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.
Top Stories
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Answer
12 Aug 2024
10 must-have contact center skills for agents in 2024
Contact center agents must have a wide range of interpersonal and technological skills to interact with customers and resolve their issues in a timely and empathetic manner. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2024
10 best practices for contact center quality assurance
To ensure quality and results in the contact center, businesses must define clear metrics, use real-time analytics, seek customer feedback, upskill agents and automate everywhere. Continue Reading
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Report
09 Aug 2024
15 essential contact center features
Today's multifunctional contact centers must cut through the product hype and incorporate software features that meet customer demands for fast, seamless and personalized service. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2024
8 contact center metrics to improve agent performance and CX
These metrics measure and report on productivity and effectiveness at the contact center agent level to ensure performance aligns with the overall mission of the organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2024
7 contact center trends for 2024 and beyond
As contact centers trend toward becoming viable profit centers, AI's influence is at the core of conversational analytics, omnichannel communications and a mobile-first strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2024
How to improve the contact center experience for customers
Customers want their contact center interactions to be fast, seamless, tailored and personal in the form of mobile apps, self-service, improved IVR and knowledgeable human agents. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2024
Explore options for FinOps certifications and training
Receiving a FinOps certification helps individuals develop their cloud financial management skills. Discover training and certification options that can help your resume stand out. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2024
How to launch an EC2 instance using Terraform
With Terraform, developers can lean on familiar coding practices to provision the underlying resources for their applications. Follow these steps to use the IaC tool to create an Amazon EC2 instance. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2024
12 top contact center platforms of 2024
Which came first: the evolution of the contact center or the evolution of its supporting software? It's the old chicken-and-egg debate. Either way, AI is the catalyst. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2024
8 contact center challenges in 2024 and how to overcome them
Multifunctional contact centers must meet the expectations of savvy customers, hire and maintain qualified agents, monetize data, safeguard information and modernize operations. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2024
Google launches Distributed Cloud edge hardware
The hardware for highly regulated industries runs the Google Cloud infrastructure stack, data security services and the Vertex AI platform for running pretrained AI models. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2024
The pros and cons of sovereign clouds
The global distribution of cloud data centers raises serious concerns about regional data privacy laws. Can sovereign clouds help to ease those doubts? Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2024
Optimize Amazon Athena performance with these 5 tuning tips
Amazon Athena can provide an efficient, cost-effective method of data analysis. But did you properly optimize Athena performance to see these benefits? Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2024
8 benefits of a modern contact center
Contact centers and their multifunctional capabilities can provide businesses with a competitive edge through improved agent performance, customer engagement and brand loyalty. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2024
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
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News
27 Jun 2024
Google targets GenAI accuracy, speed, size, efficiency
The tech giant advances again in the generative AI competition that has rocked the tech industry over the last two years, with key updates to its Gemini and Imagen models. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jun 2024
quantum computing
Quantum computing is an area of computer science focused on the development of computers based on the principles of quantum theory. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2024
Broadcom faces challenges with latest VMware releases
CIOs are taking a hard look at the VMware portfolio as the number of alternatives rises in the hybrid cloud infrastructure market. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2024
HPE GreenLake adds GenAI capabilities as on-premises PaaS
HPE GreenLake debuts a new PaaS offering for enterprise GenAI development, co-created with Nvidia. HPE also updated OpsRamp and server hardware refreshes for AI workloads. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2024
HPE to offer KVM virtualization for GreenLake private cloud
HPE debuts its virtualization capability for HPE Private Cloud later this year as an integrated GreenLake alternative to third-party vendors such as VMware, Nutanix or Red Hat. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 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
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Answer
23 May 2024
Compare Amazon Redshift, Athena and EMR for data analysis
Trying to decide among Amazon EMR, Amazon Redshift and Amazon Athena? Check out this overview of capabilities and use cases to help narrow down your choice. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
20 May 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
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Feature
16 May 2024
12 core Azure networking services you need to know
Network connectivity can make or break a cloud deployment. Discover the basics of Azure network services with this list of key offerings and terms. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
Matt Garman to replace Adam Selipsky as AWS CEO
Matt Garman will become the new CEO at AWS. He will replace Adam Selipsky, a tech veteran who came to the role when current Amazon CEO Andy Jassy took over for Jeff Bezos. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 May 2024
A guide to AWS storage cost
Amazon S3, FSx, Elastic File System and Elastic Block Store have different price structures, but data use remains the top factor in determining the cost of cloud storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2024
Compare Azure Government vs. commercial cloud offering
Microsoft's Azure Government and global cloud offerings serve different customers and have different compliance requirements. See how they compare to make the right choice. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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