Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Evaluate proprietary vs. open source testing tools

  Cost, complexity and support levels are key items when teams consider proprietary or open source functional testing tools for their development environments. Continue Reading

• Break down the Amazon EKS pricing model

  There are several important variables within the Amazon EKS pricing model. Dig into the numbers to ensure you deploy the service in the most cost-effective way. Continue Reading

• Compare EKS vs. self-managed Kubernetes on AWS

  AWS users face a choice when deploying Kubernetes: run it themselves on EC2 or let Amazon do the heavy lifting with EKS. See which approach best fits your organization's needs. Continue Reading

• How zero trust unifies network virtualization

  The combination of zero trust and network virtualization creates opportunities to strengthen security policies, increase cross-domain collaboration and improve overall visibility. Continue Reading

• DevOps architect vs. engineer: What's the difference?

  DevOps engineers and architects work in the same environment, but their roles, skills and experience differ. Learn what each entails and how to prepare for one over the other. Continue Reading

• A beginner's guide to Hyper-V checkpoints

  Hyper-V checkpoints help mitigate problems with upgrade rollouts. They can pile up, so they require some storage space and management.Continue Reading

• What software-defined LAN means for campus virtualization

  LAN virtualization has long encompassed VLANs to segment network traffic. But software-defined LAN is emerging with zero-trust strategies to provide more comprehensive security.Continue Reading

• Choose the best Azure Blob Storage tier

  Hot, Cool or Archive -- where should Azure Blob Storage go? Each tier has its challenges, but don't panic if data is in the wrong one, with step-by-step directions for moving tiers.Continue Reading

• Key takeaways from Red Hat Summit 2022

  At Red Hat's 2022 Red Hat Summit, the organization announced changes to edge strategy, Linux admin skill gaps and hardware and software modernization.Continue Reading

• 9 managed Kubernetes services to consider

  To counter the complexity and stress of running, deploying and managing Kubernetes, turn to a managed Kubernetes service. Compare and contrast nine popular tools.Continue Reading

• Evaluate key Azure Data Factory benefits and limitations

  Organizations have plenty of options for data integration tools, some on premises and others in the cloud. Find out which type is the better fit and whether Azure is a good choice.Continue Reading

• Inside the plan to enhance optical storage

  It's going to take some outside-of-the-box technology to help make up for the escalating increases in stored data. Could colored digital characters be an answer?Continue Reading

• Network virtualization benefits in the LAN, WAN and data center

  Better traffic performance, scalability and security are some of the network virtualization benefits that enterprises can realize across their network infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Examine IBM's hybrid cloud strategy

  IBM's focus on hybrid cloud efforts, including Cloud Paks and OpenShift, makes for a competitive option. See if its strategy fits your enterprise needs.Continue Reading

• The role of network virtualization and SDN in data centers

  SDN, zero trust and infrastructure as code are popular forms of network virtualization within the data center, moving away from manual VLANs toward policy-driven virtualization.Continue Reading

• Carrier network virtualization leads to enterprise services

  Starting with MPLS VPNs and SD-WAN, new carrier network virtualization options, like 5G network slicing, are becoming virtual enterprise network services, and more will follow.Continue Reading

• 8 native Google Cloud management tools admins should know

  IT teams can use a range of native management and monitoring tools from Google to ensure their public cloud deployments are reliable and cost-effective.Continue Reading

• Future of containers faces tools surplus, skills shortage

  Container adoption seems inevitable, but it's not going to be smooth sailing. Experts weigh in on the state of container management -- and where it needs to go.Continue Reading

• Why admins should learn how to use Azure Logic Apps

  In an increasingly cloudy IT world, the iPaaS offering from Microsoft can bridge management gaps with automated workflows that require little technical expertise.Continue Reading

• Networks are the intersection in a multi-cloud strategy

  Enterprises interested in multi-cloud adoption should evaluate application requirements, cloud provider features and their legacy network architecture.Continue Reading

• Breakdown of 4 common mobile testing platform options

  Mobile app testers, here is how four mobile testing platform options compare. Also, learn when testing frameworks, simulators and emulators become relevant factors.Continue Reading

• Liquid cooling vs. air cooling in the data center

  The quest to maintain operating temperatures for increasing computing densities has firms transitioning from air cooling to liquid cooling. We assess both methods.Continue Reading

• Guide to Windows Server Hybrid Administrator certification

  The new accreditation takes a more focused approach with exams that require knowledge of deploying traditional infrastructure components and their Microsoft Azure equivalent.Continue Reading

• Follow these examples to use CloudWatch Logs Insights

  CloudWatch Logs Insights helps organizations gain insights from a deluge of log data on applications and services. Learn how to implement key features.Continue Reading

• Don't force your IT applications into edge computing

  Edge computing's primary concern is latency -- and most applications introduce too much. Consider the edge as a companion environment, not an approaching transformation.Continue Reading

• Choose a software testing model by weighing these 5 factors

  Software development teams have options for their preferred software testing methodology. Consider these five key metrics before choosing a testing model for your team.Continue Reading

• The importance of unified, end-to-end network management

  As network environments evolve and grow more complex, enterprises are realizing their need for unified network management. But is an end-to-end strategy possible?Continue Reading

• How to create a DevOps self-service portal

  Remote DevOps teams need the tools to build and deploy applications independently -- that's where self-service portals come in. Discover the benefits and how to build one.Continue Reading

• Explore 5 Microsoft Azure storage types before buying

  Some types of Azure storage are prevalent, such as Blob, but others are less well known. Your organization may have a use for each of the five detailed, so get to know each one.Continue Reading

• Atlassian Team '22 wrap-up: Connect dev, ops and service

  The Atlassian Team '22 conference focused in on new tools like Compass, Atlas and Analytics, with an optimistic eye to the future.Continue Reading

• How to choose the best CPU for virtualization

  Selecting the right CPU for virtual infrastructures depends on many factors, including feature sets and hardware specs. Proper configuration of processor resources is also crucial.Continue Reading

• Use these PowerShell add-ons to supercharge your experience

  These PowerShell new features and modules introduce several customization and functionality features to the popular automation tool to ease coding tasks for administrators.Continue Reading

• Zero trust, wireless WAN affect the future of IoT networking

  Zero-trust security models, wireless WAN evolution and the emergence of pop-up businesses are all helping to fuel innovation in IoT networking capabilities.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of Netskope SASE

  Netskope is undoubtedly a leader in the CASB market, but its limited security capabilities and lack of SD-WAN make Netskope an incomplete SASE offering.Continue Reading

• Microsoft cloud certifications Windows admins should pursue

  The surge in remote work means admins with skills with Microsoft's cloud technologies are in demand. You can prove your proficiency by acquiring these Microsoft certifications.Continue Reading

• The global state of data center sustainability

  Review green initiatives in the world of data centers: sustainable designs and practices, what other organizations are doing and where IT falls short.Continue Reading

• Experts set the record straight on new networking technology

  What is the reality of new network technologies? Here, experts identify the risks -- real or perceived – and benefits that digital twins, automation and AI create for businesses.Continue Reading

• Is it time to ditch the WAN for other connectivity options?

  With the prevalence of remote work, cloud applications and internet connectivity, will enterprises ditch the WAN to save money and time? Maybe not everyone.Continue Reading

• What is NetOps? Everything you need to know

  NetOps, also referred to as NetOps 2.0 and NetDevOps, is an approach to networking operations that uses DevOps tools and techniques to make network changes more efficiently and effectively than in the past.Continue Reading

• Compare high availability vs. fault tolerance in AWS

  To achieve high availability and fault tolerance in AWS, IT admins must first understand the differences between the two models.Continue Reading

• Private 5G deployments to advance in 2022

  As commercial private 5G deployments begin to advance in 2022, private cellular networks will become a reality for many organizations in the U.S. and around the world.Continue Reading

• Compare Amazon ECS vs. EKS

  Amazon ECS and EKS are similar, but their differences are enough to set them apart for AWS users. Learn which best fits your needs in terms of flexibility, pricing and more.Continue Reading

• What can urban sprawl teach us about UX design issues?

  UX design sprawl mimics urban sprawl, both in its push for growth and its potentially dangerous pitfalls. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the UX design process.Continue Reading

• NetOps automation ideas and examples

  NetOps teams can hone their automation experience using these automation ideas that range from simple read/write tasks to complex automated processes.Continue Reading

• The benefits of network infrastructure as code

  Network infrastructure as code uses DevOps methodology to create structured practices for configuration changes and establish pre- and post-change testing and validation.Continue Reading

• VCP exam prep: Learn what help the VMware course provides

  The VMware Certification Professional badge is for admins with network, storage and data center virtualization know-how. Get insight into course specifics and structure.Continue Reading

• Compare open source orchestration tools for DevOps

  Orchestration is a vital piece of the modern IT ecosystem puzzle. Compare popular tools and learn how they fit together.Continue Reading

• The role of NVMe network storage for the future

  This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' examines the role networking and storage protocols, like NVMe, could have in the remote storage market.Continue Reading

• Need a replacement? Try these 5 Docker alternatives

  Docker might be the authoritative choice for containers, but with the way the market is changing, it might not always be. Here are five other options that have merit.Continue Reading

• Explore 4 network performance monitoring tools

  The network performance monitoring market is changing to address the emergence of IoT and AI. Read more about the NPM market evolution and available vendor products.Continue Reading

• How does a NetOps strategy affect enterprise network teams?

  A NetOps approach uses DevOps frameworks to help network teams enable virtualization, automation and AI to create Agile networks and deploy applications faster.Continue Reading

• NetOps meets DevOps concepts to tackle network problems

  NetOps and DevOps are converging, due to increased use of infrastructure as code to automate enterprise networks. Shared concepts include structured coding practices and automated testing.Continue Reading

• Recent data center advancements include AI, new CPUs

  Recent advancements in data center technology and staffing models reflect organizations' desire for increased IT agility, efficiency and flexibility.Continue Reading

• 3 important considerations before outsourcing Agile

  To successfully outsource an Agile development practice, organizations must prioritize communication and provide ample onboarding resources.Continue Reading

• Composable infrastructure providers tackle modern workloads

  Composable infrastructure vendors include titans in IT like Dell and HPE, but also startups such as Fungible and Liqid. Explore product features and the tech's pros and cons.Continue Reading

• What do GPUs do in your data center?

  Though developed to handle complex graphics rendering calculations, GPUs now handle a variety of tasks in the data center. Learn what they can do for you.Continue Reading

• The rise of the NetOps engineer

  The need for NetOps engineers with network automation and software development skills is rising with the continued drive to create more flexible networks. Find out what it takes.Continue Reading

• Businesses building data center network automation internally

  Companies develop their own data center network automation software for security compliance, and they need tools closely aligned with their specific networks.Continue Reading

• Strategies, benefits of data center network automation

  Data center networks aren't new, but ways of managing them are -- such as with data center network automation. Strategies include cloud automation, DevOps automation and more.Continue Reading

• Demand for effective telecom service assurance to increase

  As the markets for 5G, IoT and other emerging technologies continue to grow, the service assurance market that ensures the quality of these services will also increase.Continue Reading

• Virtualization trends in 2022 highlight flexibility, app delivery

  Organizations require virtualization systems that not only support different types of applications but also simplify IT administration, forcing vendors to adapt accordingly.Continue Reading

• 3 colocation trends to consider in 2022

  Key developments in the data center services market include smaller, more flexible deployments, AI optimization and a continuing focus on sustainability.Continue Reading

• Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)

  The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a nonprofit foundation that provides guidance on how to develop, purchase and maintain trustworthy and secure software applications.Continue Reading

• Compare Azure instance types for cloud workloads

  Deciding on the best Azure compute instance type for a cloud workload involves many choices. Use these tips to help select the right size VM, optimized for the right tasks.Continue Reading

• Compare DigitalOcean vs. Vultr for cloud deployments

  Sometimes a cloud provider that isn't a big name can be just what you're looking for. Vultr and DigitalOcean are such two providers, and here's how they compare.Continue Reading

• Virtual network load balancing tools and tips

  There are many virtual load balancer options for IT teams to choose from, and each offers something a little different. Compare four of these tools here.Continue Reading

• Automation brings NetOps to the next level

  Automation and AI can help enterprise NetOps teams attain the data insights they need to deliver services more efficiently and create a more agile, proactive network.Continue Reading

• A review of Zscaler SASE architecture

  Zscaler has a strong cloud-native architecture for secure internet access. But it doesn't deliver SD-WAN or converge internet access and WAN security, leaving it with only part of a SASE platform.Continue Reading

• Where requirements-based tests fit in software testing

  Requirements-based testing has its upsides and downsides, and it's not right for every software project. But certain dev teams should still adopt the method. Learn which ones.Continue Reading

• Compare Azure Bicep vs. Terraform to provision infrastructure

  In comparing Azure Bicep vs Terraform, Azure cloud admins can make an informed decision on which IaC service they want to use to automate deployment of their cloud.Continue Reading

• Key data center trends in 2022

  In 2022, data centers will introduce a variety of new technologies. Expect a focus on hybrid cloud, solid-state storage, DCIM and sustainability measures.Continue Reading

• The ups and downs of using an internal developer platform

  IDPs can provide a productive and secure environment for development teams. Consider the pros and cons to see if an internal developer platform is right for your organization.Continue Reading

• Why hyper-converged infrastructure simplifies IT management

  As fractured data center landscapes shift to HCI environments to consolidate IT operations, learn the many advantages, disadvantages and challenges of hyper-converged deployments.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise storage systems and products of 2021

  Thirty-nine finalists competed for top honors in the annual 'Storage' magazine and SearchStorage Products of the Year awards. Find out which won gold, silver and bronze.Continue Reading

• Predictions for the top data storage trends of 2022

  The constant need to organize, analyze and protect the hoard of data collected by organizations is pushing technology to new heights. Are these four predictions on your watch list?Continue Reading

• The top data storage and management tools of 2021

  Software focused on large-scale data management and storage in expanding environments won in this year's Products of the Year storage system and application software category.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise cloud storage of 2021

  Judges in this year's Products of the Year competition tap the best cloud storage products for enterprises, with unstructured file storage and Kubernetes storage taking honors.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise storage arrays of 2021

  Tintri, Infinidat and Dell EMC enterprise arrays win top honors in the Products of the Year disk and disk subsystems category for their use of flash and automation.Continue Reading

• The top hyper-converged systems and composable infrastructure of 2021

  These Products of the Year winners offer the flexibility and scalability that make hyper-converged systems an excellent choice for companies of any size.Continue Reading

• Assessing colocation vs. cloud for hybrid IT infrastructure

  When transforming operations to a hybrid IT environment, there's one other option to consider beyond the premises, public cloud and hybrid. Learn the many advantages of colocation.Continue Reading

• A brief breakdown of declarative vs. imperative programming

  While imperative programming is both an established and approachable method of coding, the declarative model is gaining appeal as demands for complex, flexible features increase.Continue Reading

• How to install and deploy Quay on Red Hat OpenShift

  Quay enables Red Hat OpenShift users to store and manage container images -- with added advantages. Follow this tutorial to install and deploy the container registry.Continue Reading

• Access free courses with the Microsoft ESI program

  Do you qualify for the Microsoft ESI program? Here's more about it from someone who has taken advantage of it, and why you should consider it to upgrade your skill set.Continue Reading

• Compare smartNIC products and use cases

  Not all smartNIC use cases are the same, and not all products offer the same functionality and features. Compare offerings from three of the main smartNIC market segments.Continue Reading

• What is PaaS? Platform as a service definition and guide

  Platform as a service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model where a third-party provider delivers hardware and software tools to users over the internet.Continue Reading

• What's the status of AI in networking?

  The use cases for AI are expanding, but despite the advantages, network pros have yet to implement AI fully. Three analysts explain the status of AI in enterprise networks.Continue Reading

• NVMe-oF over IP: A complete SAN platform

  NVMe/TCP or NVMe/RoCE are technologies that can now provide complete SAN platforms with multiple cost structures and are able to support different customer requirements.Continue Reading

• Compare Google Cloud Run vs. App Engine for enterprise software

  Google's Cloud Run and App Engine both aim to accelerate app development and simplify deployment. Developers will want to choose between the services on a case-by-case basis.Continue Reading

• Edge, public cloud, security drive network transformation

  Networking is starting to reflect innovations in compute and public cloud. A notable change will be how network teams view networking and security as a holistic platform.Continue Reading

• Dig into Oracle Cloud's Always Free offerings

  Oracle's Always Free services let developers build and experiment with cloud-native apps without incurring costs. There are, however, important limitations to note.Continue Reading

• What are the main advantages and disadvantages of PaaS?

  PaaS can be a good choice for developers who don't want to worry about the underlying infrastructure or operational tasks, but it's not always the best option for app development.Continue Reading

• Compare the features in the Windows Server 2022 editions

  Microsoft unveiled a Datacenter Azure edition to go with the traditional Standard and Datacenter editions. See what else is new with this server OS release in this breakdown.Continue Reading

• Pairing SD-WAN, UCaaS together has benefits and challenges

  Organizations may combine SD-WAN and UCaaS to gain synergies and avoid multivendor complexities. But the combination of the two technologies can create challenges.Continue Reading

• application security

  Application security, or appsec, is the practice of using security software, hardware, techniques, best practices and procedures to protect computer applications from external security threats.Continue Reading

• The ups and downs of low-code microservices development

  Low-code may not be the most sophisticated of development techniques, but it can often fit the bill for software teams looking to build microservices applications.Continue Reading

• PaaS and containers: Key differences, similarities and uses

  There are pros and cons to both PaaS and containers. Which to use for application deployment depends on an organization's priorities and business needs.Continue Reading

• Will 5G replace Wi-Fi? No, but maybe in some use cases

  Geographically remote locations, large public venues and manufacturing sites are a few of the key areas in which business 5G technology could provide real benefits.Continue Reading

• Hidden colocation cost drivers to look out for in 2022

  These unexpected charges and fees can balloon colocation costs for enterprise IT organizations.Continue Reading

• What to consider when selecting an IaaS provider

  A good IaaS should act like a partner, tailored to your infrastructure. Keep these criteria in mind when selecting a provider for your organization's IaaS.Continue Reading

• 3 best practices to manage SaaS subscriptions

  Seemingly simple tools -- such as spreadsheets and work calendars -- can go a long way in helping IT teams keep track of SaaS billing and contract renewals.Continue Reading