Opinion

Opinion

• Prepare for cloud security and shared responsibility

  Organizations that move to the cloud must prepare to adapt their security playbooks. Learn how AWS' shared responsibility model complicates cloud security.  Continue Reading

• What the AWS and open source spat means for users and enterprises

  Explore the concerns at the center of the AWS vs. open source debate and how they play into a larger conflict between the open source community and public cloud providers.  Continue Reading

• AWS acquisitions continue with focus to build on core services

  Explore what AWS' recent IT purchases say about the cloud vendor's overall acquisition strategy and why it likes to make the smaller deals instead of any big splash.  Continue Reading

• AWS' blockchain approach takes divergent paths

  AWS was slow to embrace blockchain but now offers two approaches to the concept. Review the specs of Quantum Ledger Database and Amazon Managed Blockchain.  Continue Reading

• A look at the AWS hardware update that fuels its A1 instances

  In case you missed the reveal of AWS' A1 instance type at re:Invent, the updated hardware that underpins these VMs could have a major effect on your cloud workloads.  Continue Reading

• Third-party partners fill gaps in AWS' multi-cloud support

  Even if AWS lags behind Microsoft and Google on its public embrace of multi-cloud, there are tools and services available for users who want to go that route.  Continue Reading

• AWS cloud strategy gives nod to on-premises needs

  Amazon RDS on VMware signifies a major move on premises to compete with other cloud providers and appease customers. But how far will AWS go from its cloud-only roots?  Continue Reading

• Lambda support for OpenFaaS among wish-list items

  Lambda got a long-awaited upgrade with SQS support, but AWS has more work to do. Here are a few more integrations that could improve Lambda and expand its uses.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server deal portends problems with AWS BYOL approach

  A BYOL approach gives enterprises flexibility with their cloud vendors, but be sure to have an exit strategy in case any licensing agreements come to end.  Continue Reading

• AWS' managed cloud services lighten the load for IT

  AWS continues to find ways to move up the stack and ease the burden on IT. Take advantage of these services to improve productivity, and stop worrying about low-level maintenance.  Continue Reading

• AWS is still the go-to cloud for SMBs, despite viable alternatives

  AWS opened the door for the cloud among SMBs with its initial IaaS offering, while competition from Microsoft and Google continues to play catch-up in the marketplace.  Continue Reading

• Amazon Sumerian an experimental service with enterprise potential

  AWS' foray into virtual reality and 3D apps simplifies certain tasks for developers, but the vendor could struggle to find an audience among enterprise customers.  Continue Reading

• AWS' market share growth depends on enterprise focus

  While AWS remains the clear leader in the public IaaS market, the vendor's future success depends on how it addresses the more foundational needs of its enterprise customers.  Continue Reading

• Don't overestimate the benefits of serverless computing

  It's natural to be curious about new technologies, but the hype around serverless computing far outweighs its practical advantages.  Continue Reading

• Native, third-party tools boost interoperability in cloud

  AWS exposes APIs and provides container services for portability, but does it go far enough? Some IT pros still find themselves leaning on third-party tools to fill critical gaps.  Continue Reading

• Don't quit your day job to build smart-home applications

  Plenty of effort goes into the creation of Alexa skills and Google actions, but the market for those smart-home apps has yet to fully materialize for developers.  Continue Reading

• Compare AWS container services for your cloud needs

  Amazon EKS meets user demand for Kubernetes support on AWS, but ECS is still an intriguing option for some use cases. See which offering best fits your needs.  Continue Reading

• IaaS providers weigh new tech against core offerings

  Like its rivals, AWS continues to push itself up the stack -- and capture headlines in the process. But user demand still revolves around core infrastructure features.  Continue Reading

• AWS-VMware partnership remains a win-win -- for now

  When AWS and VMware partnered up, it opened new revenue streams for each company. But does the deal mark a one-off collaboration or a long-term team-up?  Continue Reading

• AWS' cloud strategy continues to court Global 2000 companies

  AWS has recently locked up several prominent enterprise customers, but IT teams should still carefully evaluate their cloud needs to make sure Amazon is a good fit.  Continue Reading

• AWS automation still missing pieces for expanded DevOps use

  While AWS has built an extensive portfolio of DevOps automation tools, there are still gaps to fill, particularly around continuous testing and third-party tool integration.  Continue Reading

• PaaS tools on shaky ground as Elastic Beanstalk evolves

  While serverless computing poses a threat to some PaaS offerings, AWS Elastic Beanstalk maintains developer interest, in part because of its integration with services like Lambda.  Continue Reading

• AWS partnerships push a hybrid cloud agenda

  What does AWS stand to gain from technology partnerships, particularly those with VMware and Red Hat? They pave the way for Amazon to become a major player in hybrid cloud.  Continue Reading

• Hone AWS skills with these training methods

  IT pros have an abundance of AWS training resources available to boost cloud know-how, but knowledge is no substitute for hands-on cloud experience.  Continue Reading

• Whole Foods acquisition stocks shelves for AWS developers

  Analysts have largely focused on the retail side of Amazon's $13.7 billion purchase of Whole Foods, but it could spark a change for AWS developers building retail applications.  Continue Reading

• Will AWS Snowmobile ride the slow lane to success?

  AWS literally drove its data migration service onto the market, rolling Snowball onto the stage at its annual conference. But Snowball's use doesn't meet hype -- at least not yet.  Continue Reading

• Questions linger about VMware on AWS partnership

  Is running VMware virtualization on top of AWS the best way to effectively manage workloads? That depends who you ask.  Continue Reading

• AWS free tier offers something for nothing on ephemeral workloads

  The AWS free tier of service holds real value for tire kickers, giving them a head start in the AWS cloud, albeit with some limited tooling.  Continue Reading

• Learn from past mistakes to avoid Amazon lock-in

  Oracle, IBM and Microsoft all generated past worries of vendor lock-in. That same concern exists with AWS. Don't let history repeat itself in your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Amazon acquisitions hone in on emerging tech

  AWS' acquisitions of NICE, Elemental Technologies and Cloud 9 hint at a pattern of small, service-focused buys. If AWS opens its wallet again, here's how it could spend.  Continue Reading

• Healthcare, HPC could be next areas for AWS growth

  AWS made an unexpected play into the gaming market with Amazon Lumberyard. And AWS' future successes could depend on other market expansions.  Continue Reading

• Docker usage rises, but high portability pointless for most

  Docker containers are a powerful and popular development option in the cloud. But, while many IT teams are turning to containers, few can fully take advantage of the technology.  Continue Reading

• Finding a place for virtual reality in AWS' future

  Virtual and augmented reality platforms demand higher levels of computer processing. Some skeptics doubt AWS can handle those workloads, but the tea leaves may read otherwise.  Continue Reading

• AWS re:Invent 2015 to focus on cloud management, security

  Capturing more attention than years past, AWS re:Invent 2015 could see a variety of new tools. Cloud users should keep an eye on the developments and consider adjustments to their services.  Continue Reading

• Docker on AWS: It's not you, it's me

  When AWS developers weren't feeling the love for Docker, they dug deeper and discovered that the container service wasn't the root of the problem.  Continue Reading

• Amazon earnings numbers show AWS success, IaaS growth

  Amazon finally broke out AWS numbers in its recent earnings report, quieting critics and proving it's a viable IaaS cloud provider for the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based DR a stepping stone into AWS

  Amazon's recent earnings report shows that AWS is a hot line item. Companies testing DR in AWS could help spur its enterprise acceptance.  Continue Reading

• AWS vs. VMware in Pentagon virtualization contract

  AWS called shenanigans on the renewal of a VMware virtualization license agreement at the Pentagon, pointing to the deal's anti-compete nature.  Continue Reading

• Cloud market size numbers don't add up

  Determining AWS's true value in the cloud market has been a bit of a guessing game, especially when cloud market size appears larger than it is.  Continue Reading

• It takes more than brute force to beat shadow IT

  Think you know how much cloud use is in your organization? Think again. Shadow IT is more common -- and harder to control -- than suspected.  Continue Reading

• Your hybrid cloud environment is a dog, but what kind?

  Hybrid clouds may look like the mutts of the cloud world, but that's not stopping enterprises from welcoming them into the data center.  Continue Reading

• Three important announcements from AWS re:Invent

  With all the new service announcements at re:Invent it’s difficult to choose the most important. Dave Linthicum reviews his top three in this piece.  Continue Reading

• AWS, Google Compute Engine or both?

  AWS and Google are noted leaders in cloud. While AWS stands out on some features, Google holds its own in others. That doesn't mean you have to choose between them.  Continue Reading

• Portrait of a maturing AWS startup

  Even a startup born in the cloud can quickly outgrow its surroundings. Recognizing the growing pains has its benefits, as one AWS user experienced.  Continue Reading

• AWS reInvent: Not just for hipsters anymore

  Amazon Web Services is catering to more than hipsters and Valley venture dudes, with a mix of enterprise IT-focused sessions at reInvent.  Continue Reading

• CIA invests in the AWS cloud despite security concerns

  Despite recurring cloud security breaches, the number of government agencies and private corporations moving to the cloud is higher than ever. Jeff Kaplan discusses the CIA's decision to move to, and invest in, the AWS cloud.  Continue Reading

• Experiments with hybrid clouds give life to Frankenclouds

  As more enterprises move to hybrid clouds -- usually combining AWS public cloud and on-premises VMware -- some IT shops are creating environments with two, three and even four cloud platforms. And they're even learning to love their Frankenclouds.  Continue Reading

• What Amazon won't say about AWS enterprise cloud

  Amazon is renowned for remaining off the record when it comes to telling its side of the cloud story. How does this evasiveness translate to the enterprise?  Continue Reading

• AWS opens door to a wider array of IoT applications

  Jeffrey Kaplan explains why the growth of the cloud and Internet of Things applications are tightly coupled.  Continue Reading

• AWS architects expect private cloud to live on, cite security, other risks

  AWS architects sound off on the pros and cons of the public cloud.  Continue Reading

• Are you being served with a single cloud provider?

  If your company is brazen enough to standardize on Amazon Web Services, you better be ready to hold it accountable.  Continue Reading

• What Amazon WorkSpaces really means for DaaS

  Amazon's existing customer base puts more weight behind Desktop as a Service, even though the technology in Amazon WorkSpaces isn't such a big deal.  Continue Reading

• AWS support finally meeting enterprise standards

  Enterprise advances now add to AWS support, price and overall functionality appeal.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise cloud services: Who's responsible?

  Learn why the question of who's responsible for specific areas of security in the cloud is still a common enterprise cloud service unknown.  Continue Reading