Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Using the BFF pattern to keep UIs flexible and reliable

  BFF is a simple design pattern that can help developers address UI-related challenges, such as problematic coupling, overfetching of data and inconsistent error handling. Continue Reading

• What regression testing types make sense for your applications

  Craft an in-depth regression testing plan that uses multiple types to test all facets of an application's functionality and ultimately lead to cleaner development. Continue Reading

• Open vs. closed APIs: 4 crucial factors you should examine

  Open and closed APIs both have their respective upsides and downsides. To choose the right approach, developers must examine four critical technical and business-level factors. Continue Reading

• Understand NVMe 2.0 specification and its related features

  NVMe 2.0 added several features for storage administrators to consider, including domain support. The specification also made enhancements, such as to Endurance Group Management. Continue Reading

• The pros, cons and challenges of containerized microservices

  Containerized microservices are certainly a popular deployment approach, but are they the best? They can be, provided you overcome the unique challenges they present. Continue Reading

• Threat modeling and DevOps: A partnership in the making

  Proactive threat modeling is a perfect fit for DevOps' iterative nature. Follow DevOps principles of collaboration, automation and feedback for a successful pairing.Continue Reading

• Why re:Invent 2021 spotlighted existing AWS products

  Many of AWS' re:Invent announcements highlighted enhancements to existing products, rather than new services. Here's why the cloud provider took that route.Continue Reading

• Build on the Anywhere Operations trend with composability

  The ability to access infrastructure remotely is crucial for IT organizations to meet business initiatives. Composable infrastructure is one way to support this model.Continue Reading

• Review the major networking acquisitions of 2021

  When a networking vendor announces plans to acquire another company, most people take notice. Explore which vendors made moves in 2021 and what those purchases mean.Continue Reading

• SPML (Services Provisioning Markup Language)

  Services Provisioning Markup Language (SPML) is an open source XML-based standard that facilitates the exchange of account provisioning information among applications, services and organizations.Continue Reading

• How to perform Azure AD bulk operations with PowerShell

  Microsoft offers multiple ways to manage users and groups in Azure Active Directory. PowerShell is one option, but it requires knowing which module to use to handle coverage gaps.Continue Reading

• An AWS re:Invent recap: Key services to watch

  From container marketplaces to file systems, this year's re:Invent conference was brimming with news. Here are some key takeaways.Continue Reading

• 5 trends in enterprise networking that defined 2021

  In 2020, enterprises shifted to remote work due to the pandemic. The trend continued in 2021, along with four other networking trends that defined the year and will extend into 2022.Continue Reading

• ITIL vs. DevOps: What path should an enterprise choose?

  Frameworks and methodologies must keep pace with technology stacks. ITIL fell too far behind between the release of ITIL 3 and ITIL 4, but there might be a middle ground.Continue Reading

• Will .NET 6 features bridge the gap between .NET frameworks?

  Microsoft's original .NET Framework has come a long way, but will the new iterations of this framework be enough to convince developers to leave it behind?Continue Reading

• Choose from 10 CDN service providers to deliver content

  Learn how 10 CDN providers measure up when it comes to addressing key considerations, including primary service focus, features, PoPs, a free trial version and pricing information.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Teams lifecycle management with PowerShell and Graph

  A rushed Microsoft Teams deployment could lead to unintended gaps in security and governance. Here's how to use PowerShell and the Microsoft Graph to regain control.Continue Reading

• Find the right service mesh tool for Kubernetes environments

  Kubernetes is an industry must-have, but still lacks in certain areas -- that's where service mesh comes in. Discover four service mesh tools to use with your Kubernetes platform.Continue Reading

• Data center backup generators for mission-critical loads

  To select the correct backup generator for your mission-critical data, learn the fuel, cost and efficiency considerations you should take into account.Continue Reading

• What is edge computing? Everything you need to know

  Edge computing is a distributed information technology (IT) architecture in which client data is processed at the periphery of the network, as close to the originating source as possible.Continue Reading

• Understand the role of an SRE vs. cloud engineer

  While SREs can play a distinct role in cloud computing, they don't replace the need for cloud engineers. Learn how the two roles can work together toward reliability goals.Continue Reading

• Evaluate must-have CDN features before choosing a product

  No two CDN services are identical. Explore the main feature and function areas available in today's content delivery network market to better narrow down your choice of vendors.Continue Reading

• Automation, cloud lead as influential data center trends

  Recent data center trends, such as AIOps and automation, have been geared toward simplifying network management. Here are the trends and challenges teams faced over the past year.Continue Reading

• Skills and responsibilities in a QA engineer role

  According to Emily Thomas, a QA engineer at VoIP provider Vonage, effective quality assurance involves far more than just skillful testing.Continue Reading

• Top 5 data storage best practices include Teams, containers

  From Teams storage limits and cloud security out to the edge and container-native storage, this roundup of best practices provides a review of recent advice articles.Continue Reading

• Quality engineering vs. quality assurance: Know the differences

  Any dev team serious about improving software quality should study the quality engineering vs. quality assurance debate. Let's review the two practices' differences and overlap.Continue Reading

• 3 lessons from the 2021 Facebook outage for network pros

  Even in hyperscalers like Facebook, one errant finger can take down a network. The takeaway, experts said, is to expect and plan for the worst and put those plans to the test.Continue Reading

• Holographic data storage: Next big thing or bust?

  The latest work in holographic storage development approaches its uses in a different way. Take a deep dive into the possibilities and potential of this 3D storage.Continue Reading

• SecOps' need for traffic data drives NetSecOps collaboration

  Security teams want to analyze network traffic data to identify anomalies and threats. As a result, network and security teams need to find ways to work together.Continue Reading

• Why chaos engineering isn't as chaotic as it sounds

  Don't let the name fool you. SSQ editors chatted with author Mikolaj Pawlikowski about why chaos engineering can be easily implemented into your testing environment.Continue Reading

• Get started with green energy for your data center

  Running a sustainable data center requires organizations to consider factors such as facility sustainability, efficient storage and servers, and outsourcing options.Continue Reading

• 4 trends spurring the evolution of network hardware

  Major trends in network hardware highlight enterprise interest in vendor-agnostic options and open models. But legacy designs could stand in the way of adoption.Continue Reading

• University's private cellular network hints to enterprise use

  California State University, Stanislaus blanketed its campus in private 4G/5G in a project that shows promise for the future of CBRS networks in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Top cloud migration and adoption trends for 2022 and beyond

  Cloud migrations are inevitable for some enterprises as they navigate a move off premises or between clouds. Evaluate some of the latest migration trends and the pros and cons that come with each.Continue Reading

• How can organizations manage Microsoft Teams storage limits?

  Microsoft Teams storage limits can be complex for organizations to track. Learn the details and how to add Microsoft 365 storage to avoid capacity problems.Continue Reading

• What are the top CDN benefits for today's enterprise?

  Delivering timely, high-quality content is more critical than ever, and CDN services bring that and a myriad of other benefits to the modern enterprise.Continue Reading

• New Scrum Master guide covers both theory and practice

  In his new book, a senior software engineer shares his in-depth hands-on knowledge to both prep readers for cert exams and guide them on the job.Continue Reading

• What is Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)?

  An enterprise service bus (ESB) is a software platform used to distribute work among connected components of an application.Continue Reading

• Common Kubernetes terminology you should know

  What are pods and nodes? How do namespaces differ from volumes? This list of common Kubernetes terms can give you a basic understanding of the container management platform.Continue Reading

• The status of 5G rollouts in 2021 and 2022

  Major U.S. mobile operators -- AT&T, Dish, T-Mobile and Verizon -- are focused on deploying 5G through 2022. Learn about each provider's timeline.Continue Reading

• Winners of the Best of VMworld 2021 Awards

  TechTarget hosts its Best of VMworld Awards to recognize outstanding products that help organizations create infrastructure that is scalable, secure and supports continuous operations.Continue Reading

• Why QLC flash adoption now benefits the enterprise

  While enterprises must overcome some obstacles with QLC, there is a solid case for its use. 3D NAND has played a big part in enabling QLC use within the enterprise.Continue Reading

• When to use Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling vs. AWS Auto Scaling

  They sound similar, but Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling and AWS Auto Scaling have different purposes. Let's break down what each enables you to do and how exactly they differ.Continue Reading

• Best practices and tools for public cloud monitoring

  Public cloud adoption has ramped up in recent years. In these busy environments, certain cloud network monitoring tools can provide IT groups with crucial visibility.Continue Reading

• The architectural impact of RPC in distributed systems

  It has become increasingly important for software architects to understand the mechanics behind remote procedure call (RPC), particularly its role in distributed architectures.Continue Reading

• What does a DPU do?

  Learn the basics of data processing units: What they are, what they do, who's making them and who's adopting them. Then decide whether your data center might use one someday.Continue Reading

• What to know for your virtualized storage selection process

  Not all storage virtualization is created equal. Get familiar with the types, methods and implementation considerations before you buy hardware or software for your organization.Continue Reading

• Working with the Microsoft Defender for Identity portal

  The security product, formerly Azure Advanced Threat Protection, taps into the cloud to uncover suspicious activity across the on-premises network.Continue Reading

• Evaluate air cooling vs. liquid cooling for your data center

  Air cooling and liquid cooling for data centers offer different benefits and drawbacks. To decide which best suits your organization, consider the pros and cons of each.Continue Reading

• A review of Cato Networks' SASE Cloud platform

  Cato's SASE Cloud lacks some features and may require customers to replace point products to fully benefit from the platform. But Cato aligns with SASE’s cloud-native vision and is a strong contender in the market.Continue Reading

• How to assign Microsoft Teams policies with PowerShell

  The admin center lags behind PowerShell when it comes to Microsoft Teams policy management due to the automation tool's superior logging and visibility features.Continue Reading

• Service mesh vs. API gateway: Where, why and how to use them

  While they're both central to inter-application communication processes, it's important to understand the fundamental differences between a service mesh and an API gateway.Continue Reading

• Working with Docker Compose? Use environmental variables

  Docker Compose streamlines container application deployments. Dig into the tool and see how the use of environment variables can hone the process further.Continue Reading

• Compare AWS Cloudtrail vs. Config for resource monitoring

  When your IT team needs more detailed info about resource activity in AWS, they have options. See how AWS Cloudtrail and Config resource monitoring tools compare.Continue Reading

• 9 IBM Cloud Paks for app modernization and cloud efforts

  While businesses seek benefits in outsourced and scalable infrastructure and services, moving to cloud creates challenges in workload modernization. See if IBM Cloud Paks can help.Continue Reading

• Should you adopt an API-first approach to development?

  While the code-first approach certainly works, its appeal is fading as architectures become increasingly complex webs of software. Learn why the API-first approach is catching on.Continue Reading

• Can green colocation help orgs meet sustainability targets?

  Colocation providers prioritizing sustainability draw customers seeking to offset carbon emissions. But many orgs can also take steps to address sustainability issues in-house.Continue Reading

• When to use Kubernetes operators vs. Helm charts

  Not sure whether to use Helm charts or Kubernetes operators? Walk through examples to learn when to use each one, looking at factors like application complexity and team maturity.Continue Reading

• Choosing the right chaos engineering tools

  Chaos engineering tool options include the original (Chaos Monkey), open source projects like Chaos Toolkit and Chaos Mesh and Gremlin. Weigh these factors when choosing your tool.Continue Reading

• How remote work changes the future of network management

  The pandemic ushered in a new normal of hybrid workplaces. What's also new is how network teams manage these remote networks, like using zero-trust security models.Continue Reading

• Minimize headaches with these Office 365 PST migration tips

  A bulk email import into the hosted email service in Microsoft's cloud takes a little effort -- and some help from the AzCopy utility -- but it's a job you can handle yourself.Continue Reading

• Cache vs. RAM: Differences between the two memory types

  Cache memory and RAM both place data closer to the processor to reduce latency in response times. Learn why one can be faster, along with other key variables in cache vs. RAM.Continue Reading

• Take advantage of eBPF's monitoring capabilities on Linux

  The benefits of an eBPF program extend wide, including into monitoring and observability. See how the Linux kernel utility increases how much of a system an admin can monitor.Continue Reading

• Learn the major types of server hardware and their pros and cons

  Servers protect data, centralize resources and enable remote worker productivity, but buyers must understand which server types works best for their data center.Continue Reading

• .NET vs. Node.js: What they are, and which to choose

  The choice between using .NET and Node.js for application development shouldn't be a difficult one but requires a solid understanding of each approach's pros and cons.Continue Reading

• Compare AWS Lambda vs. Azure Functions vs. Google Cloud Functions

  Trying to find the right serverless service? Evaluate differences in price, language support and deployment models for AWS Lambda, Azure Functions and Google Cloud Functions.Continue Reading

• Why use containers vs. VMs in a modern enterprise?

  Thinking about making the switch from VMs to containers? Compare container features against VMs to determine whether you should change where you host your applications.Continue Reading

• AWS Outposts vs. Azure Stack vs. Google Anthos hybrid storage

  Explore the essential buy-in, deployment, implementation and management factors organizations should consider when comparing these major hybrid cloud storage services.Continue Reading

• Explore the consumption-based IT and Opex storage landscape

  The evolving consumption IT, pay-as-you-go infrastructure and storage model is a hot trend. Explore benefits, challenges and five top vendors in the field.Continue Reading

• An introduction to eBPF and where it shines

  With eBPF, developers can customize Linux OS software without changing the kernel. Discover the utility's basics and how it can be used for networking, monitoring and security.Continue Reading

• A deep dive into Fortinet's SASE platform

  Despite its strong security foundation, Fortinet's SASE platform lacks a cloud-native strategy and requires teams to stitch the architecture together.Continue Reading

• Oracle Cloud Infrastructure targets devs and installed base

  Though not the market leader, Oracle remains a feisty competitor in the competitive cloud computing market. Here are some added features and cost incentives introduced thus far.Continue Reading

• Compare Azure Private Link vs. service endpoints

  When dealing with PaaS services running within a cloud environment, private connectivity is a must to secure resources. Compare these two services to see which one is a good fit.Continue Reading

• Pick a load balancer: Azure Front Door vs. Application Gateway

  Every cloud infrastructure requires a solid network architecture and Azure has two load balancers that can improve network performance. Discover where each one will fit the best.Continue Reading

• 3 delivery models for 5G and MEC

  To enhance network capabilities, enterprises will need to consolidate 5G and MEC technologies in the future. Following a deployment model is the first step.Continue Reading

• Rust rises in popularity for cloud-native apps and environments

  Rust is making a name for itself in cloud. See why developers are putting in the effort to adopt the programming language for cloud-native development.Continue Reading

• Microservices vs. SOA: Choose the right app architecture

  This primer explains the ins and outs of a microservices vs. SOA architecture: when and where to use either one, and how both are evolving, thanks to containers.Continue Reading

• How the Container Storage Interface can aid Kubernetes use

  Compared to in-tree plugins, the Container Storage Interface simplifies Kubernetes integration with storage devices, but thorough testing of CSI drivers is a must.Continue Reading

• Enterprises look to formalize WFH network architecture

  As work-from-home programs prove they're here to stay, enterprise network teams are assessing their network designs to ensure adequate support and performance for home offices.Continue Reading

• Dive into DigitalOcean Droplets and App Platform

  DigitalOcean vies with AWS, Azure and others by targeting developers and startups. See what it has to offer and how it competes with other VM instances and PaaS tools.Continue Reading

• How microservices and containers work, apart and together

  Microservices and containers are two methods that enable companies to more efficiently create and deliver applications. Here's how they work -- and when they're best used together.Continue Reading

• Microservices vs. APIs: How they differ and work together

  Enterprises still rely on monolithic systems, but apps increasingly require speed, scale and flexibility. Here's how microservices and APIs achieve that, separately and together.Continue Reading

• Low-code app platforms prove essential in times of crisis

  During the pandemic response, leading low-code platforms have been pressed into service to quickly deliver apps for testing, scheduling and prioritizing high-risk groups.Continue Reading

• Demand proliferates for low-code app development platforms

  ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the explosive demand for business apps, the pressures on enterprises to keep pace and the benefits low-code application platforms provide.Continue Reading

• BGP vs. OSPF: When to use each protocol

  BGP and OSPF are two of the most common routing protocols. While BGP excels with dynamic routing for large networks, OSPF offers more efficient path choice and convergence speed.Continue Reading

• Differences between Kubernetes Ingress vs. load balancer

  To manage Kubernetes cluster traffic, admins have a few choices. Compare Kubernetes Ingress vs. load balancers, as well as the NodePort and ClusterIP service types.Continue Reading

• Experts discuss stretched VLAN use cases, MEC and more

  In this networking blog roundup, experts give reasons to stretch VLANs, discuss benefits of deploying private MEC with 5G, and differentiate between junior and senior IT engineers.Continue Reading

• Advantages of low-code platforms: Speed, agility, collaboration

  ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the role of low-code platforms in speeding application development, easing the app developer shortage and creating hybrid development teams.Continue Reading

• Learn about ambient temperature sensors for data centers

  Ambient temperature sensors can help you keep track of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and airflow in your data center so you can avoid downtime.Continue Reading

• Should you migrate your on-premises app or go cloud-native?

  Learn how cloud-native application development differs from traditional architecture, as well as the benefits and challenges in making the switch.Continue Reading

• Ace the Google cloud engineer certification with this prep

  This quick 12-question quiz will help you assess exactly where you stand in your preparation to take the career-making Google Cloud certification exam.Continue Reading

• Explore the evolution of Intel and AMD server processors

  Intel and AMD server processors are used in a variety of systems, including converged and hyper-converged infrastructure. Explore the improvements in their technologies.Continue Reading

• Next-generation PCIe key to composable infrastructure progress

  High-performance computing and AI environments are just two strong uses for composable architecture. Explore benefits and drawbacks of PCIe in composable systems.Continue Reading

• Condensed Agile sprint timeline pros and cons

  Is a condensed Agile sprint possible for your dev team? Here's how to shave off some sprint time and what perils to look out for in a smaller Agile sprint window.Continue Reading

• A Red Hat Hyperconverged Infrastructure deep dive

  Hyper-converged infrastructure is a popular platform for compute, storage and networking. So where does Red Hat fit in with its variety of HCI offerings?Continue Reading

• Increase vSphere security with VMware Carbon Black products

  To successfully install and setup VMware Carbon Black, you must have at least vSphere 6.7U1 and VMware Tools' CBHelper and CBLauncher for successful deployment.Continue Reading

• Boost array performance with Optane-ready products

  Explore a group of Optane-ready products to improve storage performance. In addition, there are other options beyond self-managed hardware for the same purpose.Continue Reading

• Quiz yourself on the latest IT trends from 2021 so far

  From a string of acquisitions to companies embracing DevSecOps, 2021's news cycle hasn't slowed down. Do you know the top stories? Find out with this quiz.Continue Reading

• Work around NVMe storage controller drive limitations

  Innovation in the storage and memory market helps with the challenge of NVMe drive limits. Be sure to make the right comparisons and scale out effectively.Continue Reading

• Compare ARM templates vs. Terraform for infrastructure as code

  ARM templates and Terraform are popular infrastructure-as-code options. Check out an Ubuntu Server VM example in each approach and learn the pros and cons of these tools.Continue Reading