Cloud provider platforms and tools

When a business is ready to proceed with a cloud migration, it's prudent to consider which cloud provider platforms and tools meet business objectives and align with a staff’s skills. Hyperscale providers AWS, Azure and Google lead the market, offering ever-expanding portfolios of tools and services, but other providers deliver competitive offerings as well.

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Tip 26 Apr 2024
Troubleshooting 7 common errors in AWS CloudFormation

Errors can occur when an AWS developer builds a CloudFormation template, launches a stack or rolls back an update. Prevent and address common errors by following best practices. Continue Reading
Feature 22 Apr 2024
Explore CASB use cases before you decide to buy

CASB tools help secure cloud applications so only authorized users have access. Discover more about this rapidly evolving technology and its use cases. Continue Reading

Conference Coverage 22 Apr 2024

Red Hat Summit 2024 news and conference guide

Use this Red Hat Summit conference guide to stay up to date on current trends, emerging technologies and information from keynote speakers and industry experts. Continue Reading
Definition 15 Apr 2024

database as a service (DBaaS)

Database as a service (DBaaS) is a cloud computing managed service offering that provides access to a database without requiring the setup of physical hardware, the installation of software or the need to configure the database. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Apr 2024

Learn the basics of industry cloud platforms

Healthcare, finance and other specialized industries can ask a lot of cloud services. Find out more about industry cloud platforms, and compare tools from the major cloud providers. Continue Reading
Tip 05 Apr 2024

Compare ESG tools from AWS, Azure and Google Cloud

ESG standards are beginning to influence how large enterprises procure and consume cloud services. Take a closer look at the offerings from the biggest providers. Continue Reading
Definition 01 Apr 2024

warm site

A warm site is a type of facility an organization uses to recover its technology infrastructure when its primary data center goes down. A warm site features an equipped data center but no customer data. Continue Reading
Definition 28 Mar 2024

cloud management platform (CMP)

A cloud management platform (CMP) is a suite of integrated software tools that an enterprise can use to monitor and control cloud environments. Continue Reading
Tutorial 25 Mar 2024

How to Create an AWS Lambda Function with CloudFormation

Do you want to enhance automation, consistency, scalability and cost-effectiveness? Follow this step-by-step tutorial on how to create an AWS Lambda function using CloudFormation. Continue Reading
Opinion 22 Mar 2024

IBM focuses on platform-based plan for hybrid cloud and AI

For decades, pundits have suggested that IBM has lost relevance. IBM wasn't in trouble then, and it's not in trouble now. See how IBM's cloud focus provides great advantages. Continue Reading
Feature 15 Mar 2024

12 cloud storage and file-sharing services to consider

Cloud-based file-sharing services, such as the list of products here, enable organizations to collaborate with colleagues and clients all over the world. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Mar 2024

Top public cloud providers of 2024: A brief comparison

How do AWS, Microsoft and Google stack up against each other when it comes to regions, zones, interfaces, costs and SLAs? We break down the features of these cloud providers. Continue Reading
Tutorial 13 Mar 2024

How to monitor and deallocate Azure VMs to save money

Enterprises can save costs by deallocating Azure VMs during inactive periods. Teams can use log files and automation to monitor VM jobs and push deallocation when a job is complete. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Mar 2024

Understanding the basics of Windows 365 Government

Windows 365 Government isn't available to all Microsoft customers, but organizations such as governments and privileged contractors can benefit from this specialized offering. Continue Reading
Definition 11 Mar 2024

AWS CloudFormation (Amazon Web Services CloudFormation)

AWS CloudFormation is a free service that provides Amazon Web Services customers with the tools they need to create and manage the infrastructure a particular software application requires to run on AWS. Continue Reading
Definition 08 Mar 2024

Google App Engine

Google App Engine (GAE) is a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) product that enables web app developers and enterprises to build, deploy and host scalable, high-performance applications in Google's fully managed cloud environment without having to worry about infrastructure provisioning or management. Continue Reading
Definition 04 Mar 2024

cloud audit

A cloud audit is an assessment of a cloud computing environment and its services, based on a specific set of controls and best practices. Continue Reading
Definition 26 Feb 2024

containers as a service (CaaS)

Containers as a service (CaaS) is a cloud-based service that provides a secure environment for running containerized applications. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Feb 2024

Compare CompTIA Cloud+ vs Cloud Essentials+ certifications

CompTIA Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials cover various areas and target different career paths. Find out which certification is right for you and how to prepare. Continue Reading
News 22 Feb 2024

Intel Foundry launches as enterprise AI surges

If the trend continues, enterprises will need more AI chip suppliers to help stabilize prices and meet the demand for AI processing at the edge and the data center, experts said. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Feb 2024

AWS CloudFormation vs. Terraform: How to choose?

Once you decide that IaC is the best approach for your AWS environment, it is time to choose a tool. Assess your needs when it comes to stack management, failure and support. Continue Reading
Definition 20 Feb 2024

Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service)

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) is a managed database service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It makes it easy to set up and operate a scalable relational database in the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
Definition 15 Feb 2024

on-demand computing (ODC)

On-demand computing (ODC) is a delivery model in which computing resources are made available to the user as needed. Continue Reading
Definition 12 Feb 2024

Google Transfer Appliance

Google Transfer Appliance is a high-capacity storage server that enables enterprises to transport large volumes of data to Google Cloud Storage. Continue Reading
Definition 09 Feb 2024

OpenStack

OpenStack is a collection of open source software modules and tools that provides organizations with a framework to create and manage both public cloud and private cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
Tip 01 Feb 2024

Top 11 cloud certifications for 2024

Cloud certifications are available for all levels of cloud expertise. Use this guide to evaluate basic, topic-specific, high-level and vendor-neutral certifications. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Jan 2024

7 best practices for cloud storage migration

While some organizations are moving data back on site, cloud storage is still popular. A successful migration is important -- these best practices and third-party tools could help. Continue Reading
Definition 31 Jan 2024

cloud access security broker (CASB)

A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a software tool or service that sits between an organization's on-premises infrastructure and a cloud provider's infrastructure. Continue Reading
Answer 31 Jan 2024

Amazon ECS vs. Kubernetes: Which should you use on AWS?

Learn the basics about Amazon ECS and Kubernetes, as well as EKS and Fargate, before you choose an application architecture for your workloads on AWS. Continue Reading
Definition 31 Jan 2024

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a comprehensive, evolving cloud computing platform provided by Amazon. It includes a mixture of infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service and packaged software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Jan 2024

What you need to know about Microsoft Azure Spot VMs

The cost of spot prices can be a risk-and-reward kind of strategy. Better understand the risks that come with Azure Spot VMs so your enterprise can reap the rewards. Continue Reading
News 24 Jan 2024

Equinix data centers offer Nvidia AI infrastructure

Equinix data centers will offer Nvidia DGX as a managed service. The platform is also available on public cloud providers, AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
Feature 24 Jan 2024

Top 10 PaaS providers of 2024 and what they offer you

PaaS is a good option for developers who want control over application hosting and simplified app deployment, but not all PaaS tools offer the same feature set. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jan 2024

On premises vs. cloud pros and cons, key differences

Immersed in the 'should I stay or should I go' cloud migration debate? Before vacating the premises and moving 'up there,' ponder these advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
Definition 12 Jan 2024

What is hybrid cloud? The ultimate guide

A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment that uses a mix of on-premises, private cloud and third-party public cloud services with orchestration among these platforms. Continue Reading
Tip 10 Jan 2024

4 popular machine learning certificates to get in 2024

AWS, Google, IBM and Microsoft offer machine learning certifications that can further your career. Learn what to expect from each one, as well as skills and tips you should know. Continue Reading
Tip 05 Jan 2024

7 keys to an effective hybrid cloud migration strategy

Cloud readiness, storage costs, network lag and metrics can make or break the choice to move data, applications and workloads to today's more complex hybrid cloud environment. Continue Reading
Tip 04 Jan 2024

8 hybrid cloud security challenges and how to manage them

Hybrid cloud's benefits are many and varied but so are the security issues surrounding integration, compatibility, governance, compliance, APIs, visibility and responsibility. Continue Reading
Tip 02 Jan 2024

Pros and cons of 10 common hybrid cloud use cases

For businesses contemplating the advantages and disadvantages of their applications living in a distributed cloud infrastructure, take a cue from these hybrid cloud use cases. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Dec 2023

The future of hybrid cloud: What to expect in 2024 and beyond

For companies modernizing their business operations, hybrid cloud's embrace of AI, edge computing and integration promises unique levels of flexibility, security and control. Continue Reading
Feature 21 Dec 2023

Top enterprise hybrid cloud management tools to review

The techniques used to build hybrid cloud architectures have come a long way, but managing these environments long term is plenty more complex without the right software. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Dec 2023

Top 8 benefits of hybrid cloud for business

Why choose between public cloud and private systems when you can have both? With hybrid cloud, enterprises can address workload requirements, business demands and budgetary needs. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Dec 2023

Navigate the eviction policies for Azure Spot Virtual Machines

When things go right, Azure Spot VMs are a good investment to save money. However, users need a greater understanding of how eviction policies will affect their VMs. Continue Reading
Feature 12 Dec 2023

Multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud: The main difference

As businesses digitally transform across increasingly distributed environments, know the benefits, challenges, similarities and differences between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Dec 2023

Compare Azure Blueprints vs. Terraform

Azure Blueprints helps companies with strict compliance needs in Azure environments, while Terraform is a versatile tool that suits multi-cloud strategies. Evaluate the tools here. Continue Reading
Opinion 08 Dec 2023

Key cybersecurity takeaways from AWS re:Invent

Security was strongly emphasized throughout the AWS re:Invent user conference, with product updates to help companies secure data as they build apps and scale in the cloud. Continue Reading
Definition 07 Dec 2023

file synchronization (file sync)

File synchronization (file sync) is a method of keeping files that are stored in several different physical locations up to date. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Nov 2023

Compare AWS, Azure and Google Cloud IAM services

This comparison dives into the differences among cloud IAM services from AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Use it to evaluate features, resource hierarchy configuration and pricing. Continue Reading
News 15 Nov 2023

Microsoft launches custom AI, server chips for Azure

Maia is for AI inferencing, while the Arm-based Cobalt is for general-purpose computing. The chips could compete with AMD, Nvidia and Intel offerings eventually. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Nov 2023

Deploy ML on edge devices with SageMaker, IoT Greengrass

Amazon SageMaker, ONNX and AWS IoT Greengrass help deploy machine learning models to edge devices. Steps include component creation, recipe building and core device configuration. Continue Reading
Tutorial 14 Nov 2023

Optimize ML models with Amazon SageMaker Neo

Machine learning models that run inference tasks require optimized performance and monitoring. Amazon SageMaker Neo can be a helpful tool in the ML model release cycle. Continue Reading
Opinion 13 Nov 2023

Cloud experts weigh in with 2023 AWS re:Invent predictions

As AWS re:Invent 2023 approaches, our experts predict what announcements will come out of the AWS conference. Read up on this year's predictions ahead of the big day. Continue Reading
Conference Coverage 13 Nov 2023

A conference guide to AWS re:Invent 2023

Explore the latest news, product releases and technology updates, as well as analysis and expert advice, from AWS re:Invent 2023 through this regularly updated guide. Continue Reading
Opinion 09 Nov 2023

Red Hat Analyst Day vision focuses on AI and automation

Organizations are embracing modern distributed cloud environments. At its analyst day, Red Hat advised taking a platform approach to simplify operations and speed innovation. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Nov 2023

Compare Google Cloud Storage vs. Google Drive for enterprises

Explore the differences between Google Cloud Storage and Google Drive, such as storage type and space, to decide what's best for your enterprise, and consider their similarities. Continue Reading
Conference Coverage 07 Nov 2023

Microsoft Ignite 2023 conference coverage

Bookmark this guide and check back regularly to see all the news and analysis related to the latest innovations launching at this year's Microsoft Ignite show. Continue Reading
Tutorial 06 Nov 2023

Create a private endpoint to secure Azure Functions apps

Don't overlook security and leave your functions exposed. Learn how private endpoints can add an extra layer of protection for your Azure Function apps. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Oct 2023

Prep data for ML training with SageMaker Data Wrangler

Are you ready to wrangle some data? Follow this step-by-step tutorial, and learn how to load, analyze and transform data to train a ML model with Amazon SageMaker Data Wrangler. Continue Reading
News 30 Oct 2023

Data center power constraints send AI everywhere

Most experts agree there isn't enough unused electricity to perform future AI processing in hyperscale data centers and colocation facilities as GenAI demand soars. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Oct 2023

Introduction to Amazon SageMaker Edge Manager alternatives

Amazon SageMaker Edge Manager helps manage ML applications at the edge. But enterprises can evaluate tools such as ONNX and AWS IoT Greengrass to prepare for Edge Manager's sunset. Continue Reading
Opinion 19 Oct 2023

Cloud-native firewalls are the next step in network security

The network security challenges associated with cloud provider and virtual firewalls are leading to third parties introducing cloud-native firewalls. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Oct 2023

Compare Amazon CloudWatch vs. AWS CloudTrail

Amazon CloudWatch and AWS CloudTrail help cloud administrators view configuration history and set up predictive monitoring alerts. Here are the major differences between the tools. Continue Reading
Tutorial 10 Oct 2023

How to use Amazon SageMaker Canvas for accurate predictions

Amazon SageMaker Canvas is a useful machine learning tool for both technical and nontechnical professionals. This tutorial shows how to create data sets and train custom models. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Sep 2023

Secure service edge strengths drive SASE deployments

Enterprise Strategy Group's John Grady discusses the latest findings in his newly released report and why businesses won’t start a SASE initiative without first implementing SSE. Continue Reading
Feature 27 Sep 2023

A timeline and history of blockchain technology

Riding the back of volatile cryptocurrencies, blockchain's trek has been raucous since 2009, but the technology's roots are much deeper and applications much richer than Bitcoin. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Sep 2023

5 Azure Functions logging best practices

Implement these Azure Functions best practices to improve logging strategies, optimize application performance and ensure application strength and dependability. Continue Reading
Definition 26 Sep 2023

vertical SaaS (software as a service)

Vertical SaaS describes a type of software as a service solution created for a specific industry, such as retail, financial services, insurance, healthcare or manufacturing. Continue Reading
Definition 25 Sep 2023

digital platform

A digital platform is a web-based structural software package that speeds and eases transactions among users. Continue Reading
News 19 Sep 2023

Oracle databases in OCI now run on Microsoft Azure

A new partnership between two enterprise technology giants adds Oracle's hardware and software for Microsoft Azure customers, as former rivals unite to compete against AWS. Continue Reading
Tutorial 19 Sep 2023

Follow these 3 Azure Pipelines best practices

IT teams can better streamline workflows, enhance security and improve the developer experience by understanding these Azure Pipelines best practices. Continue Reading
Definition 18 Sep 2023

Salesforce DX

Salesforce DX, or SFDX, is a set of software development tools that lets developers build, test and ship many kinds of applications on the Salesforce Platform. Continue Reading
Tip 18 Sep 2023

Secure Azure Functions with these authentication methods

Securing Azure Functions is paramount to maintaining the integrity and reliability of your applications. Read over the methods, tools and best practices. Continue Reading
Tutorial 18 Sep 2023

Get started with this quick Amazon SageMaker Autopilot tutorial

Building machine learning models can be a daunting and complicated task. Learn how Amazon SageMaker Autopilot can help and how to start an Autopilot experiment. Continue Reading
Tip 14 Sep 2023

Compare Azure Bicep vs. ARM templates

Azure Bicep can be easier to use than ARM templates when deploying Azure resources. Learn how the languages compare and how Bicep can help automate deployment. Continue Reading
Opinion 14 Sep 2023

Google Cloud Next focuses on generative AI for security

Google discussed its vision for applying generative AI to cybersecurity at its Google Cloud Next conference in August, with announcements about new features and capabilities. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Sep 2023

How to develop a cloud backup ransomware protection strategy

Deploying cloud backups for ransomware protection has become a common security strategy. Here's how to properly vet cloud storage vendors to ensure backups stay secure. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Sep 2023

Get started with SageMaker JumpStart

SageMaker JumpStart is a tool for both beginner and experienced machine learning software developers. Learn how the tool simplifies and accelerates the learning process. Continue Reading
Answer 05 Sep 2023

What are 3 top Google Cloud Storage limitations?

While Google Cloud Storage has several limitations, these three are among the most prevalent -- but users have straightforward ways to get around them. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Aug 2023

Comparing AVD vs. VDI and how to start a migration plan

When organizations evaluate their existing business technologies, choosing a method to host and deliver virtual desktops is a critical decision. Find out how to make that decision. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Aug 2023

7 use cases for Google Cloud committed use discounts

Google offers discounted prices for VM instances in exchange for year commitments. Find out what discounts are available, when to use them and common use cases. Continue Reading
Tutorial 14 Aug 2023

An Azure Repos tutorial to build a container image

Azure Repos is a tool for IT teams working with repositories and code versions. Get to know the tool better, and see how to use it alongside pipelines to build a container image. Continue Reading
Feature 09 Aug 2023

A list of AWS networking services cloud users should know

AWS has cloud networking services for load balancing, traffic routing, content delivery and more. Learn which services and features work best with this overview. Continue Reading
Tutorial 31 Jul 2023

Get started with Kubernetes Cloud Controller Manager

Kubernetes Cloud Controller Manager is an optional tool used to manage cluster resources. Learn how it works, why you may want to use it and the basics for getting started. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Jul 2023

5 Google Cloud cost optimization best practices

Cost is always a top priority for enterprises. For those considering Google Cloud, or current users, discover these optimization best practices to gain better control of spending. Continue Reading
Definition 19 Jul 2023

cloud telephony (cloud calling)

Cloud telephony (cloud calling) is a type of unified communications as a service (UCaaS) that offers voice communication services through a third-party host. Continue Reading
Tutorial 12 Jul 2023

How to create and manage Amazon EBS snapshots via AWS CLI

EBS snapshots are an essential part of any data backup and recovery strategy in EC2-based deployments. Become familiar with how to create and manage them with the AWS CLI. Continue Reading
News 07 Jul 2023

Prices for cloud infrastructure soar 30%

Tough macroeconomic conditions as well as high average selling prices for cloud computing and storage servers have forced enterprises to spend less on private cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Jul 2023

Deploy a low-latency app with AWS Local Zones in 5 steps

Once you decide AWS Local Zones are right for your application, it's time for deployment. Follow along in this step-by-step video tutorial to get started. Continue Reading
Definition 30 Jun 2023

Microsoft Azure Functions

Azure Functions is a serverless computing service, hosted on the Microsoft Azure public cloud, that streamlines the development of systems and applications. Continue Reading
Opinion 29 Jun 2023

HPE bets big on public cloud offering for AI

HPE is entering the AI public cloud provider market -- but is it ready? Read more about its AI offerings for HPE GreenLake and what this move means for users. Continue Reading
News 26 Jun 2023

IBM aims to reduce cloud costs with $4.6B Apptio acquisition

Apptio fills FinOps holes in IBM Turbonomic, providing a tool to help organizations make IT budgeting decisions based on their business objectives. Continue Reading
News 20 Jun 2023

HPE GreenLake expands further into AWS, VMware clouds

Updates to GreenLake services and new partnerships allow customers to integrate more AWS and VMware public cloud workloads into HPE's private cloud. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jun 2023

Explore Red Hat's bring-your-own-subscription model for RHEL

Many organizations use pay-as-you-go models with public cloud providers to run their Red Hat products in the cloud. Explore how bring-your-own-subscription differs. Continue Reading
Opinion 19 Jun 2023

New AWS security tools, updates help IT protect cloud apps

AWS released a slew of updates to improve security as IT pros develop and deploy more enterprise applications via public cloud services. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Jun 2023

Reduce latency with the right AWS placement group

When prioritizing latency in AWS, evaluate the advantages and limitations of placement groups and how they fit the desired cloud architecture outcome for an application. Continue Reading
News 01 Jun 2023

Google interconnects with rival cloud providers

Video platform provider Pexip said Google's Cross-Cloud Interconnect reduced the cost of connecting Google Cloud with Microsoft Azure by eliminating other products. Continue Reading
Tip 25 May 2023

Prepare for the Azure Security Engineer Associate certification

Are you ready to boost your resume or further your cloud career path? Review this preparation guide to get ready for Exam AZ-500 to become Microsoft certified. Continue Reading
Tip 24 May 2023

Evaluate Google Anthos for Kubernetes management

Discover the benefits and drawbacks of the Google Anthos platform, and compare it to other options for managing Kubernetes deployments in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
Tutorial 22 May 2023

How to create an incremental snapshot in Azure

Incremental snapshots provide several advantages over full snapshots, including lower cost and faster backups. Learn how to create an incremental snapshot in Azure. Continue Reading
Definition 19 May 2023

vendor lock-in

Vendor lock-in is a situation in which a customer using a product or service cannot easily transition to a competitor's product or service. Continue Reading
Tutorial 17 May 2023

How to create a Google Cloud Spot VM

A Google Cloud Spot VM can help you take advantage of discounts, but you must be careful not to run certain apps on it. Learn more about Spot VMs and the process to create one. Continue Reading
News 11 May 2023

FTC examines competition in cloud computing

The Federal Trade Commission is examining the impact of a handful of big tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google providing a large portion of cloud services. Continue Reading