Operations | Monitoring | ITSM | DevOps | Cloud

We knew Visual Studio App Center was retiring, but with an official retirement date of March 31, 2025 and today being *checks calendar* 2025 already, it’s time we choose from our App Center alternatives and start migrating over to other tools. Here’s a quick guide with links to other resources that will make the migration a little less painful.

Ah, 2024. The year we promised ourselves we’d finally “work smarter, not harder.” And yet, here we are, looking back at a year filled with reworked errors, late-night firefighting, and a lot of “this could have been avoided.” Let’s relive the chaotic glory of the year that wasn’t and figure out how 2025 can be the year that is.

Edge computing is a decentralized computing approach that processes data and performs computations near the source of the data—local servers, smart devices, or edge nodes—rather than depending on a centralized data center. This reduces latency, which is often a result of data having to travel long distances and improves bandwidth efficiency. Discover how edge computing and Kubernetes revolutionize data processing and deployment.

In Java programming, lambda expressions or Java one-liners have become widely adopted practices for writing concise and expressive code. These compact, anonymous functions introduce functional programming concepts to Java, streamlining operations on collections, simplifying data manipulation, and enhancing code readability. Introduced in Java 8, lambda expressions are designed to represent blocks of executable code.

Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), also known as SSH File Transfer Protocol, is a robust, encrypted method for transferring files across networks, designed as a more secure alternative to traditional File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Essential for industries handling sensitive data—like finance and healthcare—SFTP protects against unauthorized access and enables efficient file management, making it a critical tool for remote access and data protection.

Automation has reached an inflection point. What began as simple task replication has evolved into a strategic imperative for businesses seeking a competitive advantage. Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, is no longer a peripheral technology. It’s a core driver of operational excellence. In fact, according to a 2023 Gartner study, the RPA software market grew at a steady pace in 2023 at 22.1%, on par with its 2022 growth rate.

Learn how to measure, implement, and improve SPACE metrics in DevOps. Get actionable tips and overcome common challenges in team performance tracking. Cortex| January 2, 2025 Software development team performance.

In December 2024, it was reported that the European Space Agency’s (ESA) official online store suffered a Magecart attack aimed at compromising customers’ payment information. The breach involved the injection of malicious JavaScript code into the store’s checkout process, leading to the display of a counterfeit Stripe payment page designed to harvest sensitive data. Image Source: ESA Website.

IT support for financial services is key. But are organizations in this industry outsourcing IT, or are they building their own IT support teams? According to Statista, the financial services sector leads the pack in IT outsourcing. The report highlights that the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) industry accounts for 30% of the global IT outsourcing market revenue—the highest percentage among all industries.

The construction industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, but that’s rapidly changing. Today, IT support for construction plays a critical role in streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and tackling the complexities of modern projects. In fact, a recent study by Briq highlights how adopting IT systems and digital tools is reshaping the industry, giving companies the tools to boost performance and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.