Politics
Multi-Cloud Cost Optimization – ReadWrite
Published
2 years agoon
By
Drew Simpson
The popularity and confidence in cloud computing platforms continues to grow unabated. More and more businesses are moving mission-critical workloads to public clouds. Forbes recently projected that by 2021, 32% of IT budgets will be spent on public cloud platforms. Forbes also points out that cloud spending has grown 59% on average since 2018.
The Recent Trends of Multi-Cloud Optimization will Continue — Elevating the Importance of a Multi-Cloud Strategy.
The elasticity of cloud platforms provides great potential from an engineering perspective but great challenges from a cost-containment perspective. Traditional engineering teams using on-premises infrastructure are not accustomed to considering cost in a pay as you go environment. When migrating from limited on-premises hardware to the comparatively infinite expanse and variety of cloud, cost containment, tracking and optimization have to be considered.
Cost discipline, by necessity, becomes part of engineering awareness and vigilance — a requirement for businesses looking to exploit the new paradigm.
The Multi-Cloud Way
Many businesses already have a presence in multiple cloud platforms, either due to a strategy, or more likely, due to organic growth. The benefits of cloud technology include the lack of a reliance on a single provider, agility, scalability, high availability, SaaS services, and PaaS platforms. These higher quality services, along with the pay as you go billing model, is very attractive.
Controlling the associated costs requires a well thought out multi-cloud strategy.
A multi-cloud cost strategy considers workload placement by factors.
- Workload/platform optimization. Does the application utilize sufficient platform features to justify placement there? Conversely, does the availability zone provide needed features for the workload? How can inter-region bandwidth charges be balanced against fixed availability zone costs in a distributed deployment?
- Performance. Can the workload be placed on a platform, region, or server-class with overall lower performance without impact? Workloads that can tolerate lower average performance can benefit from right-sizing the computing environment. Similarly, for storage; can the workload tolerate lower performance or even object storage to lower costs.
- Availability. Are some workloads tolerant of low (or at least not high) availability? Can they be placed on cloud excess capacity when available? Most cloud platforms have far cheaper preemptible instances for workloads that can tolerate it ( e.g., ETL / batch jobs that can snapshot progress).
- Serverless. Does the workload require a dedicated server? Similar to shopping for excess capacity, serverless offerings have the potential for cost savings by not maintaining a running server and only incurring costs based on resource consumption on a highly granular basis.
Hybrid cloud strategies also can have an important impact on cost. Hybrid cloud, using on-premises capacity along with public cloud resources, should be considered when excess on-premise capacity exists — or where public cloud offerings aren’t cost-competitive.
For many businesses, compliance requirements will make a hybrid approach necessary. For others, hybrid cloud deployments are simply the result of a phased migration of workloads to the cloud, which may take many months or years.
The basic promise of the public cloud, the efficient consumption of resources on-demand as an operational expense vs. large capital plus operational expense, isn’t guaranteed to make sense under all circumstances.
Cloud Cost Assessment
If some workloads are already running on the public cloud, the first step is quantifying the costs of existing workloads and services over time as a baseline. Quantifying the cost-baseline is key to getting a detailed profile of consumption and waste beyond simple aggregation of spending. Once this baseline is established, it can serve as a starting point for identifying problem areas and building an understanding of how cost relates to system usage.
It is critical to correlate current costs to internal teams or projects to enable accountability.
It is critical for cost control to correlate current costs to internal teams or projects to enable accountability and identify the “low hanging fruit.” The correlation can be very difficult without the assignment of tags/labels to cloud instances as a general policy for teams that are deploying cloud workloads.
One of the benefits of a high-level of cloud automation is the ability to tag workloads transparently so that cost traceability can be achieved consistently. The benefits of cloud workload orchestration in the context of day to day operations (CI/CD processes) are discussed later.
Cloud providers offer tools that can assist with cost analysis. For example, AWS has its “Cost Explorer” and its “Cost and Usage Report.” These are particularly useful in combination with AWS cost allocation tagging.
Azure offers “Cost Management” from the Azure console, which can provide detailed reports. Azure also uses resource tagging to associate cloud resources with accounts (and other indicator-like “projects”).
Google Cloud has a similar service. In addition to the native tools, cloud management platform vendors such as Flexera, Cloudbolt, CloudApp and others provide cost analysis tools across multiple cloud platforms.
Cloud Cost Control
It is critical to raise awareness in teams that use cloud resources of the cost behavior of their workloads so the impact of design and operational decisions can be understood in context. Teams may be consuming large compute instances, retaining unneeded logs or other data on cloud storage, or not tearing down idle resources.
Even with all the benefits of a multi-cloud strategy, the tracking and forecasting associated with the operation of workloads hosted on multiple cloud platforms is a challenge. Add to that the unpredictability of workload scale, one of the major benefits of cloud architectures, and the complexity can become overwhelming.
A strategy for dealing with cost control is needed, potentially along with controls that can overlap with modern DevOps practices.
A casual survey of cloud billing models may lead to the impression that they are the same — but actual costs can be highly workload-dependent. Using the baseline measurement to identify cost hot spots, compare public cloud billing models to identify significant savings.
The complexity and effort to migrate and maintain services on multiple cloud platforms is significant and requires a significant benefit. The costs and benefits are highly workload-dependent. Because of this dependency, any multi-cloud strategy will benefit from a multi-cloud orchestration layer.
The orchestration layer will provide a degree of portability and make it easier to exploit new cloud providers and changing cost advantages. In addition, discounts provided by cloud providers can provide significant savings for organizations.
Flexera reports that less than half, much less in some cases, of customers, exploit cloud discounts such as AWS spot instances — meaning Azure low priority instances and Google ad hoc negotiated discounts.
Besides operational automation, the adoption of a multi-cloud orchestrator that integrates with modern DevOps practices can provide cost containment benefits.
An orchestrator with a declarative “infrastructure as code” approach makes templates a reviewable part of the release process. Cost containment policies can be applied to the template during review to effectively deny the deployment of problematic workloads. Labels or tags are then applied automatically for cost tracking.
For example, the attempted use of inappropriate-instance-types can be denied far in advance of any damage being done. Furthermore, a competent orchestrator will be capable of applying user/group or even time-specific barriers to workload deployment.
In addition, an orchestrator can limit scaling behavior — thus ensuring that complex deployments are completely cleaned up. Cleaned up deployments are critical to avoid zombie-cost-sources like abandoned unattached storage.
Summary
The journey to an optimal, cost-efficient multi/hybrid cloud strategy is a complex one. It is important to understand current costs, including on-premise workloads. Understanding the current costs will be your foundation for advancement and growth. You’ll understand which of the various platforms have provided the tools you require.
Automation will play a key role in standardizing and controlling the approved interactions and workload placement on various platforms and provide a degree of workload portability.
Portability is key because the world of cloud providers never stands still — and cloud billing models vary over time — requiring adaptability.
Finally, besides ongoing cost auditing, a practice of manual and automated orchestration-template-review must be in place to avoid unpleasant billing surprises.
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Politics
The Benefits of Standing Desks for Office Workers
Published
18 hours agoon
03/25/2023By
Drew Simpson
Standing desks have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.
In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of standing desks for office workers.
The Dangers of Prolonged Sitting
Sitting for extended periods can be harmful to your health.
Prolonged sitting has been linked to various health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
It can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon and endometrial cancer.
The Benefits of Standing Desks
Standing desks offer a range of benefits that can improve the health of office workers.
This is not to say that you have to stand the entire day — but forcing oneself to stand several times during the workday will significantly improve your health.
Improved posture
One of the most significant benefits of standing desks is that they can improve posture. Sitting for long periods can lead to slouching, which can cause neck and back pain.
By standing at a desk, you can maintain a more upright posture, which can reduce the risk of neck and back pain.
Tips for a Good Posture
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
- Ensure your feet are flat on the floor and your shoulders are relaxed.
- Keep your head straight, eyes looking forward, and chin parallel to the floor.
- Keep your arms loosely at your sides, with your elbows bent at 90 degrees.
- Take regular breaks to move around, stretch, and relax your back, neck, and shoulders.
Increased energy levels
Standing desks can also increase energy levels, helping you to stay alert and focused throughout the day.
It’s because standing desks can improve blood circulation, which helps to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
Improves Mood
Standing desks can also improve mood, helping to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
Having a good mood in the office can have a significant impact on the productivity and overall morale of the workplace.
A good mood has been linked to improved performance, higher levels of engagement, and even better physical health for office workers.
Increased Focus and Productivity
Standing desks have also been shown to increase focus and productivity. When we sit for long periods, our bodies tend to become sluggish, and our minds start to wander.
It can lead to a decrease in focus and productivity.
In contrast, standing desks keep us alert and focused, as they require us to maintain an upright position for a while — and maintain a constant state of movement.
Here are some tips to maximize your productivity while at a standing desk:
- Listen to Music.
- Take Breaks.
- Use a Footrest.
- Keep it Clean.
Reduced Risk of Health Problems
Another benefit of standing desks is the reduced risk of health problems. Sitting for long periods has been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
By using a standing desk, office workers can reduce their risk of these problems and maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, standing desks have been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon cancer and breast cancer.
Promotes Weight Loss
Weight loss is a benefit (from bestdesksgeek dot com) of standing desks that often goes unnoticed. Standing desks offer a great way to burn extra calories while working.
Studies suggest that standing at a desk can burn up to 50-110 extra calories per hour compared to sitting. This can add up over time and contribute to weight loss.
Better Sleep
Finally, standing desks can also help improve the quality of sleep. Sitting for long periods has been linked to poor sleep quality, as it can cause discomfort and stress.
On the other hand, standing desks promote good posture and reduce stress, which can lead to better sleep quality.
Additionally, standing desks have been shown to reduce the risk of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Implementing Standing Desks in the Workplace
While the benefits of standing desks are numerous, they do come with a cost.
Below is a cost-benefit analysis of standing desks:
Cost of Implementation
While the benefits of standing desks are numerous, they do come with a cost.
The cost of implementation can vary depending on the type of standing desk you choose and the number of employees you need to accommodate.
It’s important to consider the cost of the desks themselves, as well as the cost of any necessary modifications to the work environment, such as electrical and plumbing upgrades.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Despite the upfront cost of implementing standing desks in the workplace, the return on investment can be substantial. Improved employee health, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism can all lead to improved bottom-line performance.
How Incorrect Posture Can Lead To Health Issues While Using a Standing Desk?
If you work at a standing desk, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with incorrect posture.
Poor posture can lead to several health issues, including musculoskeletal problems, headaches, and fatigue.
One of the most common problems associated with incorrect posture is a pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.
This is often caused by slouching or hunching over, which puts unnecessary strain on the spine. Poor posture can also lead to tension headaches and migraines.
Fatigue is another common problem caused by incorrect posture. When you stand for long periods, it’s important to maintain good posture to avoid fatiguing your muscles.
If you slouch or hunch over, you’ll likely start to feel tired more quickly.
Incorrect posture can also cause problems with circulation. When you stand, your blood flow should be directed downwards towards your feet.
However, if you slouch or hunch over, your blood flow can be restricted, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting.
FAQs
Are standing desks more comfortable than traditional seated desks?
Yes, standing desks are more comfortable than traditional seated desks. Standing desks offer several comfort benefits, including reduced risk of pressure injuries and improved focus and motivation.
How often should I use my standing desk?
It’s also important to use your standing desk regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Is a mat necessary when using a standing desk?
No, a mat is not hundred percent necessary, but for standing for long periods — it provides a non-slip surface for added safety.
Conclusion
Standing desks offer a range of benefits for office workers, including improved posture, increased focus and productivity, reduced risk of health problems, increased energy levels, and better sleep quality.
With so many benefits, it is no wonder that standing desks are becoming a popular choice for office workers around the world.
In this article, I’ve discussed the benefits of standing desks for office workers.
What benefits have you seen from your standing desk? Let us know!
Featured Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Unsplash; Thank you!
William Lowery
William is a furniture enthusiast who loves nothing more than spending his free time combing through antique stores and online auction sites in search of the perfect piece.
He is the lead author at Desks Geek, he helps others by writing “how-to guides” and “best recommendations” about desks.

If you are considering filing for a divorce from bed and board, it is important to understand what it entails. Commonly known as a “legal separation,” this type of dissolution of a marriage involves much more than just the two parties not living together anymore; instead, it may include property division and child custody rights, among other things.
In some cases, obtaining a bed and board divorce can even be difficult to obtain in certain states due to the laws related to separations. Regardless of your motive behind wanting or needing one, knowing all that goes into such an arrangement can help you make informed decisions regarding your future.
Overview of divorce from bed and board
A divorce from bed and board is a type of divorce that involves two parties legally separating but never actually getting divorced. It’s not uncommon for couples who want to pursue divorce proceedings to first consider this option, as it allows them to maintain the legal benefits of being married without having to endure the heartache and stress associated with an actual divorce.
What are the benefits of divorce from bed and board?
The main benefit of divorce from bed and board is that it allows couples to divide assets, establish custody rights, and make arrangements pertaining to support payments in a way that’s agreeable to both parties. This means they can move on with their lives while still enjoying many of the benefits of marriage, including being able to file jointly for taxes and having access to health insurance.
Are there downsides to divorce from bed and board?
Though divorce, from bed and board, may seem like the perfect solution for some couples, it is important to understand that it can be difficult or even impossible to obtain in certain states due to the legal definition of divorce. Additionally, some couples may find themselves stuck in a limbo-like situation if they remain legally married but live separately.
Couples should also be aware that divorce from bed and board does not dissolve a marriage — meaning the two parties are still technically married and can’t remarry without getting an actual divorce.
Filing for divorce from bed and board is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. It’s important to consult a lawyer experienced in family law before deciding if this option is right for you. With the right guidance, you can decide what’s best for your situation and move forward with confidence.
What are the grounds for a divorce from bed and board?
In order to file for divorce from bed and board, you must have a valid reason, such as:
- Adultery – Adultery is one of the most valid grounds for divorce from bed and board. It is voluntary sexual intercourse between two married people, one of whom is not the other’s legal spouse. But in many states — the judges don’t care either way.
- Abandonment – Abandonment involves one spouse leaving the marital home without any intention to return or provide support for at least one year.
- Cruelty – Cruelty can be defined as any physical or mental abuse suffered by either spouse.
- Separation – Separation occurs when spouses have lived apart for at least a year due to disagreements or other factors.
- Habitual Intemperance – Habitual intemperance is the excessive use of drugs or alcohol by one spouse.
- Excessive Spending – This involves one spouse spending money in a way that is detrimental to the other spouse’s financial interests.
Understanding divorce from bed and board can help you make an informed decision when considering your legal options. Before making any decisions, it’s important to consult a lawyer to ensure this is the right choice for you. With the right guidance, you can move forward with confidence.
What are the consequences of a divorce from bed and board?
The consequences of divorce from bed and board depend on the agreement reached between the two parties. Additionally, they may have difficulty remarrying in the future without obtaining an actual divorce.
Overall, this type of divorce can be a viable option for couples who are looking to divorce but wish to maintain some of the benefits of marriage. It is important to understand all of the legal implications before making any decisions, so it’s always best to consult an experienced family law attorney. With the right guidance, you can make informed decisions that are in your best interests.
How can a divorce attorney help you with this?
A divorce attorney can provide invaluable assistance, especially in cases where you’re going through a divorce from bed and board (garrettandwalker dot com, same title). They will advise you on the best course of action and ensure that all legal requirements are met. They will also work with you to create a divorce agreement and represent your interests in court if needed.
With the right guidance, you can make informed decisions that are in your best interests. If this is the right option for you, a divorce lawyer can help you to understand all the legal aspects. With a divorce attorney by your side, you can move forward with confidence.
Conclusion
Divorce from bed and board is a viable option for couples who wish to divorce but remain married. It can provide some of the benefits of marriage without many disadvantages. Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand all of the legal implications and consult an experienced lawyer. With the right legal guidance, you can make informed decisions that are in your best interests.
Inner Image Credit: Photos by cottonbro studio; Thank you!
Featured Image Credit:
Lucas Vitale
Lucas is the Co-Founder & CEO at SEO Assistance. With a decade of experience in SEO, he has used his skillset to help grow thousands of businesses around the world.
Politics
The Top 7 AI Podcasts You Need To Hear Now
Published
1 day agoon
03/24/2023By
Drew Simpson
With artificial intelligence now being used to write everything from college homework to Congressional speeches, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the latest advances in machine learning, natural language processing, and all things AI.
We’ve brought together a list of seven of the top podcasts that track and explain the newest developments. They look behind the scenes at the technology behind the platforms, and they discuss how artificial intelligence is already upending business, marketing, data analysis, and more.
The TWIML AI Podcast
The TWIML AI Podcast used to be known as This Week in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence. The new name is shorter and snappier, but the content is just as deep and complex. Hosted by Sam Charrington, the podcast has produced more than 630 weekly episodes featuring interviews with a host of guests — usually technicians and scientists—working in the field of AI. The subjects of the discussions are often fairly complex. If you want to understand the human thinking behind artificial thinking, the show is essential listening.
The Bad AI Show
If interviews with Stanford professors aren’t your thing, try the Bad AI Show. Hosted by Joel Comm and Travis Wright of the Bad Crypto Podcast. The pair take a fun, laidback approach to new technology, explaining clearly — and wittily — the latest developments in artificial intelligence and its practical effects. Think of the TWIML AI podcast as a Stanford lecture and the Bad AI Show as the lounge next door. It’s a fun, relaxed chat with smart people about AI topics that get everyone thinking. The show is released as both an audio and video version.
The AI Podcast
One of the biggest challenges that a discussion of AI generates is how the new technology will be applied in the real world. Noah Kravitz’s The AI Podcast has already generated almost 200 answers. Each episode features an interview with experts using artificial intelligence to further their work. They’ve included a wildlife biologist tracking endangered rhinos, an astrophysicist analyzing starlight, and language learners grappling with Arabic pronunciation and even the delivery of sports highlights.
Data Skeptic
As you listen to those interviews with people applying AI to such a broad range of fields, it’s worth asking about the effectiveness of AI in solving those problems and whether they couldn’t be solved in an easier way. Claims for the benefits of artificial intelligence will grow, so make sure you’re also listening to Kyle Polich’s Data Skeptic. The podcast has already produced more than 470 episodes with interviews that take down the hype and take a realistic view of what AI can and can’t do.
The AI in Business Podcast
One area where both the hype and the expectation will be highest is in business applications of artificial intelligence. Each week, on the AI in Business Podcast, Daniel Faggella, the CEO of Emerj Artificial Intelligence Research, interviews AI executives from leading firms and startups to explore how business is adapting AI and exploring the opportunities the new technology offers.
The Marketing AI Show
Business is a broad topic. The Marketing AI Show tries to narrow things down with a focus specifically on the way marketers are using artificial intelligence to improve sales. The podcast is created by the Marketing AI Institute and the Marketing AI Conference (MAICON), and it’s essential listening for anyone wondering how the new technology can help their business identify leads and improve conversions.
Eye on AI
Finally, Eye on A.I. takes a broader, more journalistic approach to the developments of artificial intelligence. Out every two weeks and hosted by New York Times correspondent Craig S. Smith, each episode features an interview with a leader pushing AI into new ground. Episodes have discussed AI in supply chain optimization and finance but they’ve also delved behind the scenes to look at issues surrounding privacy and the future of AI itself.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jean Balzan; Pexels; Thank you!

Brad Anderson
Editor In Chief at ReadWrite
Brad is the editor overseeing contributed content at ReadWrite.com. He previously worked as an editor at PayPal and Crunchbase. You can reach him at brad at readwrite.com.