Blogs

Working through a challenge, and can’t quite solve it? Think it could make a good blog post idea? I’d love to hear!

Make a suggestion over on the cloudwithchris.com GitHub repository.

Introduction to Logic Apps

Many years ago, I wrote a blog post which introduced Logic Apps at a very high level when they were initially released. Ahead of a blog post that I want to write on Logic Apps v2, I thought that it may be worth writing a more thorough recap of Logic Apps as a platform. Logic Apps is a Platform as a Service (PaaS) offering, which allows you to easily build visual workflow integrations. Whether that's plumbing several microservices together, entirely different solutions within an enterprise, or some of the repetitive backend administrative tasks for a podcast or blog site, Logic Apps may be worth exploring.

April 26, 2021
How I use Azure Integration Services on Cloud With Chris

I've written blog posts previously around Azure Service Bus vs Azure Storage Queues, as well as an introduction to Azure Logic Apps and how I used it at the time. Back then, my use-case was fairly rudimentary and focused on a specific scenario. In this blog post, I explain the changes that I have made and how I've used common cloud design / integration patterns to implement a more robust solution.

August 2, 2021
Building Solutions in the Cloud

By now, we should be aware of the benefits that the cloud can bring to any individual or organisaton. There are plenty of case studies, talking about the scalable, flexible and economic benefits. Companies see the cloud as a differentiator, and utilise it to disrupt and innovate in their respective markets. Gartner predicts that in 2016 the total public cloud market is due to increase by 16%. But, Chris - You're starting a blog about technology. Why are you talking to me about customer case studies and market fact? Why? Context.

August 4, 2016

Latest Blogs

Cloud With Chris - Moving Forwards

You may have noticed there are some posts preceding this one. I’ve had a few attempts at putting my blog together, but then dwindle out on my cadence… Well, given the recent success with my Cloud with Chris podcast, I’m beginning to consolidate… Starting with my blog! Here’s an update on what you have to look forward to!

Blog

January 2, 2021
Deploying a multi-region Serverless API Layer (Part 1)

In my spare time, I work on a pet project called Theatreers. The aim of this is a microservice based platform focused on Theatre / Musical Theatre (bringing a few of my passion areas together). I’ve recently re-architected the project to align to a multi-region serverless technology stack.

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July 13, 2019
Using Azure DevOps REST APIs to automatically create Team Iterations

Consider this scenario. You are managing a software project using Azure DevOps, and you have multiple teams working towards a common cadence. Perhaps that cadence is managed by a central team. To gain the most value from your sprint planning, you would need to associate the iterations from the project level with each individual team. This is a scenario that I have for my fictitious Theatreers project, but also a scenario I encountered recently with a colleague. I have been helping them setup an Azure DevOps project to track the development of IP and collateral, so that they can more accurately forecast what they expect to land and show the value being delivered by the team.

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June 16, 2019
Azure Scaffold - Governance Recommendations

Cloud Governance seems to have come up a few times over the past few weeks, so I wanted to post a short, sharp blog about it!

Blog

February 25, 2017
Are you thinking of scalability in your cloud application?

Scalability is one of the common areas where I have seen common misconceptions, when customers begin building on the platform.

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September 29, 2016
An Introduction to Azure Functions

If you have been keeping up to date with the latest and greatest in Azure Services (yes, I know there are quite a few!), you may have heard of a new service called Azure Functions. Azure Functions is an event-driven Platform as a Service capability, helping you to execute code upon the occurrence of a particular event. It is currently in preview, though already has a lot of potential.

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September 12, 2016
DigiCert Certificate Management through Azure Key Vault

When designing a solution, you want to be sure that your communications are secure and that your users can trust your application. Typically, SSL certificates can be useful for this purpose.That is well and good from a design and development perspective, but there may some management headaches when operating and governing the solution. How do you keep track of the certificates? How do you guarantee that they are kept secure? How do you ensure that certificates renew on time?

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September 12, 2016
Integration Platform as a Service: Logic Apps

In case you had not already heard, Logic Apps have now reached general availability on Azure (or read an MSDN article by Jeff Hollan on the topic).

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September 12, 2016
A few useful Azure Resources

Over the past few weeks, I have been working on a number of projects relating to Azure. The usual theme has crept up, around recommended practices, and where to go for documentation. There are a couple of great resources to be aware of!

Blog

September 3, 2016
Approaching Resilience in Azure Solutions

I mentioned in Building Solutions in the Cloud that I would be writing a series of blog posts on the areas of risk that I have seen since I have been providing guidance around Azure. In this post, I will provide some thoughts on how you can consider resilience within the context of your own solution or application.

Blog

August 26, 2016