Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Benefits of network automation software ease challenges for IT

  Network automation software comes with a compelling list of benefits, but IT teams should confirm which processes are automated and how the software integrates with existing tools. Continue Reading

• Leading storage for AI tools address workload capacity, performance

  Today's AI storage platforms provide organizations stand-alone and prepackaged products designed to address the data storage and capacity needs of their AI workloads. Continue Reading

• Compare 3 distinct types of Kubernetes platforms

  There are three types of Kubernetes deployment options, each with its own benefits and challenges. Use this in-depth comparison to choose the best fit for your organization. Continue Reading

• Converged vs. hyper-converged infrastructure requirements

  Companies considering convergence should compare the features, benefits and limitations of CI and HCI, and look at which workloads drive organizations to data center convergence. Continue Reading

• How AppDefense works to detect app and VM anomalies

  AppDefense, a newer addition to the VMware security tool portfolio and part of the vSphere Platinum edition, helps organizations detect security related anomalies in VMs and applications. Continue Reading

• Are Nutanix products hyper-converged hardware, software or cloud?

  Nutanix may still offer branded appliances, but there is a lot more to the hyper-converged infrastructure pioneer's product offerings than that nowadays.Continue Reading

• How realistic are compact SD-WAN appliances compared to VPNs?

  The battle between VPN vs. SD-WAN returns. In this clash, see how realistic SD-WAN appliances are for remote and mobile workers compared to VPN connections.Continue Reading

• 5 steps to evaluate and perform a service mesh implementation

  Service mesh adoption is a long process that starts with careful evaluation of the technology and its deployment models. And that requires the involvement of both IT ops and dev teams.Continue Reading

• Types of Hyper-V scheduler for simultaneous multithreading in VMs

  Hyper-V's classic and core schedulers both enable use of simultaneous multithreading in VMs, but the core scheduler prevents VMs from ever reserving an entire CPU core.Continue Reading

• How the Microsoft and Oracle partnership affects IT workloads

  Oracle and Microsoft's move to unite sometimes-competitive applications and cloud environments means that businesses can focus less on architecture rewrites and more on capabilities.Continue Reading

• Capitalize on the advantages of open source software in IT

  Open source tools, including those for IT management, might be free, but there are broader pros and cons that might tip the scales for some enterprise buyers.Continue Reading

• Prepare your IT staff for a transition to the cloud

  The cloud requires different types of skills compared to on premises. While there's a learning curve to cloud roles, training current staff is a better bet than competing for talent.Continue Reading

• 3 Kubernetes platforms for your application needs

  Admins must consider their application needs when choosing a container strategy and decide between a full PaaS offering built on containers or a fully compliant Kubernetes service.Continue Reading

• API gateway comparison: Kong vs. Tyk

  API gateways help organizations smooth out interactions among microservices. This side-by-side rundown of Kong vs. Tyk will help you choose which tool fits your business' needs.Continue Reading

• Which converged infrastructure vendors are businesses considering?

  Today's fast-paced business landscape has led enterprises to increasingly turn to convergence vendors. See why, which they are choosing and who leads the market.Continue Reading

• Composable infrastructure platform pros and cons

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• Why application intelligence is the linchpin of modern data centers

  AI-based application intelligence tools help IT cope with growing scale and complexity by automatically detecting workloads, analyzing requirements and making recommendations.Continue Reading

• Illustrated guide to VMware vSAN HCI configuration and features

  VMware vSAN software benefits enterprises by tightly integrating, virtualizing and pooling server resources to ease infrastructure deployment, management and implementation.Continue Reading

• 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

• Will replication help spur adoption of VMware vVols?

  Virtual Volumes -- now known as vVols -- have gained Storage Resource Management support for array-based replication, plugging a gap that hindered adoption.Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI hardware and support costs?

  Organizations can cap their hyper-converged infrastructure costs when they deploy the Azure Stack HCI platform, but once they plug into the cloud, it's a different story.Continue Reading

• Top guidelines for edge computing software selection

  Finding edge software that meets all your organization's needs requires help from both the business and IT sides. Get the right fit with use case information and developer input.Continue Reading

• The true private cloud debate: Do labels matter?

  The debate around authentic private clouds continues as more organizations adopt the model, but labels might not matter in the end.Continue Reading

• Amazon SNS vs. other push notification services

  It can be difficult for developers to enable push notifications across platforms. These messaging services from AWS, Google and Microsoft meet that need but have different strengths.Continue Reading

• When to use Jenkins vs. Jenkins X for pipeline automation

  Three primary factors -- flexibility, Kubernetes adoption and the need for a GUI -- should shape an organization's decision between Jenkins and Jenkins X as a pipeline automation tool.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

• NetApp Insight 2019 Las Vegas: Conference highlights and updates

  At last year's event, NetApp made it clear that a cloud push wasn't going to eliminate on-premises options. Where does the legacy vendor stand in 2019?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

• What are the benefits of event-driven architecture patterns?

  See how event-driven architecture patterns can set up an enterprise application for adaptability in a way that monolithic architectures can't.Continue Reading

• Talking magnetic tape for storage with Quantum

  Mark Pastor of Quantum speaks in this Q&A about tape's advancements and uses, as well as challenges in the market, including 'old perceptions' of tape.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

• 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

• Cloud-first agenda reveals disadvantages of cloud services

  As hypervisor vendors push cloud services over software, organizations are faced with vendor lock-in, licensing changes and, in some cases, added technology and consulting costs.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

• Consider these Office 365 alternatives to public folders

  Public folders in Exchange still exist, but they're considered legacy features that haven't kept up with the times. See what Office 365 alternatives might be a better fit.Continue Reading

• Learn which edge data center types are best to virtualize

  You can implement ESXi on ARM -- or other RISC processors -- in micro and nano data centers. A nano data center is more specialized but also more limited than a micro data center.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

• 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

• Learn the basics of ACI network technology

  Application-centric infrastructure is one way to support an SDN setup. By learning the basics, admins can manage networks with automation and data abstraction.Continue Reading

• How to compare Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches

  Organizations have much to consider when evaluating Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches, such as device architecture, Opex, Capex and analytics capabilities.Continue Reading

• Choose between CISC vs. RISC processors for edge virtualization

  CISC and RISC processing architectures have different benefits and drawbacks when it comes to implementing virtualization at the edge, but RISC processors reduce power consumption.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

• What serverless storage options are available?

  Cloud database services, object storage services and application memory cache are among the options available for storage in serverless environments.Continue Reading

• What the DevOps movement has done for -- and to -- developers

  As DevOps hits the mainstream in enterprise IT, Gene Kim examines what makes a successful DevOps approach, how developers should define their value and where we go from here.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

• How VCF on VxRail helps achieve hybrid cloud victory

  Virtual Cloud Foundation on VxRail combines VMware software-defined private cloud technology with Dell EMC hyper-converged hardware to create an extensive hybrid cloud platform.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between API and web services testing?

  Web services and APIs aren't the same -- or are they? How do web services and API testing differ, and what does each type of test aim to achieve?Continue Reading

• Decide between cloud-native apps and app modernization

  Whether you want to update current workloads as part of a migration or you're leaning toward a cloud-native model, review the benefits and drawbacks of each approach first.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

• 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

• The benefits -- and tradeoffs -- of a mobile SDK

  A mobile SDK can do wonders for mobile app development. But how does it work, and what are the pitfalls to watch out for when you take this approach?Continue Reading

• Essential private cloud migration steps

  Executive buy-in, application evaluation and tool configuration are all important parts of cloud selection. With these steps, admins can ensure a smooth move to private cloud.Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI deployment, management options?

  While the Windows Admin Center is one way to manage the Azure Stack HCI platform, you can also use traditional, battle-tested tools.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

• Windows container monitoring tools prevent resource contention

  Monitoring tools for Windows containers enable admins to keep track of CPU, memory, storage and networking performance metrics and troubleshoot any issues that arise.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

• Examine the major vSphere 6.7 updates you'll see in U3

  VMware's most recent update to vSphere -- vSphere 6.7 U3 -- supports several technologies such as Zen 2 processors and includes features such as vmx-15.Continue Reading

• Composable infrastructure platform flexes converged muscles

  Composability tailors resources as unified services to specific workloads. Find out how it works and compares to converged and hyper-converged infrastructures.Continue Reading

• Composable infrastructure techniques for the real world

  Automating your composable infrastructure engenders flexibility that enables enterprises to reshape the data center and keep pace with today's cultural and technological shifts.Continue Reading

• What's new with the Exchange hybrid configuration wizard?

  The Exchange configuration wizard continues to evolve into a refined utility with enhanced capabilities that administrators should explore when considering a hybrid deployment.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

• AWS vs. Azure: Compare VMware-based hybrid clouds

  Enterprises can extend their on-premises VMware environments to AWS or Azure, but they'll need to decide which one best meets their needs. See how the two managed services stack up.Continue Reading

• Do you know the difference in the Microsoft HCI programs?

  Hyper-converged infrastructure that runs on Windows Server is not a new concept, but Microsoft's Azure Stack HCI program has one big difference from earlier HCI incarnations.Continue Reading

• Match cloud application monitoring to integration needs

  An enterprise's cloud migration includes several elements: a new security process, budget redistribution and a monitoring system that integrates cloud and on-premises apps.Continue Reading

• VMware Cloud on AWS adoption is on the rise in SMBs

  VMware's cloud platform isn't exclusive to enterprise-level industries; smaller organizations that adopt the platform can realize cloud advantages, such as high availability and flexibility.Continue Reading

• Web and mobile testing faceoff: Sauce Labs vs. BrowserStack

  Two automated testing platforms enter; only one tool leaves. IT consultant Tom Nolle examines how Sauce Labs and BrowserStack each test apps across mobile devices and web browsers.Continue Reading

• Top Office 365 MFA considerations for administrators

  A complex password only goes so far to stop a breach. Implementing multifactor authorization can help, but make sure the product you select fits your current and future needs.Continue Reading

• Selection criteria for converged data protection

  See if a converged backup product will meet your needs by exploring the features you should consider before investing in this relatively new kind of data protection platform.Continue Reading

• How does time-series analysis work in IT environments?

  IT monitoring metrics are crucial for enterprises to gauge performance and plan for future events. But admins should understand the tradeoffs between a time-series and point-in-time analysis.Continue Reading

• Heed these cloud security considerations for SaaS, PaaS

  A move to the cloud lessens IT's workload responsibility, but SaaS and PaaS models each require a targeted cloud security strategy to protect applications.Continue Reading

• Compare microservices deployment patterns for best strategy

  To solve pesky deployment woes, match your app to a microservices deployment pattern, like single service instance per host, multiple service instances per host or even serverless.Continue Reading

• Compare AWS CodePipeline vs. Jenkins for CI/CD

  Jenkins has more than a thousand third-party integrations, whereas AWS CodePipeline ties you closer to Amazon's cloud. Compare Jenkins and CodePipeline for cost, usability and versatility.Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI features?

  An Azure Stack HCI system relies on Windows Server 2019 to deliver the software-defined compute, storage and networking technologies that integrate with the OEM hardware.Continue Reading

• Choose the right container deployment and management system

  Containers improve a company's cloud and data center operations, but implementation isn't easy. Here's how to plan a container deployment strategy and choose the right platform.Continue Reading

• Weigh the challenges of multi-cloud disaster recovery

  An enterprise could craft a multi-cloud backup strategy, but that doesn't mean it should. Weigh the potential benefits against the myriad challenges presented by this approach.Continue Reading

• How will BSS coloring boost Wi-Fi 6 performance?

  BSS coloring is a feature that will help accelerate Wi-Fi 6 performance. Find out how the new mechanism will help access points transmit more efficiently.Continue Reading

• How do you choose between SDKs and APIs for enterprise apps?

  Explore the pros and cons that differentiate SDKs and APIs from each other and come to understand what types of applications call for SDKs, APIs or both.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

• VMware security portfolio grows as security market evolves

  The constant evolution of enterprise security presents challenges that VMware hopes to meet as it develops its security portfolio.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

• Data protection technologies changing the market

  The world of data protection is constantly evolving, and organizations need to be prepared with an arsenal of tools to face modern threats and hurdles.Continue Reading

• Evaluate AWS Glue vs. Data Pipeline for cloud-native ETL

  There's more than one ETL option for AWS-hosted apps. Choose between Glue's managed service, Data Pipeline's range of supported data sources and Batch's asynchronous operations.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

• 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

• The pros and cons of SD-WAN vs. MPLS

  This video discusses the differences between SD-WAN and MPLS and explains why a hybrid WAN architecture -- that uses both technologies -- might be the best fit.Continue Reading

• 5G, edge computing and IoT poised to retool networking

  The combination of 5G and edge computing could introduce several changes for network operations. Find out why the network infrastructure -- along with fog computing -- is so important.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

• Stateless offers software-defined interconnect platform

  The new platform, Luxon, provides software control that replaces customized hardware and offers more configuration possibilities with new switch technology.Continue Reading

• When to use AWS OpsWorks vs. CloudFormation or Elastic Beanstalk

  There are multiple ways to define and deploy resources on AWS. Break down when to use the different AWS configuration management tools and how they integrate together.Continue Reading

• Illustrated history of the converged data center

  Data center convergence emerged as an alternative to the traditional data center and it continues to evolve. Learn more about CI, HCI and composable infrastructure in this infographic.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

• Zenoss automates transition to cloud-based IT monitoring

  In an effort to improve the user experience while transitioning from on-premises to cloud-based monitoring, Zenoss has added new capabilities to its platform.Continue Reading

• Micro VMs bridge the gap between full VMs and containers

  Micro VMs address full VM and container disadvantages, all while providing a lightweight container architecture and retaining VM security for each instance.Continue Reading

• What are the main features of Ansible vs. Ansible Tower?

  Both Ansible and Ansible Tower offer enterprises a wealth of resources for config management, but they aren't equals. Assess their differences in crucial aspects such as security.Continue Reading

• The evolution of SDN and its role in networking

  Has SDN run its course, or has the architecture simply evolved? In many current products, data centers and cloud environments, SDN may be closer than you think.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

• Review latest investments to AWS' machine learning platform

  Improved deep learning capabilities lead this machine learning roundup. Learn how AWS is targeting both machine-learning-savvy developers and data scientists.Continue Reading

• Take a closer look at the AWS Hero and Microsoft MVP programs

  Certifications are a popular option for candidates to gain credibility in a certain technology. Learn how AWS Heroes and Microsoft MVP programs help IT pros stand out from the crowd.Continue Reading