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How to Start Live Streaming | Beginners Guide

  • By Gcore
  • September 29, 2023
  • 9 min read
How to Start Live Streaming | Beginners Guide

Setting up and running live streams can feel overwhelming for both newcomers and experienced creators due to technical complexities, the need for engaging content, the pressure of real-time performance, and the competition for viewer attention in a rapidly growing digital landscape. This guide will enable you to harness the benefits of effective live streaming with insights on selecting the right platform, configuring technical elements, and crafting engaging content.

What Is Live Streaming?

Live streaming involves broadcasting video of events over the internet as they are happening. It allows viewers to watch a video file as it’s being transmitted rather than waiting for the entire file to download before starting to watch. Unlike pre-recorded videos, which are edited and finalized before being shared, live streaming offers an immediate, authentic connection that unfolds in real time.

Live streaming is important because it gives audiences the opportunity to participate actively and engage with the video content, for example with TV shows, gaming sessions, or social media content. Through real-time interactions such as comments, likes, and live polls, audiences shift from passive spectators to involved community members.

Videos can be live-streamed using either on-premises solutions, which are managed on your own physical servers, or using cloud-based solutions hosted and maintained by an external provider.

How to Live Stream in 8 Simple Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide that will ensure you’re well-prepared to stream engaging live content for your audience.

Step 1: Choose Your Streaming Solution

The first step is perhaps the most difficult, since you have so many options to consider and marketing decisions to make. When choosing a streaming platform, it’s crucial to understand both your target audience and technical requirements. Know where your audience stands in your marketing funnel, the content they interact with, and the platforms they use. Technical decisions like video quality or interface usability should align with audience needs. For instance, if your viewers prioritize high-quality visuals, a 4K-supporting platform becomes essential.

For a more comprehensive strategy, look at your competitors’ technical choices. This includes the platforms they use, video formats, resolutions, and monetization methods like pay-per-view or subscriptions. Conduct a SWOT analysis to align your own technical parameters and audience insights, ensuring you choose a platform that offers the best mix of reach, quality, and security.

Platforms to Consider

Certain audiences and goals may push you in the direction of a specific platform. Here are some popular choices sorted by industry.

  • Mainstream platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitter Live offer high visibility and support diverse video types.
  • For real-time gaming streams with minimal delay, platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming are ideal, offering features like custom overlays and high frame rates.
  • Mixcloud, Picarto, and Behance cater to artists with lossless audio and high-resolution streaming.
  • LinkedIn Live provides encrypted connections for professionals.
  • E-commerce streamers can benefit from Amazon Live and Instagram Live Shopping, which feature secure payment gateways and advanced inventory management.
  • For a more curated experience, personal websites with embedded video players offer customization and adaptive streaming.
  • Multistreaming allows broadcasting to multiple platforms simultaneously without straining your internet connection. Understanding these technical specifications ensures you select the platform that aligns best with your technical and audience needs for effective engagement.

Features to Consider

Consider which features will enhance the overall streaming experience, such as:

  • A video content management system 
  • Support for various revenue generation avenues
  •  Auto-record to VOD, automatically saving live streams for on-demand viewing later, while retaining monetization opportunities
  • Global payment processing 
  • Go-live notifications, alerts that notify your audience when you start streaming
  • Direct streaming from your branded domain rather than on social media, for more control over branding and audience data.
  • Pre-registration pages and live event countdown features 
  • Integrated live chat and interaction features
  • A landing page builder
  • Live streaming to web and branded OTT apps (over-the-top or direct delivery media services); the ability to broadcast directly to your website and your own specialized media apps.
  • Video editing and embedding tools
  • Advanced live video analytics

Your Business Goals

When it comes to platform selection, ensure that your choice resonates with your business’ financial goals.

ModelDescriptionExample
Subscription-basedBusinesses generate revenue through the monthly or yearly subscription fees viewers pay to access a set of videos.Netflix
Hulu
Disney+
Amazon
Prime
Transaction-based or pay-per-viewBusinesses generate revenue through the rental or purchase fee viewers pay for a particular video they want to watch.YouTube
Google TV
Apple TV
Advertising-basedBusinesses generate revenue through showing ads to viewers when watching video.YouTube
Facebook Watch
Twitch
Factors influencing platform selection for your target audience

Step 2: Gather Essential Components

Building a solid streaming setup involves several key components, and your choice of each will depend on factors like budget and quality requirements.

Cameras and Microphones

Webcams and smartphones might suffice for those new to content creation or operating on a low budget, but advanced professionals and larger organizations will require more specialized cameras and mics. For your audio setup, the microphone signal can either be routed through your camera for a simplified audio-video setup or managed via an external audio interface for better control over sound quality and levels.

Capture Cards

Capture cards help capture the signals from your audio and video sources. They become especially critical when using cameras with HDMI or SDI outputs, which are types of connections that deliver high-quality video but aren’t directly compatible with most computers. A capture card bridges this gap, allowing the high-quality signals to be processed by your computer. For those using software encoders, the card facilitates the essential transfer of the video signal from the camera to the computer for encoding. By contrast, USB cameras and microphones are designed for straightforward computer connectivity, negating the need for a separate capture card.

Lighting

Paying attention to lighting eliminates shadows and highlights facial features, enhancing the overall production value. Content creators can determine the most suitable lighting setup by considering their specific environment, desired mood, and the level of control they need over the lighting conditions, and testing the environment on camera before going live.

A Strong Internet Connection

An uninterrupted and robust internet connection is essential for seamless content delivery. For optimal results, choose a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi. Test your upload speed using Gcore’s speed test and aim for a minimum of 1 Mbps.

Step 3: Create Your Live Channel 

Next, create your live channel on your chosen live streaming platform from Step 1. It will host your content, convert your files into a compatible format, and stream them. Add a unique name and description to your channel, upload a thumbnail image, and set your channel’s privacy settings. There are a number of other settings you can configure, such as your channel’s language, timezone, and monetization settings.

Step 4: Configure Your Video 

Configuring your video settings according to the following best practices ensures that your live stream looks professional and engaging, providing your audience with an optimal viewing experience:

  • Resolution: Start by setting your video resolution to 1920×1080 pixels, commonly referred to as 1080p HD. This resolution strikes a balance between video quality and bandwidth usage. It ensures that your content appears crisp and clear while also being accessible to viewers with varying internet speeds.
  • Frame rate: Choose a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps.) This standard frame rate provides a smooth and fluid motion for your live stream. It prevents choppiness and maintains the natural flow of movements, making your content more enjoyable to watch.
  • Bitrate: Set your bitrate to a range between 4.5 to 6 Mbps. Your bitrate determines the amount of data transmitted per second in your live stream. Your goal is to find a balance between video quality and bandwidth availability. Adjust the bitrate based on your available upload speed and desired video quality. Higher bit rates result in better video quality but require more bandwidth.

Step 5: Set Up Your Encoder

Setting up your encoder

To get your audio and video ready for online streaming, you’ll need an encoder. This tool translates the incoming signals into a digital format that your chosen streaming platform can understand. You have two main options: software encoders, which rely on your computer’s resources, or hardware encoders, dedicated devices specifically for this task. Many platforms offer a “preview” feature that allows you to ensure that your encoder is correctly configured and see how your stream will appear to viewers, before going live.

Software Encoders

If you’re using a software encoder like OBS Studio, launch the software and access the settings related to video and audio. Configure the resolution, frame rate, and audio settings to match the specifications you set in Step 4.

To connect your software encoder to your streaming platform, log in to your chosen live streaming platform (the one you set up in Step 3) and locate your stream key and stream URL. Enter these credentials into your encoder to establish a connection between your encoder and the streaming platform.

Hardware Encoder

For a hardware encoder, the audio and video data are usually sent to the platform through ports like HDMI or SDI. Access its settings via its dedicated interface.

Step 6: Monetize Your Video 

Monetizing your live video stream allows you to generate revenue from your content. Here’s how to set up video monetization to make the most of your streaming efforts, with the exact steps differing based on the streaming platform you use:

  • Choose your monetization method: Select the monetization strategy that aligns with your goals. Pay-per-view charges viewers a fee to access your stream, subscriptions provide exclusive content for paying subscribers, and advertising generates revenue through ad placements during your stream.
  • Set up paywall or subscription: If you’re opting for pay-per-view or subscription-based monetization, configure the paywall settings or subscription tiers on your streaming platform. Define the pricing structure, access duration, and any exclusive perks for paying viewers.
  • Enable advertising: For ad-based monetization, determine the ad placement options available on your streaming platform. Some platforms may automatically insert ads at specific intervals, while others might require you to integrate ad providers like Google AdSense.
  • Test the monetization setup: Before going live, conduct a test run of your chosen monetization method to ensure that payments are processed correctly, and access is granted or ads are displayed as intended. This helps you avoid any issues during the actual live stream.
  • Promote your monetization strategy: Use social media, email newsletters, and your website to inform your viewers about upcoming paid content, subscriptions, or ad-supported streams.
  • Monitor performance and adapt: Keep a close eye on viewer engagement, feedback, and revenue generation. Monitor which monetization methods are most effective and make adjustments as necessary, based on audience preferences and trends.

Step 7: Add the Video Player to Your Website

Adding the video player to your website for easy uploading

To integrate the video player into your website and enhance accessibility and engagement for your viewers, following these steps.

  1. Acquire embed code: From your chosen live streaming platform’s dashboard, locate the embed code for your live stream. This code contains the necessary information to display the video player on your website.
  2. Access your website’s HTML: Log in to your website’s content management system or access the HTML code of the webpage where you want to embed the video player.
  3. Insert the embed code: Within the HTML code, find the section where you want to place the video player. This could be within a specific page or post. Insert the acquired embed code at the desired location.
  4. Adjust player size and position: Customize the size and position of the video player within the HTML code. You can specify dimensions in pixels or percentages to fit your webpage’s design. Use CSS styles to further refine the appearance and alignment of the player.
  5. Save and publish changes: After inserting and adjusting the embed code, save your changes in the HTML editor. Preview the webpage to ensure the video player displays correctly.
  6. Test and troubleshoot: Load the webpage on different devices and browsers to test the responsiveness and compatibility of the embedded video player. If any issues arise, review your HTML code and CSS styles for errors and inconsistencies.
  7. Ensure mobile responsiveness: Use media queries in your CSS styles to adapt the player’s size and layout for various screen sizes.
  8. Integrate analytics: If your live streaming platform offers analytics, consider integrating tracking codes or scripts into the HTML to gather insights into viewer engagement, play duration, and other metrics.

Step 8: Start Sharing Your Live Stream

To maximize the impact of your live stream, announce the event well in advance. Send out reminder messages that include direct links to the stream. Create anticipation by sharing visually engaging teasers and use live features to reach a wider audience.

Start your live stream on time, actively interact with your viewers, and maintain engagement during the broadcast. Encourage viewers to share the stream and keep a recording for future distribution.

Live Streaming Best Practices

Live streaming offers a wealth of benefits for engaging audiences by bringing a sense of immediacy and authenticity to your content. To effectively make the most of these advantages, here are key practices that can elevate your live streaming experience:

  • Define your niche and audience: Choose a specific content niche to establish a dedicated viewer base that resonates with your content.
  • Craft a clear schedule to promote consistency: Determine the optimal times to go live based on your audience’s preferences. Consistency in your streaming schedule helps viewers anticipate your broadcasts.
  • Enhance viewer interaction with engagement tools: Interactive features like live chat and polls convert passive viewers into active participants, fostering a sense of community.
  • Prioritize video and sound quality: High production values contribute to a professional appearance and provide viewers with a satisfying viewing experience.
  • Expand your reach through multistreaming: By broadcasting your content across different platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, you can tap into diverse audiences and maximize your impact.
  • Access real-time analytics for better insights: This information empowers you to adapt your content on the spot for optimal engagement.
  • Archive live streams for later: Use a video content management system to store your live sessions so people can watch them after the event, adding longevity to your content and offering more touchpoints for audience engagement.

Gcore for Live Streaming: The All-in-One Solution

Gcore’s Streaming Platform is an all-in-one solution, providing low-latency live streaming to your viewers. With high-quality content delivery up to 4K/8K, a delay of no more than 4–5 seconds, and the ability to scale to 100+ million viewers, Gcore ensures that viewers can enjoy seamless live streams across the globe. The platform’s adaptability and the added convenience of monetization tools make it an effective solution for both content creation and business development.

Conclusion

Live streaming opens up a fantastic avenue to engage with your audience in a truly meaningful way. Now that you’ve mastered the technical aspects of selecting platforms and equipment, setting up live streams, and adopting best practices, you’re more than ready to start engaging with audiences, sharing expertise, connecting with like-minded individuals, and showcasing products in an unparalleled way. 

Ready to get started? Discover the future of live streaming with Gcore and unlock endless opportunities for engaging and immersive content creation. Start creating live streams with Gcore.

Start Live Streaming with Gcore

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Organizations often lack visibility into where their data resides and how it's protected.Compliance and regulatory requirements: Meeting industry standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2 becomes more complex in cloud environments where data location and processing methods may change flexibly. Organizations must maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions and service models.Limited visibility and monitoring: Traditional security tools often can't provide complete visibility into cloud workloads, containers, and serverless functions. This blind spot makes it difficult to detect threats, track user activities, and respond to incidents quickly.Insider threats and privileged access: Cloud environments often grant broad administrative privileges that can be misused by malicious insiders or compromised accounts. The distributed nature of cloud access makes it harder to monitor and control privileged user activities.What are the essential cloud security technologies and tools?Essential cloud security technologies and tools refer to the specialized software, platforms, and systems designed to protect cloud-based infrastructure, applications, and data from cyber threats and operational risks. The essential cloud security technologies and tools are listed below.Identity and access management (IAM): IAM systems control who can access cloud resources and what actions they can perform through role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication. These platforms prevent unauthorized access by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods before granting system entry.Cloud security posture management (CSPM): CSPM tools continuously scan cloud environments to identify misconfigurations, compliance violations, and security gaps across multiple cloud platforms. They provide automated remediation suggestions and real-time alerts when security policies are violated or resources are improperly configured.Data encryption services: Encryption technologies protect sensitive information both at rest in storage systems and in transit between cloud services using advanced cryptographic algorithms. These tools mean that even if data is intercepted or accessed without authorization, it remains unreadable without proper decryption keys.Cloud workload protection platforms (CWPP): CWPP solutions monitor and secure applications, containers, and virtual machines running in cloud environments against malware, vulnerabilities, and suspicious activities. They provide real-time threat detection and automated response capabilities specifically designed for flexible cloud workloads.Security information and event management (SIEM): Cloud-based SIEM platforms collect, analyze, and correlate security events from across cloud infrastructure to detect potential threats and compliance violations. These systems use machine learning and behavioral analysis to identify unusual patterns that may indicate security incidents.Cloud access security brokers (CASB): CASB solutions act as intermediaries between users and cloud applications, enforcing security policies and providing visibility into cloud usage across the organization. They monitor data movement, detect risky behaviors, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for cloud-based activities.Network security tools: Cloud-native firewalls and network segmentation tools control traffic flow between cloud resources and external networks using intelligent filtering rules. These technologies create secure network boundaries and prevent lateral movement of threats within cloud environments.What are the key benefits of cloud security?The key benefits of cloud security refer to the advantages organizations gain from protecting their cloud-based infrastructure, applications, and data from threats. The key benefits of cloud security are listed below.Cost reduction: Cloud security eliminates the need for expensive on-premises security hardware and reduces staffing requirements. Organizations can access enterprise-grade security tools through subscription models rather than large capital investments.Improved threat detection: Cloud security platforms use machine learning and AI to identify suspicious activities in real-time across distributed environments. These systems can detect anomalies that traditional security tools might miss.Automatic compliance: Cloud security solutions help organizations meet regulatory requirements like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 through built-in compliance frameworks. Automated reporting and audit trails simplify compliance management and reduce manual oversight.Reduced misconfiguration risks: Cloud security posture management tools automatically scan for misconfigurations and provide remediation guidance.Enhanced data protection: Cloud security provides multiple layers of encryption for data at rest, in transit, and in use. Advanced key management systems ensure that sensitive information remains protected even if other security measures fail.Flexible security coverage: Cloud security solutions automatically scale with business growth without requiring additional infrastructure investments. Organizations can protect new workloads and applications instantly as they use them.Centralized security management: Cloud security platforms provide unified visibility across multiple cloud environments and hybrid infrastructures. Security teams can monitor, manage, and respond to threats from a single dashboard rather than juggling multiple tools.What are the challenges of cloud security?Cloud security challenges refer to the obstacles and risks organizations face when protecting their cloud-based infrastructure, applications, and data from threats. These challenges are listed below.Misconfigurations: Cloud environments are complex, and improper settings create security gaps that attackers can exploit. These errors include exposed storage buckets, overly permissive access controls, and incorrect network settings.Shared responsibility confusion: Organizations often misunderstand which security tasks belong to them versus their cloud provider. This confusion leads to gaps where critical security measures aren't implemented by either party. The division of responsibilities varies between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models, adding to the complexity.Identity and access management complexity: As organizations scale, managing user permissions across multiple cloud services and environments becomes difficult. Weak authentication methods and excessive privileges create entry points for unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls require careful planning and ongoing maintenance.Data protection across environments: Ensuring data remains encrypted and secure as it moves between on-premises systems and cloud platforms presents ongoing challenges. Organizations must track data location, apply appropriate encryption, and maintain compliance across different jurisdictions. Data residency requirements add another layer of complexity.Visibility and monitoring gaps: Traditional security tools often can't provide complete visibility into cloud environments and workloads. The flexible nature of cloud resources makes it hard to track all assets and their security status. Real-time monitoring becomes critical but technically challenging to use effectively.Compliance and regulatory requirements: Meeting industry standards and regulations in cloud environments requires continuous effort and specialized knowledge. Different regions have varying data protection laws that affect cloud deployments. Organizations must prove compliance while maintaining operational effectiveness.Insider threats and privileged access: Cloud environments often grant broad access to administrators and developers, creating risks from malicious or careless insiders. Monitoring privileged user activities without impacting productivity requires advanced tools and processes. The remote nature of cloud access makes traditional oversight methods less effective.How to implement cloud security best practices?You use cloud security best practices by establishing a complete security framework that covers identity management, data protection, monitoring, and compliance across your cloud environment.First, configure identity and access management (IAM) with role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Create specific roles for different job functions and require MFA for all administrative accounts to prevent unauthorized access.Next, encrypt all data both at rest and in transit using industry-standard encryption protocols like AES256.Enable encryption for databases, storage buckets, and communication channels between services to protect sensitive information from interception.Then, use continuous security monitoring with automated threat detection tools. Set up real-time alerts for suspicious activities, failed login attempts, and unusual data access patterns to identify potential security incidents quickly.After that, establish cloud security posture management (CSPM) to scan for misconfigurations automatically. Configure automated remediation for common issues like open security groups, unencrypted storage, and overly permissive access policies.Create network segmentation using virtual private clouds (VPCs) and security groups to isolate different workloads. Limit communication between services to only what's necessary and use zero-trust network principles.Set up regular security audits and compliance monitoring to meet industry standards like SOC 2, HIPAA, or GDPR. Document all security controls and maintain audit trails for regulatory requirements.Finally, develop an incident response plan specifically for cloud environments. Include procedures for isolating compromised resources, preserving forensic evidence, and coordinating with your cloud provider's security team.Start with IAM and encryption as your foundation, then build additional security layers progressively to avoid overwhelming your team while maintaining strong protection.Gcore cloud securityWhen using cloud security measures, the underlying infrastructure becomes just as important as the security tools themselves. Gcore’s cloud security solutions address this need with a global network of 180+ points of presence and 30ms latency, ensuring your security monitoring and threat detection systems perform consistently across all regions. Our edge cloud infrastructure supports real-time security analytics and automated threat response without the performance bottlenecks that can leave your systems vulnerable during critical moments.What sets our approach apart is the combination of security directly into the infrastructure layer, eliminating the complexity of managing separate security vendors while providing enterprise-grade DDoS protection and encrypted data transmission as standard features. This unified approach typically reduces security management overhead by 40-60% compared to multi-vendor solutions, while maintaining the continuous monitoring capabilities.Explore how Gcore's integrated cloud security infrastructure can strengthen your defense plan at gcore.com/cloud.Frequently asked questionsWhat's the difference between cloud security and traditional approaches?Cloud security differs from traditional approaches by protecting distributed resources through shared responsibility models and cloud-native tools, while traditional security relies on perimeter-based defenses around centralized infrastructure. Traditional security assumes a clear network boundary with firewalls and intrusion detection systems protecting internal resources. In contrast, cloud security secures individual workloads, data, and identities across multiple environments without relying on network perimeters.What is cloud security posture management?Cloud security posture management (CSPM) is a set of tools and processes that continuously monitor cloud environments to identify misconfigurations, compliance violations, and security risks across cloud infrastructure. CSPM platforms automatically scan cloud resources, assess security policies, and provide remediation guidance to maintain proper security configurations.How does Zero Trust apply to cloud security?Zero Trust applies to cloud security by treating every user, device, and connection as untrusted and requiring verification before granting access to cloud resources. This approach replaces traditional perimeter-based security with continuous authentication, micro-segmentation, and least-privilege access controls across cloud environments.What compliance standards apply?Cloud security must comply with industry-specific regulations like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and FedRAMP, depending on your business sector and geographic location. Organizations typically need to meet multiple standards simultaneously, with financial services requiring PCI DSS compliance, healthcare needing HIPAA certification, and EU operations mandating GDPR adherence.What happens during a cloud security breach?During a cloud security breach, attackers gain unauthorized access to cloud resources, potentially exposing sensitive data, disrupting services, and causing financial damage averaging $5 million per incident, according to IBM. The breach typically involves exploiting misconfigurations, compromised credentials, or vulnerabilities to access cloud infrastructure, applications, or data stores.

Query your cloud with natural language: A developer’s guide to Gcore MCP

What if you could ask your infrastructure questions and get real answers?With Gcore’s open-source implementation of the Model Context Protocol (MCP), now you can. MCP turns generative AI into an agent that understands your infrastructure, responds to your queries, and takes action when you need it to.In this post, we’ll demo how to use MCP to explore and inspect your Gcore environment just by prompting, to list resources, check audit logs, and generate cost reports. We’ll also walk through a fun bonus use case: provisioning infrastructure and exporting it to Terraform.What is MCP and why do devs love it?Originally developed by Anthropic, the Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that turns language models into agents that interact with structured tools: APIs, CLIs, or internal systems. Gcore’s implementation makes this protocol real for our customers.With MCP, you can:Ask questions about your infrastructureList, inspect, or filter cloud resourcesView cost data, audit logs, or deployment metadataExport configs to TerraformChain multi-step operations via natural languageGcore MCP removes friction from interacting with your infrastructure. Instead of wiring together scripts or context-switching across dashboards and CLIs, you can just…ask.That means:Faster debugging and auditsMore accessible infra visibilityFewer repetitive setup tasksBetter team collaborationBecause it’s open source, backed by the Gcore Python SDK, you can plug it into other APIs, extend tool definitions, or even create internal agents tailored to your stack. Explore the GitHub repo for yourself.What can you do with it?This isn’t just a cute chatbot. Gcore MCP connects your cloud to real-time insights. Here are some practical prompts you can use right away.Infrastructure inspection“List all VMs running in the Frankfurt region”“Which projects have over 80% GPU utilization?”“Show all volumes not attached to any instance”Audit and cost analysis“Get me the API usage for the last 24 hours”“Which users deployed resources in the last 7 days?”“Give a cost breakdown by region for this month”Security and governance“Show me firewall rules with open ports”“List all active API tokens and their scopes”Experimental automation“Create a secure network in Tokyo, export to Terraform, then delete it”We’ll walk through that last one in the full demo below.Full video demoWatch Gcore’s AI Software Engineer, Algis Dumbris, walk through setting up MCP on your machine and show off some use cases. If you prefer reading, we’ve broken down the process step-by-step below.Step-by-step walkthroughThis section maps to the video and shows exactly how to replicate the workflow locally.1. Install MCP locally (0:00–1:28)We use uv to isolate the environment and pull the project directly from GitHub.curl -Ls https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh uvx add gcore-mcp-server https://github.com/G-Core/gcore-mcp-server Requirements:PythonGcore account + API keyTool config file (from the repo)2. Set up your environment (1:28–2:47)Configure two environment variables:GCORE_API_KEY for authGCORE_TOOLS to define what the agent can access (e.g., regions, instances, costs, etc.)Soon, tool selection will be automatic, but today you can define your toolset in YAML or JSON.3. Run a basic query (3:19–4:11)Prompt:“Find the Gcore region closest to Antalya.”The agent maps this to a regions.list call and returns: IstanbulNo need to dig through docs or write an API request.4. Provision, export, and clean up (4:19–5:32)This one’s powerful if you’re experimenting with CI/CD or infrastructure-as-code.Prompt:“Create a secure network in Tokyo. Export to Terraform. Then clean up.”The agent:Provisions the networkExports it to Terraform formatDestroys the resources afterwardYou get usable .tf output with no manual scripting. Perfect for testing, prototyping, or onboarding.Gcore: always building for developersTry it now:Clone the repoInstall UVX + configure your environmentStart prompting your infrastructureOpen issues, contribute tools, or share your use casesThis is early-stage software, and we’re just getting started. Expect more tools, better UX, and deeper integrations soon.Watch how easy it is to deploy an inference instance with Gcore

Cloud computing: types, deployment models, benefits, and how it works

Cloud computing is a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources, such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. According to research by Gartner (2024), the global cloud computing market size is projected to reach $1.25 trillion by 2025, reflecting the rapid growth and widespread adoption of these services.The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines five core characteristics that distinguish cloud computing from traditional IT infrastructure. These include on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.Each characteristic addresses specific business needs while enabling organizations to access computing resources without maintaining physical hardware on-premises.Cloud computing services are organized into three main categories that serve different business requirements and technical needs. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides basic computing resources, Platform as a Service (PaaS) offers development environments and tools, and Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers complete applications over the internet. Major cloud providers typically guarantee 99.9% or higher uptime in service level agreements to ensure reliable access to these services.Organizations can choose from four primary use models based on their security, compliance, and operational requirements. Public cloud services are offered over the internet to anyone, private clouds are proprietary networks serving limited users, hybrid clouds combine public and private cloud features, and community clouds serve specific groups with shared concerns. Each model provides different levels of control, security, and cost structures.Over 90% of enterprises use some form of cloud services as of 2024, according to Forrester Research (2024), making cloud computing knowledge important for modern business operations. This widespread adoption reflects how cloud computing has become a cornerstone of digital change and competitive advantage across industries.What is cloud computing?Cloud computing is a model that delivers computing resources like servers, storage, databases, and software over the internet on demand, allowing users to access and use these resources without owning or managing the physical infrastructure. Instead of buying and maintaining your own servers, you can rent computing power from cloud providers and scale resources up or down based on your needs.Over 90% of enterprises now use some form of cloud services, with providers typically guaranteeing 99.9% or higher uptime in their service agreements.The three main service models offer different levels of control and management. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides basic computing resources like virtual machines and storage. Platform as a Service (PaaS) adds development tools and runtime environments, and Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers complete applications that are ready to use. Each model handles different aspects of the technology stack, so you only manage what you need while the provider handles the rest.Cloud use models vary by ownership and access control. Public clouds serve multiple customers over the internet, private clouds operate exclusively for one organization, and hybrid clouds combine both approaches for flexibility. This variety lets organizations choose the right balance of cost, control, and security for their specific needs while maintaining the core benefits of cloud computing's flexible, elastic infrastructure.What are the main types of cloud computing services?The main types of cloud computing services refer to the different service models that provide computing resources over the internet with varying levels of management and control. The main types of cloud computing services are listed below.Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): This model provides basic computing infrastructure, including virtual machines, storage, and networking resources over the internet. Users can install and manage their own operating systems, applications, and development frameworks while the provider handles the physical hardware.Platform as a service (PaaS): This service offers a complete development and use environment in the cloud, including operating systems, programming languages, databases, and web servers. Developers can build, test, and use applications without managing the underlying infrastructure complexity.Software as a service (SaaS): This model delivers fully functional software applications over the internet through a web browser or mobile app. Users access the software on a subscription basis without needing to install, maintain, or update the applications locally.Function as a service (FaaS): Also known as serverless computing, this model allows developers to run individual functions or pieces of code in response to events. The cloud provider automatically manages server provisioning, scaling, and maintenance while charging only for actual compute time used.Database as a service (DBaaS): This service provides managed database solutions in the cloud, handling database administration tasks like backups, updates, and scaling. Organizations can access database functionality without maintaining physical database servers or hiring specialized database administrators.Storage as a service (STaaS): This model offers flexible cloud storage solutions for data backup, archiving, and file sharing needs. Users can store and retrieve data from anywhere with internet access while paying only for the storage space they actually use.What are the different cloud deployment models?Cloud use models refer to the different ways organizations can access and manage cloud computing resources based on ownership, location, and access control. The cloud use models are listed below.Public cloud: Services are delivered over the internet and shared among multiple organizations by third-party providers. Anyone can purchase and use these services on a pay-as-you-go basis, making them cost-effective for businesses without large upfront investments.Private cloud: Computing resources are dedicated to a single organization and can be hosted on-premises or by a third party. This model offers greater control, security, and customization options but requires higher costs and more management overhead.Hybrid cloud: Organizations combine public and private cloud environments, allowing data and applications to move between them as needed. This approach provides flexibility to keep sensitive data in private clouds while using public clouds for less critical workloads.Community cloud: Multiple organizations with similar requirements share cloud infrastructure and costs. Government agencies, healthcare organizations, or financial institutions often use this model to meet specific compliance and security standards.Multi-cloud: Organizations use services from multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in and improve redundancy. This plan allows businesses to choose the best services from different providers while reducing dependency on any single vendor.How does cloud computing work?Cloud computing works by delivering computing resources like servers, storage, databases, and software over the internet on an on-demand basis. Instead of owning physical hardware, users access these resources through web browsers or applications, while cloud providers manage the underlying infrastructure in data centers worldwide.The system operates through a front-end and back-end architecture. The front end includes your device, web browser, and network connection that you use to access cloud services.The back end consists of servers, storage systems, databases, and applications housed in the provider's data centers. When you request a service, the cloud infrastructure automatically allocates the necessary resources from its shared pool.The technology achieves its flexibility through virtualization, which creates multiple virtual instances from single physical servers. Resource pooling allows providers to serve multiple customers from the same infrastructure, while rapid elasticity automatically scales resources up or down based on demand.This elastic scaling can reduce resource costs by up to 30% compared to fixed infrastructure, according to McKinsey (2024), making cloud computing both flexible and cost-effective for businesses of all sizes.What are the key benefits of cloud computing?The key benefits of cloud computing refer to the advantages organizations and individuals gain from using internet-based computing services instead of traditional on-premises infrastructure. The key benefits of cloud computing are listed below.Cost reduction: Organizations eliminate upfront hardware investments and reduce ongoing maintenance expenses by paying only for resources they actually use. Cloud providers handle infrastructure management, reducing IT staffing costs and operational overhead.Flexibility and elasticity: Computing resources can expand or contract automatically based on demand, ensuring best performance during traffic spikes. This flexibility prevents over-provisioning during quiet periods and under-provisioning during peak usage.Improved accessibility: Users can access applications and data from any device with an internet connection, enabling remote work and global collaboration. This mobility supports modern work patterns and increases productivity across distributed teams.Enhanced reliability: Cloud providers maintain multiple data centers with redundant systems and backup infrastructure to ensure continuous service availability.Automatic updates and maintenance: Software updates, security patches, and system maintenance happen automatically without user intervention. This automation reduces downtime and ensures systems stay current with the latest features and security protections.Disaster recovery: Cloud services include built-in backup and recovery capabilities that protect against data loss from hardware failures or natural disasters. Recovery times are typically faster than traditional backup methods since data exists across multiple locations.Environmental effectiveness: Shared cloud infrastructure uses resources more effectively than individual company data centers, reducing overall energy consumption. Large cloud providers can achieve better energy effectiveness through economies of scale and advanced cooling technologies.What are the drawbacks and challenges of cloud computing?The drawbacks and challenges of cloud computing refer to the potential problems and limitations organizations may face when adopting cloud-based services. They are listed below.Security concerns: Organizations lose direct control over their data when it's stored on third-party servers. Data breaches, unauthorized access, and compliance issues become shared responsibilities between the provider and customer. Sensitive information may be vulnerable to cyber attacks targeting cloud infrastructure.Internet dependency: Cloud services require stable internet connections to function properly. Poor connectivity or outages can completely disrupt business operations and prevent access to critical applications. Remote locations with limited bandwidth face particular challenges accessing cloud resources.Vendor lock-in: Switching between cloud providers can be difficult and expensive due to proprietary technologies and data formats. Organizations may become dependent on specific platforms, limiting their flexibility to negotiate pricing or change services. Migration costs and technical complexity often discourage switching providers.Limited customization: Cloud services offer standardized solutions that may not meet specific business requirements. Organizations can't modify underlying infrastructure or install custom software configurations. This restriction can force businesses to adapt their processes to fit the cloud platform's limitations.Ongoing costs: Monthly subscription fees can accumulate to exceed traditional on-premise infrastructure costs over time. Unexpected usage spikes or data transfer charges can lead to budget overruns. Organizations lose the asset value that comes with owning physical hardware.Performance variability: Shared cloud resources can experience slower performance during peak usage periods. Network latency affects applications requiring real-time processing or frequent data transfers. Organizations can't guarantee consistent performance levels for mission-critical applications.Compliance complexity: Meeting regulatory requirements becomes more challenging when data is stored across multiple locations. Organizations must verify that cloud providers meet industry-specific compliance standards. Audit trails and data governance become shared responsibilities that require careful coordination.Gcore Edge CloudWhen building AI applications that require serious computational power, the infrastructure you choose can make or break your project's success. Whether you're training large language models, running complex inference workloads, or tackling high-performance computing challenges, having access to the latest GPU technology without performance bottlenecks becomes critical.Gcore's AI GPU Cloud Infrastructure addresses these demanding requirements with bare metal NVIDIA H200. H100. A100. L40S, and GB200 GPUs, delivering zero virtualization overhead for maximum performance. The platform's ultra-fast InfiniBand networking and multi-GPU cluster support make it particularly well-suited for distributed training and large-scale AI workloads, starting from just €1.25/hour. Multi-instance GPU (MIG) support also allows you to improve resource allocation and costs for smaller inference tasks.Discover how Gcore's bare metal GPU performance can accelerate your AI training and inference workloads at https://gcore.com/gpu-cloud.Frequently asked questionsPeople often have questions about cloud computing basics, costs, and how it fits their specific needs. These answers cover the key service models, use options, and practical considerations that help clarify what cloud computing can do for your organization.What's the difference between cloud computing and traditional hosting?Cloud computing delivers resources over the internet on demand, while traditional hosting provides fixed server resources at dedicated locations. Cloud offers elastic growth and pay-as-you-go pricing, whereas traditional hosting requires upfront capacity planning and fixed costs regardless of actual usage.What is cloud computing security?Cloud computing security protects data, applications, and infrastructure in cloud environments through shared responsibility models between providers and users. Cloud providers secure the underlying infrastructure while users protect their data, applications, and access controls.What is virtualization in cloud computing?Virtualization in cloud computing creates multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server using hypervisor software that separates computing resources. This technology allows cloud providers to increase hardware effectiveness and offer flexible, isolated environments to multiple users simultaneously.Is cloud computing secure for business data?Yes, cloud computing is secure for business data when proper security measures are in place, with major providers offering encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications that often exceed what most businesses can achieve on-premises. Cloud service providers typically guarantee 99.9% or higher uptime in service level agreements while maintaining enterprise-grade security standards.How much does cloud computing cost compared to on-premises infrastructure?Cloud computing typically costs 20-40% less than on-premises infrastructure due to shared resources, reduced hardware purchases, and lower maintenance expenses, according to IDC (2024). However, costs vary primarily based on usage patterns, with predictable workloads sometimes being cheaper on-premises while variable workloads benefit more from cloud's pay-as-you-go model.How do I choose between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS?Choose based on your control needs. IaaS gives you full infrastructure control, PaaS handles infrastructure so you focus on development, and SaaS provides ready-to-use applications with no technical management required.

How to protect login pages with Gcore WAAP

Exposed login pages are a common vulnerability across web applications. Attackers often use automated tools to guess credentials in brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks, probe for login behavior to exploit session or authentication logic, or overload your infrastructure with fake requests.Without specific rules for login-related traffic, your application might miss these threats or apply overly broad protections that disrupt real users. Fortunately, Gcore WAAP makes it easy to defend these sensitive endpoints without touching your application code.In this guide, we’ll show you how to use WAAP’s custom rule engine to identify login traffic and apply protections like CAPTCHA to reduce risk, block automated abuse, and maintain a smooth experience for legitimate users. We’ve also included a complete video walkthrough from Gcore’s Security Presales Engineer, Michal Zalewski.Video walkthroughHere’s Gcore’s Michal Zalewski giving a full walkthrough of the steps in this article.Step 1: Access your WAAP configurationGo to portal.gcore.com and log in.Navigate to WAAP in the sidebar. If you’re not yet a WAAP user, it costs just $26/month.Select the resource that hosts your login form; for example, gcore.zalewski.cloud.Step 2: Create a custom ruleIn the main panel of your selected resource, go to WAAP Rules.Click Add Custom Rule in the upper-right corner.Step 3: Define the login page URLIdentify the login endpoint you want to protect:Use tools like Burp Suite or the "Inspect" feature in your browser to verify the login page URL.In Burp Suite, use the Proxy tab, or in the browser, check the Network tab to inspect a login request.Look for the path (e.g., /login.php) and HTTP method (POST).In the custom rule setup:Enter the URL (e.g., /login.php).Tag the request using a predefined tag. Select Login Page.Step 4: Name and save the ruleProvide a name for the rule, such as “Login Page URL”, and save it.Step 5: Add a CAPTCHA challenge ruleTo protect the login page from automated abuse:Create a new custom rule.Name it something like “Login Page Challenge”.Under Conditions, select the previously created Login Page tag.Set the Action to CAPTCHA.Save the rule.Step 6: Test the protectionReturn to your browser and turn off any proxy tools.Refresh the login page.You should now be challenged with a CAPTCHA each time the login page loads.Once the CAPTCHA is completed successfully, users can log in as usual.Monitor, adapt, and alertAfter deployment:Track rate limit trigger frequencyMonitor WAAP logs for anomaly detectionRotate exemptions or thresholds based on live behaviorFor analytics, refer to the WAAP analytics documentation.Bonus tips for hardened protectionCombine with bot protection: Enable WAAP’s bot mitigation to identify headless browsers and automation tools like Puppeteer or Selenium. See our bot protection docs for setup instructions.Customize 429 responses: Replace default error pages with branded messages or a fallback action. Consider including a support link or CAPTCHA challenge. Check out our response pages documentation for more details.Use geo or ASN exceptions: Whitelist trusted locations or block known bot-heavy ASNs if your audience is localized.Automate it: optional API and Terraform supportTeams with IaC pipelines or security automation workflows might want to automate login page protection with rate limiting. This keeps your WAAP config version-controlled and repeatable.You can use the WAAP API or Terraform to:Create or update rulesRotate session keys or thresholdsExport logs for auditingExplore the WAAP API documentation and WAAP Terraform provider documentation for more details.Stop abuse before it starts with GcoreLogin pages are high-value targets, but they don’t have to be high risk. With Gcore WAAP, setting up robust defenses takes just a few minutes. By tagging login traffic and applying challenge rules like CAPTCHA, you can reduce automated attack risk without sacrificing user experience.As your application grows, revisit your WAAP rules regularly to adapt to new threats, add behavior-based detection, and fine-tune your protective layers. For more advanced configurations, check out our documentation or reach out to Gcore support.Get WAAP today for just $26/month

3 use cases for geo-aware routing with Gcore DNS

If your audience is global but you’re serving everyone the same content from the same place, you're likely sacrificing performance and resilience. Gcore DNS (which includes a free-forever plan and enterprise-grade option) offers a straightforward way to change that with geo-aware routing, a feature that lets you return different DNS responses based on where users are coming from.This article breaks down how Gcore's geo-routing works, how to set it up using the GeoDNS preset in dynamic response mode, where it shines, and when you might be better off with a different option. We’ll walk through three hands-on use cases with real config examples, highlight TTL trade-offs, and call out what developers need to know about edge cases like resolver mismatch and caching delays.What is geo-aware DNS routing?Gcore DNS lets you return different IP addresses based on the user’s geographic location. This is configured using dynamic response rules with the GeoDNS preset, which lets you match on continent, country, region, ASN, or IP/CIDR. When a user makes a DNS request, Gcore uses the resolver’s location to decide which record to return.You can control traffic to achieve outcomes like:Directing European users to an EU-based CDN endpointSending users in regions with known service degradation to a fallback instanceBehind the scenes, this is done by setting up metadata pickers and specifying fallback behavior.For step-by-step guidance, see the official docs: Configure geo-balancing with Dynamic response.How to configure GeoDNS in Gcore DNSTo use geo-aware routing in Gcore DNS, you'll configure a dynamic response record set with the GeoDNS preset. This lets you return different IPs based on region, country, ASN, or IP/CIDR metadata.Basic stepsGo to DNS → Zones in the Gcore Customer Portal. (If you don’t have an account, you can sign up free and use Gcore DNS in just a few clicks.)Create or edit a record set (e.g., for app.example.com).Switch to Advanced mode.Enable Dynamic response.Choose the GeoDNS preset.Add responses per region or country.Define a fallback record for unmatched queries.For detailed step-by-step instructions, check out our docs.Once you’ve set this up, your config should look like the examples shown in the use cases below.Common use casesEach use case below includes a real-world scenario and a breakdown of how to configure it in Gcore DNS. These examples assume you're working in the DNS advanced mode zone editor with dynamic response enabled and the GeoDNS preset selected.The term “DNS setup” refers to the configuration you’d enter for a specific hostname in the Gcore DNS UI under advanced mode.1. Content localizationScenario: You're running example.com and want to serve language-optimized infrastructure for European and Asian users. This use case is often used to reduce TTFB, apply region-specific UX, or comply with local UX norms. If you're also localizing content (e.g., currency, language), make sure your app handles that via subdomains or headers in addition to routing.Objective:EU users → eu.example.comAsia users → asia.example.comAll others → global.example.comDNS setup:Host: www.example.comType: A TTL: 120 Dynamic response: Enabled Preset: GeoDNS Europe → 185.22.33.44 # EU-based web server Asia → 103.55.66.77 # Asia-based web server Fallback → 198.18.0.1 # Global web server2. Regional CDN failoverScenario: You’re using two CDN clusters: one in North America, one in Europe. If one cluster is unavailable, you want traffic rerouted regionally without impacting users elsewhere. To make this work reliably, you must enable DNS Healthchecks for each origin so that Gcore DNS can automatically detect outages and filter out unhealthy IPs from responses.Objective:North America → na.cdn.example.comEurope → eu.cdn.example.comEach region has its own fallbackDNS setup:Host: cdn.example.comType: A TTL: 60 Dynamic response: Enabled Preset: GeoDNS North America → 203.0.113.10 # NA CDN IP Backup (NA region only) → 185.22.33.44 # EU CDN as backup for NA Health check → Enabled for 203.0.113.10 with HTTP/TCP probe settingsEurope → 185.22.33.44 # EU CDN IP Backup (EU region only) → 203.0.113.10 # NA CDN as backup for EU Health check → Enabled for 185.22.33.44Note: Multi-level fallback by region isn’t supported inside one rule set—you need to separate them to keep routing decisions clean.3. Traffic steering for complianceScenario: You need to keep EU user data inside the EU for GDPR compliance while routing the rest of the world to lower-cost infrastructure elsewhere. This approach is useful for fintech, healthcare, or regulated SaaS workloads where regulatory compliance is a challenge.Objective:EU users → EU-only backendAll other users → Global backendDNS setup:Host: transactions.example.com Type: A TTL: 300 Dynamic response: Enabled Preset: GeoDNS Europe → 185.10.10.10 # EU regional API node Fallback → 198.51.100.42 # Global API nodeEdge casesGeoDNS works well, but it’s worth keeping in mind a few edge cases and limitations when you get set up.Resolver location ≠ user locationBy default, Gcore uses ECS (EDNS Client Subnet) for precise client subnet geo-balancing. If ECS isn’t present, resolver IP is used, which may skew location (e.g., public resolvers, mobile carriers). ECS usage can be disabled in the ManagedDNS UI if needed.Caching slows failoverEven if your upstream fails, users may have cached the original IP for minutes. Fallback + TTL tuning are key.No sub-regional precisionYou can route by continent, country, or ASN—but not city. City-level precision isn’t currently supported.Gcore delivers simple solutions to big problemsGeo-aware routing is one of those features that quietly solves big problems, especially when your app or CDN runs globally. With Gcore DNS, you don’t need complex infrastructure to start optimizing traffic flow.Geo-aware routing with Gcore DNS is a lightweight way to optimize performance, localize content, or handle regional failover. If you need greater precision, consider pairing GeoDNS with in-app geolocation logic or CDN edge logic. But for many routing use cases, DNS is the simplest and fastest way to go.Get free-forever Gcore DNS with just a few clicks

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