Key Points:
- Today, IT pros tend to talk about moving to the cloud in the same way your doctor might talk about exercising and eating well: as something that's inherently good and beneficial.
- You shouldn't move the cloud just because everyone else is doing it, of course. Instead, you should understand which specific benefits it offers — and what you'll need to do to achieve those benefits — before committing to a cloud-centric strategy.
- The cloud is any type of IT architecture that involves the use of remote compute, memory, and storage resources. By most definitions, cloud computing dates to the late 1990s.
- That's when companies like Salesforce began making their software available using a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, making it possible to access applications without having to install and host them locally. Then, in the mid-2000s, companies such as Amazon began building infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) platforms that essentially allowed businesses to "rent" server capability over the internet.
- Cloud cost management and optimization is a complicated topic, but the fundamentals boil down to ensuring that you're not paying for cloud resources you don't need.
- To that end, this guide walks through the key benefits of the modern cloud, including both technical advantages (like greater reliability) and business advantages (like the potential to save money).
You already know that every day at ITPro Today is about helping IT Pros learn about, assess, and manage the acquisition of next-gen technology that drives business innovation.
That means original reporting from our team of journalists and unique commentary you won’t see anywhere else! But in case you missed them, here are some of our other must-read favorites from this week:
Maximize the Your Linux Container's Full Potential
Key Points:
- Containerization technology has transformed how we build and deploy software by bundling applications with their dependencies into lightweight, portable units.
- Tools like
Docker, Inc
and
Kubernetes
have streamlined the management and orchestration of containerized applications across cloud and on-premises infrastructures, making them a cornerstone of IT infrastructure.
- Unlike virtual machines, which each have a dedicated kernel, containers share the host’s kernel. This dependency on the host system means that any vulnerability in the container engine, runtime, or the host kernel can lead to privilege escalation and compromise.
- Securing containerized apps on Linux takes a multi-layered approach. You will need to focus on image management, network configuration, access controls, and keeping an eye on everything with continuous monitoring.
- This guide breaks down best practices for securing containerized apps on Linux, helping you reduce risks while getting the most out of containerization.
AI and Security Will be a Powerhouse Combo in 2025
Key Points:
- Organizations are betting big on technology for 2025, with artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity leading investment priorities despite ongoing economic pressures.
Spiceworks
' 2025 State of IT report reveals that nearly two-thirds of companies plan to increase their IT budgets, while only a tiny fraction expects cuts.
- "Over the last two years, AI has been perhaps the hottest buzzword in tech,"
Peter Tsai
, head of technology insights at Spiceworks, told ITPro Today. "With hyped business technologies, data can reveal if initial enthusiasm matches reality over time, and often it doesn't."
- Despite 46% of businesses expressing concerns about rising product costs, the commitment to technology investment remains strong. Organizations are prioritizing security, infrastructure updates, and strategic IT projects, with inflation driving budget increases in 45% of organizations — more than double the rate seen in 2022.
- One of the most striking revelations from the report highlights a significant disconnect between organizational layers regarding IT resource allocation.?While executive leadership maintains an optimistic view of technology spending, frontline IT staff express considerable concern about budget adequacy.
Navigating Post-COVID IT Hiring
Key Points:
- Since 2021, the IT workplace landscape has evolved dramatically, shaped by changes in workplace culture, technological advancements, and shifts in labor laws. The IT hiring market has also undergone substantial transformation in response to these industry-specific trends.
- In 2021 and 2022, hiring managers faced pressure to fill roles quickly, with companies aiming to avoid vacancies and rehiring costs. Skilled IT professionals were in high demand, allowing candidates to negotiate higher pay and remote work options.
- Technology is transforming IT training through automated recruitment, AI-powered onboarding, and upskilling programs. Companies are increasingly investing in learning and development platforms that offer on-demand technical training, reducing ramp-up time and promoting a culture of continuous learning — essential in the fast-evolving IT field.
- Organizations that embrace adaptability — both in terms of their work policies and their approach to recruiting and training — will be best positioned to attract and retain skilled IT professionals in this ever-evolving landscape.
Understanding Wallets vs. Passkeys
Key Points:
- When combined, wallets and passkeys elevate security, simplify user experiences, and prioritize privacy. The first step towards building the foundation for a more secure and seamless digital future is recognizing that these two technologies are complementary rather than competing solutions.?
- Identity wallets and passkeys represent two sides of the same coin, working together to strengthen identity management. While wallets securely store and manage verified credentials, passkeys streamline authentication with cryptographic assurance.
- Contrary to popular belief, identity wallets and passkeys are not alternatives but complementary technologies.
- Wallets establish trust by storing verified credentials, which can be reused across multiple applications. Passkeys enhance this system by enabling quick, secure authentication and safeguarding the wallet.
- However, their successful deployment demands strategic and detailed planning, strongly emphasizing collaboration among key stakeholders. CISOs and identity leaders who effectively navigate these challenges will set the stage for a more secure and low-friction digital future.
Dear Reader: A Note from the Editor-in-Chief
Informa TechTarget is accelerating growth by uniting Industry Dive, Informa Tech and TechTarget to form a leading B2B media company, delivering insights through 300+ journalists and comprehensive coverage across 30+ technology segments and 45+ industry verticals.
PowerShell Tutorial of the Week
This tutorial covers integrating PowerShell and WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) to create advanced graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It guides you through setting up a WPF XAML file, linking it with PowerShell scripts, and using this combination to enable Windows Inking, a feature for drawing or annotating directly within the GUI.?
[Root] Access: Column of the Week
If you need advice on IT issues, careers, or workplace concerns, [Root] Access is ITPro Today’s dedicated advice column.?Submit your questions here.?Please include “Root Access” in the subject line. Note that questions may be edited for publication.
Latest Major Tech Layoff Announcements
Original Story by Jessica C. Davis, Updated by Brandon Taylor
Key Points:
- As COVID drove everyone online, tech companies hired like crazy. Now we are hitting the COVID tech bust as tech giants shed jobs by the thousands.
- Updated December 5, 2024 with layoff announcements from Lightspeed Commerce, AlphaSense, Ola Electric and Headspace.
- Check back regularly for updates to InformationWeek's IT job layoffs tracker.
WATCH ON DEMAND!
"The Essential Guide to Cloud Management"
An archived LIVE virtual event from October 17:
In this archived keynote session, Hector Diaz, Member, Board of Directors - Data Center Institute, explores methods to achieve agile and affordable data protection in multi-cloud.
This segment was part of our live virtual event titled, “The Essential Guide to Cloud Management.” The event was presented by ITPro Today and InformationWeek on October 17, 2024.
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