The phrase where you sit is where you stand is becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern tech space. It is a clever way of making the point that the position a person occupies professionally or in an organization, strongly influences their views on almost everything. Thus, cloud vendors and people that have committed to cloud or grown up with the cloud see only one future for IT, and its not on premises.

Similarly, mainframe experts have heard it all before. The rise of the minicomputer, growth of client-server computing and creation of rack servers were all supposed to be harbingers of the end an end that never quite happened. Mainframes have continued to successfully power most large enterprises, but that doesnt mean mainframe environments are or should be immutable.

The point is that an objective view must recognize the unique strength and staying power of the mainframe as well as the extensive capabilities available in the cloud. For example, Gartner, a leading technology research and advisory company, is predicting that by 2025 one-third of mainframe data storage will in fact reside in the cloud. Of course, predicting is one thing and achieving is another.

The fact of the matter is that traditional tools for data movement and transformation in the mainframe environment are wholly inadequate and, furthermore, organizations are being held back by not having a model for improvement. Either they are asked to take a futile boil the ocean approach of completely abandoning mainframe and moving lock, stock, and barrel to the cloud, or they are stymied by a sandbox proof of concept approach, which often leads to more dead ends, sterile experiments, and confusion rather than advancement.

A real-world tested approach built around the concept of a three part journey may be the answer. The journey begins by addressing an issue that is low-hanging-fruit, namely the cost and limitations of traditional mainframe archive storage. It invests in moving all or part of this category of storage to one of the many capable and secure cloud-based storage options. The journey then moves ahead based on wins and organizational goals. It is much more focused and results-oriented than a sandbox, proof of concept and it is the opposite of a bet-the-company, lift-and-shift approach.

The cloud journey is a low-risk approach because it starts by essentially integrating cloud into the mainframe environment. It focuses on retiring legacy tape storage systems and turning to the cloud to reduce data management costs and data center footprint. Additionally, it offers an easy next step with immediate payback a second step on the journey in the form of affordable, agile analytics in the cloud which can help monetize data that is rarely accessible, let alone feasible to effectively use.

An example of taking this approach is a leading transportation sector company in the U.S. that wanted to take steps toward modernization. After weighing many options, the company chose to move archival data to an Amazon S3 cloud storage service with the help of designed-for-the-purpose software that put little or no burden on normal mainframe operations. The movement of data also helped to cut data center costs, particularly by eliminating the space, hardware, and management overhead of a proprietary tape storage system.

Once a company transfers data to the cloud, it can permanently avoid the costly, on-premise proprietary storage offerings that amount to simply running in place without improvements in price-performance and with no increase in the ability to share data with applications and analytics. The key, though, is leveraging growing software capabilities, which can make data movement and transformation fast, easy, and affordable.

Once this companys data was in the cloud, they took the second step on their journey by employing AWS Snowflake to begin the process of unlocking insights from within their store of operational data. This proved an equally worthwhile step on their modernization journey. The company found new power from the efficiency and scalability of cloud analytics, which strengthened their BI capabilities and opened doors to new, revenue-generating applications.

This leading transportation company is not alone in its desire and determination to better use their valuable mainframe data, but for many it has been a difficult path. While IBM has provided potent computing platforms to its customers, its offerings are often something companies simply cant afford. So, it should come as no surprise that moving company data off of the mainframe has traditionally been difficult and financially impractical.

First and foremost, most methods rely heavily on mainframe processing to extract and transform data before loading it to a target. This is the traditional ETL process that has long been used for tasks such as populating data warehouses. Unfortunately, it can threaten critical operational processing and backup activities while burning up MSUs.

But, its no longer the only way. A software approach to data movement can offer radically different results faster and more efficient data movement with little impact on the CPU and thus, little or no contribution to MSU billing. Instead of relying on the CPU, tasks can be assigned to mainframe zIIP engines. These System z Integrated Information Processors were originally conceived as helpers for DB2 processing loads but can also be put to work on other tasks, including data movement.

The other realization that makes the software approach so compelling is that the mainframe does not need to be responsible for transformation of the data at all -- just pulling it from storage and sending it on its way over TCP/IP. Transformation can then occur in the cloud when the time is right.

The journey model may end right there for many organizations. Simply reducing storage costs can be enough, but going from step one to step two on the journey and making data shareable with analytic tools and modern, agile applications is both achievable and exceptionally rewarding.

Once this data-centric step is accomplished, further refinements and even more substantive changes become possible. This is the third step, which involves developing a clear long-term IT strategy and putting applications all or some into the cloud as well. Although this step is possible, for most mainframe-oriented organizations, complete abandonment of the mainframe is unlikely. Still, having more data in the cloud offers wider options and makes possible a true mainframe-hybrid environment, which combines the very best of both cloud and on-premises.

In the not-so-distant future, based on growing experience with cloud data storage, mainframe professionals will have acquired a new where you sit is where you stand perspective that involves mastery of both the mainframe and the elegance, flexibility, and power of the cloud, even including multi-cloud. They will have recognized the cloud journey model and found their place and pace in it, bringing invaluable results.

Gil Peleg, Founder and CEO, Model9

Originally posted here:
The mainframe cloud journey is here - ITProPortal

Why do you need to know how to use cloud storage? Well cloud storage is no longer the sole preserve of businesses and tech enthusiasts, and our guide below will outline to creatives just how to use cloud storage effectively.

With a range of competing services available, including heavy hitters like Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive, competition is thrusting cloud storage into new areas of functionality that extend beyond a simple backup of your important files.

Read here for a guide to the best cloud storage. Otherwise, read on to discover why you should consider ditching your external hard drive in favour of the cloud. (If you want both, see our best external hard drives).

Of course, the chief reason for using cloud storage services remains the ability to back up your important files easily and swiftly. In the case of creatives, this can be anything from feature-length videos to gigabytes of Raw photography files, to the latest draft of your screenplay or novel.

Knowing that your files have been successfully synced to the cloud can offer peace of mind for creatives who spend hours creating content and who worry that saving files to physical drives, like local folders or external hard drives, could still be at risk of damage or failure.

And unlike physical drives, cloud storage offers unlimited capacity potential. For example, Google Drive offers an initial 15GB of storage completely free, while subscription to a Google One plan offers an additional 100GB for just $1.99 a month. Other services offer the ability to store an even greater amount. iDrive makes room for up to 5TB for an initial annual subscription of just $6.95 for those who switch from a competing service.

Although services will vary, syncing your files to the cloud is usually a very simple and intuitive process. This can range from a drag-and-drop function on your web browser, to auto-synching through a chosen folder on your computer, or even through software or an app.

At a time when many of us are working remotely, being able to share our work quickly and easily has taken on renewed importance. Creatives in particular are often required to share or preview their work before sharing it with the world, and having a reliable cloud storage service makes collaborations much easier.

Most cloud services include the ability to view files in preview mode without requiring a full download. Whats more, many of the services, like Dropbox and Google Drive, allow the user to share a bespoke link to anyone, even if they themselves are not signed up to the same service. This allows creatives to rest safe in the knowledge that only those they share the link with will be able to view their files.

For more sophisticated levels of collaboration, services like Google Workspace allow multiple users to work on and edit the same documents. This allows effective processes to be put in place between, for example, a writer and their sub-editor.

For feedback from a larger group, the likes of Google Drive and OneDrive even offer the ability to create and distribute quizzes and surveys.

Being able to back up your work as and when you produce it allows creatives to focus solely on the task at hand, without worrying about how often they need to stop and save.

Applications like Writebox, a distraction-free browser-based web editor, can be synced with both Dropbox and Google Drive. Whats more, this can be done by using an OAuth token, meaning there is no need to share your cloud storage logins with any other app or service.

Similarly, voice memos and sound recording software often used by musicians, journalists and writers can be synced directly to your cloud storage to save and return to at a later date. Apps like Evernote can be connected to the cloud and sync content to unlimited devices, allowing you to take notes, record audio and even scan documents on the go.

So youve recorded your latest video and your aim is to release it exclusively on your own website or platform. A common myth is that this can only be done by using YouTube or an equivalent video-sharing platform, but this is not the case.

And as tempting as it may seem, uploading the video directly to your sites content management system is not advised. It risks slowing your websites performance, and leaves your video at the whim of your web providers servers.

Instead, cloud storage services like Google Drive and OneDrive can be used as effective video hosts. Simply sync your video to your chosen storage provider, and use the embed functionality to generate a code to insert your video onto your web page. And there you have it, your video should play on your website or platform, independent of the need for YouTube or your web providers in-built media library. (If you need more help in this department, see our video editing software roundup.)

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How to use cloud storage as a creative - Creative Bloq

Roubaix, France January 19, 2021 To meet European enterprise and public institution security, sovereignty and resilience needs for the preservation of sensitive data, OVHcloud is collaborating with IBM and Atempo to develop a Storage-as-a-Service offering. This solution will be based on IBM Enterprise Tape technology and an Atempo software stack hosted and operated by OVHcloud in new data centers in the French territory.

With the exponential growth of data produced by the Cloud, data storage optimization has become essential, both because of costs and compliance risks. As organizations look for ways to store, manage and leverage value for this ever-increasing amount of data, Tape will play a strategic role in addressing storage infrastructure challenges.

Tape solutions offer the lowest cost per terabyte of storage available today; the technology provides the security, scalability and durability to safely store critical inactive and cold data over the long term. When stored properly, data on tape today will still be legible in 30 years time. Storing data on tape costs pennies per terabyte and, when not in use, requires zero energy consumption, unlike hard disks and flash drives.

OVHcloud will launch a cloud storage offering aimed at both public and private European organizations, which will guarantee total security and resilience for the long-term preservation of their sensitive data. This long-term storage solution is based on the IBM Enterprise 3592 Tape technology and orchestrated by Atempos technology platform, Miria. Also OVHcloud will innovate through the addition of erasure coding 9+3 technology for data protection, allowing smart replication and split of user data.

To address data localization concerns of European organisations, the solution will be hosted and operated by OVHcloud in four new dedicated facilities, all located in France and each separated by several hundred kilometers. Security is a key priority for OVHcloud, who recently obtained the ANSSI Security Visa for the SecNumCloud which qualifies its Hosted Private Cloud solution and demonstrates the highest level of IT security, in line with recommendations from the French National Agency for Information System Security, for hosting sensitive and strategic data.

The combined expertise of IBM, Atempo and OVHcloud will provide users with a unique solution that meets the regulatory requirements for data conservation, will be S3 compatible and feature ultra-competitive and predictable pricing for an unmatched price/performance ratio.

We are very pleased that the convergence of IBM, Atempo and OVHcloud expertise results in a reliable and sovereign data preservation solution declares Sylvain Rouri, Chief Sales Officer at OVHcloud. Public and private organizations will benefit from a unified and highly secure storage experience with our high-performance solutions built in a trusted cloud.

We are honored to be selected as the core Tape technology provider by OVHcloud for their cloud storage offering, says Mike Doran, Worldwide Sales Director at IBM. This is another proof point of the enduring value that IBM Enterprise Tape provides to organizations as they look to cost effectively and securely store ever growing amounts of critical data.

There is a deep yearning of professional organizations for a trusted cloud. At Atempo, we are excited to join forces with IBM, and OVHcloud as we pave the way for a new era, a new digital deal, which goes far beyond the borders of the European Union, concludes Luc dUrso, CEO of the Atempo.Wooxo Group.

Read more:
OVHcloud Teams with IBM and Atempo for Cloud Storage - insideHPC

Jan. 21, 2021 To meet European enterprise and public institution security, sovereignty and resilience needs for the preservation of sensitive data, OVHcloud is collaborating with IBM and Atempo to develop a Storage-as-a-Service offering. This solution will be based on IBM Enterprise Tape technology and an Atempo software stack hosted and operated by OVHcloud in new data centers in the French territory.

With the ever-exponential growth of data produced by the Cloud, data storage optimization has become essential, both because of costs and compliance risks. As organizations look for ways to store, manage and leverage value for this ever-increasing amount of data, Tape will play a strategic role in addressing storage infrastructure challenges.

Tape solutions offer the lowest cost per terabyte of storage available today; the technology provides the security, scalability and durability to safely store critical inactive and cold data over the long term. When stored properly, data on Tape today will still be legible in 30 years time. Put simply, storing data on Tape costs mere pennies per terabyte and when not in use, requires zero energy consumption unlike hard disks and flash drives.

Tape meets Hybrid Cloud for a scalable, secure and affordable data strategy

OVHcloud will launch a cloud storage offering aimed at both public and private European organizations, which will guarantee total security and resilience for the long-term preservation of their sensitive data. This long-term storage solution will leverage the IBM Enterprise 3592 Tape technology and will be orchestrated by Atempos technology platform, Miria. Also, OVHcloud will innovate through the in-between addition of erasure coding 9+3 technology for data protection, allowing smart replication and split of user data.

To address data localization concerns of European organisations, the solution will be hosted and operated by OVHcloud in four new dedicated facilities, all located in France and each separated by several hundred kilometers. Security is a key priority for OVHcloud, who recently obtained the ANSSI Security Visa for the SecNumCloud which qualifies its Hosted Private Cloud solution and demonstrates the highest level of IT security, in line with recommendations from the French National Agency for Information System Security, for hosting sensitive and strategic data.

The combined expertise ofIBM, Atempo and OVHcloud will provide users with a unique solution that meets the regulatory requirements for data conservation, will be S3 compatible and feature ultra-competitive and predictable pricing for an unmatched price/performance ratio.

We are very pleased that the convergence of IBM, Atempo and OVHcloud expertise results in a reliable and sovereign data preservation solution, declares Sylvain Rouri, Chief Sales Officer at OVHcloud. Public and private organizations will benefit from a unified and highly secure storage experience with our high-performance solutions built in a trusted cloud.

We are honored to be selected as the core Tape technology provider by OVHcloud for their cloud storage offering, says Mike Doran, Worldwide Sales Director at IBM. This is another proof point of the enduring value that IBM Enterprise Tape provides to organizations as they look to cost effectively and securely store ever growing amounts of critical data.

There is a deep yearning of professional organizations for a cloud of trust. At Atempo, we are excited to join forces with IBM, and OVHcloud as we pave the way for a new era, a new digital deal, which goes far beyond the borders of the European Union, concludes Luc dUrso, CEO of the Atempo.Wooxo Group.

About OVHcloud

OVHcloud is a global player and the leading European cloud provider operating 400,000 servers within its own 31 data centres across 4 continents. For 20 years, the Group has been leveraging an integrated model that provides full control of our value chain, from designing our servers to managing our data centres through to orchestrating our fibre-optic network. This unique approach enables OVHcloud to cover, independently, the full spectrum of use cases for our 1.6 million customers across 140 countries. OVHcloud now offers customers latest-generation solutions that combine high performance, predictable pricing and full data sovereignty to support their unfettered growth.

About IBM

For more information about IBM storage:http://www.ibm.com/it-infrastructure/storage/

About Atempo

Atempo is a leading independent European-based software vendor with an established global presence providing solutions to protect, store, move and recover all mission-critical data sets for thousands of companies worldwide. With over 25 years experience in data protection, Atempo offers a complete range of proven solutions for physical and virtual servers backup, workstations, and migration between different storages of very large data volumes. Atempos three flagship solutions, Lina, Miria and Tina are labeled As used by French Armed Forces and France Cybersecurity.

Selected to join the French Tech 120, a government program designed to nurture 25 unicorns by 2025, Atempo is headquartered in Paris and is present in Europe, the US and Asia with a partner network in excess of 100 partners, integrators and managed service providers.

For more information:www.atempo.com.

Source: OVHcloud

Continued here:
OVHcloud Teams with IBM and Atempo on Storage-as-a-Service Offering - HPCwire

The best outdoor security camerashave to tackle wind, snow and all sorts of other weather changesand still perform optimally. We've tested a lot of weather-resistant models to arrive at this short list of favorites for keeping an eye on everything outside.

The $500 Arlo Pro 3 (two-camera pack, plus hub) is an excellent security camera. It has 2,560x2,560-pixel streaming, color night vision, 12x zoom, a built-in siren and a built-in spotlight. Out of the box, you get motion and sound alerts and access to the live feed.

Otherwise you do need to pay an optional monthly fee, starting at $3 a month for the Arlo Smart subscription service. Arlo Smart adds a bunch of additional features, including detection zones and advanced notifications (people, animal, vehicle and package). The $10 price tier adds in E911, a feature that lets you contact local law enforcement from the Arlo app, no matter where you are.

The Arlo Pro 3 isn't cheap, but it's an excellent home security camera if you have the money to spend. Read our Arlo Pro 3 review.

Wyze makes a variety of solid, affordable smart home devices -- and the $26 Wyze Cam (2020) is no exception.

In addition to standard features, which include HD live streaming and motion detection alerts, this affordable camera comes with free two-week event-based cloud storage and a built-in microSD card slot for local storage. It has a customizable motion-detection zone, updated two-way audio and night vision and an improved field of view over the last-gen Wyze Cam. Read our Wyze Cam review.

The $150 Arlo Video Doorbell performs well as a security camera, has a long list of features and competitive cloud storage fees, starting at $3 per month. The optional cloud storage subscription gives you access to advanced person, animal, vehicle and package alerts.

This smart buzzer is easy to install, too, and features two-way audio, motion detection zones, arm/disarm modes and a built-in siren. Read more about the Arlo Video Doorbell.

We've tested too many outdoor security cameras to list here, so be sure to check out my gallery below for an overview of all the models. It's worth noting that whatever Wi-Fi security camera you end up buying will only be as good as your home's network connection. If the connection is spotty, you might see pixelation in the feed, lag times and other related issues, socheck your Wi-Fi speedbefore you start drilling holes in your walls.

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The best outdoor home security cameras of 2021 - CNET