The cloud is changing how modern companies are operating. The tech industry really hasn't ever seen anything quite like it, and companies are scrambling to keep up with the times as cloud computing training becomes ever more important for employees. This has forced a lot of enterprises to change how they do business, and no company exemplifies this better than Microsoft with its most recent changes to its business strategy.
Once a fierce and vicious competitor in the software development world, Microsoft has changed its game plan to cope with the times. A recent blog post put out by the company discussed Microsoft's need to adapt to the changing landscape of cloud-based services, most notably in the form of an unlikely partnership with longtime software rival Red Hat.
What does the deal entail?
The blog post, written by the executive vice president of Microsoft's Cloud and Enterprise Group, Scott Guthrie, discusses the shift in conversation concerning cloud services. As Guthrie puts it, companies are asking "why cloud" less in exchange for a new question about "how cloud."
The cloud's advantages simply can't be ignored by companies looking toward the future, so this change in conversation reflects how these businesses will begin integrating existing infrastructure and knowledge into the cloud. Guthrie states this is going to require a lot of flexibility for cloud customers, and Microsoft seems to think it can be found by partnering with Red Hat.
Basically, the biggest implication for this partnership is going to be the availability of Red Hat software (such as its Linux applications) to customers of Microsoft's Azure cloud services. Companies wanting their employees to learn Azure while also wishing to use Linux will no longer have to choose between the two.
Microsoft and Red Hat will also be cutting down on help desk confusion by creating a support team comprised of personnel from both companies, further deepening the partnership.
Not the first time Microsoft has partnered with a past rival
Anyone familiar with the history of software development is going to be extremely surprised by this partnership. Microsoft and Red Hat have historically taken extremely different approaches to their business models. While Microsoft has always kept the inner workings of its software very close to the chest, Red Hat has always been known as providing open source solutions.
However, times have changed, and Microsoft has recognized that letting bygones be bygones is simply better for business. This can be seen in the tech giant's partnership with VMware, a coupling that defied years of bitter rivalry between the two companies.
While The Wall Street Journal is reporting that financial details about the Red Hat deal are currently unknown, it's not a stretch to say that there will be a lot of money moving around in both directions due to this partnership.
Microsoft's Azure cloud services are currently being used by more than 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies, according to Guthrie's post, which means Red Hat obviously stands to benefit quite a lot. But Microsoft will also be getting something out of this deal, as Red Hat's many applications will help extend flexibility in the hybrid cloud market.
While the monetary aspect is obviously what these two companies are focusing on, it's good to see a little collaboration in an industry that is quite often a cutthroat affair. Microsoft and Red Hat's burying of the hatchet is going to create a lot of good work as the two company combine forces.
How can you benefit?
Although Azure training has always been a great way to boost your skill set, as well as your resume, this partnership is going to take that training to the next level. Being able to learn Azure now will allow you to leverage this good press in your favor, as well as benefit off of the increased business this partnership is sure to create.
However, with your busy schedule, receiving computer based training can seem like a hassle. Thankfully, New Horizons is here to streamline the process and help you learn Azure quickly and effectively. With years of experience training the next generation of IT professionals, New Horizons can make sure you get the skills you need to compete in an industry that is rapidly shifting.
For a limited time, NHSoCalSoAZ is offering a free Navdy with the purchase of Eligible Red Hat Enterprise Linux Enterprise (RHEL7) Courses while supplies last. Participants will receive Navdy upon completion and payment is received. All open enrollment delivery by March 31, 2016. See full terms and conditions.
If you have any questions about participating or to determine the best training solutions for your team, please contact New Horizons of Southern California and Southern Arizona.
More links
- Red Hat Training and CertificationNew Horizons Southern California has all the Red Hat courses and training you need to prepare you for certification or to solidify your Red Hat expertise.
- IT Without BoundariesTechnology drives business. The operational and aspiration needs of your business require your IT to work outside of the norm–without boundaries. Red Hat solutions help your business grow as you adapt and plan for the future.
- Microsoft Technical Training and CertificationMicrosoft technical courses from New Horizons Los Angeles offer a valuable service—so valuable, actually, that the software giant claims its certification reduces downtime by 20% and makes teams 28% more productive. Training to gain proficiency in Microsoft products and technology allows professionals to get up to speed on the essential tools that many organizations value today.
- Windows Azure Training & CertificationWindows Azure is an open and flexible cloud platform that enables you to quickly build, deploy and manage applications across a global network of Microsoft-managed datacenters. You can build applications using any language, tool or framework. Also, integrate your public cloud applications with your existing IT environment.
