#AWS Consulting Partners

[sierra-cedar]

PeopleSoft Cedar Consulting: Revolutionizing Enterprise Solutions with Expertise and Innovation

In the world of enterprise software solutions, PeopleSoft remains a key player, providing organizations with robust tools for managing human resources, finances, supply chains, and more. However, to fully harness the power of PeopleSoft and tailor it to a company's unique needs, businesses often turn to specialized consulting services. One such provider making waves in this space is Cedar Consulting, a firm that offers top-tier expertise in PeopleSoft and helps organizations optimize their use of this powerful software suite.

Understanding PeopleSoft: A Quick Overview

PeopleSoft, originally developed by PeopleSoft Inc., is a comprehensive suite of applications that help businesses manage a variety of operations, from human resource management to financials, supply chain management, and customer relationship management. PeopleSoft has evolved over time, being acquired by Oracle in 2005, but it remains one of the most widely used ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions worldwide.

Organizations across various sectors continue to rely on PeopleSoft for its scalability, flexibility, and advanced features. However, to ensure that the platform is implemented effectively and aligns with specific business goals, PeopleSoft consulting has become a critical component for success.

What Makes Cedar Consulting Stand Out?

Comprehensive PeopleSoft Services Cedar Consulting offers a wide range of services centered around PeopleSoft, including:

Implementations: Cedar assists organizations in smoothly deploying PeopleSoft applications, ensuring that the systems are configured to meet specific organizational requirements.

Upgrades: As PeopleSoft continually evolves, businesses need to stay up to date with the latest versions and features. Cedar provides seamless upgrade services to help clients transition to newer versions without disrupting business operations.

Customization and Configuration: Cedar’s experts understand that each business has unique needs. They customize PeopleSoft applications to ensure they work optimally for individual clients, improving functionality and integration with other systems.

Support and Optimization: Cedar’s consultants offer ongoing support to help businesses maximize their PeopleSoft investments, addressing issues as they arise and optimizing system performance over time.

Integration: PeopleSoft often needs to integrate with other enterprise systems. Cedar provides integration services to ensure smooth data flow and seamless operations across different software platforms.

Expert Knowledge and Experience Cedar Consulting distinguishes itself through its team of professionals with extensive PeopleSoft experience. Whether it's implementing new PeopleSoft modules, upgrading existing systems, or troubleshooting complex technical issues, Cedar’s consultants bring a wealth of expertise to the table. This deep knowledge ensures that clients receive not only a working solution but one that is efficient, scalable, and cost-effective.

Tailored Solutions One of Cedar Consulting's core strengths is its ability to provide customized solutions. They take the time to understand the unique challenges faced by each client and design strategies that align with specific business objectives. Cedar is particularly adept at making complex PeopleSoft systems more user-friendly and efficient, helping businesses achieve their full potential.

Proven Track Record of Success Cedar Consulting has built a reputation for delivering results. Their success stories span a wide range of industries, from higher education and healthcare to financial services and government. Organizations trust Cedar for their proven ability to optimize and enhance PeopleSoft systems, driving both operational efficiency and strategic growth.

Focus on Long-Term Relationships Cedar Consulting is not just about implementing a system and walking away. Their approach centers on building long-term relationships with clients. They provide ongoing support and consulting, ensuring that PeopleSoft systems continue to meet the evolving needs of the business. This commitment to customer success is what makes Cedar a preferred consulting partner for many organizations.

Benefits of Partnering with Cedar Consulting for PeopleSoft Solutions

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity Cedar’s deep expertise ensures that businesses get the most out of their PeopleSoft systems, helping streamline workflows and improve productivity. Whether it’s simplifying user interfaces or automating routine tasks, Cedar’s solutions enable organizations to operate more efficiently.

Reduced Costs By optimizing the existing PeopleSoft system, Cedar helps businesses reduce operational costs. Moreover, their experience with system upgrades and integrations ensures that businesses avoid costly mistakes and delays in deployment.

Scalability and Flexibility Cedar Consulting’s solutions are designed to scale with the organization as it grows. Their custom solutions ensure that businesses can add new functionalities or integrate with new systems as needed, without requiring major overhauls.

Improved Decision-Making Cedar’s data-driven approach helps organizations leverage PeopleSoft’s robust reporting and analytics features. By improving access to critical data, businesses can make more informed decisions, whether it’s about financial planning, human resources, or supply chain management.

Ongoing Support Cedar Consulting provides continuous support to its clients, ensuring that their PeopleSoft systems stay up to date, secure, and effective over time. This proactive support helps organizations avoid costly downtime and disruptions.

Conclusion

As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of modern enterprise operations, the need for specialized PeopleSoft consulting services becomes ever more apparent. Cedar Consulting has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to unlock the full potential of their PeopleSoft systems. With a focus on tailored solutions, expert knowledge, and long-term customer success, Cedar Consulting stands out as a leader in the PeopleSoft consulting space, driving operational efficiency and delivering lasting value for clients.

[fastcurve]

Best AWS largest cloud provider | Fastcurve

Uncover the best AWS cloud services with Fastcurve. As one of AWS's largest cloud providers, they offer unparalleled scalability, safety, and diverse services that empower businesses to grow. Fastcrurve optimizes the use of AWS by offering tailored solutions that enhance cloud infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. Their services include cloud migration, application development with smooth integration, and management of AWS resources. Trust Fastcurve and AWS for your digital transformation. Contact Fastcurve to unlock new IT opportunities and drive success.

[allcodeaws]

DevOps Software Solutions | AllCode  

Streamline your development lifecycle with top-tier DevOps software solutions designed to accelerate collaboration, automate workflows, and enhance deployment efficiency. Whether you're scaling cloud environments, optimizing CI/CD pipelines, or ensuring seamless integration between development and operations, these solutions empower businesses to innovate faster and deliver high-quality applications. Embrace the future of agile development and operational excellence with tools tailored to your unique needs. Start transforming your software delivery process today! 

[centralizedca]

At Centralized, we provide expert AWS Cloud consulting services to help businesses in Canada optimize their cloud infrastructure. Our team of certified AWS consultants works with you to design, deploy, and manage a cloud environment tailored to your unique requirements. Whether you're looking to migrate to AWS, enhance your existing cloud architecture, or build scalable, secure cloud solutions, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

With a focus on efficiency, security, and innovation, we assist businesses in leveraging the full potential of AWS Cloud services. Our consulting process includes an in-depth assessment of your current infrastructure, customized strategy development, and hands-on implementation to ensure seamless cloud transformation. We also provide ongoing support and optimization to help you get the most out of your AWS investment.

Partner with Centralized for reliable AWS Cloud consulting services and drive your business forward with scalable, cost-effective cloud solutions. Contact us today to explore how AWS can enhance your business operations.

[pritivora26]

Amazon Web Services helps lots of businesses with their online stuff, like storing data and running websites smoothly. But sometimes, companies need extra help to use AWS well. That's where consulting companies come in. These companies show businesses how to make the most of AWS. As businesses embrace the versatility and scalability of Amazon Web Services, AWS consulting becomes integral for navigating the intricacies of design, implementation, and optimization. Choosing a reliable partner ensures a seamless transition to the cloud. Among the top companies providing AWS consulting in 2024, Serverless stands out with over a decade of cloud architecture experience. 

[teqfocus3]

AWS Consulting Partner | AWS Premier Partner | Teqfocus

Boost your AWS Cloud with Teqfocus, your AWS Consulting Partner. Enhance scalability, security, and efficiency from implementation to optimization. Contact us!

AWS Premier Partner

[thepencilnerd]

When the Sun Hits

summary: What begins as a hospital-wide power outage leaves you trapped in a supply closet with your emotionally unavailable attending. But when the lights come back on, what lingers between you can’t be shut off so easily. genre/notes: forced proximity, slow burn, panic attack + trauma comfort, domestic fluff, my fave kind of intimacy, mutual pining, humor/crack, soft!Jack that can't flirt for shit, idiots in love but neither of them will admit it, you discover you have a praise kink in the most inconvenient of ways, jack abbot on his knees—literally warnings: references to trauma, depiction of a panic attack, mentions of grief and burnout, implied but not explicit smut word count: ~ 7.2k a/n: down bad for whipped Jack Abbot. p.s., thank you to everyone who reblogs/replies/takes the time to read my brain vomit, i appreciate you more than you know ㅠㅠ <3

You had just turned to ask Jack if he could grab another tray of 32 French chest tubes when the lights cut out.

One second, the supply closet was bathed in its usual flickering overhead light—and the next, everything dropped into darkness. Sharp. Sudden.

You froze, one hand on the bin. Jack swore behind you.

"Shit," he muttered, somewhere just inside the door. The backup emergency lights flickered red from the hallway, but barely touched the cramped space around you.

Then the intercom crackled overhead: Code Yellow. Facility-wide outage. All staff remain on current floors. Secure all medications and patients.

The door clicked shut behind him.

Automatic lock.

You turned just as Jack tried the handle. It didn’t budge.

He sighed. "Well. That’s one way to guarantee a five-minute break."

You looked at him sharply, but he was already scanning the room, looking for anything useful, keeping his voice light.

"Guess we’re stuck for a bit," he added.

You didn’t respond. You couldn’t. The air felt too tight in your lungs, too warm all of a sudden.

Because now, the supply closet didn’t just feel small.

It felt like it was closing in.

It had been a normal day.

Or as normal as anything ever was around here—high-pressure shifts balanced by the strange rhythm you and Jack had settled into over the past few years. You worked together well—efficient, quick to anticipate each other's needs, almost telepathic during traumas. Partners in crime, someone had once joked. Probably Robby.

You’d learned how to read his silences—the kind that weren’t dismissive but deliberate, like he was giving you space without needing to say it aloud. He’d learned how to decode your muttered curses and side glances, how to step in behind you without crowding, how to let his shoulder bump yours during charting when words failed you both.

There was a kind of ease between you, a rhythm that didn’t require explanation. He’d hand you tools before you asked for them. You’d finish his sentences when he gave consults. Even in chaos, your partnership felt oddly... quiet. Intimate, in a way that crept in slowly, like warmth from a mug clasped between two hands after a long shift.

When you were paired on trauma, nurses and med students stopped asking who was lead. They knew you moved as one.

People had started to notice—how the two of you always seemed to stay overtime on the same days, how Jack would make dry, cutting jokes around others but soften them just enough when talking to you. Robby, in particular, teased him about it relentlessly.

"Jack, blink twice if this is you flirting," he’d once called across the ER after Jack mumbled, "Great work Dr. L/N," while watching you tie off a flawless stitch or nailing a differential.

Jack huffed. "It’s efficient. She's efficient."

"God, you’re hopeless," Robby laughed.

"She’s my best resident," Jack shot back, like it explained everything. Like it wasn’t a deflection.

You snorted into your coffee. "You say that like it’s not the fifth time this week."

Jack, without missing a beat: "That’s because it’s true. I value consistency."

He was awful at flirting—stiff and dry and chronically understated—but you’d grown to read the fondness buried in the flat delivery.

Like the morning he handed you your favorite protein bar without a word and then said, as you blinked at him, "Don’t faint. You’ll ruin my numbers."

Or the time he stood outside your call room after a brutal night shift, coffee in hand, and muttered, "You deserve a nap, but I guess you’ll have to settle for caffeine and my sparkling company."

He always made sure to loop you in on the interesting cases—"Figure it’s good for your development," he’d say. But then linger just a little too long after rounds, just to hear your thoughts.

And when you were quiet too long, when something in you withdrew, he never asked outright. Just gave you space—and a clipboard he’d pre-filled, or a shift swap you hadn’t requested, or the gentlest, "You good?" when you passed each other by the scrub sinks.

And now, here you were. Trapped in a closet with the man who rarely made jokes—and never blushed—except when you were around.

Now, you were stuck. Together.

The air felt thin but simultaneously stuffed to the brim.

Jack turned on his penlight, sweeping the beam across the room. "We’re fine," he said, calm and certain. "Generator will kick in soon."

You nodded. Tried to match his steadiness. Failed.

The closet was small. Smaller than it had ever felt before.

The walls crept in.

You didn’t notice the way your hands started to shake until he said your name.

Your vision tunneled. The room blurred at the edges, corners shrinking in like someone was folding the walls inward. The air felt heavy, every breath catching at the top of your throat before it could sink deep enough to matter. It felt like someone had filled your veins with liquid lead, your entire body suddenly weighing too much to hold upright. You staggered back a step, hand scrambling blindly for something to anchor you—shelf, handle, Jack. Your heart was pounding—loud, ragged, out of sync with time itself.

You tried to swallow. Couldn’t.

Sweat prickled your scalp. Your fingers tingled, every nerve on fire. Your knees gave out beneath you, and you crumbled to the floor—head buried between your knees, hands clasped behind your neck, trying to fold yourself into a singularity. Anything to disappear. Anything to slip away from this moment and the way it pressed in on all sides. There was no exit. No sound but your own spiraling thoughts and the slow, careful way Jack said your name again.

You blinked. Your eyes wouldn’t focus.

"Hey," Jack coaxed, his voice cutting through the static—low and steady, somehow still distant. His full attention was on you now, gaze locked in, unmoving. "Breathe."

You couldn’t.

It hit like a wave—sharp and silent, rising in your chest like pressure, no space, no air, no exit.

Jack’s hands found your shoulders. "I’ve got you. You’re okay. Stay with me, yeah?"

He crouched in front of you, grounding you with steady pressure and careful, deliberate calm. His hands—firm, callused, the kind that had seen years of split-second decisions and endless sutures—gripped your upper arms with a touch that was impossibly gentle. Like he could mold you back into yourself with his palms alone. His thumbs brushed lightly, not demanding, just present. Just there.

"Can you breathe with me?" he asked. "In for four. Okay? One, two, three…"

You tried. You really did.

Your chest still felt locked, ribs tight around panic like a vice, but his voice—low and even—threaded through the chaos.

"Out for four," he murmured, exhaling slowly, deliberately, like the sound alone could show your body how to follow. "Good. Just like that."

The faint light dimmed between you, casting his face in half-shadow. He was close now—close enough for you to catch the scent of antiseptic and something warm underneath, something that reminded you of winter nights and clean laundry.

"You’re here," he said again, softer this time. "You’re safe. Nothing’s coming. You’ve got space."

You reached out blindly, fingers finding the edge of his sleeve and clutching it like a lifeline.

"Good girl," Jack said softly, instinctively, like it slipped out without permission.

Your brain short-circuited. Of all things, in all moments—that was what hooked your attention. You let out a strangled little laugh, shaky and almost hysterical. "Fucking hell," you murmured, pressing your face into your arm. "Why is that what got me breathing again?"

Jack blinked, startled for a second—then let out the smallest huff of relief, like he was holding back a smirk. "Hey, if it works, I’ll say it again," he said, a thread of warmth sneaking into his voice.

You groaned, half-burying your face in your elbow. "Please don’t."

He was still crouched in front of you, his tone gentler now, teasing on purpose, like he was giving you something else to hold onto. "Admit it—you just wanted to hear me say something nice for once."

"Jack," you warned, half-laughing, half-crying.

"You’re doing great," he said quietly, real again. "You’re okay. I’ve got you."

And eventually—one shaky inhale at a time—your lungs obeyed.

When the power came back on, you stood side-by-side in the wash of fluorescent light, blinking against it.

You were still trembling faintly, your breaths shallow but more even now. Jack didn’t step away. Not right away.

"Feeling better?" he asked, voice low, steady.

You nodded, not trusting your voice.

Jack stood slowly, offering a hand. You took it, letting him pull you up. His grip lingered just a second longer than necessary.

Then he tried, awkwardly, to lighten the mood. "If calling you a good girl was really all it took, then I’ve been severely underutilizing my motivational toolkit."

You let out a startled laugh, breath catching mid-sound. "Jesus, don’t start."

He gave you a crooked smile—relieved, even if the corners of it were still tight with concern. "Whatever works, right? Next time I’ll try it with more enthusiasm."

"Next time?" Your eyes widened like saucers—absolutely flabbergasted, half-tempted to dissolve into laughter or hit him with the nearest supply tray.

He shrugged, another smug grin threatening to cross his lips. "Just saying. If you’re going to unravel in a closet, might as well do it with someone who knows where to find the defibrillator."

You rolled your eyes but didn’t let go of his hand until the light flickered again.

Only then did you both step apart.

You didn’t say much.

He didn’t ask you to.

You’d made it as far as the locker room before the adrenaline crash hit. You rinsed your face, changed into sweats, and shoved your scrubs into your bag with trembling fingers. Jack had walked you out of the department without a word, just a hand hovering near your lower back.

"Thanks," you said quietly, as you scanned out. "For earlier."

Jack shook his head, like it was nothing. "You don’t need to thank me."

"Still," you said. "Just… please don’t mention it to anyone?"

He looked over at you, mouth twitching at the corner. "Mention what?"

That made you laugh—brief, breathless. "Right."

You parted ways near the waiting room, sharing your usual post-shift goodbyes.

Or so you thought.

Jack had been about to leave when he saw you—doubling back through the double doors, slipping through the staff-only entrance and back into the ER.

His brow furrowed.

He hesitated, then turned to follow.

The corridor was quiet. Most of the day shift hadn’t arrived yet, and the call room hallway echoed faintly under his footsteps. He paused outside the on-call room and knocked once, gently. When there was no response, he eased the door open.

The room was cramped and windowless, just enough space for a narrow bunk bed and a scuffed metal chair in the corner. The mattress dipped in the middle, the kind of sag that never quite let you forget your own weight. The attached bathroom offered a stall that barely passed for a shower—low pressure, eternally lukewarm, and loud enough to make you question whether it was working or crying for help. It felt more like a last resort than a place to rest.

Your bag was on the bed. Half-unpacked. Toothbrush laid out. Socks tucked into the corner. Like you were staying in a hotel. Like you’d been staying here.

He was still standing there when the bathroom door cracked open and you stepped out—hair damp, towel knotted tightly around your torso.

You both froze.

Your eyes widened. Jack’s went comically wide before he spun around on instinct, shielding his eyes like it was second nature. "Shit—sorry, I didn’t—"

"What are you doing here?" you asked at the exact same time he blurted, "What are you doing here?"

The silence that followed was deafening.

Jack cleared his throat, ears bright red. "I… saw you come back in. Just wanted to check."

You were still standing in place like a deer in headlights, towel clutched in a death grip.

Jack rubbed the back of his neck, eyes very pointedly still on the wall, as if the peeling paint had suddenly become the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen.

Fingers clenched around the edge of the towel, embarrassment prickled across your chest like static. "One second," you murmured, disappearing back into the bathroom before either of you could say anything more.

A minute later, the door creaked open and you stepped out again—now wrapped in an oversized hoodie and soft, baggy sweatpants that made you look small, almost swallowed whole by comfort. Jack’s brain did something deeply inconvenient at the sight.

You lingered in the doorway, sleeves tugged down over your hands, damp hair framing your face. "You can look now," you said, voice softer this time.

Jack didn’t move at first. He shifted his weight, cleared his throat in a way that sounded more like a stall tactic than anything physiological. Only after a beat did he finally turn, cautiously, eyes flicking up to meet yours.

He caught himself staring. Made a mental note not to think about it later. Failed almost immediately.

A breath left your lungs, quieter than the room deserved. You crossed to the bunk and sat down on the edge, fingers fidgeting with the seam of your sweatpants. "You can sit, if you want," you said, barely above a whisper.

The mattress shifted a second later as Jack lowered himself beside you, careful, slow—like he wasn’t sure how close he was allowed to get. His knee brushed yours. He didn’t move it. You didn't pull away. 

Your eyes fluttered shut, a long exhale dragging out of you like it had been caught behind your ribs all night. "I’ve been staying here," you said finally. "Not every night. Just... enough of them."

You looked over at him, then down at your hands. "It’s not about work. I just... I didn’t want to go back to an empty place and hear it echo. Didn’t want to hear myself think. Breathe. This place—at least there’s always noise. Even if it’s bad, it’s something."

That made him pause.

"I don’t want to be alone..." you added, quieter.

Jack was quiet for a moment, then nodded once, slow. "Why didn’t you tell me?" he asked, voice quieter than before. "You know I’m always here for you."

You looked down at your lap. "I didn’t want to be a burden."

Your fingers twitched, and before you realized it, you’d started picking at a loose thread along your cuff. Jack’s hands came up gently, catching yours before you could do more than graze your skin. He held them between his palms—warm, steady. Soothing.

His thumbs brushed over your knuckles. "You never have to earn being cared about," he said softly. "Not with me."

A few moments passed in silence. He still hadn’t let go of your hand.

Then, quietly, Jack reached into his pocket.

And handed you a key.

"I have a spare room," he said, voice low. "No expectations. No questions. Just… if you need it."

You stared at the key. Then at him.

He still didn’t look away, even as his voice gentled. "Don’t sleep here. Not if it hurts."

You took the key.

Not right away—but you did. Slipped it into the front pocket of your hoodie like it might vanish otherwise, like the metal might burn a hole through the fabric if you held it too long.

Jack didn’t press. Didn’t ask for promises.

He stood to leave and paused in the doorway.

"I’ll leave the light on," he said. "Just in case."

You didn’t answer right away. Just nodded, barely, and stared at the key in your lap long after the door shut behind him.

The call room was quiet after he left.

Too quiet.

You stared at the key until your fingers itched, then tucked it beneath your pillow like it needed protecting—from you, from the space, from the hollow echo of loneliness that filled the room once Jack was gone.

You didn’t sleep that night. Not really.

And two days later—after another long shift, after you’d showered in the same miserable excuse for plumbing, after you’d sat cross-legged on the cot trying to convince yourself to just go home—you took the key out of your pocket.

You didn’t text him.

You just went.

The last time you'd been to his place was different. Less quiet. More raw.

It was the night after a shift that left the entire ER shell-shocked. You'd both ended up at Jack’s apartment with takeout containers and too much to drink. You’d lost a kid—ten years old, blunt trauma, thirty-eight minutes of resuscitation, and it still wasn’t enough. Jack had lost a veteran. OD. The kind of case that stuck to his ribs.

He’d handed you a beer without a word. The two of you had sat on opposite ends of his couch, silence stretching between you like a third presence until you broke it with a hoarse, "I keep hearing his mother scream."

Jack didn’t look away. "I keep thinking I should’ve caught it sooner."

The conversation didn’t get lighter. But it got easier.

At some point, you’d both ended up sitting on the floor, backs against the couch, knees bent and shoulders almost brushing.

He told you about Iraq. About the first time he held pressure on someone’s chest and knew it wouldn’t matter.

You told him about your first code as an intern and the way it rewired something you’ve never quite gotten back.

He didn’t touch you. Didn’t need to. Just passed you another drink and said, "I’m glad you were there today."

And for a while, it was enough—being there, even if neither of you knew how to say why.

You’d gotten absolutely wasted that night. The kind of drunk that swung from giggles to tears and back again. Somewhere between your third drink and fourth emotional whiplash, you started dancing around his living room barefoot, music crackling from his ancient Bluetooth speaker. Tears for Fears was playing—Everybody Wants to Rule the World—and you twirled with your arms raised like the only way to survive grief was to outpace it.

Jack watched from the floor, amused. Smiling to himself. Maybe a little enamored.

You beckoned him up with exaggerated jazz hands. "C’mon, dance with me."

He shook his head, raising both palms. "No one needs to see that."

You marched over, grabbed his hands, and tugged hard enough to get him upright. He stumbled, laughing under his breath, and let you spin him like a carousel horse. It wasn’t graceful. It wasn’t even really dancing. But it was you—vivid and loud and alive—and something in him ached with the sight of it.

He didn’t say anything that night.

But the way he looked at you said enough.

You were still holding his hands from the dance, your breathing slowing, your laughter softening into something tender. The overhead light had gone dim, the playlist shifting into quieter melodies, but you didn’t let go. Your fingers stayed laced behind his neck, your forehead nearly resting against his chest.

Jack’s palms found your waist—not possessive, just steady. Grounding. His thumbs pressed gently against your sides, and for a moment, you swayed in place like the world wasn’t full of ghosts. You were sobering up, but not rushing. Not running.

You hadn’t meant for the dance to turn into this. But he didn’t step away.

Didn’t look away either.

Just held you, as if the act itself might keep you both tethered to something real.

You woke the next morning to the sound of soft clinking—metal against ceramic, a pan being set down gently on the stovetop.

The smell of coffee drifted in first. Then eggs. Something buttery. Your head pounded—dull, insistent—but your body felt warm under the blanket someone had pulled up around your shoulders during the night.

Padding quietly down the hall, you peeked into the kitchen.

Jack stood at the stove, hair ever so slightly tousled from sleep, wearing the same faded t-shirt and a pair of plaid pajama pants that made your chest ache with something you couldn’t name. He hadn’t seen you yet—was humming under his breath, absently stirring a pan with practiced rhythm.

You leaned against the doorframe.

"Are you seriously making breakfast?"

He turned, eyes crinkling. "You say that like it’s not a medically necessary intervention."

You snorted, stepping in. "You’re using a cast iron. I didn’t even know you owned one."

"Don’t tell Robby. He thinks I survive on rage and vending machine coffee."

You slid onto one of the stools, blinking blearily against the light. Jack set a mug in front of you without being asked—just the way you liked it. Just like always.

"You were a menace last night," he said lightly, pouring eggs into the pan.

You groaned, cupping your hands around the mug. "Oh god. Please don’t recap."

He grinned. "No promises. But the dance moves were impressive. You almost took me out during that one twirl."

"That’s because you wouldn’t dance with me!"

"I was trying to protect my knees."

You laughed, head tipping back slightly. Jack just watched you, eyes soft, like the sound of it made something settle inside him.

And for a moment, the silence that settled between you wasn’t hollow at all.

It was full.

If only tonight's circumstances were different. 

Jack opened the door in sweatpants and a black v-neck that looked older than his medical degree. He blinked when he saw you—then smiled, just a little. Not wide. Not obvious. But real. The kind of expression that said he hadn’t realized how much he’d wanted to see you until you were there.

He said nothing.

After a slow smile: "Didn’t expect to see you again so soon," he said lightly, trying to break the ice. "Unless you’re here to critique my towel-folding technique."

Lifting your hand slowly, the key warm against your skin, you tilted your head with a deadpan expression. "Wouldn’t dream of it," you said, tone dry—almost too dry—but not quite hiding the twitch of a smile. Jack’s mouth quirked at the corner.

Then you held the key out fully, and he stepped aside without a word.

"Spare room’s on the left," he said. “Bathroom’s across from it. The towels are clean. I think."

You smiled, a little helplessly. "Thanks."

Jack’s voice was soft behind you. "That was a joke, by the way. The towel thing."

You turned slightly. "What?"

He shrugged, almost sheepish. "Trying to lighten the mood," he said, rubbing the back of his neck and looking anywhere but at you. "Make it... easier. Or, y'know. Less weird. That was the goal."

The admission caught you off guard. Jack Abbot had a tendency to ramble when he was nervous, and this was definitely that.

You didn’t say anything right away, but your smile—this time—was a little steadier. A little sweeter.

"Careful, Jack," you murmured, feigning seriousness. "If you keep being charming, I might start expecting it."

He looked like he wanted to say something else. His mouth opened, then closed again as he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly debating whether to double down or play it cool.

"Guess I’ll go work on my stand-up material," he mumbled, half under his breath.

You bit back a laugh.

He ran a hand through his hair again—classic stall tactic—then finally nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

The room he offered you was small, clearly unused, but tidy in a way that suggested recent care. A folded towel sat at the foot of the bed. A new toothbrush—still in its packaging—rested on the nightstand. The faint scent of cedar lingered in the air, mixing with the soft clean trace of his detergent. The air had that faint freshness of a recently opened window, and the corners were free of dust. Someone had aired it out. Someone had taken the time to make space—room that hadn’t existed before, cleared just enough to let another person in.

You set your bag down and sat on the edge of the bed, fingers brushing over the blanket. Everything felt soft. Considered. You stared at the corner of the room like it might give you answers.

It didn’t.

But it didn’t feel like a hospital either.

You took your time in the shower, letting the heat soak into your skin until the mirror fogged over and your thoughts slowed just enough to feel manageable. Jack's body wash smelled different on you—deeper, warmer somehow—and the scent clung faintly to your skin as you pulled on the softest clothes you had packed: shorts and an oversized shirt you barely remembered grabbing.

When you stepped out of the guest room, damp hair still clinging to your neck, the smell of garlic and something gently sizzling greeted you first. Jack was in the kitchen, stirring a pot with practiced ease, the kind of domestic ease that tugged at something inside you.

He turned when he heard your footsteps—and froze for a beat too long.

His eyes swept over you and caught on your hair, your shirt, the visible curve of your collarbone, the quietness about you that hadn't been there earlier. He blinked, clearly trying to recover, and failed miserably.

"Hey," you said gently, brushing some damp strands behind your ear. "Need help with anything?"

Jack cleared his throat—once, then again—and turned back to the stove, ears visibly reddening. "I think I’m good," he said. "Unless you want to make sure I don’t burn the rice."

You crossed the room and leaned against the counter next to him, still slightly bashful yourself. The scent of his soap clung to your sleeves, and Jack caught a trace of it on the air. He said nothing—but stirred a little slower. A little more carefully.

"Your apartment’s just as nice as I remembered," you said, soft and genuine, fingers brushing the edge of the countertop.

Jack glanced over at you, a flicker of something warm behind his eyes. "You mean the sterile surfaces and suspiciously outdated spice rack?"

You gave him a knowing smile. "I mean the parts that feel like you."

That stopped him for a second. His stirring slowed to a halt. He looked back down at the pot, a faint smile ghosting over his lips.

"Careful," he murmured, voice low. "If you keep saying things like that, I might start thinking you actually like me."

You nudged his elbow gently. "I might. Don’t let it go to your head."

He smiled to himself, the kind of expression that didn't need to be seen to be felt. And in the soft space between those words, something settled. Easier. Closer.

Dinner was simple—pan-seared salmon, rice, roasted vegetables. Nothing fancy, but everything assembled with care. Jack Abbot, it turned out, could cook.

You said so after the first bite—and let out a soft, involuntary moan. Jack froze mid-chew, raised a brow, and gave you a look.

"Wow," he said dryly, lips twitching. "Should I be offended or flattered?"

You felt heat rise across your cheeks, laughing as you covered your mouth with your napkin. "Don't tell me you're jealous of a piece of salmon?"

He grinned. "I’m a man of many talents," he said dryly, passing you the pepper mill. "Just don’t ask me to bake."

You smiled over your glass of water, a little more relaxed now. "No offense, but I didn’t exactly have ‘culinary savant’ on my Jack Abbot bingo card."

He shot you a look. "What was on the card?"

You hummed, pretending to think. "Chronic insomniac. Secret softie. Closet hoarder of protein bars. Dad joke connoisseur."

Jack snorted, setting down his fork. "You’re lucky the salmon’s good or I’d be deeply offended."

You grinned. "So you admit it."

And he did—not in words, but in the way his gaze lingered a moment too long across the table. In the way he refilled your glass as soon as it dipped below halfway. In the quiet, sheepish curve of his smile when you caught him looking. In the way his laugh lost its usual edge and softened, like maybe—just maybe—he could get used to this.

After dinner, you moved to the sink before Jack could protest. He tried, weakly, something about guests and hospitality, but you waved him off and started rinsing plates.

Jack came up behind you, handing over dishes one by one as you scrubbed and loaded them into the dishwasher to dry. His presence was warm at your back, the occasional graze of his hand or arm sending tiny shivers up your spine. The silence between you was companionable, laced with unspoken things neither of you quite knew how to name.

"You’re seriously not gonna let me help?" he asked, bumping your hip with his.

"This is letting you help," you shot back. "You’re the designated passer."

"Such a glamorous title," he murmured, his voice low near your ear. "Do I get a badge?"

You glanced at him over your shoulder, a smile tugging at your lips. "Only if you survive the suds.

Jack leaned in just as you turned back to the sink, and for a moment, your arms brushed, your shoulders aligned. His gaze lingered on you again—your profile, your damp hair starting to curl at the edges, the stretch of your shirt down your back.

You glanced back at him, close enough now to kiss, breath caught halfway between surprise and anticipation when—

Jack dipped his finger into the soap bubbles and tapped the tip of your nose.

You blinked, stunned. "Did you just—"

Jack held your wide-eyed gaze a beat longer, then said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Nice look, Bubbles."

And the dam broke. You laughed, bright and unguarded, flicking water in his direction.

He dodged each droplet as best he could with a grin, triumphant. "I stand by my methods."

You scooped a pile of bubbles into your hand with deliberate menace.

Jack immediately backed away, holding both palms up like he was under arrest. "No. No no no—"

You grinned, nodding slowly with mock gravity. The chase ensued. He darted around the counter, nearly tripping on the rug as you chased after him, suds in hand and laughter trailing like a siren’s call. He was fast—but you were relentless.

"Truce!" he yelped, dropping to his knees in front of you, hands held high in mock surrender.

You smirked, one brow raised. "Hmm. I don’t know… this feels like a trap."

Jack looked up at you with wide, pleading eyes. "Mercy. Have mercy. I’ll do whatever you want—just don’t soap me."

You hummed, pretending to consider it. "Anything?"

"Within reason. And dignity. Maybe." He started lowering his hands.

You tilted your head, letting the moment draw out. Jack watched you carefully, breath held, the corners of his mouth twitching.

"I mean…" he started. "If praise is your thing, you’re doing a fantastic job intimidating me right now."

Your mouth parted, stunned. "Did you just—"

Jack smirked, sensing an opening. "You excel at it. Really. Top tier menace."

You laughed, nearly doubling over. "Oh my god. You’re the worst." The bubbles had dissipated by now, leaving you with only damp hands. 

"And yet, here you are," he said, still kneeling, still grinning.

You shook your head, stray droplets slipping from your hand, your laughter easing into something softer. "Get up, you idiot."

But Jack didn’t—not right away. Still on his knees, he inched closer, crawling forward with slow, deliberate grace. His hands found your thighs, resting there gently, like a prayer. Thumbs stroked the place where skin met fabric, featherlight and reverent.

"I mean it," he said, voice quieter now, almost solemn. "You terrify me."

Your breath caught.

"In the best way," he added, gaze lifting. "You walk into a trauma bay like you own it. You fight like hell for your patients. You get under my skin without even trying."

His hands slid up slowly, still gentle, still hesitant, like waiting for permission. "Sometimes I think the only thing I believe in anymore is you."

Your heart thudded. Your hands, still damp, twitched against your sides.

"You deserve to be worshipped," he murmured, and that was when your knees nearly buckled.

The joke was long forgotten. The laughter faded. All that was left was the way Jack looked at you now—like he wasn’t afraid of the quiet anymore.

His hands had made a slow, reverent climb to your bare skin, thumbs sweeping small, anchoring circles into your skin. You felt the heat of him everywhere, your body taut with anticipation, nerves stretched thin. He didn’t rush. Just looked up at you, drinking in every unsteady breath, every flicker of hesitation in your gaze.

"You’re shaking," he murmured, voice low. If you weren't so dazed, you could've sworn you heard a shadow of amusement. "You want to stop?"

You shook your head—barely—and he nodded like he understood something sacred.

"I want you to feel good," he said softly, leaning in to press the lightest kiss to your thigh, just below the hem of your shirt. "I want to take my time with you. If you’ll let me?"

The question lodged in your chest like a plea. You couldn’t speak, only nodded, and his hands flexed slightly in response. 

Jack stood first, rising fluidly, eyes never leaving yours. As he straightened, your hands found his hair, fingers threading through the soft strands at the base of his neck. That was all it took—the smallest pull, the softest touch—and the space between you collapsed.

Not in chaos, not in desperation, but in something careful. Like reverence wrapped in desire. Like he’d been waiting for this, quietly, for longer than he dared admit.

And when his lips met yours, it was a live wire.

Deep. Soft. Unapologetically tender.

But it didn’t stay chaste. Jack’s hands found your hips, drawing you closer, fitting your bodies together like a secret only the two of you knew how to keep. His tongue brushed yours in a slow, exploratory sweep, and you gasped against his mouth, fingers fisting in the back of his shirt.

The kiss turned hungry, molten—slow-burning restraint giving way to a need you both had held too tightly for too long. Jack’s hand slid beneath the hem of your shirt, tracing the curve of your spine, and you arched into him, a quiet gasp slipping free.

"Tell me if you want me to stop," he murmured between kisses, voice thick, reverent.

You pulled back just enough to whisper, "Don’t you dare."

That was all he needed.

And when he kissed you again, it was like promise and prayer and everything you hadn’t let yourself want until now.

His hands moved with aching care—one sliding up your spine to cradle the back of your neck, the other splaying wide at your waist, pulling you flush against him. The heat between you was slow and encompassing, more smolder than spark, until it wasn’t—until it ignited all at once.

Jack walked you backward until your hips bumped the counter, and he pressed into the space you gave him, forehead resting against yours. "You undo me," he whispered, breath trembling against your lips. "Every single time."

You were already breathless, clinging to his shirt, heart pounding in your throat.

His mouth found yours again, deeper this time, hands exploring—confident now, reverent, like he was learning every part of you for the first time and never wanted to forget. You moaned softly into the kiss, and Jack cursed under his breath, low and ragged, like the sound had torn through his composure.

And then there was no more space. No more distance. Just heat, and hunger, and the slow unraveling of restraint as Jack lifted you gently onto the counter, your knees parting for him, his name spilling from your lips like a secret.

You kissed like the world was ending. Like this was your only chance to get it right. He needed to feel you pressed against him to believe it wasn’t just a dream.

The kiss deepened, urgent and breathless, until Jack was devouring every sound you made, like he could live off the way you whimpered into his mouth. He groaned low in his throat when your nails scraped lightly down his back, your body arching into his hands like instinct.

He touched you like a man memorizing, devout and thorough—hands mapping the curve of your waist, mouth dragging heat across your throat. He tasted sweat and shampoo and you, and that alone nearly undid him. You felt the tension coil in his spine, the restraint he was holding like a dam, every movement deliberate.

"God," he rasped, lips at your ear, "you have no idea what you do to me."

And when you gasped again, hips shifting, he exhaled a shaky breath like he was trying not to fall apart just from the sound.

"You smell like my soap," he murmured with a rough chuckle, nosing along your jaw. "But you still taste like you."

You whimpered, and he kissed you again—harder now, letting the hunger break through, swallowing your reaction like a man starved.

He praised you in murmured fragments, over and over, voice low and wrecked.

Beautiful.

Brave.

So fucking good.

Mine.

Each word making your skin feel like it was glowing beneath his hands.

And when he finally took you to bed, it wasn’t rushed or careless—it was everything he hadn’t said before now, every ounce of feeling poured into his mouth on your skin, every whispered breath of worship like he was praying into the hollow of your throat.

Jack kissed you like he needed to memorize the taste of every sound you made, like your skin was the answer to every question he’d never asked out loud. His hands roamed slowly, confidently, with that same quiet focus he wore in trauma bays—except now it was all for you. Every inch of you. His mouth lingered at your collarbone, your ribs, the soft curve of your stomach—pressing his devotion into the places you tried to hide.

You felt undone by how gently he worshipped you, how much he wanted—not just your body, but your breath, your closeness, your everything. He murmured praise against your skin like it was sacred, like you were something holy in his arms.

And when he finally moved over you, hands braced on either side of your head, eyes searching yours like he was asking permission one more time—you nodded.

He exhaled like it hurt to hold back. Then gave you everything.

Every kiss was a promise, every touch a confession. He moved with aching tenderness, like he was trying to memorize the feel of you beneath him, like this wasn’t just sex but something divine. You clung to him, nails digging into his shoulders, breath catching in your throat with every thrust. It wasn’t fast or frantic—it was slow, overwhelming, unbearably close.

He whispered your name like a prayer, forehead pressed to yours, and when you finally came apart beneath him, he followed soon after—undone by the way you sang his name like it was the only thing tethering you to this world.

Later, tangled in blankets and the afterglow, Jack pulled you closer without a word. One hand splayed wide against your back, the other curled around your fingers like he wasn’t ready to let you go—not now, maybe not ever. You buried your face into the crook of his neck, breathing in the warmth of him, the scent of skin and comfort and safety.

"I’m gonna need you to stop making that noise when you taste food," he murmured eventually, voice sleep-thick and amused.

You huffed a laugh into his shoulder. "Or what?"

"I’ll marry you on the spot. No warning. Just a salmon fillet and a ring pop."

Your laughter shook the bed.

Jack smirked, the ghost of a tease already forming. "If I’d known praise got you going, I’d have started ages ago."

You swatted at his chest, heat blooming across your cheeks. "Don’t you dare weaponize this."

He grinned into your hair, voice low and wrecked and entirely too fond. "Too late. I’m gonna ruin you with kindness."

You huffed, hiding your face in his shoulder.

Jack chuckled and pulled you closer.

You were never going to live this down. And maybe, just maybe, you didn’t want to.

Because Jack Abbot being a secret softie had officially made its triumphant return to your bingo card—and if you were being honest, it had probably been the center square since day one.

"You know," you murmured against his chest, lips curving into a grin, "for someone who acts so stoic at work, you sure have a lot of secrets."

Jack stirred slightly, arm tightening around your waist. "Yeah? Like what?"

You propped yourself up on one elbow, counting off on your fingers. "Total softie. Great cook. An absolute sex god."

Jack groaned into your shoulder, bashful. "Jesus."

"I'm just saying," you teased. "If there’s a hidden talent for needlepoint or poetry, now would be the time to confess."

He lifted his head, eyes heavy with sleep and amusement. "I used to write really bad song lyrics in middle school. That count?"

You laughed, light and easy, your fingers tracing idle circles on his chest. "God, I bet they were terrible."

Jack smirked. "You’ll never know."

"I’ll find them," you said with mock determination. "I’ll unearth them. Just wait."

He kissed your forehead, chuckling softly. "I’m terrified."

And he was—just not of you. Only of how much he wanted this to last.

Jack smiled into your hair, pressing a kiss to your temple. "You're incredible, you know that?"

You shook your head, bashful, eyes cast toward the sheets—but Jack didn’t let it slide. His hand curled tighter around yours, his voice still soft but firm. "Hey. I meant that. You are."

When you didn’t answer right away, he leaned in a little closer, his thumb brushing along your wrist. "I need you to hear it. And believe it. You’re—extraordinary."

The earnestness in his voice left you no room to hide. Slowly, your eyes lifted to meet his.

Jack held your gaze like a promise. "Say okay."

"Okay," you whispered, cheeks burning.

He smiled again, slower this time, and kissed your temple once more. "Good girl."

You didn’t answer—just smiled you were on cloud nine and squeezed his hand a little tighter.

Outside, the city was quiet. Inside, you drifted in and out of sleep wrapped in warm limbs and steadier breath, heart finally quiet for the first time in days. Jack’s hand never left yours, his thumb tracing lazy, grounding circles over your knuckles like he needed the reassurance just as much as you did.

Your limbs were tangled with his beneath the softened hush of early morning, the sheets kicked messily down to the foot of the bed. Skin to skin, steady breathing, fingers still loosely clasped where they had found each other in the dark. He shifted just enough to press a kiss to your shoulder, murmured something you didn’t quite catch—but it didn’t matter. The weight of the night had passed. What remained was warmth. Stillness. Something whole.

You fell asleep like that, curled into each other without pretense. Closer than you'd ever planned, safer than you thought possible. And for the first time in what felt like ages, the quiet wasn’t heavy.

It was home.

[softweb-solutions]

6 factors to choose the right cloud consultant for your business

In the realm of modern IT, cloud services stand tall as the go-to architects of a seamless digital experience. They are your digital butlers, streamlining access to software, applications and resources with the click of a button. Forget the hassle of bulky hardware and endless tech troubleshooting with cloud consulting.

The cloud takes center stage, offering a space where your data resides effortlessly and you pay only for what you need. It’s the pragmatic revolution where IT meets efficiency, leaving behind the era of unnecessary hardware headaches. Welcome to the cloud – where IT solutions are straightforward and your business takes flight into a streamlined, digital future.

The following figures show how the cloud market has grown and will continue to grow in the near future.

Source: Gartner

Types of cloud services

The digital revolution has propelled cloud computing to the forefront of IT services, reshaping the landscape for businesses worldwide. Cloud consulting services, a cornerstone of this transformation, empower users to swiftly access software, applications and resources through the Internet. This eliminates the need for extensive local hardware or infrastructure. These services offer an array of benefits, including virtualization, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, security and accessibility. The following are types of cloud services:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Organizations can access computing infrastructure on demand, such as virtual machines and networking, over the internet.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): Application developers can create, test and deploy apps without concern for the underlying infrastructure.

Software as a Service (SaaS): Web-based applications hosted by service providers.

Function-as-a-Service (FaaS): Developers can deploy specific functions or code snippets in response to events.

Why hire cloud service providers?

In an era where every business endeavor seems to have a cloud-shaped silver lining, the question isn’t whether to adopt cloud services, but rather which cloud service provider is the right fit for your aspirations. The digital landscape is bustling with activity and major players like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure and IBM Cloud have taken the stage. Their presence isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in the ever-evolving tech ecosystem.

1. Flexibility and scalability

The business terrain is unpredictable and here’s where cloud consulting service providers shine. Need to scale up operations? A cloud provider can swiftly provide the necessary resources. Whether it’s on-demand computing or SaaS, flexibility becomes your ally. Imagine seamlessly expanding your data storage capacity at the drop of a hat. With cloud consulting services, businesses can adapt, evolve and stay agile without losing sleep over server logistics.

2. Support and maintenance

From server uptime issues to network snags and security concerns – your cloud partner is there with a virtual toolbox, ready to fix things 24/7. It’s like having a personal IT squad without the office ping-pong table. Cloud consulting involves ongoing and steady processes to meet the customers’ needs and with the right one your cloud requirements will be fulfilled the right way.

3. Enhancing business continuity and disaster recovery

The digital realm is not without its uncertainties and disasters can strike at any moment. Cloud services come armed with a robust arsenal of disaster recovery and data backup options. It’s like having a secret vault for your crucial data, securely tucked away on remote servers. When Murphy’s Law threatens to make an appearance, your cloud backup has already prepared for the grand entrance.

Factors to consider when selecting a cloud service provider

When evaluating a cloud consulting service provider, compatibility is key and a lasting commitment requires careful consideration. ‘How to choose a cloud consultant?’ – this is the burning question that needs to be addressed. Choosing the right partner involves more than just swiping right; it’s about ensuring a harmonious technological relationship that stands the test of time.

1. Security and compliance

Trust is the foundation of any relationship and with cloud service providers, it begins with security. Ensure your provider aligns seamlessly with your company’s security and compliance standards. Check their track record for breaches – a clean slate is a good indicator. It’s not just about playing by the rules; it’s about exceeding them.

2. Pricing

Every partnership has its financial intricacies and the cloud is no different. Pricing is not just a number on a contract; it’s a dance of value and affordability. Ensure your provider’s services match your needs without burning a hole in your budget. Consider the nuances – bandwidth, support and maintenance -and the ever-elusive cloud storage systems.

3. Ecosystem and integrations

In the grand scheme of business technology, compatibility reigns supreme. Your provider should be well-versed in the language of your applications and services. Think of it as a technological polyglot, seamlessly integrated into your existing setup. Gaps in functionality are the adversaries of efficiency – choose a provider that speaks your business’s language fluently.

4. Technologies and support

Technological compatibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. It’s about finding the right fit for your present infrastructure, workloads and management preferences. Does your potential provider offer migration support and guidance? It’s like having a GPS for your digital transition, ensuring a smooth journey without unexpected detours.

5. Capacity and scalability

The road ahead is unpredictable and your cloud provider should be ready for every twist and turn. Evaluate their capacity to handle your business’ data and traffic. Can they scale up seamlessly when demand surges? It’s not just about the present; it’s about future-proofing your digital journey.

6. Ease of use

The best relationships are the ones that feel effortless. When it comes to cloud service providers, accessibility, data control and cost-effectiveness should be second nature. Your provider should be a breeze to work with, sparing you the headache of a steep learning curve. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey without unnecessary roadblocks.

Assess your organization’s cloud readiness with Softweb Solutions

As you conclude this insightful journey into the intricacies of cloud consulting, consider the factors we’ve covered as your compass to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Choosing the right cloud consultant is not just a decision; it’s a strategic move toward ensuring your business’s seamless transition and sustained success in the digital sphere.

Softweb Solutions, a leading custom cloud services company, is a trusted business partner with major cloud service providers. Specializing in planning and architecting cloud transformations, we prioritize security, offering cutting-edge technologies for robust data protection. Let your success story in the cloud begin with us.

Originally published at softwebsolutions.com on December 6, 2023.

[terrestrialnoob]

Harley crawled into the apartment. It was organized, but it looked like the occupant didn't have a lot of time for cleaning. She walked softly through it, taking it in. There were photos of her target and what had to be her family, but no friends or romantic partners. Some had a pair of older adults, matching traits meant bio-parents. More of the photos were of the target and a younger boy - a little brother, the highest likelihood of becoming another target if things go bad.

Harley continued forward, following the light to where her target was. She stood in the doorway, looking in.

Dr. Jasmine Fenton, Arkham Asylum's newest psychologist, just got her degree and everything. She did what most newbies do, actually thinking she could get through to the Joker. Harley didn't want to say it was impossible, but everyone who tried ended up in a new job or dead. Harley would try and make sure it was the former and not the later.

Harley watched as the redhead read over a file as she ate from a takeout box. She didn't want to scare the girl, yet. The scaring her away from Joker came later. So, she had to wait for the perfect moment to-

"I know you're there." Jasmine didn't look up from her file, but held out the last box of Chinese food in Harley's direction. "There's plenty if you want some."

"Awe, you ruined the surprise." Harley walked out of the shadows of the hallway into the girl's home office. She snatched the offered box of food and took a few bites as she jumped to sit on the desk.

"I'm hard to sneak up on." Jasmine said, closing her file and finally looking at Harley. "So, Dr. Quinzel, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit this evening?"

"Oh, call me Harley!" She laughed, she wasn't called Dr. all that often any more. She tapped her chop sticks on the file Jasmine just closed. "I thought you'd like a consult on your new patient, Dr. Fenton. I've got a lot of experience with him."

"I prefer to go by Jazz." She said with a smile, "While I appreciate the offer, I'd like to see how far I can get on my own. And, sorry, but I'm pretty sure your license was revoked."

Harley nodded as she swallowed to get the noodles out of her mouth. "I get it! You're new, fresh outta school, gotta prove yourself. But Joker ain't the guy to do that with. He eats people like us for breakfast, and in all the years he's been in Arkham, no one's been able to get anywhere with him."

Jazz sighed, "I don't like to believe people are lost causes. There's always something we can do to help."

"You can't help everyone, especially when they don't want it. And it's not just a question if whether or not he can be saved or whatever." Harley set down the now empty box, Jazz pointed to another one that still had food in it, but Harley declined. "If you keep it up, he'll think you're worth his time to torment. There's no telling what he'll do when he inevitably gets himself out again."

"I'll be fine." Jazz said, but Harley had to cut her off before she said something stupid.

"It's not just you! You've got family out there he can target, your parents. Your Brother! Anyone you date will become a target! He'll do everything in his power to make your life miserable!"

Jazz chuckled. "If he wants to target my family, his funeral. My parents are - were supervillains. They've really only become less- well, hyper-focused on eradicating an entire race of being- in the past few years. And my brother - I'm pretty sure he's conditionally immortal. So that's nothing to worry about."

"If it's conditional, Joker will find a way around it." Harley said, but she had to admit, this might have been an unnecessary trip. "You sure y'ain't got nothing to worry about? What about you? How conditional is your mortality?"

Jazz smiled. Her mouth seemed too wide and with too many teeth. "Oh, I am nowhere near immortal. But..."

She stood up and the room was suddenly a black void. Toxic green eyes and mouths filled with glowing white teeth opened around them. "I doubt anyone could get close enough to test it."

The room was suddenly back to normal, but whatever that thing was was still there. Harley could see its eyes watching her with amusement from inside Jazz's oversized cardigan.

"Well, I guess this really was a wasted trip. You've clearly got it covered."

"Not entirely." Jazz said, her hand wend up to her neck to rub nervously, "Well, you see... I don't really have a lot of friends. People tend to get - uh, creeped out, you know? Or chased off by my parents or brother or whatever..."

"You wanna be friends?" Harley laughed so hard she almost fell over.

Jazz's face turned bright red and the shadow eyes looked way less amused. "Yeah, stupid question. You've clearly got your own things going on."

"No! No, no." Harley had to take several deep breaths before she could look Jazz in the face again. "I 100% wanna hang out with you!"

"Really?"

"Oh yeah." She took another deep breath, "I mean, I really should have made a support system before trying to take on the Joker back when I worked for Arkham. This" she pointed between them "can only end well."

Jazz's face turned brighter than the sun. "Oh my gosh! This is amazing! We should - I have Thursday's and weekends off - What - what kind of things should we-"

Oh man, Jazz was like an excited kid. She must have had a really lonely childhood... they can psychoanalyze each other later. "Come over for girl's night next week. I'll tell my gf and bff to expect an extra person... Does the-" she motioned to the cardigan creature "-go everywhere you go? Does it need food?"

"Oh, don't worry about Jet, they only eat who I tell them to."

Harley barked out more laughter. "You're going to fit right in!"

---

Now featuring a Part 2

[appsquadzblogs]

Connect with the best AWS certified partner, AppSquadz for streaming live content flawlessly to targeted audiences. Get a consultation to resolve queries today.

[sierra-cedar]

Navigating the Future with Cloud Managed Services

Cloud managed services have become a game-changer for companies trying to streamline operations, cut expenses, and keep up with technological breakthroughs in the quickly changing world of IT infrastructure. Specialized management services are becoming more and more necessary as businesses move more and more to the cloud in order to take full use of cloud computing’s advantages. This post will explain cloud managed services, their advantages, salient characteristics, and how they can revolutionize your company.

What Are Cloud Managed Services?

Cloud managed services entail contracting with outside service providers to handle cloud-based platforms, apps, and infrastructure. These companies, also known as Managed Service Providers (MSPs), are in charge of managing, optimizing, and keeping an eye on cloud resources on a daily basis. This makes sure that cloud environments run smoothly and efficiently while letting enterprises concentrate on their main business.

Benefits of Cloud Managed Services

1. Cost Efficiency: Saving money is one of the main advantages of cloud managed services. Businesses can avoid the high costs of recruiting and training internal IT professionals by outsourcing cloud management. Managed services frequently have fixed price structures, which aid businesses in better budgeting and lowering unforeseen costs.

2. Expertise and Experience: A multitude of skills and experiences are offered by cloud managed service providers. Their specialist knowledge of different cloud platforms and technologies guarantees that the performance, security, and compliance of your cloud environment are optimized. This knowledge is especially helpful to companies without internal cloud experts.

3. 24/7 Monitoring and Support: Round-the-clock monitoring and support are standard features of managed services. This implies that such problems can be found and fixed before they have an effect on how business is conducted. Ensuring high availability and reliability of cloud resources is facilitated by proactive monitoring.

4. Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud managed services are flexible and scalable, allowing them to change to meet evolving business requirements. Without requiring a substantial initial investment, providers’ rapid resource scaling in response to demand enables companies to react to shifts in the market and chances for expansion.

5. Enhanced Security and Compliance: Cloud managed service companies place a high premium on security. They put strong security measures in place, such as frequent security audits, data encryption, and intrusion detection. They also guarantee that your cloud environment conforms with industry standards and regulations, which lowers the possibility of data breaches and legal problems.

6. Focus on Core Business: Organizations can free up internal resources and concentrate on their core skills by outsourcing cloud administration. Teams can now focus on strategic objectives and innovation instead of getting bogged down by operational and routine maintenance activities, thanks to this transformation.

Choosing the Right Cloud Managed Service Provider

Selecting the right cloud managed service provider is a critical decision that can impact your business’s success. Consider the following factors when evaluating potential providers:

Experience and Expertise: Seek out suppliers who have a track record of success and who are knowledgeable about the particular cloud platforms and technologies that are pertinent to your company.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Examine SLAs to make sure they match the requirements and expectations of your organization in terms of performance indicators, uptime, and support response times.

Scalability and Flexibility: Select a service provider who can adjust services to accommodate the expansion of your company and accommodate shifting needs.

Security and Compliance: To safeguard your data and adhere to legal obligations, confirm that the supplier possesses strong security protocols and compliance certifications.

Customer Support: Evaluate the level of service and accessibility. In order to resolve problems and address concerns, a supplier with competent and responsive support can be extremely helpful.

Conclusion

For companies looking to get the most out of cloud computing while reducing the hassles of cloud management, cloud managed services provide a competitive edge. Cloud management can be outsourced to seasoned providers, which can save costs and improve security and operational effectiveness for enterprises. Cloud managed services will be essential in assisting companies in navigating this ever-changing environment and advancing their digital transformation as cloud technology develops further.

Adopting cloud managed services may help any size business, from startups to established multinationals, maintain its competitiveness, agility, and innovation in the current digital landscape.

[peritossolutions]

Unlock Your Business's Potential with Tailor-Made Custom Application Development

In today's rapidly expanding business landscape, off-the-shelf software solutions frequently come up short in addressing the distinct needs and challenges that organizations encounter. This is precisely where the transformative impact of custom application development services becomes evident. Utilising Peritos Solutions' experience will provide you the chance to completely realise the potential of your company through custom software solutions that are painstakingly made to meet your individual needs. Bid farewell to generic, one-size-fits-all software and embrace a solution that seamlessly aligns with your existing systems and processes.

Peritos Solutions is business leader in providing best custom application development services that are responsive to both online and mobile platforms. In order to ensure that the final product not only satisfies your company goals but also exceeds industry standards in terms of security and dependability, our team of highly qualified Full Stack developers employs a collaborative and consultative approach.

Opting for our custom application development services provides a plethora of advantages:

Personalized Solutions: Our custom applications are carefully crafted to seamlessly integrate into your existing business ecosystem, obviating the need for multiple disjointed applications and simplifying your operations.

Enhanced Cost Efficiency: Through solutions designed exclusively for your infrastructure, you can optimize hardware purchase costs by avoiding superfluous features and resources.

Swift Issue Resolution: As a valued client, you gain direct access to our dedicated development team, enabling prompt and efficient issue resolution while minimizing potential disruptions to your business.

Heightened Security: Custom-built applications provide enhanced security, as they are less susceptible to external threats. By implementing a unique and tailored system, you significantly mitigate the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

Intellectual Property Ownership: With our custom application development services, you retain complete ownership of the application. This affords you the freedom to modify and enhance it according to your evolving business needs, even if the original development team is unavailable.

Peritos Solutions offer a wide spectrum of custom application development services, covering both web and mobile-based development. This includes creating responsive and single-page applications. Our expertise covers to major backend technologies like C#, Python, and .NET Core, and our expert team is equally skilled at front-end development. We use Angular, JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, HTML5, CSS, and React Native to guarantee a seamless user experience across a diversity of platforms and devices.

Furthermore, you can be confident that each custom application we create undergoes thorough quality assurance (QA) testing. This meticulous testing process ensures unwavering stability, exceptional performance, and optimal functionality for every application we deliver. Moreover, we provide comprehensive user training and ongoing post-implementation support, guaranteeing a smooth and successful integration of your custom solution into your business workflow. Unleash the untapped potential of your business with Peritos Solutions' custom application development services. Contact us today to go on board on a tailored software journey that will empower your business to achieve new heights of success. Let's together transform your vision into reality.

[devopsbridge]

Unlocking Efficiency and Scalability: Exploring the Benefits of AWS Managed Services

In today's digital world, businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to improve their efficiency and scalability. One way to do this is to move to the cloud. The cloud offers a number of benefits, including:

Increased agility: Cloud-based applications can be scaled up or down quickly and easily, as needed. This makes it easy to accommodate changes in traffic or demand.

Reduced costs: Cloud computing can help businesses save money on IT infrastructure costs.

Improved security: Cloud providers offer a high level of security, which can help businesses protect their data.

If you're considering moving to the cloud, one option to consider is AWS Managed Services (AMS). AMS is a suite of services that can help you adopt AWS at scale and operate more efficiently and securely. AMS offers a number of benefits, including:

Expert guidance: AMS experts can help you design, deploy, and manage your AWS environment. This can save you time and money and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Automated operations: AMS uses automation to streamline your operations. This can help you free up time to focus on other tasks, such as innovation.

Proactive monitoring: AMS monitors your environment 24/7 for potential problems. This can help you identify and fix issues before they cause downtime or data loss.

Security expertise: AMS has deep expertise in security. They can help you configure your environment to be secure and compliant with industry regulations.

If you're looking for a way to unlock the efficiency and scalability of the cloud, AWS Managed Services is a great option. AMS can help you save time and money, improve your security posture, and focus on innovation.

Here are some specific examples of how AWS Managed Services can help businesses:

A financial services company was able to reduce its IT costs by 30% by moving to AWS Managed Services. A retail company was able to improve its customer satisfaction scores by 10% by using AWS Managed Services to scale its website during peak traffic periods.

A healthcare company was able to achieve HIPAA compliance more quickly and easily by using AWS Managed Services.

If you're interested in learning more about AWS Managed Services, I encourage you to visit the DevOps Bridge. You can also contact DevOps Bridge’s sales representative to discuss your specific needs.

Final words:

AWS Managed Services can help businesses of all sizes unlock the efficiency and scalability of the cloud. With AMS, businesses can get expert guidance, automated operations, proactive monitoring, and security expertise from AWS experts. This can help businesses save time and money, improve their security posture, and focus on innovation.

If you're looking for a way to take your business to the next level, AWS Managed Services is a great option.

[allcodeaws]

DevOps Software Solutions | AllCode

Enhance your software development lifecycle with our cutting-edge DevOps Software Solutions. Streamline workflows, automate deployments, and achieve seamless collaboration between development and operations teams. With tools designed for scalability, flexibility, and speed, our solutions help you reduce time-to-market, ensure continuous delivery, and optimize system reliability. Transform your business with DevOps practices tailored to meet your unique needs, fostering innovation and operational efficiency. 

[centralizedca]

Centralized is your trusted partner for AWS cloud consulting, offering a full spectrum of services to optimize and elevate your business's cloud infrastructure. Our expert consultants bring extensive experience in AWS solutions, ensuring seamless migration, efficient deployment, and ongoing management tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're scaling operations, integrating new technologies, or enhancing existing systems, Centralized provides strategic guidance to maximize performance and cost-efficiency on AWS.

We specialize in:

Migration Services: Smooth transition to AWS with minimal disruption, ensuring all systems are seamlessly integrated into the cloud environment.

Deployment Strategies: Strategic planning and execution of AWS deployments, customized to align with your business goals and operational requirements.

Management and Optimization: Continuous monitoring, management, and optimization of your AWS infrastructure to enhance performance and reduce costs over time.

Security and Compliance: Implementation of robust security measures and compliance frameworks to protect your data and meet industry standards.

At Centralized, we prioritize innovation and efficiency, helping you leverage AWS's scalability and flexibility to drive business growth. Whether you're a startup exploring cloud solutions or an enterprise looking to streamline operations, our team is dedicated to delivering secure, scalable, and future-ready AWS solutions.

Partner with Centralized and unlock the full potential of AWS for your business. Contact us today to discover how we can empower your journey to cloud success.