Amazing DevOps hacks to try right now!#

The tools, techniques, and culture connected with DevOps have significantly grown over the years, allowing this unique niche of professionals to be directed and supported by the correct attitude and technology.

Here are some DevOps hacks that might assist you in ensuring a good start.

#1 YAML may make frontend development easier.#

YAML (Yet Another Markup Language) has become the de facto language for declarative-based automation. We widely use it in DevOps and development work for various frontend setups, automation, and more.

Learning YAML (or improving your YAML abilities) makes it simpler to store configurations for your apps, such as settings, in a simple-to-write and read language. As a result, you're likely to encounter YAML files in places ranging from business development workflows to open-source projects, and yes, you'll find plenty of YAML files on GitHub.

Whether you can use YAML directly for your day-to-day Dev processes or use various YAML tools, there are some significant advantages to getting started with this language—or honing your YAML abilities.

#2 Several DevOps tools to keep you going quickly#

DevOps tools are a technology that makes it simpler to build, test, host, and deploy software while also alleviating concerns about unexpected failures.

Here are three "DevOps tools" that can help you speed up your workflows and focus on creating outstanding products.

1. Git#

Git is a developer favorite and a popular DevOps tool. Git simplifies version management and provides a simple approach for teams to interact, experiment with multiple branches, and merge new features into the main software branch.

2. Cloud-hosted integrated development environments (IDE)#

Cloud IDEs have hosted developer environments that allow you to write, execute, and debug code and twirl up new, pre-configured settings. Cloud IDEs make it extremely simple to create new, pre-configured development environments. You also don't have to worry about how powerful the machine you're writing on is because they're housed in the cloud.

3. Containers#

If you don't want to utilize a cloud IDE, you may use dev containers locally or in the cloud. Containers have grown in prominence over the last decade due to their utility in microservices designs, continuous integration and delivery, and cloud-native application development, among other things. Containers are lightweight and practical by design, making it simple to create, test, stage, and deploy any software.

#3 Automated testing and continuous integration (CI)#

Most teams include basic unit testing in their CI process, but do not include testing for security vulnerabilities, automated UI testing, integration testing, etc.

These are two things that can help you improve your workflows: (A) ensuring that your code is compatible with the main branch; (B) detecting security vulnerabilities and other issues so that your DevOps team's burden is reduced.

1. Running automated tests with GitHub Actions#

When automating tests using GitHub Actions, you have two options: create your action or use pre-built actions from the GitHub Marketplace.

2. Creating CI pipelines with GitHub Actions#

We know the technique of automatically merging code from various persons for a specific project as continuous integration (CI). A solid CI technique allows you to work quicker, ensure that your code compiles correctly, integrate code changes more effectively, and ensure that your code works well with everyone else's.

#4 Server orchestration ideas for speed and flexibility.#

You're working with many environments while developing a cloud-native application. When you can ensure that your application and infrastructure work effectively together, you can rely less on an operations staff scrambling to get your software to operate on the current infrastructure at the last minute.

This is where server orchestration comes into play. Server orchestration, also known as infrastructure orchestration, is frequently the responsibility of IT and DevOps teams, and it entails configuring, maintaining, provisioning, and coordinating the systems and applications. Improved scalability is a significant benefit of infrastructure automation, and defined environments make it easier to pull down and recreate an environment when anything goes wrong.

#5 Repetitive tasks? Script them using Bash or PowerShell.#

Bash has strong roots in the Unix realm, but PowerShell has supplanted the command shell and older scripting languages in Windows systems for job automation and configuration management. Bash and PowerShell operate in distinct ways. Whereas PowerShell works with objects, Bash communicates as text. Even yet, what you pick is mostly a matter of personal choice.

Conclusion#

There is a significant distinction between an IT professional, a DevOps engineer, and a developer. Any developer who learns a few DevOps tactics will find it simpler to work independently and focus on what matters most: developing incredible software. That is something we can all seem to agree on.

Are you looking for an extended DevOps team to support your business?

Get in touch with us!

Development and operations are critical aspects of every software company. Your company's success depends on effectively coordinating these roles to increase software delivery speed and quality. DevOps as a service is also crucial to delivering software more quickly and efficiently.

Development and operations teams often operate in isolation, but DevOps acts as a bridge to enhance cooperation and efficiency.

Why Does DevOps Matter in Modern Business?#

Implementing DevOps methods successfully in your firm can substantially influence efficiency, security, and corporate cooperation. According to the 2017 State of DevOps Report, firms that use DevOps principles spend 21% less time on unplanned work and rework and 44% more time on additional work, resulting in improved efficiency (Díaz et al., 2021).

8 Reasons Why DevOps is Essential for Modern Businesses#

1. Reduced Development Cycles#

Companies thrive by innovating more quickly than their competition. The primary goals of DevOps are automation, continuous delivery, and a short feedback loop, similar to Microsoft Azure DevOps. Immediate and constant feedback allows for speedier releases. In Cloud DevOps, merging development and operations activities results in the rapid creation and distribution of applications to the market [(Khan et al., 2022)]. The overall advantage is a shorter cycle time to fully realize an idea, with superior quality and precise alignment.

2. Reduced Failure Rates of Implementation#

DevOps automation encourages regular code versions, leading to easier and quicker identification of coding errors. Teams can use agile programming techniques to reduce the number of implementation failures (Maroukian and Gulliver, 2020). Recovery from mistakes is faster when development and operations teams collaborate, addressing issues collectively.

3. Continuous Improvement and Software Delivery#

Implementing DevOps principles enhances software quality while releasing new features and enables rapid changes. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) involves making incremental changes and swiftly merging them into the source code, as seen in Azure DevOps. This approach allows software to reach the market faster while addressing consumer complaints promptly. [DevOps as a service] fosters higher quality and efficiency in continuous release and deployment.

4. Improved Inter-Team Communication#

DevOps automation enhances business agility by promoting a culture of cooperation, effective communication, and integration among all global teams within an IT company. The DevOps culture values performance over individual ambitions, making procedures more transparent and allowing employees to learn quickly and impact the business significantly.

5. Increased Value Delivery Scope#

Using DevOps as a service fosters a continuous delivery environment, focusing on innovations and better value generation through digital transformation (Wiedemann et al., 2019). This approach ensures that work is adequately integrated and managed in a conducive environment.

6. Reduced Deployment Time#

DevOps methods improve the effectiveness of building new systems by incorporating feedback from developers, stakeholders, and colleagues (Plant, van Hillegersberg, and Aldea, 2021). This approach results in consistent execution and faster deployment compared to competitors.

7. Faster Response#

One of the primary benefits of Cloud DevOps' continuous deployment cycle is the ability for firms to iterate rapidly based on consumer feedback and evaluations. This enhances the ability to manage uncertainty and speeds up procedures.

8. Reduces Waste#

Enterprises that adopt lean practices and iterate quickly use resources more effectively and minimize waste. DevOps as a service helps firms reduce operational inefficiencies by shifting various responsibilities to the development team.

Direct DevOps, DevOps automation, and DevOps communities are hot topics for anyone aiming to excel in the DevOps field.

Communities are often founded on shared challenges and learning experiences, with each community offering different resources depending on collective needs.

Starting as a newbie in the DevOps sector can be daunting, but numerous platforms offer valuable learning resources and networking opportunities. We’ve compiled a list of top DevOps communities that cover various aspects of DevOps education and practice.

1. Microsoft Learn#

Microsoft Learn is a free, interactive platform offering hands-on training for developing skills related to Microsoft products and services like Microsoft Azure DevOps. The platform provides various modules, learning paths, and quizzes to help learners understand DevOps concepts, though it currently only supports text-based content.

2. Reddit#

Reddit hosts numerous subcommunities and discussions for developers, including /r/DevOps, /r/SysAdmin, /r/Puppet, /r/ITIL, and /r/Docker. These forums provide a mix of questions and answers on specific technologies and broader DevOps practices.

3. Google Developers Groups#

Google Developers Groups connect software developers with similar interests through events and hands-on workshops. This community covers a wide range of technical topics and offers opportunities to learn about Google Cloud DevOps through both online and in-person events.

4. LinkedIn#

LinkedIn features various sub-communities where you can engage with professionals on topics like DevOps, including DevOps automation and Direct DevOps. While LinkedIn sub-communities can offer diverse perspectives, they may sometimes become cluttered with less relevant content.

5. Amazon Web Services Community Builders#

The AWS Community Builders program supports AWS enthusiasts and thought leaders by providing resources, education, and networking opportunities. This program aims to build connections with AWS product teams and other community members, though it has limited annual slots.

6. DevOps.com#

DevOps.com is a dedicated platform for DevOps news, product reviews, opinion articles, strategies, and best practices. It offers extensive resources including case studies and downloadable ebooks.

7. Atlassian DevOps Blog#

Atlassian’s blog covers a range of topics related to DevOps technologies, such as DevOps as a service, automation, and culture. It offers insights on various Atlassian products and provides guidance on adopting DevOps practices.

8. DevOps Cube#

DevOps Cube offers a wealth of resources on DevOps tools, trends, and best practices. It features articles suitable for both beginners and experienced DevOps engineers, covering tools like Docker and Jenkins.

9. Women Who Code#

Women Who Code is a global non-profit supporting women in technology through events, coding tools, mentorship, and more. The community focuses on platforms like Cloud DevOps, Azure DevOps, and AWS DevOps.

10. Hashnode#

Hashnode is an online platform where developers can engage in discussions, share knowledge, and ask questions. It facilitates interactions among professionals globally and allows for content creation and community-building activities.

Conclusion on DevOps as a Service Communities#

Developer communities have evolved from technical groups to more supportive networks where sharing information and helping others are common practices. Here's to a new era of community-driven knowledge and collaboration.

This blog explains the reasons for Docker container optimization and responds to the question "Should you optimize your Docker container?"

How Docker Works?#

Docker is a leading containerization industry standard that aids in the packaging and distribution of programs in the most efficient manner feasible. Containers are a convenient approach to transporting software to various environments. They assist you in packaging your code with your desired environment settings and other platform-dependent parameters so that it may be quickly instantiated on other computers with little setup overhead [(Potdar et al., 2020)].

Simply put, Docker is an open-source solution that aids in the management of the containers we just covered. Docker, like containers, is platform-independent, as it supports both Windows and Linux-based platforms.

The Kubernetes vs. Docker debate#

When stated as a "both-and" issue, the distinction between Kubernetes and Docker becomes clearer. The truth is that you don't have to choose—Kubernetes and Docker are fundamentally different technologies that complement each other effectively for developing, deploying, and [scaling containerized applications].

Kubernetes and Docker collaborate. Docker is an open standard for containerizing and delivering software. Docker allows you to construct and execute containers as well as store and distribute container images. A Docker build can be simply executed on a Kubernetes cluster, but Kubernetes is not a comprehensive solution. Implement extra tools and services to handle security, governance, identity, and access, as well as continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes and other DevOps principles, to optimize Kubernetes in production [(Shah and Dubaria, 2019)].

Docker List Containers#

To list docker containers, use the commands 'docker container ls' or 'docker ps'. Both commands use the same flags since they both act on the same item, a container. It includes many parameters to achieve the result we want because it only shows operating containers by default. The command 'docker ps' is shorter and easier to type.

What Causes Docker Performance Issues?#

Docker is a sophisticated system that is affected by a variety of circumstances, including host settings and network quality. The following are some of the most prevalent causes of Docker slowness:

• Inadequate Resource Allocation
• Docker Image Sizes
• Size of Docker File Context
• Docker's default configuration is still in use.
• Latency in the network

How to Optimize Docker Containers?#

There are several ways to make Docker run quicker:

Appropriate Resource Allocation#

The host machine's performance has an impact on the container's performance. A sluggish CPU or inadequate RAM might create a bottleneck, causing Docker's performance to suffer [(Sureshkumar and Rajesh, 2017)].

Docker Image Optimization#

Examine the Dockerfile for the image and ensure that the file context is not too huge. The context contains a list of the files required by Docker to construct a container.

Examine the Dependencies#

Debian-based Docker images may create extra binaries and files while installing dependencies. Some of these interdependencies are not required for the container's usual operation and can be eliminated.

Consider Using Microservice Architecture#

Monolithic programs are typically slower than microservice-architected apps. If your Docker containers are struggling to operate, it might be because the app within the container is too large [(Wan et al., 2018)]. When the app is migrated to microservices, the workload may be distributed among several containers.

Make use of Dedicated Resources#

Hosting containers on the dedicated hardware of Bare Metal Cloud minimizes virtualization overhead and increases container performance. Containerized programs do not share system resources like RAM and CPU, which reduces latency and allows apps to fully exploit hardware.

Use a light operating system#

Building images using a lightweight system can save up to 100 MB of the final image size, resulting in much faster performance.

Dockerfile Layers Cache#

Layer caching can help you produce images faster. When Docker begins constructing an image, it searches the cache for layers with similar signatures and utilizes them [(Liu et al., 2018)]. This feature expedites the construction process.

Docker for Windows#

Docker containers initially only supported Linux operating systems. Docker may now operate natively on Windows, eliminating the requirement for Linux support. Instead, the Docker container will run on the Windows kernel itself, and the whole Docker tool set is now compatible with Windows. The Docker CLI (client), Docker compose, data volumes, and the other building pieces for Dockerized infrastructure are now Windows-compatible.

Conclusion#

Docker Container optimization is critical for overall performance. As more applications migrate to containerization, it is critical to maintaining them up to date on best practices. Otherwise, you risk losing some of the important advantages Docker has over traditional methods of software delivery, which would defeat the point of using Docker containers in the first place.

In the previous decade, the idea and evolution of DevOps have drastically altered the way IT teams work. When small and big teams convert from traditional software development cycles to a DevOps cycle, they see a difference in terms of quicker innovation, enhanced collaboration, and faster time to market.

We will discuss DevOps as a Service to optimise the Ops resources including DevOps as a Service in the Singapore region and finally answer “how to optimise Ops resources by collaborating with an extended DevOps platform” in this blog.

What is a DevOps platform?#

A [DevOps platform] integrates the capabilities of developing, securing, and running software in a single application. A DevOps platform enables enterprises to optimise their total return on software development by delivering software more quickly and efficiently, while also improving security and compliance.

How to optimise the Ops resources in Extended DevOps Platforms?

DevOps teams are turning to the cloud to optimise their tech stacks and to build and deliver new solutions continually. Extended DevOps Platform teams may have complete visibility into their cloud infrastructure.

The three important areas for Optimising Ops resources with Extended DevOps Platforms are listed below.

Resource Utilization#

The cloud is perfect for fostering fast innovation since teams may add and delete instances and other resources as needed to meet business needs. This flexibility in the cloud assists DevOps in particular. A cloud management platform helps DevOps teams reallocate, resize, and even alter Reserved Instances (RIs) so that they always have the correct workload [(Alonso et al., 2019)].

Cost Management#

The cloud is perfect for enterprises that use varying amounts of data. But, regardless of the size of the budget, no one likes a surprise charge at the end of the month. DevOps teams may better manage and optimise their cloud cost by tackling resource consumption first. The correct automation solutions will assist them in locating these cost reductions without the need for time-consuming manual assessments.

Security & Compliance#

Cloud security is a critical responsibility for every sort of enterprise, including DevOps. Creating and installing the necessary security measures is only the beginning. DevOps teams must regularly monitor their cloud infrastructures to regulate and optimise cloud security. DevOps cloud optimization should also entail detecting any vulnerable areas in the development pipeline, particularly when developing or improving security features.

DevOps as a Service to optimize the Ops resources

DevOps as a Service provides full-service consulting and engineering services ranging from audit and strategy planning to project infrastructure evaluation and development. DevOps as a Service can assist you in expanding or contracting SDLC sections based on your operational requirements. Simultaneously, using on-demand, low-cost DevOps as a service may free up your in-house full-time personnel to focus on more important activities.

Extended DevOps Platform professionals will handle all requirements clarification, risk and opportunity identification, architecture creation, automation and IaaC implementation, and other duties. Instead of doing it yourself, you will receive a thorough roadmap established by specialists, as well as core infrastructure with configured pipelines ready for support administration and growth.

DevOps as a Service in Singapore to optimize IT resources.#

Businesses and DevOps as a Service in Singapore that incorporate security inside DevOps give better value, more responsiveness, and faster service delivery as a collaboration between software development and IT operations teams. The CI/CD pipeline, which enables more dependable and consistent code modifications, is the operational philosophy that raises the standard for Singaporean DevOps teams. NIFE Cloud Computing is among the leading DevOps as services in Singapore.

Recommendations for Optimizing Ops Resources Extended DevOps Platform#

Release often.

DevOps "increase an organization's capacity to deploy applications and services at high velocity," therefore releasing frequently is more than a nice to have; it's essential to the overall function of an extended DevOps Platform. Small additions, such as code modifications and bug repairs, are a fantastic place to start a fast release process since they can be implemented without significantly affecting the overall user experience.

Create a unified code base.

One method for not just streamlining DevOps but also making frequent releases easier is to standardize a single code base. Instead of having many code bases to pull from for various portions of the product or separate development teams, a single code base may make iterating and testing easy for everyone.

Scaling Automation

It may be difficult to believe, but DevOps may be effective with or without humans. In reality, while improving DevOps, you should analyse where automation can replace human involvement.

Engineers should be made responsible.

Putting engineers in charge of the final code push ensures that everything runs well and that any post-deployment issues are identified immediately.

Modern tech in customer support, assistance, and business is generating a lot of buzz. The majority of new technology will only assist customer-facing workers to accomplish their tasks more efficiently. Cloud computing technology, cloud-native application development, Edge Computing for Enterprises, multimedia, real-time messaging, chatbots, and artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, and even self-service, itself all have the potential to deliver a world-class customer experience.

How Cloud computing technology is Transforming Customer Experience?

Retail, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are all industries that generate massive volumes of data daily. To truly exploit this data, you must first store and analyse it, something traditional data solutions are incapable of doing owing to their fragmented nature.

Cloud computing technologies are a means to many goals that each organisation must identify as part of a unified cloud strategy. There are several ways that Cloud computing technology may have a real-world influence across industries for companies aiming to change the customer experience. The banking, insurance, and healthcare industries all generate massive amounts of data, have regulatory compliance requirements, and have high client demand for services and goods [(Deb, Jain and Deb, 2018)]. They require strategies to provide, track, expand, and enhance such services while also meeting consumers' financial and healthcare demands.

Cloud computing technology is critical to reaching this aim since it provides:

Analytics and data processing#

Compliance with regulatory data protection requirements#

Detection of Fraud#

Elimination of mainframe technological debt through cloud-native app integration#

Loan processing and underwriting examination#

New banking and financial planning goods and services#

Inventory control#

What Edge Computing for Enterprises means for the Customer Experience?

Processing data at the source rather than a centralized or cloud-based server may appear to be a technical problem, but Edge computing for enterprises only benefits marketers. Marketers can participate in the following activities with data processing occurring closer to the source:

Real-time marketing:#

Because data is analyzed at the source, marketers may create automated systems that respond promptly to customer inputs by using Edge computing for enterprises

Offline experiences:#

Edge computing for enterprises isn't entirely dependent on a connection between an IoT device and a centralized server, actions can be carried out even when no internet connection is available [(Noghabi et al., 2020)].

Personalization and interactive experiences:#

Edge computing for enterprises will be able to react quickly to consumer involvement, resulting in a hyper-personalized experience defined and controlled by the end user.

Cloud-native Software Development for customer experience

To survive the upheaval, businesses need to have access to highly qualified workers, a strong infrastructure, and the flexibility to create high-quality apps. Organizations must embrace new technologies such as DevOps, Agile, microservices, containers, Agile, and platform-as-a-service to implement contemporary techniques such as provisioning, automated testing, and cloud-native application development to thrive in today's digital edge [(Kosińska and Zieliński, 2020)].

Today's businesses rely heavily on software to differentiate their service and product offerings. Businesses are shifting to design such apps for the best performance in the cloud to take advantage of the flexibility and speed of the cloud. As a result, an early user of cloud-native apps has enjoyed exceptional business velocity and growth. Cloud-native Software Development enables companies to fully realize the promise of cloud-native capabilities to achieve maximum speed, agility, and DevOps efficiency and fully embrace the true benefits of Cloud-native Software Development.

How can the latest technologies assist businesses in improving the customer experience?

Understanding customer behaviour is critical for any corporation seeking to become a market leader in today's volatile business environment. Customer experience management may be time-consuming and costly, and it generally necessitates uniformity across channels, such as closed-loop procedures, customer service centre encounters, SMS, website engagement, and so on [(Gellweiler, and Krishnamurthi, 2020)].

Companies are focused on automation and uncovering an organization's latent potential with the assistance of Cloud computing technology, Cloud-native Software Development, and Edge computing for enterprises in the following ways to further simplify these operations and have a direct influence on customers:

Effective business strategy optimization#

In today's fast-paced business world, tapping into uncharted territory might be one of the things that firms can use to ensure long-term success.

Data gathering and review generation#

Businesses must be agile and responsive in their procedures to adapt to today's fast-paced business climate.

Recommendations customized to you.#

With the use of AI and sophisticated data analytics in the business domain, predictive analytics tools may assist businesses in producing informed forecasts by providing wiser ideas and intelligent recommendations for future data-driven strategy creation [(Rekettye and Rekettye, 2019)].

Technology that brings customers closer together.#

AI is the market's next big thing and for all the right reasons. Or perhaps technology has already become an important part of our life without our recognizing it. With a fantastic customer-centric strategy, any firm hopes to generate revenue at the end of the day.

We have access to a common pool of computer resources in the cloud (servers, storage, applications, and so on) when we use cloud computing. You just need to request extra resources as needed. Continue reading as we discuss the various types of cloud deployment models and service models to assist you in determining the best option for your company.

What is a cloud deployment model?#

A cloud deployment model denotes a specific cloud environment depending on who controls security, who has access to resources, and whether they are shared or dedicated. The cloud deployment model explains how your cloud architecture will appear, how much you may adjust, and whether or not you will receive services [(Patel and Kansara, 2021)]. The links between the infrastructure and your users are also represented by types of cloud deployment models. Because each type of cloud deployment model may satisfy different organizational goals, you should choose the model that best suits the approach of your institution.

Different Types of Cloud Deployment Models#

The cloud deployment model specifies the sort of cloud environment based on ownership, scalability, and access, as well as the nature and purpose of the cloud [(Gupta, Gupta and Shankar, 2021)]. It defines the location of the servers you're using and who owns them. The cloud deployment model describes the appearance of your cloud infrastructure, what you may alter, and whether you will be provided with services or must design everything yourself.

Types of cloud deployment models are:

Public Cloud Deployment#

Anyone may use the public cloud to access systems and services. Because it is exposed to everybody, the public cloud may be less secure. The public cloud is one in which cloud infrastructure services are made available to the general public or significant industrial organizations over the internet. In this deployment model, the infrastructure is controlled by the organization that provides the cloud services, not by the user.

Private Cloud Deployment#

The private cloud deployment approach is opposed to that of the public cloud. It is a one-on-one setting for a single user (customer). It is not necessary to share your hardware with anyone. The contrast between private and public clouds is in how all of the hardware is handled. In this deployment model of cloud computing, the cloud platform is deployed in a secure cloud environment secured by robust firewalls and overseen by an organization's IT staff.

Hybrid Cloud Deployment#

Hybrid cloud deployment provides the best of both worlds by linking the public and private worlds with a layer of proprietary software. With hybrid cloud deployment, you may host the app in a secure environment while benefiting from the cost benefits of the public cloud. In this, organizations can migrate data and applications between clouds by combining two or more cloud deployment strategies. The hybrid cloud deployment is also popular for 'cloud bursting.' It means that if a company operates an application on-premises, but it experiences a high load, it might explode onto the public cloud.

Community Cloud Deployment#

It enables a collection of businesses to access systems and services. It is a distributed system formed by combining the services of many clouds to meet the special demands of a community, industry, or enterprise. The community's infrastructure might be shared by organizations with similar interests or duties. In this deployment model of cloud computing, cloud deployment is often handled by a third party or a collaboration of one or more community organizations.

Cloud Computing Service Models#

Cloud computing enables the delivery of a variety of services defined by roles, service providers, and user firms. The following are major categories of cloud deployment models and services:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)#

IaaS refers to the employment and use of a third-party provider's IT Physical Infrastructure (network, storage, and servers) [(Malla and Christensen, 2019)]. Users can access IT resources via an internet connection because they are hosted on external servers.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)#

PaaS provides for the outsourcing of physical infrastructure as well as the software environment, which includes databases, integration layers, runtimes, and other components.

Software as a Service (SaaS)#

SaaS is delivered through the internet and does not require any prior installation. The services are available from anywhere in the world for a low monthly charge.

Conclusion#

Over time, the cloud has changed drastically. It was initially only an unusual choice with a few modifications. It is available in a variety of flavors, and you can even establish your Private cloud deployment or Hybrid Cloud deployment in your data center. Each deployment model of cloud computing offers a unique offering that may considerably boost your company's worth. You may also change your Cloud deployment model as your needs change.

A hybrid cloud environment combines on-premises infrastructure, private cloud services, and a public cloud, with orchestration across multiple platforms. If you use a mixture of public clouds, on-premises computing, and private clouds in your data center, you have a hybrid cloud infrastructure.

We recognize the significance of hybrid cloud in cloud computing and its role in organizational development. In this blog article, we'll explore the top five characteristics that define powerful and practical hybrid cloud computing.

What is Hybrid Cloud Computing?#

A hybrid cloud computing approach combines a private cloud (or on-premises data center) with one or more public cloud products connected by public or private networks [(Tariq, 2018)]. Consistent operations enable the public cloud to serve as an extension of a private or on-premises system, with equivalent management processes and tools. Because nearly no one nowadays relies solely on the public cloud, hybrid cloud computing options are becoming increasingly popular. Companies have invested millions of dollars and thousands of hours in on-premises infrastructure. Combining a public and private cloud environment, such as an on-premises data center and a public cloud computing environment, is a common example of hybrid cloud computing provided by AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

Hybrid Cloud Providers#

The digital revolution has radically changed the IT sector with the introduction of cloud computing. There are several hybrid cloud providers on the market, including:

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2. Microsoft Azure
3. Google Cloud
4. VMware
5. VMware Cloud on AWS, VMware Cloud on Dell EMC, HCI powered by VMware vSAN, and VMware vRealize cloud management
6. Rackspace
7. Red Hat OpenShift
8. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
9. Cisco HyperFlex solutions
10. Nife Cloud Computing

Characteristics of Hybrid Cloud Computing#

Characteristic #1: Speed#

The capacity to automatically adjust to changes in demand is critical for innovation and competitiveness. The market expects updates immediately, and rivals are optimizing rapidly. Hybrid computing must be quick and portable, with maximum flexibility. Technologies like Docker and hybrid cloud providers such as IBM Bluemix facilitate this agility in a virtualized environment.

Characteristic #2: Cost Reduction#

One advantage of cloud computing is lowering expenses. Previously, purchasing IT assets meant paying for unused capacity, impacting the bottom line. Hybrid computing reduces IT costs while allowing enterprises to pay only for what they use. This optimization frees up funds for innovation and market introduction, potentially saving enterprises up to 30%.

Characteristic #3: Intelligent Capabilities and Automation#

Creating a digital experience in hybrid cloud computing requires integrating various technologies, which can be challenging for DevOps teams traditionally relying on numerous tools [(Aktas, 2018)]. Leveraging intelligent, unified, and centralized management capabilities enhances productivity and flexibility. IT automation in hybrid computing reduces human error, enforces policies, supports predictive maintenance, and fosters self-service habits.

Characteristic #4: Security#

Hybrid computing provides critical control over data and enhanced security by reducing data exposure. Organizations can decide where to store data based on compliance, regulatory, or security concerns. Hybrid architectures also support centralized security features like encryption, automation, access control, orchestration, and endpoint security, which are crucial for disaster recovery and data insurance [(Gordon, 2016)].

Characteristic #5: Lightweight Applications#

The final characteristic pertains to application size. DevOps teams need to develop agile apps that load quickly, boost efficiency, and occupy minimal space. Despite inexpensive storage, the focus should be on managing and understanding client data. Hybrid cloud computing supports DevOps in creating applications for global markets while meeting technological demands.

References#

Aktas, M.S. (2018). Hybrid cloud computing monitoring software architecture. Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, 30(21), p.e4694. doi:10.1002/cpe.4694.

Diaby, T. and Rad, B.B. (2017). Cloud computing: a review of the concepts and deployment models. International Journal of Information Technology and Computer Science, 9(6), pp.50-58.

Gordon, A. (2016). The Hybrid Cloud Security Professional. IEEE Cloud Computing, 3(1), pp.82–86. doi:10.1109/mcc.2016.21.

Lee, I. (2019). An optimization approach to capacity evaluation and investment decision of hybrid cloud: a corporate customer's perspective. Journal of Cloud Computing, 8(1). doi:10.1186/s13677-019-0140-0.

Tariq, M.I. (2018). Analysis of the effectiveness of cloud control matrix for hybrid cloud computing. International Journal of Future Generation Communication and Networking, 11(4), pp.1-10.

Read more on Hybrid Cloud Computing: All You Need to Know About Hybrid Cloud Deployment

Cloud computing companies may assist IT executives in laying the groundwork for success, such as increasing deployment speed and assuring future flexibility. However, the landscape is complicated. While technology is rapidly changing the corporate landscape, technology investment procedures have not always kept up. Let's look at how cloud computing may affect CIO budget predictability.

Role of CIOs in Cloud Budget Predictability#

CIOs will need to remain up to date on the newest innovations to make the best decisions on behalf of their businesses to drive their digital transformation. Because of the cloud's influence, as well as the DevOps movement, software development and IT operations have been merged and simplified. As infrastructure and applications are no longer independent, the CIO is no longer required to manage manual IT chores [(Makhlouf, 2020)]. Cost-effectiveness and efficiency must be prioritised in their strategy to save cloud budgets, which will bring a new dimension to their conventional job inside a company.

CIOs must also become more adaptable and agile. There are now so many distinct cloud providers that enterprises must employ a multi-access edge computing-cloud approach.

This implies:

• Businesses will be free to select cloud solutions based on their merits rather than being dependent on a single source.
• The CIO will be in charge of expanding a multi-access edge computing-cloud strategy, which means they must think about things like security, service integration, and cost.

Cloud computing companies will increasingly rely on their CIO to develop useful solutions to support digital transformation as cloud computing platforms evolve. As demand grows more than ever, businesses will have a broader selection of cloud-based solutions to choose from. As a result, the CIO's function will be expanded to include both technical expertise and business-oriented strategic thinking.

CIOs Perspective: From Cost to Investment#

CIOs have long struggled with the impression of IT as a cost centre. The convergence of technology and business strategy might provide CIOs with the chance to abandon a cost-cutting attitude in favour of an investment philosophy that values strategic expenditure to boost revenue, growth, stock price, or other measures of company and shareholder value.

As the technology function assumes a more prominent role, CIOs may need to address critical issues such as core modernization, cloud business models, investment governance and value measurement, the incompatibility of fixed budgets with Agile development, and the impact of automation on the workforce to save cloud budgets [(Liu et al., 2020)].

Cloud Computing Affecting Core Modernization#

Many CIOs acknowledge that old core systems lack the agility required to build and scale creative and disruptive new technology solutions. Legacy systems can be rehosted, re-platformed, rearchitected, rebuilt, or replaced—strategies that vary in impact, cost, risk, and value. However, core modernization should be considered as a technological investment with other options. A big distribution company's CIO opted to postpone a modernization initiative and shift funding to a bespoke warehouse management program that provided the firm with a competitive edge.

Cloud Business Models on OPEX/CAPEX#

Cloud computing companies have welcomed cloud solutions with open arms, drawn by their ease of use and deployment. Cloud computing platforms may foster innovation and encourage experimentation by removing the burden of purchasing and maintaining technological infrastructure [(Kholidy, 2020)]. However, every investment involves risks, and cloud computing platforms are no exception. Because the cloud switches technology spending from the capital expense column to the operating expense column, rushing to the cloud might have a significant impact on firm financials. Finance and IT divisions may collaborate to properly identify these expenses and analyze and maximize the impact to save cloud budgets.

Governance and Value Assessment#

Technology leaders may improve their capacity to create convincing business cases that properly anticipate technology project ROI and assess the performance and value of each investment [(Liu et al., 2018)]. It can be beneficial to have a specialized financial team responsible for modeling, administering, and analyzing the value of IT investments to save cloud budgets.

Taking such actions can help decrease the notion that technology is an incomprehensible black box, make it simpler for technology executives to justify spending, and help them create closer connections with CFOs.

Incompatibility of Fixed Budgets#

Agile and other flexible delivery techniques are on the increase. CIOs may manage investment portfolios in the same way that venture capitalists do, but only if financing mechanisms are changed to favor Agile, product-focused settings. A flexible budgeting methodology may provide product teams with the necessary creativity and responsibility to achieve business value and save cloud budgets.

Automation Impact#

Automation and robotics' ability to streamline and accelerate IT delivery is changing the way technology and cloud computing companies work, collaborate, and create value [(Raj and Raman, 2018)]. Better workflows and various resource needs might drive increased production output and save cloud budgets as automation enables teams to exchange manual and repetitive jobs for those requiring higher-order abilities.

5G and edge computing are creating plenty of new income opportunities in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and gaming. How can communication service providers acquire a competitive advantage? Everything you need to know is provided here.

What is Telco Edge?#

Telecommunications companies frequently associate edge computing with mobile edge computing or multi-access edge computing - computing at the network's edge. Telco edge computing, on the other hand, comprises workloads operating on client-premises equipment and other points of presence at the customer site. The term "telco edge" refers to distributed computation maintained by the operator that may extend beyond the network edge and onto the customer edge. Telco Edge combines the advantages of both local and cloud computing. Telco edge computing should be adaptable and scalable. Telco edge computing can handle unexpected surges in workloads caused by increased end-user activity or answer organizations' need to grow fast while building, testing, and deploying new applications [(Klas, 2017)].

What exactly is Telco Edge Cloud (TEC)?#

The Telco Edge Cloud is a worldwide platform solution for exposing, managing, and marketing Edge Computing, Network resources, and capabilities across multiple operators and national borders, utilising existing and future network assets. Telco Edge Cloud is building a platform built on open technologies and telecom standards. MNOs may monetize their edge resources thanks to Telco Edge Cloud.

The Telco Edge Cloud idea and architecture are beneficial not only to MNOs but may also be utilised by other service and edge providers to improve their services since capabilities like NaaS are made available to these third parties [(Baliosian et al., 2021)]. Other edge and cloud providers can give methods to their application development communities to optimise edge application performance and experience by consuming Telco Edge Cloud NaaS capabilities and implementing them into their platform offerings.

Telco Edge Computing#

Telco Edge computing is also known as Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) or Multi-Access Edge Computing (MAEC). Telco Edge computing provides execution resources for applications that need networking close to end users, often within or near the operator network's boundary [(Gebhardt et al., 2012)].

Telco Edge computing may also be installed on corporate premises. Communication service providers or service providers can manage or host the edge infrastructure. Several use cases necessitate the deployment of distinct apps at multiple locations. In such cases, a distributed cloud may be viewed as an execution environment for applications spread over numerous sites, with connections maintained as a single solution. The key advantages of Telco Edge computing are low latency, high bandwidth, device processing, and data offload, and trusted computing and storage.

What is a 5G Telco Cloud?#

A 5G Telco Cloud is a software-based cloud architecture that allows for the placement of 5G network functions/applications and the division of a single infrastructure into various network slices for the delivery of a wide variety of services ranging from eMBB to URLLC [(Gebremariam et al., 2021)]. It enables you to swiftly add services, respond fast, and manage resources efficiently and automatically.

Network function virtualization, software-defined networks (SDN), edge computing, and microservices are components of 5G Telco Cloud.

1. Network Functions Virtualization of 5G Telco Cloud enables you to abstract operations from hardware. This enables conventional servers to execute operations that would otherwise necessitate the utilization of hardware.

2. Software-Defined networking (SDN), a new backhaul/mid-haul design of 5G Telco Cloud, is adaptive, manageable, and versatile. It is perfect for the fluidity of 5G applications. This design isolates network control from forwarding services, allowing network control to be programmed directly.

3. Microservices are a method of separating applications and network operations into loosely linked systems. DevOps cycles or CI/CD can be used to manage them.

5g and Edge computing#

5G and edge computing are intricately related technologies: both are set to greatly increase application performance and enable massive volumes of data to be handled in real-time. 5G speeds can be up to 10 times faster than 4G, while mobile edge computing minimises latency by putting computational capabilities closer to the end user.

5G and edge computing are technologies that can work together to power a new generation of smart devices and apps. 5G's enhanced performance can improve edge computing applications by lowering latency, improving application response times, and enhancing organizations' capacity to gather and analyze data.

Benefits of the Relationship between 5G and Edge Computing#

Ultra-low latency use cases: The combination of 5G with edge computing is important for achieving ultra-low latency in a variety of edge devices and use cases.

Near real-time performance: Using 5G and edge computing together allows organizations to collect and process large amounts of real-time data to optimize various operational processes and increase productivity and customer experiences.

Improved bandwidth usage: The connection between 5G and edge computing influences the success of 5G network technologies.