When Apache Spark works well, it works really well. Sometimes, though, users find themselves asking this frustrating question. Spark is such a popular large-scale data processing framework because it is capable of performing more computations and carrying out more stream processing than many other data processing solutions. Compared to popular conventional systems like MapReduce, Spark is 10-100x faster.

If you’re sick with a cold then measuring your body temperature is a wise move or maybe if things are really bad a visit to a doctor might result in testing vs. what are considered “normal” levels in order to diagnose the issue; seasonal flu or infection? To improve our health after picking up a bad bug, we do things that affect our situation back to normal levels once again where we can then declare ourselves healthy.

In our first blog post, we introduced the concept of cloud unit economics—a system to measure cost and usage metrics. It helps maximize cloud value for better outcomes per dollar spent. We reviewed what cloud unit economics is, why it’s crucial to FinOps success, and how it enables organizations to unlock the full business value potential of cloud computing.

Azure Reservations and Savings Plans are discounted pricing models for certain Azure services. By purchasing a reservation or savings plan, you can reduce your costs in Azure by committing to specific usage terms in advance. The commitment gives Azure more visibility into your one-year or three-year resource needs while guaranteeing your usage for the term, and you will enjoy discounts on those core services.

In the realm of collaborative platforms, SharePoint Online stands as a robust solution that continually evolves to meet the dynamic needs of modern enterprises. The 2023 updates have notably elevated the platform’s capabilities, particularly in terms of file and document management and integration with other Microsoft 365 offerings.

Wondering what's the big deal with Black Friday? And why does every business on earth seem to be obsessed with the quasi-holiday? Or are you just looking for great deals? Black Friday has become a sort of global cultural institution. Everyone knows about it, some look forward to it, and a few go crazy for the big day. It may be hard to believe, but Black Friday hasn't always been a thing, and it's actually a relatively recent development.

KuppingerCole AG published its report assessing Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) solutions in the market for 2023. Their leadership compass helps cloud users find an appropriate solution to meet CSPM needs of an organization to monitor, assess, and manage risks associated with the use of cloud services. Fifteen vendors were assessed based on responses to a questionnaire, strategy briefing, and demo.

Let’s embark on a new journey as we begin a series of blog posts dedicated to the migration of BizTalk Server to Azure Integration Services. I’d like to highlight that when I mention the migration to Azure Integration Services (AIS), I’m making a clear distinction from Logic Apps. This differentiation is important because, contrary to what some consultants and salespeople may suggest, migrating BizTalk Server entirely to Logic Apps is not a viable path!

As an engineer, engineering supervisor, or CTO, you are responsible for making architectural decisions that help your team create innovative products and optimize technology costs. The type of architecture you select affects how much control you have over data, infrastructure, and customization options. The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model is one of the major architectures you can use to deliver services to customers — anytime and anywhere.