Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• IRL: Cisco Live 2022 goes full-stack o11y

  Observability, or o11y, looks more deeply and broadly into an IT environment than traditional IT monitoring. At Cisco Live in June, Cisco unveiled plans for full-stack o11y. Continue Reading

• Marketing hype fuels AI predictive network troubleshooting

  Vendors are pushing heavily on the benefits of predictive analysis to automatically identify and remediate network issues. But should enterprise customers care? Continue Reading

• Can HPE change what it means to use the cloud?

  The latest updates to HPE GreenLake demonstrate the tech vendor's commitment to "everything-as-a-service." Will it be enough to transform the cloud computing model? Continue Reading

• Explore common types of Agile teams

  Agile methodologies can take many forms, and one Agile team can look and perform very differently from the next. Communication, however, is always key. Continue Reading

• Customers discuss the potential of WWAN use cases

  Wireless WAN offers high network speeds and enables remote connectivity at lower costs. Find out how cellular- and broadband-enabled WWAN helps organizations meet business goals. Continue Reading

• Cloud-native modernization is on the rise

  Research suggests that cloud-native application deployment is becoming more prevalent as organizations continue to embrace public cloud infrastructure.Continue Reading

• CircleCI vs. GitHub Actions: CI/CD platform comparison

  Learn the differing features, commands and perks that make CircleCI and GitHub Actions distinct CI/CD platforms. Then, decide which offering meets your team's needs.Continue Reading

• Storage certifications to bolster your skills

  Storage admins looking to gain new skills or make better use of their vendor-supplied storage systems can look to certification and qualification courses.Continue Reading

• Do you meet all the modern authentication requirements?

  Microsoft's push to a more secure method for user authentication and authorization could catch some enterprises flat-footed if IT hasn't done its homework.Continue Reading

• Words to go: Learn basic Linux terminology

  What is a distro? What does swappiness mean? How are Xen and KVM different from one another? Familiarize yourself with basic Linux terminology for beginner users.Continue Reading

• 5 factors that form the future of Wi-Fi

  For businesses, mounting ownership costs, unrealistic performance expectations, client device chaos and competing technologies all play a role in the future of Wi-Fi.Continue Reading

• Understand the rise in leaf-spine architecture

  Leaf-spine networks can help cut costs, reduce carbon footprints and optimize network traffic for data centers. Learn why this network architecture is on the rise.Continue Reading

• Key things to consider when choosing regression testing tools

  Making a decision about regression testing tooling purchases means taking stock of plans for CI/CD implementations, existing automation capabilities, staff expertise and more.Continue Reading

• Cisco Live highlights network observability, the metaverse

  The conference was teeming with topics, including network security, infrastructure transformation, cloud-based network management and open source tools.Continue Reading

• Notes from Lenovo's ISG analyst summit

  Lenovo is more than just a PC company. In its recent analyst summit, the company revealed its goals with AI, edge, cloud services, HCI as well as growth in foreign markets.Continue Reading

• Tanzu vs. OpenShift vs. Ezmeral: 3 rivals' Kubernetes offerings

  Learn how container management products from VMware, Red Hat and Hewlett Packard Enterprise compare when it comes to their overall Kubernetes strategies.Continue Reading

• Evaluate PowerVS for a streamlined hybrid cloud environment

  Move on-premises IT environments into the cloud with PowerVS and determine if PowerVM is a better option than -- or a better companion to -- the hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• Splunk .conf22 focuses on scaling observability for the cloud

  The Splunk .conf22 event highlighted different ways companies can expand their observability practices at multi-cloud scale to gain a competitive edge.Continue Reading

• Pure Storage's focus shines at Pure Accelerate 2022

  At Pure Accelerate 2022, Pure Storage displayed its continued investment in R&D, coupled with new product releases. The vendor should continue to make a splash in flash.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN, SASE markets to grow despite challenges

  SD-WAN and SASE have both seen widespread adoption throughout the networking industry, but service providers must work to address challenges that threaten to lower adoption rates.Continue Reading

• What is network virtualization? Everything you need to know

  Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network to consolidate multiple physical networks, divide a network into segments or create software networks between VMs.Continue Reading

• What the Broadcom-VMware acquisition means for cloud users

  How will the Broadcom acquisition affect VMware's cloud strategy? As-a-service models, observability and partnerships are some key factors to consider.Continue Reading

• How Broadcom's merger with VMware will affect developers

  Broadcom's acquisition of VMware may seem like a straightforward business move, but some key details surrounding the deal point to big potential shakeups in the market.Continue Reading

• 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

• IoT data provides a foundation for smart city use cases

  Smart cities can make residents' lives easier through real-time traffic information and public safety alerts. But governments should be aware of how to effectively manage use cases.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