Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• New Information Builders CEO targets modern CX, development

  In Q&A, new CEO Frank Vella discusses how Information Builders is modernizing its WebFocus platform to make it easier to use and changing the vendor's internal culture. Continue Reading

• Web integration platform eases way to machine learning models

  StoryFit data scientists employ machine learning algorithms to gauge film script scenarios' prospects. They use Import.io tools to make data preparation easier. Continue Reading

• Asigra Cloud Backup Evolved 14

  Veteran data protection vendor Asigra beat out new and older competition with its Cloud Backup Evolved product, highlighted by its ability to shield backups from ransomware. Continue Reading

• Zerto IT Resilience Platform 6.0

  Zerto's rebranded IT Resilience Platform provides many cloud choices for recovery, as well as automation and orchestration. Its innovation impressed our judges. Continue Reading

• IBM Spectrum Protect Plus 10.1.2

  IBM's Spectrum Protect Plus focuses on virtual data protection. Judges praised its VMware backup, instant recovery and potential for being part of overall data management strategy. Continue Reading

• Cohesity DataPlatform

  Cohesity's converged data management product gets updated with machine-driven capacity planning and case management alongside a centralized, simplified dashboard.Continue Reading

• Asigra TrueNAS Backup Appliance

  Asigra's integrated backup appliance combines its Cloud Backup Evolved V14 antiransomware software with iXsystems' TrueNAS hardware featuring the OpenZFS file system.Continue Reading

• Expert urges data pros to hone data science skills

  IT expert William McKnight shares job tips for data professionals looking to prosper in a changing enterprise. His first piece of advice: continually foster data science skills.Continue Reading

• Cloud data warehouse makes inroads as users spurn admin tasks

  Overlooked in the run-up to Hadoop, data warehouses have found new life off premises. Cloud-based data warehouses find favor with teams that want to reduce warehouse administration.Continue Reading

• 5 trends for SQL Server environments as SQL Server 2019 looms

  SQL Server is undergoing new changes, as Microsoft prepares to release the 2019 version of the database software. Other changes are also on tap for SQL Server users.Continue Reading

• Demand for data scientists is booming and will only increase

  Fueled by big data and AI, demand for data science skills is growing exponentially, according to job sites. The supply of skilled applicants, however, is growing at a slower pace.Continue Reading

• 5 data management infrastructure technologies to evaluate

  It's the start of a new year -- is your organization ready to face the data management challenges ahead? Here are five technologies to consider adopting.Continue Reading

• IT managers look to deploy BI, analytics in the cloud

  More organizations plan to use cloud-based BI and analytics and focus on data governance and predictive analytics, TechTarget's 2019 IT Priorities Survey found.Continue Reading

• Graph database use cases reveal relationships in data sets

  Graph databases specialize in mapping relationships in data sets, particularly complex ones. We explore how they work and the applications they're suited for.Continue Reading

• Advantages of graph databases: Easier data modeling, analytics

  Graph databases are finding a place in analytics applications at organizations that need to be able to map and understand the connections in large and varied data sets.Continue Reading

• AI, graph databases among top BI and analytics trends

  Leading trends in BI and analytics include machine learning, multi-cloud and graph databases. IT expert William McKnight details in a webinar how they'll affect enterprises.Continue Reading

• Converged secondary storage changes (almost) everything

  Converged secondary storage brings important benefits but also crucial choices. Learn the advantages and what you must do, and what questions to ask, in order to reap them.Continue Reading

• ROI considerations with a hyper-converged data protection platform

  Do the benefits of a single operating environment and improved cloud support outweigh the costs associated with switching to hyper-converged data protection?Continue Reading

• Modern data backup strategy involves integration

  Integrated data backup products are varied in their scope and capability. It is important to research your options, which range from integrated appliances to secondary storage.Continue Reading

• MicroStrategy 2019 platform touts 'zero-click' analytics

  MicroStrategy's latest BI platform supports a 'zero-click' analytics future with help from new voice and vision capabilities. The aim: quicker decisions and the democratization of data.Continue Reading

• Analytics trends we'll see in 2019

  BI and analytics software looks to evolve further in 2019, as tools will keep getting easier to use and more AI-powered technologies will augment user experiences.Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery plans, continuity take center stage in 2018

  Were you worried about your DR plan in 2018? You're far from alone. Preparation for ransomware and natural disaster threats loomed over the heads of DR planners in the past year.Continue Reading

• IT storage team skills for hyper-converged secondary storage

  Is your IT storage team ready for the arrival of hyper-converged secondary storage? Learn what storage skills pros need now in order to take on this latest development in storage tech.Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery trends and technologies to watch

  Major disaster recovery developments have changed the market yet again, and it's time to get ready for a new year in DR technology, before you end up lagging behind.Continue Reading

• Open source support was central to 2018 data deals

  Mergers and acquisitions unsettled the big data status quo in 2018. Open source support made these couplings a bit different than those of the past, Talking Data podcasters said.Continue Reading

• Datawatch Swarm on path to combine data prep, analytics

  Datawatch plans to add analytics and data visualization tools to its Swarm data preparation platform, starting with integration capabilities in a Swarm 2.2 release.Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2019 improves Linux, container support

  The SQL Server 2019 release includes new big data integration features, a collection of database engine enhancements and improved Linux and container support.Continue Reading

• What are 3 top data protection trends expected in 2019?

  Top trends in data protection include more comprehensive backup platforms. With data in many different places, including multiple clouds, products must cover a lot of ground.Continue Reading

• 3 common disaster recovery challenges from 2018

  The past year was a big one for disaster recovery teams, for better or for worse. Major challenges included the prevalence of ransomware, GDPR compliance and the cloud.Continue Reading

• FaunaDB distributed cloud database hunts transactional NoSQL

  Startup Fauna has built a "relational NoSQL" database for distributed transaction processing. Data consistency and speedy builds attracted early user ShiftX.Continue Reading

• What the Tableau Hyper engine does and how it was developed

  Tableau's Hyper data engine boosts processing speeds in its BI and data visualization software. The lead engineers offer insight on what went into making Hyper work.Continue Reading

• Don't let blockchain complexity bog down business applications

  Enterprise blockchain applications that run in a controlled environment don't require some of the components of cryptocurrency networks, explains expert David Teich.Continue Reading

• Amazon Timestream, QLDB aim to grab more DBMS users for AWS

  Built-for-purpose databases target general ones, especially in the cloud. At re:Invent 2018, AWS added time-series and transaction ledger databases to expand its line.Continue Reading

• CEO details HYCU backup for hyper-converged, multi-cloud

  Simon Taylor, CEO of HYCU, discusses his company's foray into hyper-converged and multi-cloud backup and recovery. The new vendor spun off from Comtrade in 2018.Continue Reading

• DR failover may benefit from API use

  Automating failovers for disaster recovery is a complex process, and APIs can help. However, implementing these changes effectively takes time and effort, so plan accordingly.Continue Reading

• 10 steps for optimal IT disaster recovery plan design

  Have you ensured your disaster recovery planning is comprehensive and able to be understood by everyone involved? Our guidelines will help set you on the right path.Continue Reading

• Trifacta data prep tool helps blend disparate data sources

  Handling diverse data sources usually consumes precious developer time. That led healthcare CRM company SymphonyRM to hand the data prep task to business analysts.Continue Reading

• At Logi Analytics and Tableau, beta feedback drives creation

  Constructive commentary from software beta testing can help work out bugs and bring about new ideas, which BI vendors Logi Analytics and Tableau can attest to.Continue Reading

• Successful IT resiliency strategy based on high availability and DR

  Stringent yet realistic RTOs and RPOs are crucial to resiliency plans aiming to minimize interruptions to businesses operations should disaster or disruptions strike IT resources.Continue Reading

• The most useful new features in Microsoft SQL Server 2019

  SQL Server 2019 includes welcome new features, particularly updates to its indexing and high availability capabilities and added SQL Server on Linux functionality.Continue Reading

• Data literacy training offerings key to BI vendors

  Tableau announced a basic certification training exam, adding to its roster of online data literacy courses. Self-service BI rival Qlik also has a big focus on data literacy.Continue Reading

• Choosing the best visualization tools for big data analytics

  Data-driven enterprises use visualization tools to tell the stories hidden in big data -- stories which help users turn information into profit. Here's how to choose the right tool.Continue Reading

• Azure Backup service best practices to streamline protection

  Is Azure Backup the right protection for your organization? Explore three important considerations for using the Microsoft service to back up your data.Continue Reading

• Neo4j graph database targets AI use cases, performance

  The Neo4j graph database is poised for use in AI applications, in which understanding data can stymie efforts. Recent updates target AI needs and performance issues.Continue Reading

• Looker 6 update adds analytics applications to BI tool

  With Looker 6, users of the BI platform can now access packaged applications that are designed for uses such as web analytics and digital marketing analytics.Continue Reading

• Cloud buoys data microservices -- for on-premises systems, too

  Data in a microservices architecture is percolating anew. This news analysis looks at IBM Cloud Private for Data and other means to harmonize data in public and private locations.Continue Reading

• A NetBackup appliances deep dive for your data center

  Veritas' NetBackup appliance series includes a virtual edition, cloud-focused hardware and enterprise protection. Consider capacity and network backup infrastructure when choosing the best hardware fit.Continue Reading

• Cloudera-Hortonworks merger narrows Hadoop users' options

  Hadoop users will have fewer choices as big data rivals Cloudera and Hortonworks unite. But the new company may be more competitive with AWS and Google.Continue Reading

• What 5 skills should a disaster recovery team leader have?

  Is the right person in charge of your disaster recovery planning? Look for a DR team leader who has the knowledge to run the show and the accessibility needed from a good manager.Continue Reading

• Evolving data protection technologies require attention

  The data protection market is evolving. In this podcast, Arcserve's Oussama El-Hilali explains why his company is focusing on cloud and where you should direct your attention.Continue Reading

• Automated predictive analytics tools spawn wannabe scientists

  They don't own the same depth of data science skills, but automated predictive analytics tools hatch a new breed of 'data scientists' who can produce actionable predictive models.Continue Reading

• Augmented analytics, automated tools facilitate data analysis

  From Tableau to Google, vendors increasingly incorporate augmented and automated analytics tools into their software to speed analytics work and open it up to more users.Continue Reading

• Augmented analytics reveals the hidden side of things

  The rise of augmented analytics empowers businesses to find correlations in data that might very well be the critical difference in operational efficiency and cost savings.Continue Reading

• 5 trends driving the big data evolution

  The speedy evolution of big data technologies is connected to five trends, including practical applications of machine learning and cheap, abundantly available compute resources.Continue Reading

• GDPR and disaster recovery: How to ensure you're covered

  After all of the preparations and changes your organization has gone through to prepare for GDPR, make sure disaster recovery doesn't get swept under the rug.Continue Reading

• Self-service analytics tools hand BI power to business users

  Self-service BI software opens the door to wider analytics uses in organizations. This handbook compares top self-service tools and details user deployments.Continue Reading

• Tibco analytics capabilities get upgrade in Spotfire X

  New Tibco AI and natural language processing functions in the soon-to-be-released Spotfire X look to create a simpler and faster experience for self-service BI users.Continue Reading

• Converge data protection and management successfully

  In this handbook, we'll cover the benefits of merging data backup with management, what the market is offering and what you should look for in a unified product.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between secondary and primary storage?

  Having primary storage and secondary storage is a good way to tier your workloads and ensure solid data protection. So, what should you expect from both platforms?Continue Reading

• Preventing ransomware attacks is a top storage vendor claim

  Storage vendors advance silly and not-so-silly claims about how data backup and protection technologies are the answer to ransomware prevention and growing ransomware fatalism.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based backups aid overall data protection plan

  From cost to off-site protection, cloud backup offers many benefits. This podcast details the good, but also the bad and the ugly, when it comes to cloud.Continue Reading

• What standards for business continuity aid in compliance?

  Business continuity and disaster recovery compliance is a valuable asset and may require a deeper understanding of modern standards and changes your organization needs to make.Continue Reading

• Qlik Sense and predictive analytics in education flag troubled students

  Using academic analytics and Qlik Sense, administrators at Virginia's Loudoun County public school district are looking to identify and help at-risk students faster and more accurately.Continue Reading

• Open source database software finally gets down to business

  Once used primarily in web applications, open source databases are finding a place in more mission-critical business systems -- a development explored in this handbook.Continue Reading

• Open source RDBMS uses spurred by lower costs, cloud options

  Open source technologies have become more capable alternatives to mainstream relational databases for cost-conscious users -- and the cloud makes them more accessible.Continue Reading

• Reddit and the aspiring data scientist

  For amateur data scientists, Reddit provides the opportunity to post about personal projects, chat with like-minded people and get free advice from a large community.Continue Reading

• What does the ISO 22330 business continuity standard cover?

  With ISO/TS 22330, the International Organization for Standardization covers the issues related to the people involved in BCDR incident response.Continue Reading

• Talking Data: AI advances and the MIT Startup Exchange

  The Talking Data podcast team discusses some of the MIT startups that are making advances in AI and natural language processing.Continue Reading

• Open source DBMS software gains foothold in enterprise IT

  Open source databases are increasingly making their way into corporate IT environments, says Gartner analyst Merv Adrian in a Q&A. But some care is required.Continue Reading

• A quick tutorial on SQL Server maintenance plans

  SQL Server maintenance plans get a bad rap, but for DBAs who need a simple way to maintain databases, Microsoft's built-in tools are a good place to start.Continue Reading

• Heat map view sets table for food warehouse optimization

  Inspired by the vivid views of stadium heat maps, a Midwest food distributor worked with Information Builders to gain a better view of its supply chain workings. The result was a novel warehouse optimization system.Continue Reading

• eHarmony hooks up with Redis NoSQL database for hot storage

  The Redis key-value store finds use in a system to match would-be romantic partners on dating site eHarmony, which employs a variety of NoSQL databases to make love click online.Continue Reading

• A look at the leading data discovery software and vendors

  Explore the data discovery software market, including the products and vendors helping enterprises glean insights using data visualization and self-service BI.Continue Reading

• SaaS backup tips, trends outlined by Spanning VP

  Mat Hamlin, vice president of products at Spanning, details the importance of backing up SaaS applications and being able to restore those cloud workloads successfully.Continue Reading

• Four first steps for customer data management

  Forrester's Mike Gualtieri details how to develop a unified plan to manage customer data that gives business users what they need to manage CRM programs.Continue Reading

• Building a data science team in today's data-centric climate

  Finding and training data scientists to build a data science team can be challenging. But in a recent webinar, a Gartner analyst offered tips on how to do it.Continue Reading

• Data-driven strategy grooms dog care franchise for growth

  Camp Bow Wow is growing its day care and boarding business for dogs with the help of a data-driven approach that's powered by a hybrid POS and Tableau system.Continue Reading

• Is your cloud DR strategy agile enough?

  As business requirements evolve, not every DR tool can keep up. In the age of agile IT, there are drawbacks to consider with a cloud-based disaster recovery strategy.Continue Reading

• Data backup systems supplement wares with management features

  With data so important to companies, backup vendors are seeking to provide a better window into its overall lifecycle, including such elements as compliance and analytics.Continue Reading

• Choosing the right data discovery platform for the enterprise

  Obviously, cost and scalability factor into data discovery platform buying decisions, but other features, like visualizations and data support, should carry significant weight.Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud data backup: Choices and challenges

  With many organizations putting data in more than one cloud, multi-cloud backup has become an important element of protection. Organizations should tread carefully.Continue Reading

• A data replication strategy for all your disaster recovery needs

  Know your IT environment inside and out to choose the right data replication product for your organization's current and future disaster recovery requirements.Continue Reading

• Disaster avoidance requirements ensure business continuity

  Include disaster recovery and avoidance requirements as design goals when creating storage and production environments to ensure business continuity during weather events.Continue Reading

• What's new with data protection systems? Everything

  The next backup hardware you purchase will likely come with integrated backup software. That changes the buying dynamic and complicates the decision-making process.Continue Reading

• Why Spark DataFrame, lazy evaluation models outpace MapReduce

  Learn how the Spark DataFrame execution plan works and why its lazy evaluation model helps the processing engine to avoid the performance issues inherent in Hadoop MapReduce.Continue Reading

• Starburst finds new worlds to conquer with SQL query engine

  Relational databases may have hit a wall of late, but the SQL query engine seems poised for wider growth. Starburst, a retro startup of sorts, is among those looking to take it wider still.Continue Reading

• Understanding data discovery tools in the enterprise

  Data discovery tools, aided by the data discovery process, visualize and contextualize data for business users. They are essential for informed business decision-making.Continue Reading

• GDPR compliance requirements drive new winds of data privacy

  Hello, GDPR. May 25 is the witching hour for enforcement of the EU's much-discussed GDPR compliance requirements -- and it's a harbinger of more changes to come.Continue Reading

• AP uses data.world platform to spread data journalism

  Data journalism reporters need tools that deliver quick context for stories on deadline. A data collaboration platform from data.world helps the Associated Press meet such needs.Continue Reading

• Select a data backup appliance with robust functionality

  Many leading appliance-based data backup systems include functions such as backup, archiving, disaster recovery and replication, and they can be used for test/development and analytics.Continue Reading

• GPU databases bring greater parallelism to big data processing

  GPU databases offer a new way to process data. 451 Research analyst James Curtis discusses where they fit in big data applications, particularly for parallel processing.Continue Reading

• Knowing how to recover from ransomware can save your company

  If the threat of ransomware has you worried, we don't blame you. Recent high-profile attacks like WannaCry have IT experts around the world shaking in their boots.Continue Reading

• Get the most out of your data, reap the benefits of BI tools

  The business intelligence software market is large, vibrant and evolving. Learn the ins and outs to make sense of the options and experience the business benefits of BI tools.Continue Reading

• Carbonite CEO discusses data protection threats, developments

  Mohamad Ali, president and CEO of Carbonite, reflects on his trip to the State of the Union, how his job compares to previous high-profile positions and what's next for the vendor.Continue Reading

• How should the virtualized backup market evolve?

  GDPR looms large over many data protection processes, and virtual backup is no different. Overall management is important as well, as data volume continues to grow.Continue Reading

• Exploring the leading appliance-based data backup systems

  Learn how leading integrated backup appliance systems address key considerations, including capacity and performance, and what operational benefits they offer.Continue Reading

• Data integrity protection spurs greater security spending

  As hacking, ransomware and malware attacks mount, companies place big data protection and integrity among the primary reasons for increased spending on security software.Continue Reading

• GDPR requirements put focus on data ethics, governance

  The General Data Protection Regulation makes privacy paramount and reinforces the practice of good data governance. Will a new focus on data ethics be an important side effect?Continue Reading

• U.S. data protection laws fall short in the age of big data

  Data breaches and a history of data abuse led the EU to adopt GDPR, but it might take massive scale data security crises for the U.S. to legislate similar data protection laws.Continue Reading

• Want IT resiliency? Look to both security and disaster recovery

  Security, protection from hackers and ransomware, disaster preparedness and disaster recovery are all means to the goal of resilient IT infrastructure and business processes.Continue Reading