cloud technologies

Tech Optimizer
February 22, 2025
Mindbody utilizes a cloud-based platform for the fitness and wellness industry, offering services such as client booking, scheduling, payments, marketing, and analytics. Their email marketing platform is built on an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster, currently at version 13.8, with a size of approximately 17 TB and a workload distribution of 80% reads and 20% writes. Mindbody faced scaling and performance challenges due to architectural limitations and increasing data demands, leading to all workloads being directed to the writer node. The average BufferCacheHitRatio was below 80%, indicating frequent disk access rather than cache hits, contributing to higher query latencies and I/O costs. To address these issues, Mindbody adopted Aurora Optimized Reads, which enhances caching capacity and improves latency and throughput for I/O-intensive workloads. Transitioning required upgrading the database cluster to version 14.9 or higher, and extensive testing was conducted in a proof-of-concept environment. The upgrade process involved a blue/green deployment strategy to minimize production disruption. After implementing Aurora Optimized Reads, Mindbody experienced significant performance improvements, including a 50% reduction in average daily CPU utilization and a 90% reduction in ReadIOPS. The AuroraOptimizedReadsCacheHitRatio indicated that 85% of read requests were served from the optimized cache. Cost analysis revealed a 23% reduction in monthly Aurora costs post-transition, with potential for further savings by downsizing instances.
Winsage
November 27, 2024
Ensuring that Hyper-V virtual machines (VMs) operate seamlessly on a Windows 11 desktop requires careful attention to window size, as an incorrectly sized window can hinder user experience and restrict business application capabilities. A window that is too large may obscure parts of the screen, while a window that is too small can lead to application errors or make text and images difficult to read. To select the correct window size, users should identify the resolution of their host display, which can be found in Display Settings. It is advisable not to exceed a resolution of 1920 x 1080, with a minimum recommended resolution of 800 x 600. The default resolution is often set to 1366 x 768. For basic Hyper-V VM sessions, which do not support resizing, users must adjust the video output using PowerShell commands while the VM is powered off. For enhanced Hyper-V VM sessions, which utilize the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), users can select their preferred resolution upon connecting and can easily resize the window during the session, which automatically adjusts the VM's resolution. Enhanced sessions allow for a more dynamic connection, including local clipboard and printer access, and can be configured for Linux VMs with proper setup.
AppWizard
October 19, 2024
Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of adapting to market dynamics and shifting towards sustainable practices. They are integrating sustainability into their core strategies across various sectors, including manufacturing, which involves re-evaluating supply chains to minimize waste and reduce carbon footprints, and technology firms that are exploring energy-efficient data centers and promoting circular economy principles. Businesses are finding that sustainability can enhance brand loyalty, as consumers are more inclined to support environmentally responsible brands. As they pivot towards sustainable practices, companies are making strategic investments in technology and innovation, including AI-driven analytics for market trend forecasting, automation in production lines for efficiency, and cloud technologies for remote work and collaboration.
AppWizard
July 31, 2024
Microsoft has resolved recent global outages affecting several Office applications and cloud services, which were caused by a "network infrastructure" issue. The outage impacted platforms including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Azure, and Outlook, preventing users from accessing their emails and other services. Various organizations, such as Cambridge Water and HM Courts Service, reported disruptions. The outage was less severe than a previous incident caused by CrowdStrike, which affected approximately 8.5 million Windows computers and led to significant operational challenges across multiple sectors. Companies notably affected included NatWest, EE, O2, and several gaming platforms. NatWest acknowledged issues with customer access to their webpages, while HM Courts and Tribunals Service reported difficulties in accessing online services. Over 1,000 reports of issues with Microsoft 365 and more than 2,000 related to Minecraft were noted. The situation has raised concerns about the resilience of digital infrastructures and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, prompting discussions about a potential Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the UK.
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