Software Enabled Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

Anyone who develops and tests software is all to familiar with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).  In general this is the process for developers developing applications, checking out their code into a repository, and then checking it back in. Later in the lifecycle, Quality Assurance (QA) teams take these builds and install them into

Five Tips To Find a Cloud That is Ready For Your Users

Cloud computing is here to stay. It has quickly earned a reputation as a powerful business enabler based on benefits such as scalability, availability, on-demand access, rapid deployment and low cost.  To date, IT savvy users in development and test functions have quickly adopted the cloud model to accelerate application lifecycles. With recent innovations in

Skytap Sponsors CloudCamp Seattle

Skytap is sponsoring CloudCamp Seattle on December 1, 2010 along with other Cloud industry leaders Microsoft, Amazon, Hubspan, IBM, and others. CloudCamp is an “unconference” where attendees can exchange ideas, knowledge and information in a creative and supporting environment, advancing the current state of cloud computing and related technologies. Skytap representatives John Janakiraman, CTO and

2011 Predictions for Cloud Automation Market

​2010 has been the year of early adopters for the cloud automation market. IT savvy users in development, test, training and sales functions adopted the cloud model to accelerate application lifecycle management. With recent innovations in usability and self-service capabilities, functional users in consulting, training, and sales demo areas are becoming the direct, empowered consumers of

Domain Based Development and Test Projects in Skytap is Heaven!

A lot of Skytap customers ask about running Windows domains in Skytap.  Running domain controllers with test domains in Skytap Cloud can make a lot of sense. With the snapshot and network isolation technology, Skytap Cloud is the perfect development and test environment for this use case. Almost all Windows server products require the use

To Cloud or Not to Cloud?

​I get asked the “To Cloud or Not to Cloud” question quite often.  The answer is easy  – it depends!  I usually get a better reaction than when I give that answer to my kids. It leads to a discussion of the question’s context spanning business, technology, organization, and more. While the conclusion of each

We could not agree more…

VMware Blogger David Davis says it best: “What I have heard most about SkyTap is that they “make the cloud easy”. After seeing their variety of integrated cloud features and their impressive interface, I can see why. The Skytap cloud can be used for application development, app testing, migration, virtual private clouds, virtual training, sales

Configuring a virtual data center in the cloud…literally.

Ladies and gentlemen please be sure your tray tables and seat backs are in their upright and locked positions…we are going for a ride in the Skytap Cloud. It occurred to me today on a flight from Seattle to San Francisco to attend and exhibit at VMworld 2010, that we live in one of the

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” – Dr. Suess

Software development and test engineers often argue about “that’s not really a bug” or “that’s not a blocker to ship”. But they all agree on one thing for sure: shipping the next cool, new release to market faster and doing it with style and quality is fun and exciting. Yet, the reality of crummy old