Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Evaluate when to use added AWS Step Functions actions

  Additional functionality for AWS Step Functions simplifies workflow implementation and calls for less custom code. Consider the features and uses of the various integrations. Continue Reading

• 4 essential composable infrastructure questions answered

  Learn how composable IT works, and find out when this highly flexible, programmable infrastructure model makes sense for your servers, network, and storage and when it doesn't. Continue Reading

• Don't count out IBM virtualization on the Z platform

  A mainframe can house hundreds of thousands of VMs and a wide range of workloads. Also, IBM Z provides virtualization management via Dynamic Partition Manager and Wave for z/VM. Continue Reading

• Which 802.11ax features support IoT adoption?

  A handful of key 802.11ax features could help accelerate widespread internet-of-things adoption, according to networking experts familiar with the new standard. Continue Reading

• Machine learning network monitoring shows AIOps' promise

  Machine learning network monitoring tools highlight the promise of artificial intelligence for IT operations, helping networking pros contextualize data and turn it into action. Continue Reading

• Prepare for ITIL framework updates in version 4

  The much-anticipated release of ITIL v4 not only changes the framework's certification structure, but emphasizes many modern software development and IT service delivery practices.Continue Reading

• Evaluate the COBIT framework 2019 update

  ITSM frameworks must adapt as IT changes swiftly or risk stagnation. COBIT ended its six-year silence with its 2019 update. Get an overview of the new information and how to use COBIT.Continue Reading

• Updated Microsoft Azure certifications emphasize IT roles

  Microsoft revamped its public cloud certifications in a move away from holistic skill sets. Review the newly tailored exams you'll need to take to get the Azure seal of approval.Continue Reading

• Amazon FSx vs. EFS: Compare the AWS file services

  The overlap between Amazon FSx and EFS makes it difficult to determine which will be a better fit for your organization. Learn the major differences between the two managed file services, from usage and storage volumes to pricing and more.Continue Reading

• How modern WAN edge services can benefit your network

  Modern services could replace legacy routers at the network edge. And while individual WANs have different edge requirements, common needs include flexibility and reliability.Continue Reading

• What's new in Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct?

  Microsoft has increased the capacity, resiliency and other advantages of the software-defined storage that comes with Windows Server 2019. Find out about all the benefits.Continue Reading

• How 5G can start a brand new era for the virtual RAN

  5G is forging the way for operators to delve into virtualized RANs. Yet, despite its benefits, vRAN lacks standards and is still in the early developmental stages.Continue Reading

• How does Ballerina stack up as a cloud-native programming language?

  While WSO2 has high hopes for its microservices-centric and cloud-native programming language, what do developers think of the current version of Ballerina?Continue Reading

• 5 Windows network drivers supported by containers

  NAT is the default network for container applications, but there are four other available drivers. Each container network driver poses some limitations and must be used carefully.Continue Reading

• VMware-VeloCloud sees the future of SD-WAN with 5G, hybrid cloud

  A glimpse into one software-defined WAN vendor's vision shows a heavy interest in SD-WAN's integration with the network edge, 5G and hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• Where is QLC NAND the most useful in the enterprise?

  Quad-level NAND has its benefits, but is it right for enterprise-level companies? While it can be plagued by performance and durability issues, the technology still has its uses.Continue Reading

• Wireless LAN technology and WLAN tools buyer's guide

  Compare WLAN tools and learn the questions to ask before a buying decision. Beyond cloud and on-premises systems, WLAN vendors offer features for many deployment types.Continue Reading

• Bare-metal vs. VM container deployment considerations

  Consider your performance requirements, portability needs and what level of isolation and security you want when deploying containers in your environment.Continue Reading

• How is the Microsoft SDDC concept becoming a reality?

  The promise of a software-defined infrastructure and its ability to pool resources require the right administrative tool to keep the virtualized fabric from fraying.Continue Reading

• NVMe for AI: A powerful pairing

  NVMe storage capabilities provide the bandwidth and low latency that demanding AI and machine learning applications need to access and manage the massive amounts of data they use.Continue Reading

• Evaluate on-premises vs. SaaS tools for IT systems management

  While there are a lot of factors for enterprises to consider when choosing an IT management tool, the on-premises vs. SaaS decision can be a particularly tricky one.Continue Reading

• Maximize Amazon S3 reliability with shrewd choices

  IT organizations moving to AWS might have data protection concerns. However, with replication across regions and versioning available, savvy S3 users get increased data reliability.Continue Reading

• What is HPE SimpliVity hyper-converged with Composable Fabric?

  SimpliVity with Composable Fabric incorporates HPE's software-defined networking technology for implementing, managing and automating a fully connected and composable mesh fabric.Continue Reading

• Accelerate data migration with AWS DataSync

  Dig into the details of AWS DataSync, such as deployment options and availability. Compare it to similar AWS services and see how it can fit into an organization's cloud strategy.Continue Reading

• NVMe over fabrics options and opportunities

  NVMe-oF is rapidly expanding across the network as new options become available. Discover what you need to know to implement the technology at your organization.Continue Reading

• What is service chaining and where does VNF onboarding fit in?

  Service chaining and VNF onboarding aren't easy. Companies interested in these processes need to understand the challenges involved, as well as various requirements for onboarding.Continue Reading

• Compare trunk-based development to feature-based approaches

  The repo-centric trunk-based development model can be a good fit for teams adept enough to maintain a codebase. But it means taking the road less traveled.Continue Reading

• Understand AI and machine learning security impacts on cloud apps

  Cloud-based machine learning can alleviate and aggravate security concerns. Review analysis and advice from our experts to stay on top of this emerging aspect of IT.Continue Reading

• Network visibility challenges in modern networks

  To tackle current visibility issues, you must first understand the nature and sources of the problems. Learn why visibility is essential but so tough to achieve.Continue Reading

• How does a WAN-cloud exchange work?

  WAN-cloud exchanges provide private and secure connectivity to cloud environments, making them beneficial for software-defined WAN and SaaS platforms.Continue Reading

• How much do you really know about intent-based networks?

  Break through the intent-based networking hype and take the time to evaluate what you know about the architecture. This quiz covers IBN basics, the benefits of IBN and beyond.Continue Reading

• Data center GPU market set for growth, AI workflows

  As GPU adoption increases, vendors and organizations are consistently addressing challenges in hardware installation and software development. Even so, the market is poised for growth in 2019.Continue Reading

• Choose the best load testing software for your apps

  Load testing is critical to ensure that apps will not malfunction on customers. Assess the leading products for application development in this comprehensive guide.Continue Reading

• AI in software development puts testing to the test

  It makes sense to apply sophisticated AI tools to software testing. Before that can happen though, those tools need to be taught what it is they are supposed to do.Continue Reading

• Software testing using AI changes things, but not everything

  Will artificial intelligence eliminate the need for human expertise in software testing? Here's where things are headed.Continue Reading

• How blockchain storage could benefit the enterprise

  Whether your organization is a potential buyer or seller of blockchain data storage, the technology could change how you look at storage. Discover where blockchain is headed.Continue Reading

• Spokane venues up their game with new guest Wi-Fi network

  The Spokane Public Facilities District refreshed its Wi-Fi infrastructure with equipment from Aruba Networks for improved device support, coverage and IT management.Continue Reading

• Google tool signals move to greater cloud transparency

  Access Transparency users can review the work Google admins did on their cloud accounts. It's a step toward greater accountability, but large organizations will want even more.Continue Reading

• AWS vs. Oracle cloud services: Compare costs and capabilities

  AWS has established leadership in the cloud market, but long-standing software vendor Oracle could chase it down as a viable alternative. See how these cloud services compare.Continue Reading

• Forward Networks' software enables intent-based networking

  TechTarget has named Forward Networks a winner of its Network Innovation Award. Learn how the company's visibility and verification software supports intent-based networking.Continue Reading

• Amazon EC2 to S3: A guide to AWS products

  The AWS product list is as vast as it is confusing. Here's what you need to know about the most vital AWS products, up to and including Amazon EC2, along with pricing information.Continue Reading

• Examine the top low-code development platform options

  Nontechnical users can now build applications with little or no coding experience. However, there are many factors to consider before you jump in.Continue Reading

• Pick a cloud IDE that best fits developer projects

  Cloud IDEs give developers more flexibility with when, where and how they create, deploy and manage code. Although enticing, end users should understand all aspects -- the good and the bad -- of cloud IDEs.Continue Reading

• The problems with cloud-based email security

  Cloud-based email security can be challenging for enterprises to achieve. Learn what makes it a challenge and how to secure email in the cloud from expert Dave Shackleford.Continue Reading

• ICYMI: How IT monitoring systems take on modern challenges

  Don't lose track of IT monitoring as you come to grips with containers and AI advantages. These articles gear up IT and cloud admins to refine processes and improve efficiency.Continue Reading

• Grasp these basic Salt configuration management concepts

  Not sure how Salt conveys configuration instructions to systems? Wonder if your programming skills will carry over to the tool? Use these best practices and tips to assess Salt.Continue Reading

• Compare the pros and cons of container management tools

  From the ever-popular to the obscure, evaluate different container management options based on the user interface, documentation, ease of use, available features and integrations.Continue Reading

• Overcome IoT challenges for cloud-based workloads

  Organizations often build IoT apps on public clouds for their scalability, but these platforms introduce their own obstacles. Factor in these network, storage and security impacts.Continue Reading

• How the Agile paradigm saved app development

  Traditional app-dev thinking can lead to modern-day failure. In this excerpt from Scrum -- A Pocket Guide, Gunther Verheyen explains why Agile is a must, not optional.Continue Reading

• AWS acquisitions continue with focus to build on core services

  Explore what AWS' recent IT purchases say about the cloud vendor's overall acquisition strategy and why it likes to make the smaller deals instead of any big splash.Continue Reading

• What container management software features are important?

  Because containers are easy to spin up, the infrastructure can quickly get out of hand. A tool that simplifies container management can help, if it provides certain capabilities.Continue Reading

• Software resilience engineering helps teams quash chaos

  What does a nuclear power plant or government team of epidemiologists have to teach software engineers? Quite a lot, if your aim is not just better apps, but more resilient ones.Continue Reading

• 3 developing 5G trends that differentiate it from 4G LTE

  Operators may be more cautious about initial 5G deployments than originally expected. But three key elements differentiate 5G from 4G LTE, which could make it a better investment.Continue Reading

• Refresh your networking knowledge with this NSX overview

  Discover the benefits and drawbacks of VMware's network virtualization platform and answer any lingering questions you may have about NSX in this overview.Continue Reading

• Use Packer for Windows to enhance machine image automation

  Packer can curtail time sinks for administrators, especially those dealing with rapid OS releases. But the DevOps tool can require additional effort to work for Windows.Continue Reading

• Is QLC NAND the right choice for you?

  QLC drives can offer high storage capacity and low cost per gigabyte, but speedier alternatives may hold more appeal for some organizations. When does a switch to QLC make sense?Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6: How does OFDMA work?

  The new Wi-Fi 6 standard works harder but also smarter, thanks to a game-changing feature called orthogonal frequency-division multiple access.Continue Reading

• Where container infrastructure and management investments yield ROI

  Containers are efficient and flexible, but these benefits can come with a hefty price tag. Ensure these elements are in the container budget to escape unexpected charges.Continue Reading

• Compare reserved instances pricing for AWS, Azure and GCP

  Got commitment issues? When it comes to long-term instance reservations, cloud users should look closely at what AWS, Microsoft and Google offer.Continue Reading

• Know your options for Elasticsearch services on AWS

  Determine which Elasticsearch tool is right for your organization with a comparison of key features in Amazon's Elasticsearch Service and Elastic's Elasticsearch.Continue Reading

• How does security for intent-based networking work?

  Monitoring plays an essential role when it comes to security in intent-based networking environments, as it ensures policies are met and detects network anomalies.Continue Reading

• Expect microservices implementation to break down IT norms

  No role is safe during a transition to microservices. JP Morgenthal, distributed architecture expert, enumerates the ways in which a microservices implementation shakes up IT teams.Continue Reading

• Useful APIs are the ones you can track

  APIs are effective, in part, because developers can collaborate on them and make them better. Still, useful APIs are ones that are carefully tracked and secured.Continue Reading

• AWS WebSocket support ushers in real-time serverless features

  The WebSockets vs. HTTP debate has changed for AWS users. With WebSocket support for Amazon API Gateway, users can build serverless applications that can communicate instantaneously.Continue Reading

• 3 ways to grade integration platform-as-a-service vendors

  The best iPaaS vendors offer a mix of standardization and flexibility, and they can't leave out compliance. Learn how to compare offerings based on these crucial capabilities.Continue Reading

• How Jenkins X updates this CI/CD tool for the cloud, Kubernetes

  Jenkins wasn't built for the cloud or Kubernetes, but that's not so for Jenkins X. Here's how users can keep their favorite CI/CD tool to build modern cloud apps and work with containers.Continue Reading

• How integration platform as a service stacks up against PaaS and SaaS

  IT orgs that face a hybrid mix of apps and data sets can turn to iPaaS for integration -- without the overhead of more software to manage. And there's more than one kind of iPaaS.Continue Reading

• AWS predictive scaling boosts cloud's resource management

  AWS Auto Scaling offers adjustable resources for workloads with fluctuations in demand. With predictive scaling, AWS applies machine learning to anticipate spikes in capacity needs.Continue Reading

• NetOps by design: How data center pods enable network agility

  To bring a DevOps approach to the network, one expert suggests enterprises take a page from the cloud-provider playbook. Here's how data center pods can support a NetOps evolution.Continue Reading

• Determine the cost of app customization in the cloud

  Cloud applications are like icebergs: There's a lot users don't see below the surface. One apparently small change could have a massive ripple effect on operations.Continue Reading

• What you need to know about intent-based networks

  This compilation explores five pertinent questions about intent-based networking, including those about its benefits, why organizations move to it and where it stands in 2019.Continue Reading

• Automation drives next wave of multi-cloud management tools

  The current cloud landscape indicates a clear need for management tools that can span multiple platforms -- and they'll likely place an emphasis on automation, abstraction and orchestration.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN cost savings hinge on underlying WAN technologies

  SD-WAN marketing almost always mentions the benefit of cost savings. Cut through the hype and discover how SD-WAN works with MPLS and internet connectivity to drive savings.Continue Reading

• Automate tests with attention to UI, rapid feedback and more

  If your app-dev group just can't seem to get automated tests right, you're not alone. Here's how to implement an effective test automation strategy, one piece at a time.Continue Reading

• Use AWS Firecracker to build micro VMs for containerized apps

  Firecracker has many of the benefits of containers and VMs, without some of their limitations. Here are a few things to know if you plan to use this technology at your organization.Continue Reading

• Compare tools for multi-cloud Kubernetes management

  For IT teams that need to manage Kubernetes deployments that span multiple cloud platforms, here are seven tools intended to simplify that process.Continue Reading

• Concourse vs. Drone: Pick a CI/CD tool that fits your team

  For CI/CD, a software team should weigh how well a tool fits into its existing practices. Drone and Concourse each highlight ease of use and pipeline features.Continue Reading

• Non-IT software vendors stir up IT tool selection process

  Many non-IT vendors now offer homegrown software -- a model that carries benefits and risks. Weigh the pros and cons around support, availability and other factors before making a decision.Continue Reading

• Latest SD-WAN features offer better management, security

  Enterprises looking to buy software-defined WAN products should evaluate the SD-WAN features that vendors offer. But the market still has room for vendor differentiation.Continue Reading

• AWS Lambda functions become more flexible, but use caution

  AWS Lambda added custom runtimes and longer timeouts. Review the benefits, such as flexibility and easier migration, along with the drawbacks, which include potentially higher costs.Continue Reading

• How to assess an SD-WAN product and determine which you need

  Two main differentiators have emerged in SD-WAN products. Learn how they work and how an IT manager can use them to assess network performance and diagnose problems.Continue Reading

• AWS' blockchain approach takes divergent paths

  AWS was slow to embrace blockchain but now offers two approaches to the concept. Review the specs of Quantum Ledger Database and Amazon Managed Blockchain.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of network slicing in 5G

  Although network slicing is useful for certain applications, like IoT and mobile networks, it might not be necessary at this point, especially when considering its cost.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vendor lock-in is unavoidable, but not necessarily bad

  It's practically impossible to avoid SD-WAN vendor lock-in. But, instead of being deterred by lock-in, companies should focus on wisely locking in the vendor with which they want to partner.Continue Reading

• Major I/O virtualization vendors and technologies explained

  Technologies that virtualize I/O components offer a number of additional capabilities, such as direct memory access remapping and network queuing for each VM.Continue Reading

• GPU virtualization evolves with new chip types on the horizon

  GPU-makers Intel, AMD and Nvidia all provide virtualization support; the next step is to merge CPU and GPU functionality to handle both application and math/graphics-related tasks.Continue Reading

• Which GPU specs are most important?

  When selecting GPUs, look at processing power, memory and OS support. These factors ensure hardware compatibility and effective performance in the data center.Continue Reading

• Adjust IT team dynamics for a cloud-native approach

  As enterprises set their cloud-native strategy, they'll need to navigate major changes -- both from a technical standpoint and in terms of IT team structure and management style.Continue Reading

• Top 5 enterprise storage trends of 2018

  Dave Raffo won't pretend to know what 2019 will bring to the world of enterprise data storage, but he does know what he learned while following the data storage industry in 2018.Continue Reading

• How SD-WAN architectures improve network flexibility and efficiency

  The key benefits of SD-WAN architectures include better network redundancy, efficient MPLS connections and added flexibility to deploy new services remotely.Continue Reading

• The top enterprise data storage products of 2018

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• What are the pros and cons of machine learning in network security?

  The predictive nature of machine learning can benefit network security strategies. But it can also benefit those looking to break through secure network barriers.Continue Reading

• Cloud repatriation and the trend away from all things cloud

  Companies are starting to backtrack when it comes to their enthusiasm for public clouds. More and more are bringing workloads and storage resources back in-house.Continue Reading

• Hot data storage technology trends for 2019

  Hot storage tech trends for 2019 include cheaper, denser flash and multi-cloud data management that can benefit the consumer and create better performance and data protection.Continue Reading

• A secondary storage management answer to mass fragmentation

  A study finds mass secondary data fragmentation across storage silos is negatively affecting IT staff morale and the ability of enterprises to comply with regulations.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise storage products of 2018

  Get to know the 15 top enterprise storage products selected from a field of more than 100 in the 'Storage' magazine and SearchStorage annual Products of the Year competition.Continue Reading

• Dell EMC PowerMax

  Formerly VMAX, PowerMax flash from Dell EMC is rated to deliver 10 million IOPS. All-flash PowerMax maintains the VMAX multicontroller, but replaces SAS SSDs with NVMe.Continue Reading

• Best data storage products 2018: Products of the Year

  For the 17th straight year, 'Storage' magazine and SearchStorage award gold, silver and bronze to the best storage hardware and software products and services of the year.Continue Reading

• Cloudian HyperStore 7

  New multi-cloud capabilities vault object storage specialist Cloudian to first place with its HyperStore product. Judges were particularly impressed with its functionality.Continue Reading

• Unitrends Recovery Series Gen 8 backup appliances

  Unitrends has updated its Recovery Series backup appliance to Gen 8, with added features like machine learning-based ransomware protection and automatic recovery testing.Continue Reading