Features

Features

• Everything you need to know about composable infrastructure

  Composability abstracts resources as services that can be dynamically composed and recomposed for specific applications. Learn about its many advantages, and why it isn't for everyone.  Continue Reading

• Integrate applications with these 4 Azure integration tools

  Integration can ensure consistent and scalable workflows in cloud applications, even connected to on-premises resources. Evaluate tools and services Azure offers for the task.  Continue Reading

• Adopt an SDDC architecture with caution and proper planning

  Software-defined components such as networking and storage help achieve data center flexibility, but organizations might come across product and security issues.  Continue Reading

• It's not Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G -- it's Wi-Fi 6 and 5G

  Wi-Fi 6 and 5G have similarities and differences. Enterprises want to know how the two can work together. Vendors, for their part, will need an integration strategy.  Continue Reading

• Back up VMware environments with these best practices and tips

  When you back up a VMware environment, use best practices to guide you, and weigh pros and cons of different methods. You can also automate backups and use third-party tools.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to master network traffic analysis with Python

  In this book excerpt, explore key components of network security and network traffic analysis with Python scripting from Packt Publishing author José Manuel Ortega.  Continue Reading

• Fintech company goes all in on SD-WAN 2.0 with Versa tech

  In the age of hybrid and multi-cloud environments, software-defined WAN technology must do more than just connect branch locations to data centers. Enter SD-WAN 2.0.  Continue Reading

• AI storage platforms meet machine learning, data analysis needs

  Learn which storage for AI products organizations should consider buying, based on how machine learning and AI tasks will be performed and how data is collected in their environments.  Continue Reading

• Essential VxRail appliance hyper-converged questions answered

  Find out what you need to know as you investigate if Dell EMC VxRail HCI with vSAN hyper-converged software meets the needs of your organization's workloads and use cases.  Continue Reading

• How Python addresses security, network traffic analysis concerns

  Python can benefit key areas of an organization's network, including network security and traffic analysis. Glean critical expert advice from an author of various Python textbooks.  Continue Reading

• Licensing changes reveal Microsoft's cloud strategy

  IT analysts share insights on the Microsoft licensing updates, and what it says about the on-premises giant's push for Azure adoption and the impact on current and future workloads.  Continue Reading

• Itential's network automation software wins TechTarget award

  At the ONUG Fall 2019 conference in New York, one word was on everyone's lips: automation. Itential's infrastructure-as-code platform helps turn those four syllables into action.  Continue Reading

• A low-code platform can do a lot, but it has limits

  If you're ready to jump into low-code development, you'll want to know what these platforms can help you accomplish and how to sidestep common troubles.  Continue Reading

• Edge virtualization tools make strides in the edge market

  Vendors are cashing in on edge computing popularity, and organizations are faced with an influx of new virtualization tools that help manage the computing paradigm.  Continue Reading

• Explore SCVMM features for VM deployment and management

  SCVMM can help admins better manage their virtualization stacks by providing VM networking diagrams and templates, but there are certain requirements admins must meet before use.  Continue Reading

• Get up to speed on Azure's serverless functionality

  With so many serverless tools on the market, it can be difficult to pick the right one. Review some of the features of Azure serverless options to help you choose.  Continue Reading

• What enterprises look for with converged data center projects

  Learn about the state of the convergence market and what enterprises require for CI and HCI projects, the workloads they intend to run and which vendors are highest on their buying lists.  Continue Reading

• 3 SD-WAN best practices before deployment

  When planning an SD-WAN deployment, some best practices include evaluating your business model, testing the product and establishing vendor support guidelines.  Continue Reading

• Convert a VM to a Docker image for speed and convenience

  In this excerpt from Chapter 3 of 'Docker in Practice, Second Edition,' authors Ian Miell and Aidan Hobson Sayers discuss how and why to use Docker as a lightweight VM.  Continue Reading

• An in-depth look at Optane persistent memory and its operating modes

  Intel's 3D XPoint technology can be set up in two ways. Find out how the Memory Mode and Application Direct Mode differ in terms of app compatibility, performance and features.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise IT weighs pros and cons of multi-cloud management

  IT ops pros are getting used to multi-cloud management, especially for disaster recovery, but moving from cloud to cloud via container portability is still rare.  Continue Reading

• VMware security best practices guide

  Without the proper security, you could put your entire VMware environment at risk. These best practices can keep your hosts and VMs safe from potential attacks.  Continue Reading

• The history of virtualization and its mark on data center management

  Virtualization was a huge leap in data center technology with software such as hypervisors and virtual switches that expanded organizations' capabilities and redefined IT.  Continue Reading

• Acquire best practices with this system administration handbook

  Often, books published about IT are obsolete the moment they hit the shelves: modern technology moves too fast for physical publishing. However, this particular volume aims for longevity.  Continue Reading

• How to get the most out of AWS re:Invent 2019

  Get the lowdown on this year's re:Invent before you go. With tips on travel logistics, session reservations and social outings, you'll be ready to maximize your time in Las Vegas.  Continue Reading

• DevSecOps puts software development and security on equal footing

  With DevSecOps, organizations spread out security responsibilities to ops and devs. Here's how programmers can expect their roles to change and why it's not such a bad thing.  Continue Reading

• Get to know the top managed Kubernetes services in the cloud

  All managed Kubernetes providers address the pain points of deploying and maintaining the container orchestration platform, but they do so in different ways, as outlined in this brief cheat sheet.  Continue Reading

• Discover 5 key cloud networking basics for your organization

  Clear away the fog, and explore these five key cloud networking fundamentals -- such as models, challenges and tools -- you need to know before you adopt a cloud network strategy.  Continue Reading

• Security automation charges IT ops to build the 'paved road'

  As IT ops pros evolve into SREs, they play a key role in security automation and create secure paths to production deployment for application developers.  Continue Reading

• Build a DevOps toolchain that's efficient and effective

  Is it possible to create a DevOps toolchain that meets the needs of developers, IT operations teams and business staffers? Here's how to devise a strategy.  Continue Reading

• Kubernetes use cases extend beyond container orchestration

  Enterprises use Kubernetes for much more than they did when Google released the platform in 2015. Discover how Kubernetes' uses have grown, and where it might be heading.  Continue Reading

• Secure VMware environments with these tools and tips

  VMware security relies on products such as AppDefense and NSX, as well as the vigilance of admins. Certain acquisitions bring additional security measures into play.  Continue Reading

• Transform network management with a network automation strategy

  Enterprises can employ a network automation strategy to provide some stability for network management and monitoring. Automation, however, still requires some hard work.  Continue Reading

• Network automation skills and training in demand, research finds

  Surprisingly, scripting, programming and software development are not exactly the top network automation skills desired by enterprises, according to recent research.  Continue Reading

• Gene Kim explores DevOps transformation in 'The Unicorn Project'

  This chapter excerpt from Gene Kim's 'The Unicorn Project' touches on one of the book's core themes: Roadblocks occur when developers, ops and business leaders are misaligned.  Continue Reading

• 3 potential multi-cloud challenges that could go unnoticed

  Disaster recovery, vendor lock-in and cost are major factors as organizations evaluate multi-cloud strategies. However, these pros can become cons if teams aren't careful.  Continue Reading

• After ransomware virus, Merck's medicine was network automation

  After a ransomware attack, Merck decided the best remedy was to deploy network automation tools designed to transform how it handled network configuration changes.  Continue Reading

• Kubernetes networking face-off: VMware NSX-T vs. Nokia's Nuage

  VMware NSX-T and Nokia's Nuage Networks both provide Kubernetes networking functionality -- but they have important differences and resonate with distinct user bases.  Continue Reading

• 5 best practices for choosing cloud developer tools

  Enterprises are pushing cloud app development as a way to stay up to date on the latest IT trends. Find out how to pick the right cloud and tools for your apps and your staff.  Continue Reading

• Bring cloud on prem with VMware Cloud on Dell EMC, AWS Outposts

  VMware Cloud on Dell EMC and the forthcoming AWS Outposts offer organizations rack-based hybrid cloud products that can extend their public cloud platforms to the data center.  Continue Reading

• Cloud repatriation from the storage experts' point of view

  Four industry experts discuss whether enterprises are really bringing data back from the public cloud, what's driving this trend and where it's headed.  Continue Reading

• IBM quantum computers' usefulness in sight -- using binoculars

  IBM's Bob Sutor discusses Big Blue's new quantum systems and computation center, the realities of quantum computing today and how IT pros will code for these systems in the future.  Continue Reading

• New Violin Systems CEO talks up ambitious storage roadmap

  New Violin CEO talks up plans for newly architected, NVMe-based flash array that will focus on enterprise software capabilities such as low RPO and deduplication.  Continue Reading

• Security, business agility kindle network automation adoption

  IT teams are confused by the multiple automation strategies available, but they're still adopting automation with hopes it will benefit network security and agility.  Continue Reading

• Three keys to successful DevOps automation

  An effective CI pipeline starts with build automation. But there are other steps needed to produce results.  Continue Reading

• UX guidelines for people-friendly software

  Nail these UX design concepts for easier transitions from requirements to application design to code.  Continue Reading

• A glossary of key edge computing architecture terms

  Bolster your networking vocabulary and get to know the various features and technologies that constitute edge computing in this comprehensive glossary of key terms and phrases.  Continue Reading

• A go-to AWS migration checklist for DevOps-ready enterprises

  Follow this checklist to prepare for a cloud migration and optimize DevOps practices. The steps include advice on tools and practices to support the move to an IaaS model or higher-level AWS offerings.  Continue Reading

• How to realize the benefits of software-defined infrastructure

  Software-based infrastructure and services can streamline management and application data. Before you add them to your data center, consider workload needs and existing hardware.  Continue Reading

• How to plan for an Azure cloud migration

  A Windows Server migration into the Microsoft cloud comes with several administrative benefits, but it also means there are new management aspects to worry about.  Continue Reading

• Compare 10 leading container management systems

  Ready to select a vendor or open source tool to build and manage your container-based infrastructure? This roundup lays out the benefits and complexities of the many options.  Continue Reading

• The future of cloud storage: Experts look 5 years out

  Industry experts weigh in on key cloud storage developments of the last five years and where they see the technology and its use headed in the next five.  Continue Reading

• 6 tips to drive infrastructure-as-code best practices

  Evaluating an infrastructure-as-code setup? Use these six tips to grasp IaC benefits, challenges, tool considerations and more before you make the move.  Continue Reading

• What AWS users can learn from the Capital One breach

  Don't want to be on the nightly news? Protect sensitive data with cloud security best practices gleaned from what Capital One did wrong -- and what it got right -- during the breach.  Continue Reading

• Tips to use for microservices in mobile app development

  With mobile apps dominating enterprise customer interactions, developers must dig into microservices architectures, brush up on programming skills and decipher business requirements.  Continue Reading

• Don't overlook cloud computing training

  Cloud computing offers many benefits, but companies making the transition should be aware of the time and expense required for education and training.  Continue Reading

• The future of PowerShell begins to sharpen in focus

  PowerShell's promise as a cross-platform management tool has come a long way, but much work still needs to be done for both Linux and Windows admins to pick up adoption.  Continue Reading

• Educate users when troubleshooting a network connection

  In this roundup of industry blogs, engineers discuss why it's helpful to teach users the basics of troubleshooting a network connection and why it's hard to simulate a network.  Continue Reading

• VMware strives to integrate VMs and containers

  With products and initiatives such as VIC, PKS, Octant, Project Pacific and Tanzu, VMware aims to better integrate VMs and containers for admins and developers.  Continue Reading

• Worried about storing unstructured data? You're not alone

  Most data being created today is unstructured, and storage pros often find themselves struggling to keep up. Luckily, efficient unstructured data storage is still possible.  Continue Reading

• Assess container hosting, management options based on these criteria

  A company's plans to maintain traditional data centers, move to the public cloud or adopt microservices all play a major role in its container hosting and management decisions.  Continue Reading

• NVMe-oF products are changing the face of data storage

  NVMe-oF products are rapidly maturing, and NVMe-oF devices are now suitable for production workloads. Let's look at the hardware, software and supported systems hitting the market.  Continue Reading

• Elevate software-defined technology's role in the data center

  SDS and SDN aren't a cure-all for infrastructure management ails. Proper implementation requires research and a suitable hardware setup. Here's a look at what this tech can do.  Continue Reading

• How to craft a future-proof enterprise container strategy

  There are many ways to plan an IT container management strategy. Follow these steps to map out an enterprise's needs for container software and tools.  Continue Reading

• 6 criteria for selecting the right AI data storage

  Buying the wrong storage AI platform could have serious implications. Learn the six considerations that can affect your organization's product choice and strategy.  Continue Reading

• VMware's Bitnami acquisition grows its development portfolio

  VMware acquired Bitnami and added an important app-packaging tool to its development portfolio. This buy helps VMware stay current, but forces it to enter uncharted market waters.  Continue Reading

• Prepare for the CCNA 200-301 exam with this guide preview

  Here's a sneak peek at what to expect from Cisco's redesigned CCNA exam directly from 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1' by author Wendell Odom.  Continue Reading

• Cisco author says new CCNA exam undergoes largest change ever

  Cisco said goodbye to most CCNA tracks, and hello to a consolidated exam. Here's what you need to know about the new CCNA, from the author of every official CCNA guidebook.  Continue Reading

• Container image size makes a difference

  IT teams ready to embark on container deployment should look closely at how developers break down and package application components. Little details will be important.  Continue Reading

• How to address HCI's resource provisioning challenges

  Provisioning in hyper-convergence is often imbalanced. Integrating more powerful, higher-capacity nodes with HCI software or taking a more hybrid approach can help.  Continue Reading

• The secret to reliable storage provisioning for DevOps

  Cloud storage and intelligent storage can help provide DevOps teams with the reliable, fast and flexible storage they require at every phase of the application delivery process.  Continue Reading

• How to prevent lingering software quality issues

  Coders can learn a lot from manufacturers, according to Gary Gruver, even though the products are distinctly different. This free chapter excerpt covers how to approach QA issues.  Continue Reading

• Set AWS security automation in motion with these practices

  Enterprises need to continuously improve their cloud security posture. Catch up on the latest expert advice on AWS security tools and practices.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure basics for virtualization admins

  Hyper-convergence provides many benefits, such as simplified provisioning and management, but virtualization administrators should get to know HCI technology before implementing it.  Continue Reading

• Data center management as a service launches DCIM to the cloud

  DMaaS is an option for organizations that want to use cloud-based management. Though these offerings hold a lot of promise, there are concerns about cost and function.  Continue Reading

• Legacy tools encumber modern network infrastructure monitoring

  Many IT teams still use older monitoring tools that provide limited visibility across multiple network environments. AI and machine learning can help, but they'll take some time.  Continue Reading

• Answers to top server lifecycle management questions

  Unsure when to maintain, upgrade or ditch a server? Here's a look at your hardware -- and software -- care options.  Continue Reading

• Storage strategies for machine learning and AI workloads

  Learn how organizations are using machine learning and AI to create actionable insights and what challenges they face as they develop their storage strategies.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to get started with your networking career

  Wherever you are on your networking career path, these expert insights can help you decide where to go and give advice about job requirements, certifications and industry changes.  Continue Reading

• VMware multi-cloud approach becomes next phase of SDDC evolution

  VMware's vision has evolved. The vendor that once focused solely on virtualization now pivots toward the multi-cloud market and hopes to make its cloud products the next evolution of SDDC.  Continue Reading

• Ciena's Blue Planet automation suite wins TechTarget award

  Ciena's Blue Planet software suite has won SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award for enabling intelligent automation and network service orchestration across large, multivendor networks.  Continue Reading

• Network pros on new Cisco DevNet certification: 'Finally!'

  Want to learn infrastructure as code? Now, there's a Cisco cert for that. Learn more about the new network automation certification suite, plus changes to the CCNA, CCNP and CCIE.  Continue Reading

• How tape backup systems improve data protection

  Have you analyzed your data protection lately? Tape backup could be a savior if you get hit with a ransomware attack or other malware. Learn more about five tape-related terms.  Continue Reading

• Digital business upends the CIO and enterprise architect role

  IDC analyst Mike Rosen explains how new digital business pursuits amplify enterprise architects and CIOs into newly amplified roles that put business goals and requirements first.  Continue Reading

• Explore container deployment benefits and core components

  As container adoption grows, the ecosystem of tools surrounding the technology expands as well. Explore the benefits of container systems for enterprise app deployments.  Continue Reading

• Defeat app killers and monster VM performance issues with ease

  VM troubles got you down? Never fear: Some solutions to VM performance problems are as easy as looking in the right places and asking the right questions  Continue Reading

• What's new with VMware Cloud on AWS

  Updates to VMware Cloud on AWS include improvements to the migration workflow and enhancements to HCX, as well as support for Project Pacific and VMware Cloud Marketplace.  Continue Reading

• Gartner report provides reality check on the 5G hype

  The next generation of cellular technology, 5G, is nearing peak hype status, according to a Gartner report. But real, widespread adoption is still several years away.  Continue Reading

• How to optimize storage for AI, machine learning and deep learning

  AI and deep learning apps use large data sets and fast I/O. But storage can cause performance issues. See what features your AI and deep learning storage systems should have.  Continue Reading

• Software drives changes in network engineer skills, certifications

  Learn what network analysts think about network engineer skills and certifications in the modern networking industry. Hint: Proprietary hardware is in the rearview mirror.  Continue Reading

• ICYMI: How to select and manage serverless APIs effectively

  Explore how API selection and API management in a serverless architecture can make all the difference between getting results and having your project fall flat.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways NVMe storage benefits your business

  Increased performance and reduced latency aren't the only benefits of NVMe flash storage. Find out other advantages, such as allowing more VMs on a physical server.  Continue Reading

• Know the performance hang-ups of AWS' IaC tool

  AWS customers and industry experts have reported a range of CloudFormation concerns. Take a closer look at the issues surrounding the native IaC tool and AWS' response to frustrations.  Continue Reading

• Travel tech company revs up Wi-Fi performance with analytics

  TravelTab needed to find a way to improve its Wi-Fi performance so it could better anticipate customer demands and bandwidth requirements. Analytics software from Aerohive helped.  Continue Reading

• Use affinity and anti-affinity rules to guide VM behavior

  Affinity rules define the relationships between VMs and hosts. You can create them in DRS, and then use them to improve failover and optimize VM performance.  Continue Reading

• What is data center networking, and how can you get started?

  This feature explores the basics of data center networks, such as how to plan for data center consolidation, the effects of cloud services and how to handle data center interconnects.  Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud: What's the difference and why it matters

  Both multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architectures provide businesses with flexibility. Find out what differentiates them and makes one better than the other for your business.  Continue Reading

• Gartner Hype Cycle deems software-defined networking obsolete

  A Gartner report on enterprise networking has declared the definition of SDN and its architectural approach as deceased. Cause of death? Well, the hype didn't help.  Continue Reading

• The top 5 capabilities your edge infrastructure should have

  The network edge plays a vital role in the future of networking and digital transformation. Make sure your infrastructure has these five components to help it on its way.  Continue Reading

• Cloud application monitoring takes a multipronged approach

  To monitor cloud apps, you'll need to gather metrics on performance, cost and security. IT teams and the tools they choose to implement will require coordinated effort.  Continue Reading