Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Your QLC NAND flash questions, answered

  Curious about QLC NAND? From addressing capacity benefits to taking a look ahead at its uncertain future, we answer four common questions concerning the technology. Continue Reading

• Accenture turns to ITSM integration tool for data compilation

  IT orgs that subscribe to help desk management services must access huge quantities of information for analysis. Read how one company overcame this challenge. Continue Reading

• A guide to IaaS provider selection

  Adding a cloud infrastructure service requires proper evaluation procedures and research. For a smooth transition, assess VM shapes, developer skill sets, licensing and security. Continue Reading

• 2 storage class memory use cases to consider

  Will persistent memory become an important storage medium in your data center? Here are the two storage class memory use cases that illustrate why it's most likely inevitable. Continue Reading

• Artificial intelligence for IT operations pays off -- with time

  IT professionals say AIOps holds great potential to optimize day-to-day operations tasks. First, though, teams must lay a foundation of data, consistency and trust. Continue Reading

• Combine reactive, proactive monitoring for optimal IT visibility

  IT monitoring tools can be either proactive or reactive in nature. But, despite their differences in function, cost and required resources, these two types of tools both have a place in modern IT environments.Continue Reading

• AWS Pricing Calculator promises better cost estimates, with limitations

  Quickly generate cost estimates for your cloud with the AWS Pricing Calculator. Find out how it could help you budget, as well as how it stacks up to other pricing tools.Continue Reading

• How do I size a UPS unit?

  Your data center UPS sizing needs are dependent on a variety of factors. Develop configurations and determine the estimated UPS capacity that will meet your current and future needs.Continue Reading

• What to expect from AI in app development tools

  If an IDE or test suite could truly do it all, would you want it to? See how AI is evolving in app development tools, from assists and prompts to full-scale code generation.Continue Reading

• Could open switches be a game-changer for your network?

  Before selecting campus edge switches, consider evaluating open switches -- versus switches from a traditional vendor -- and learn the benefits of this open networking approach.Continue Reading

• Compare offerings from network analytics market leaders

  Learn how 10 top network analytics tools compare when it comes to vendor type, deployment mode, specific features and technical support options.Continue Reading

• Insurer's cloud application modernization approach gets real

  Helvetia views its enterprise architecture from all angles to automate and raise efficiency on the back end, improve customer experience on the front end and secure data throughout.Continue Reading

• Access and modify data for mobile apps with AWS AppSync

  Consider AWS AppSync to support mobile app development. Look into key features, such as real-time updates and in-app data querying, to determine if the service is right for your apps.Continue Reading

• Explore Office 365 phishing protection updates

  Administrators who move to Exchange Online or the entire Office 365 platform will have a veritable arsenal of antiphishing tools, but their use requires attention to detail.Continue Reading

• Key factors to consider before evaluating campus edge switches

  Before buying a campus edge switch, it's important to understand how technologies such as IoT could affect campus traffic and how you architect your network.Continue Reading

• 7 must-have features for multi-cloud storage optimization

  When evaluating cloud platforms for a multi-cloud storage strategy, look for what they offer in terms of integration, networking and systems management, among other features.Continue Reading

• Managed container services face-off: Enterprise PKS vs. OpenShift

  VMware Enterprise PKS and Red Hat OpenShift are two leading container platforms with many differences. Assess the technologies in terms of hybrid cloud support, tool ecosystems and more.Continue Reading

• Test your wireless knowledge: What is 802.11ax?

  Despite global hype, some network professionals still wonder what 802.11ax is and how it will change networking. This quiz covers essential information all Wi-Fi aficionados should know.Continue Reading

• Stay up to date with the VMware Cloud on AWS roadmap

  Upcoming features on the VMware Cloud on AWS roadmap include two SDKs, disaster recovery testing improvements and increased VMware Site Recovery protection.Continue Reading

• Learn about VMware Cloud on AWS pricing and availability

  VMware Cloud on AWS offers three pricing tiers for different types of businesses and is available in most major global AWS regions. Learn which tier works best for your business.Continue Reading

• Expectations about SDN cost savings don't match reality

  While most enterprises prepare for Opex and Capex increases during the initial stages of SDN deployment, many don't expect a continued delay in SDN savings, according to IHS Markit.Continue Reading

• With atoms and lasers, IonQ makes a quantum computing leap

  Startup IonQ is taking a decidedly sci-fi approach to quantum computing, using atoms to store information, along with sophisticated lasers to retrieve and process that data.Continue Reading

• The benefits of open source networking for enterprise IT

  The benefits of open source are proved among large providers. But enterprises are less inclined to use open source networking, due to its limited functionality and support.Continue Reading

• 5 predictive storage analytics features you'll want to watch for

  Predictive storage analytics tools are becoming standard equipment in the enterprise. Get to know the features you'll need, how they work and the benefits they provide.Continue Reading

• Will 5G networks require new network engineer skills?

  The 5G network will likely affect network engineer skills in areas such as security, physical appliances and software. But enterprise teams won't see too much change, for now.Continue Reading

• 5 modern ETL tools for microservices data integration

  Batch-style ETL tools don't provide the data integration capabilities microservices require. Learn about a handful of modern tools that can handle a plethora of data sources in real time.Continue Reading

• Use cloud HCI as a stepping stone to hybrid cloud deployment

  More organizations are taking a hyper-converged infrastructure approach to deploying their hybrid clouds. Discover the motivation behind the strategy.Continue Reading

• 3 hyper-converged cloud infrastructure benefits

  A hyper-converged cloud enables IT managers to overcome the challenges of managing compute, storage and network resources as separate tiers and move to the cloud in stages.Continue Reading

• When to choose Hyper-V containers over VMs

  There are different use cases for Hyper-V containers and VMs, but the most important thing to take into consideration when choosing between them is your application needs.Continue Reading

• Evaluate top network analysis tools to find the right fit

  Before selecting a network analytics tool, determine which devices and vendors make up your organization's network and what problems you hope to solve by deploying this product.Continue Reading

• Explore the benefits, challenges of AI in ITSM

  Are your ITSM processes ready to reap AI's rewards? Discover how AI can benefit your ITSM implementation, as well as the requirements for that transition to be a success.Continue Reading

• Break down 11 Google big data services

  Navigating the range of big data services on Google Cloud Platform can be a challenge. Here is a list that breaks down what Google offers in the realm of big data analytics.Continue Reading

• IT wrangles with test automation benefits and challenges

  Test automation is a valuable practice, but it presents challenges for teams and individuals alike. A gradual approach to automation helps boost the odds of successful adoption.Continue Reading

• Exploring the versatility of Groovy programming

  Java developers should peruse Groovy's programming features, such as dynamic typing with static type checks, DSL builders and more.Continue Reading

• Compare Mesos vs. Kubernetes for container federation

  While Mesos dominates for large-scale deployments, Kubernetes is at the center of a flourishing ecosystem of tools. So, which one meets your container federation needs?Continue Reading

• Cloud trends of 2019 include repatriation, hybrid and multi-cloud

  The rise of the hybrid cloud and the repatriation of public cloud workloads on site to private clouds are driving the broader cloud trends of 2019 toward multi-cloud.Continue Reading

• What QLC NAND products are available?

  QLC NAND flash drives started appearing on the market in the last nine months. If your business is ready to try them out, you'll want to know about these options.Continue Reading

• Enterprise adoption of hyper-converged storage gains traction

  Hyper-convergence may be on the upswing, but concerns about vendor lock-in, integration and the independent scaling of resources, including storage, limit its appeal for some.Continue Reading

• What is network traffic analytics and how does it enhance security?

  Network traffic analysis has evolved to incorporate machine learning techniques that help identify network security threats in real time and expedite a response.Continue Reading

• Transition to NVMe protocol depends on performance, workload

  NVMe flash storage connects directly to the PCIe bus to enable exponentially greater storage-infrastructure performance. Get the lowdown on NVMe products and use cases.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged technology ready for next step, multi-cloud

  The height of the next hyper-converged infrastructure wave will revolve more around finding the right use cases rather than the right technology and architecture.Continue Reading

• NVMe technology drives greater storage infrastructure performance

  Continue Reading

• The DevOps paradigm shift: Avoid obsolescence in IT

  DevOps is an appealing paradigm shift in IT, part and parcel with app componentization and containers. But despite the hype, IT pros still face a few hurdles to actual implementation.Continue Reading

• What are the limitations of free ESXi?

  VMware's ESXi hypervisor is free to license and use, but its capabilities are limited without vSphere. You get what you pay for.Continue Reading

• An essential guide to iPaaS management and vendors

  Before committing to iPaaS, understand the landscape. This guide takes a look at how iPaaS works, the vendor considerations and the essential components of an integration strategy.Continue Reading

• Guarantee HCI software compatibility with cloud apps

  IT execs must evaluate an organization's current on-prem and cloud setup before selecting a hyper-converged offering to avoid security holes, disjointed workflows and poor user experience.Continue Reading

• Weighing the pros and cons of enterprise network subscriptions

  A centralized repository of network licenses can help enterprises visualize their IT assets and manage their purchases. But higher costs and amortization issues lurk.Continue Reading

• AWS vs. Azure and Google: An IoT cloud platform comparison

  Find out where the IoT platform market stands today. Dive into this comparison of capabilities from AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google, as well as cloud vs. industrial IoT.Continue Reading

• Assess needs before evaluating network analytics software

  Learn how to evaluate your organization's current network to determine the most appropriate way to integrate network analytics software and what differentiates the different tools.Continue Reading

• What are viable Open19 use cases and hardware options?

  Open19 is working with vendors to make hardware for its open source infrastructure. The goal is to support a growing number of off-premises use cases, such as edge computing.Continue Reading

• rapid application development (RAD)

  Rapid application development (RAD) is a model based on the concept that higher-quality products can be developed faster through more expedient processes, such as early prototyping, reusing software components and less formality in team ...Continue Reading

• How to build a successful colocation strategy

  Proper evaluation of a colocation data center means reviewing geographic location, cost structure and accessibility to ensure the facility is right for their organization.Continue Reading

• DocumentDB vs. DynamoDB: Compare AWS NoSQL databases

  Infrastructure and cost management will be key factors if you have to decide between DocumentDB and DynamoDB. Learn how the two AWS document database services differ.Continue Reading

• Azure API Management consumption tier targets serverless

  Azure's API Management consumption tier is built to manage serverless APIs, but it lacks many features users take for granted. Find out if its benefits outweigh the drawbacks.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G networks is more about cooperation than competition

  While Wi-Fi 6 and 5G might experience some interference with each other, enterprises should focus on the handoff of connections between the two technologies.Continue Reading

• Why is composable infrastructure important and what are its uses?

  The ideal function of composability is to make IT infrastructure more flexible, manageable and scalable than ever. It isn't for everyone, however; at least, not yet.Continue Reading

• Choose between 5 hosted hypervisors based on features, use cases

  Hypervisors such as VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, VMware Horizon 7, Oracle VM VirtualBox and Parallels Desktop provide value to small data centers in different ways.Continue Reading

• TestComplete vs. Katalon Studio: Test automation tool face-off

  How many features do you need in a test automation tool? IT consultant Tom Nolle shares what users value most in these two automated front-end testing options -- and crowns a winner.Continue Reading

• Compare the top 5 bare-metal hypervisors

  Hypervisors such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix Hypervisor, RHV and Oracle VM Server for x86 provide value to enterprise-level data centers in different ways.Continue Reading

• 3 critical considerations for your network management strategy

  The debate continues between the use of a single network management tool or a variety. Three considerations can help point your network management strategy in the right direction.Continue Reading

• Cloud cost calculators come with some limitations

  Enterprises that plan to move to the cloud should get a good idea of the costs upfront. While calculator tools can give you an estimate, they don't factor in external costs.Continue Reading

• Potential PowerShell telemetry raises security concerns

  When admins discovered the PowerShell team proposal for additional telemetry, some bristled; however, the data collection could mean a better management language for IT pros.Continue Reading

• Should you buy 802.11ax devices before the Wi-Fi standard is ratified?

  The Wi-Fi 6 standard has not been ratified yet, but enterprises are faced with a decision. Should they buy 802.11ax devices now or wait for the standard to be approved?Continue Reading

• Oracle vs. AWS: Compare cloud databases, PaaS and SaaS

  Oracle and AWS gear their clouds toward different users, so it's important to know where your organization falls. See which database, PaaS and SaaS options match your requirements.Continue Reading

• Test your Kubernetes terminology expertise with this quiz

  Can you ace this quiz on Kubernetes architecture and component terminology? Assess your knowledge of these terms and whether you need to hit the books -- or online documentation.Continue Reading

• Decide if Amazon Corretto is the best fit for Java devs on AWS

  AWS plans to support Java developers with Corretto, its OpenJDK distribution with longer free support than what Oracle offers. Decide if it's the right fit for your AWS workloads.Continue Reading

• What service does the Microsoft WSSD program provide?

  A do-it-yourself approach with hyper-converged infrastructure can lead to trouble when software-defined features just won't work. See how the WSSD program can prevent issues.Continue Reading

• Open source virtualization expands VM hardware and OS options

  Dive into open source virtualization software with VirtualBox, KVM or QEMU. Each offers customizable VM management capabilities and legacy hardware support.Continue Reading

• Get the picture: Enterprise DevOps maturity

  DevOps promotes shifts in team organization, container usage and, of course, software delivery. Note these DevOps adoption trends to see where your team has room to adapt and mature.Continue Reading

• What do you know about the history of mobile networks?

  Though it still has a long way to go, 5G is finally here. This quiz takes you through mobile networking's history -- from first-generation wireless to 5G expectations.Continue Reading

• Yes, pertinent, cost-effective hyper-converged platforms for SMBs exist

  Why the simplicity and potential cost savings of a hyper-converged infrastructure from the likes of DataCore, Scale Computing and StarWind may be the way to go for some SMBs.Continue Reading

• Evaluate key service mesh benefits and architecture limitations

  Service mesh technologies can provide request routing, authentication and even health checks. IT organizations that handle container and microservices deployments should plan to maximize the benefits of service mesh, and address implementation ...Continue Reading

• How to enable Hyper-V Storage QoS and VMware SIOC

  Storage QoS prevents a VM from consuming excessive storage IOPS, but the methods for enabling the feature vary from Microsoft to VMware environments.Continue Reading

• What are TOGAF benefits for large enterprises' architectures?

  Enterprise architects should value a standardized architecture framework, especially during microservices adoption. Here's how TOGAF helps control enterprise software development processes.Continue Reading

• Analyze Amazon S3 storage classes, from Standard to Glacier

  Select the proper S3 class to improve your storage strategy. Learn the differences in cost and fit, such as which tiers offer frequent access and which are better for archiving.Continue Reading

• Predictive analytics for storage: Benefits and product options

  The advantages of using predictive analytics in storage include less downtime and better resource utilization. It's no wonder more storage vendors are making it an option.Continue Reading

• Examine the requirements for 5G core networks

  The 5G core network will support millions of devices that need high-speed communication and data processing. Learn what other capabilities are required for 5G deployment.Continue Reading

• What is Cisco Smart Licensing and how might it benefit my business?

  Cisco Smart Licensing, the networking vendor's fairly new approach to software licensing, aims to provide customers with more visibility and control over their licenses.Continue Reading

• Network analytics tools take monitoring to the next level

  A network analytics platform augments traditional analytics with automation and AI to provide organizations with data that can help them pinpoint a specific problem.Continue Reading

• Put your serverless computing knowledge to the test

  The word 'serverless' is on everyone in IT's lips, but do you know the basics? Take this quiz and find out.Continue Reading

• What you need to know about blockchain storage

  Using blockchain for data storage is growing in popularity. Here, we answer five frequently asked questions about this emerging technology to help you get started.Continue Reading

• AWS Firecracker microVMs provide isolation and agility

  Firecracker aims to bridge the gap between VMs and containers with microVMs, which are secure, lightweight instance types for stateless workloads.Continue Reading

• What are common uses for cloud AI APIs?

  Curious about AI? See top use cases of how cloud-based AI APIs and services can boost application functionality.Continue Reading

• Let app architecture dictate cloud integration tool selection

  Does your application rely on a homogeneous or heterogeneous stack? Will the architecture evolve? Learn the types of cloud integration and which app and dev team setups they match.Continue Reading

• AI in ITSM reshapes operations practices and tasks

  AI capabilities are merging within ITSM practices to augment IT's performance and enhance the user experience. Read on to learn more about AI uses for ITSM, and how to approach them.Continue Reading

• A guide to hyper-converged data resiliency options and requirements

  What you need to find out from HCI vendors to architect a resilient hyper-converged environment that will protect data against failure, error and attack.Continue Reading

• 4 considerations for choosing a private cloud provider

  Key features to look for from a private cloud provider include interoperability, scalability and how familiar admins are with the provider's technology.Continue Reading

• Xen vs. KVM in 2019 is a no brainer

  Xen might have lost the hypervisor war against KVM, but that doesn't mean it's dead. Niche use cases such as the automotive industry are keeping the open source project alive.Continue Reading

• Cloud service delivery model shifts from the big 3 to tier 2

  AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud aren't the only cloud service delivery options. There are plenty of alternatives to consider when moving compute or storage to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Skip the wireless site survey cost and invest in more wireless APs

  A wireless site survey simply provides a one-time snapshot of a work environment's wireless coverage. But Wi-Fi requires ongoing management based on several changing variables.Continue Reading

• What is the purpose of an SD-WAN gateway?

  Software-defined WAN architecture has adapted with the growth of cloud services, resulting in a cloud-based model that uses SD-WAN gateways to handle traffic and control.Continue Reading

• Select between distributed version control systems and tools

  Before you branch out with a new version control tool, assess the pros and cons of these different options, and make sure to ask for developers' opinions.Continue Reading

• Evaluate these hyper-converged infrastructure features

  There are six things you should consider when reviewing HCI platform features and functionality: optimizations, storage, hypervisors, management, expandability and integrations.Continue Reading

• The 3 pillars of SD-WAN QoS and questions to ask your providers

  Traffic shaping, path control and forward error correction are three core components of SD-WAN QoS. Here are some crucial questions to ask your vendors regarding those areas.Continue Reading

• When should I choose between serverless and microservices?

  Serverless and microservices work well together, but they still have their unique qualities. We review their main differences and where one might accomplish goals the other can't.Continue Reading

• 802.11ax release date: Here's what has to happen first

  Members of the IEEE committee developing the new wireless LAN standard now expect the final 802.11ax release date won't arrive until mid- to late-2020. Here's what has to happen first.Continue Reading

• The campus edge switch market evolves, offers new innovations

  The campus edge LAN switching market has evolved to offer a multitude of products boasting multi-gigabit port speeds -- there are more available port speed options than ever.Continue Reading

• How hyper-converged infrastructure benefits virtual workloads

  Realize the many advantages that HCI offers, such as streamlined virtual resource management and enhanced security and compliance practices.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure explained

  HCI breaks down traditional IT silos by bundling compute, storage, networking and virtualization, which helps to streamline resource provisioning and management.Continue Reading

• Server 2008 R2 end of life hitting home for many in IT

  As Microsoft support for Server 2008 R2 nears its sunset, a raft of complications make it difficult for many in IT to get on board with the Azure platform.Continue Reading