of Amazon and Google, says expert Tom Nolle. Here are the lessons to learn.  Continue Reading

• Shadow IT risks heightened in hybrid cloud

  While shadow IT applications pose a security risk for every organization, they can especially cause a ruckus in hybrid cloud environments.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating OpenShift vs. Cloud Foundry for open source PaaS

  OpenShift and Cloud Foundry are two popular options for open source PaaS. Here's how to tell which one is right for your development needs.  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

• Using PaaS can lead to better cloud app security

  You may not be aware that PaaS provides strong cloud app security. Tom Nolle explains how to get the most from PaaS security.  Continue Reading

• How to assess the risks of cloud malware

  Hosting apps in the cloud does not necessarily create a cloud malware risk. By focusing on new interfaces a cloud migration creates, you can make the cloud as secure as your data center.  Continue Reading

• Is Spark the answer for cloud and big data apps?

  Spark is gaining corporate sponsorship at an astounding rate. If big data, cloud data and business data are to meet somewhere, Spark is likely that place.  Continue Reading

• Find your cloud computing and big data recipe for success

  Supporting big data and high-performance computing in the cloud introduces a number of challenges. Fortunately, larger VM instances and GPUs offer relief.  Continue Reading

• Explore open source cloud software in five quick links

  When dealing with open source cloud computing, there are many factors to consider, ranging from support to hidden costs. Make informed decisions with these five quick links.  Continue Reading

• Five challenges with open source cloud infrastructure tools

  Open source cloud infrastructure platforms like OpenStack offer many benefits to an enterprise -- but first, IT must clear these five adoption hurdles.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating a cloud computing SLA? Look at app workflows

  Cloud expert Tom Nolle gives advice on evaluating a cloud computing SLA, including common mistakes, app and hybrid cloud workflow issues, response-time SLAs and more.  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

• Developing and deploying cloud apps on GAE

  Expert Bill Claybrook breaks down the pros and cons of developing cloud apps in Google App Engine. Get a comparative analysis between AWS and GAE.  Continue Reading

• Tips for deploying cloud applications on GCE

  Cloud application developers should select an IaaS platform carefully. To aid your selection, here are pros and cons of deploying cloud applications on GCE.  Continue Reading

• How to detect cloud vendor lock-in before it's too late

  Many IT organizations unknowingly go "all in" with a single cloud provider. Here's how to make sure your cloud options stay open.  Continue Reading

• Four questions to ask cloud integration vendors

  When evaluating applications, know what you need from vendors, like API management or multi-tenant services, and what you don’t, like lock-in.  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

• Ten ways to control public cloud spending

  Public cloud services are popular but can come with unexpected costs. Follow these 10 steps to reduce your cloud spending and get more out of the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Cut costs with these four cloud optimization tricks

  To save money and boost performance in the cloud, follow these four cloud optimization tricks.  Continue Reading

• Be sure you have the right hypervisor in your cloud stack

  Understanding the three cloud stack hypervisor types and learning how to validate apps against the one you choose will help you know you've chosen the best hypervisor possible.  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

• Evaluating OpenStack vs. VMware for private cloud

  OpenStack and VMware are both viable options for hybrid and private cloud. So which one should your organization choose?  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

• Building a fluid cloud architecture

  Fluid cloud promises to enable greater cloud agility and a variety of use cases in enterprise applications and telecom services.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid security issues in cloud computing

  Allowing departments free range may create security issues for cloud computing within an entire enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Combine cloud and mobility for productivity holy grail

  While the cloud can save businesses big bucks, it also makes them more productive. And when combined with mobility, that productivity soars.  Continue Reading

• How to define hybrid cloud service-level agreements

  Defining hybrid cloud service-level agreements takes more forethought and planning than traditional SLAs. Here is what you should consider.  Continue Reading

• Fill security gaps with centralized cloud data encryption

  Most cloud providers offer data encryption services, but for some users, those services aren't enough to fully protect enterprise data in the cloud.  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

• Eight signs your private cloud project is doomed

  Despite their many benefits, private cloud deployments are fraught with potential risks. Here are eight mistakes many enterprises make in their private cloud projects.  Continue Reading