Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Understanding the exploit market: How data breaches happen

  When you understand how data breaches happen, applying software patches quickly is crucial to minimize your chances of being on the wrong end of the ever-faster exploit market. Continue Reading

• Four top open source SIEM tools you should know

  Open source SIEM software offers organizations a way to test capabilities and augment existing functionalities for analytics and log management. Get started with these options. Continue Reading

• Break app infrastructure responsibly with chaos engineering

  More enterprises are intentionally breaking applications with chaos engineering. It helps developers learn the causes of software failures and how to build better apps. Continue Reading

• Heuristic automation prevents unmitigated IT disasters

  IT automation isn't about doing everything faster -- although that's how it started. Heuristics make automation smarter and responsive to changes in the IT environment. Continue Reading

• Leading SD-WAN providers offer varying capabilities

  By examining how leading SD-WAN providers address technology, market reach, partnerships and long-term viability, you can select an SD-WAN product to fit your organization's needs. Continue Reading

• Evaluate Google Cloud TPUs for machine learning apps

  Machine learning apps have prompted a paradigm shift in the world of public cloud. Google is an early market leader with its TPUs and TensorFlow, but can it stay on top?Continue Reading

• Log analytics tools gain application performance support skills

  Log analytics tools are boosting real-time capabilities to monitor application performance, and users are in the market for tools that best slice, dice and store log data.Continue Reading

• Which software testing tool best fits your project?

  Learn what developers should look for in AI testing tools and which style is best for a project. Expert Tom Nolle compares Applitools and Functionize.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure software aids IT flexibility

  Implementing a software-based hyper-converged platform can make it easier to scale components separately, but it has drawbacks as well, like multiple support sources.Continue Reading

• Overcome app deployment challenges in a multi-cloud strategy

  Looking to adopt a multi-cloud model? Be sure to address these common app deployment, redeployment and scaling challenges first.Continue Reading

• How have disk backups changed in recent years?

  Disk-based backup provides newer features that can speed and ease recovery. IT should take advantage of instant recovery and virtual lab capabilities.Continue Reading

• Serverless vs. containers: What's best for event-driven apps?

  Serverless and containers give teams new options to host event-driven applications, but each has pros and cons. Decide which platform is best for your app to avoid a costly mistake.Continue Reading

• Google needs to win enterprise confidence at cloud conference

  Google Cloud Platform (GCP) has become a more robust and reliable public cloud in recent years but still has nowhere near the enterprise mindshare afforded to fellow hyperscale platforms AWS and ...Continue Reading

• Harden cloud apps with a secure software development lifecycle

  Wouldn't it be nice if every application were 100% cloud-ready? Unfortunately, that's often not the case, which can lead to security risks down the line if not properly addressed.Continue Reading

• Adoption of 32 Gbps Fibre Channel being driven by flash

  Flash, along with more and bigger workloads and more demanding applications, is driving businesses to switch from 8 Gbps and 16 Gbps FC to 32 Gbps FC storage environments.Continue Reading

• How hyper-converged secondary storage fits in the HCI world

  When converged secondary storage was added to hyper-convergence products, a new market sector was created that reduced the complexity of managing data retention systems.Continue Reading

• Craft a converged secondary storage strategy with care

  Secondary storage vendors have been offering converged technologies and products for a few years now, and the systems have become more feature-rich and cloud-capable.Continue Reading

• Evolve IT staff, skill sets for a multi-cloud strategy

  To effectively implement and manage a multi-cloud architecture, enterprises first need IT team members who hold a unique mix of technical and business skills.Continue Reading

• Vendors vie for a piece of the SD-WAN market share pie

  The SD-WAN vendor market is showing some signs of consolidation. But it will remain volatile in the near term, and that should prove beneficial to customers.Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud strategies should be reimagined as multi-cloud

  The tech industry needs to change the way it defines hybrid cloud. A multi-cloud environment is often a more accurate description and worthwhile goal.Continue Reading

• MU-MIMO technology boosts system capacity for WLANs

  MU-MIMO technology might not be magic, but it upgrades WLAN performance and system capacity so well that some network engineers might call it magical.Continue Reading

• How to ensure hyper-converged infrastructure security

  To secure data in an HCI system, it requires tools and techniques that account for the unique features of hyper-convergence, such as shared resources and virtualized management.Continue Reading

• Zabbix monitoring requires experience for best results

  Not every IT tool is as easy to learn as it is potentially useful. Zabbix offers several views into an environment, but that flexibility comes at the price of admin experience.Continue Reading

• Assess the pros and cons of leading PaaS tools

  Unsure which PaaS provider will best meet your development needs? Dive in to this roundup of common vendor options and the features they offer to simplify that decision.Continue Reading

• Istio service mesh tech boosts Kubernetes' work, with trade-offs

  Why wouldn't IT teams use a tool that enables developers to focus on writing app code and operations to focus on IT resources? For all its benefits, Istio does require a study on pros and cons.Continue Reading

• With progressive web applications, developers blur the lines

  With progressive web applications, single-page apps, motion UI and other innovations, app development meets the moment, giving users what they want, where they want it.Continue Reading

• Web app development morphs as apps and websites merge

  The lines between web and mobile app and websites are blurring, so development silos are out, and boning up on building progressive web apps and single-page apps is in.Continue Reading

• Clarifying what cloud and virtualized data storage really mean

  Cloud storage doesn't always mean the public cloud. Virtualization and virtualized data storage aren't always about virtual servers and desktops. Find out what's really going on.Continue Reading

• Why digital process automation is now essential to BPM

  The increased speed of application development has made automation in BPM a necessity. Learn about digital process automation and how it can help businesses meet that need.Continue Reading

• Agile workflows shift admins' IT procurement strategy

  Changing business needs and the move toward Agile workflows affect how data center managers make decisions about daily operations and IT purchasing.Continue Reading

• Salary snapshot: Embrace an entry-level DevOps role

  New DevOps engineers make much more than their software engineer counterparts. If you have DevOps skills, maybe it's time to rebrand.Continue Reading

• Four misconceptions regarding the benefits of SD-WAN

  It's all too easy to get sucked into the buzz and misconceptions around software-defined WAN technology. Here are four points to be aware of about the touted benefits of SD-WAN.Continue Reading

• IT pursues zero-touch automation for application support

  The best and most efficient approach to IT automation features as little human intervention and interaction as possible.Continue Reading

• IPaaS tools aim to alleviate app integration troubles

  With the rise of hybrid cloud architectures, there's a heightened need for more sophisticated app and data integration tools. IPaaS can help but isn't necessarily a cure-all.Continue Reading

• Taking stock of Windows Server management tools

  Microsoft provides a mix of server management tools that administrators can choose from to control the machines that run the business. This comparison can help steer your decision.Continue Reading

• Breadth of AWS features acts as a double-edged sword for IT

  AWS offers a wide variety of cloud tools but, in some cases, still lacks the core IT management and ops features that enterprises crave.Continue Reading

• Your Red Hat Hyperconverged Infrastructure questions answered

  Red Hat HCI is software only, based on open source applications and is aimed for IT operations that want to use existing hardware in a DIY implementation.Continue Reading

• Embrace automation in a hybrid cloud deployment: Free chapter

  Hybrid cloud is complex, and while automation helps, it also presents new risks. This book by Clive Longbottom dives into the details cloud adopters should know.Continue Reading

• What would win an AI testing face-off? Applitools vs. Functionize

  Expert Tom Nolle compares two AI testing tools that both interact with -- plus utilize -- applications' GUIs for more comprehensive testing.Continue Reading

• Four signs you need a third-party cloud management platform

  In a multi-cloud deployment, IaaS providers' native tools for admins often fall short. These four signs indicate it's time to invest in a third-party cloud management tool.Continue Reading

• AWS' market share growth depends on enterprise focus

  While AWS remains the clear leader in the public IaaS market, the vendor's future success depends on how it addresses the more foundational needs of its enterprise customers.Continue Reading

• A deep dive into guest clustering for shared virtual storage

  When using shared VHDX files to host a guest cluster shared volume, there are some considerations to take into account, such as physical connectivity and potential limitations.Continue Reading

• Bolster multi-cloud security with these data privacy tips

  Data privacy is always a top priority for enterprise IT teams. And those with a multi-cloud model should adopt a mix of security techniques -- from erasure coding to encryption.Continue Reading

• Business IoT applications benefit from SD-WAN prioritization

  Business IoT applications require prioritized traffic flows and low-cost connectivity. SD-WAN lets IT teams assign policies to prioritize traffic and use cheaper connectivity links.Continue Reading

• AWS Shield provides DDoS attack protection as threats mount

  DDoS attacks continue to grow in sophistication, and enterprises need to be on alert. AWS Shield provides two tiers of automatic protection, but are they enough?Continue Reading

• Azure PaaS strategy hones in on hybrid cloud, containers

  Microsoft's PaaS offerings might have a leg-up in terms of support for hybrid deployments, but the vendor still faces tough competition in a quickly evolving app-dev market.Continue Reading

• Why data centers need log management tools

  Log files contain rich and useful management data. With the right software tools and a few navigation tips, you can maximize and implement the information that logs provide.Continue Reading

• Three ways to ensure app portability in a multi-cloud strategy

  As multi-cloud adoption grows, developers need to be careful they don't sacrifice application portability for the sake of using provider-native services.Continue Reading

• Will the Kubernetes sidecar deliver container happiness?

  IT teams tasked with managing containerization -- or that might be imagining a future full of containers -- may want to take a look at Kubernetes sidecar software. This proxy technology built into the service mesh architecture could prove useful in ...Continue Reading

• Emerging PaaS model puts cloud app dev into the fast lane

  As they grapple with application backlogs and a shortage of seasoned, business-savvy developers, enterprises will increasingly look to drag-and-drop programming options.Continue Reading

• Service mesh architecture radicalizes container networking

  Containerization is the IT industry's favorite superhero, so it's only fitting that containers have a powerful sidekick in service mesh. Together, they fight network management chaos.Continue Reading

• Address network scalability requirements when selecting SD-WAN

  Selecting an SD-WAN option that suits business needs can be daunting, but diving into network scalability requirements, like bandwidth needs and the number of sites, is a good start.Continue Reading

• Don't overestimate the benefits of serverless computing

  It's natural to be curious about new technologies, but the hype around serverless computing far outweighs its practical advantages.Continue Reading

• Enterprises wrestle with OpenStack backup, DR challenges

  To work around the manual and often tedious processes associated with OpenStack DR and backup, some enterprises have turned to third-party tools.Continue Reading

• What is cloud networking up to now? It's complicated

  Maybe cloud networking's goals haven't changed, but cloud-based networks have. Pros must now securely manage multi-cloud migrations and complex cloud environments.Continue Reading

• Options for dedicated cloud interconnects and their benefits

  There are clear benefits to replacing existing VPN tunnels now. Discover the advantages to dedicating cloud interconnects to improve your enterprise traffic flows.Continue Reading

• A QA team finds continuous testing benefits worth the effort

  QA teams can gain a lot from continuous testing. While successful continuous testing requires all of an organization to get on board, the results are worth it.Continue Reading

• Molecular memory could boost HDD density

  Researchers working with molecular storage have discovered a way to create smaller hard drives with more density. But don't expect to see the technology on the market anytime soon.Continue Reading

• Three tools enable DevOps for Windows shops

  DevOps isn't just the domain of open source Linux experts. These three tool options tailor DevOps to how Windows applications and systems operate.Continue Reading

• Carrier cloud needs 5G wireless networks, other drivers for success

  While 5G wireless networks appear to be the biggest driver in building the necessary carrier cloud, two other short-term drivers can help complete the carrier network transformation.Continue Reading

• Data center monitoring best practices simplify software choice

  Metrics are essential to keep any data center operating smoothly. With monitoring software and best practices, admins can simplify their workflows and get usable data.Continue Reading

• What to know before selecting DCIM software

  Your DCIM needs will dictate what type of software is best for your workflow. Be sure to evaluate usability, expandability and which areas need monitoring.Continue Reading

• Cisco roadmap plots course through clouds to DevOps future

  From a Google Cloud partnership to API-based network data integration, Cisco showcased application hosting flexibility and DevOps process flows in its product plans at its annual conference.Continue Reading

• SDN, machine learning could lead to intelligent networks

  The next step for SDN is to integrate network analytics and machine learning to result in automated, intelligent networks. But first, humans need to trust the technology.Continue Reading

• Evaluate PaaS vendors based on these two types of features

  To determine whether a PaaS provider will meet their needs, buyers should look closely at what the vendor offers for development tools, automation, collaboration and more.Continue Reading

• IT pros weigh Git version control against the competition

  You won't get far today without version control to safely iterate on application code. But is Git -- or one of the many commercial products based on Git -- right for your team?Continue Reading

• Find out answers for FAQs about Nutanix AHV and Acropolis

  Check out these answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Nutanix's Acropolis and AHV core hyper-converged infrastructure software products.Continue Reading

• Container applications need backup: Who knew?

  The concept of containers, ephemeral applications running across private and public clouds, has grown in popularity over the last few years. It has quickly become clear that the transient nature of containers and container applications isn't ...Continue Reading

• Use object storage technology to fight ransomware infection

  Done right, object storage reduces the likelihood of a successful ransomware attack and, in some instances, lets you get data back without paying a ransom.Continue Reading

• Office 365 data protection, the enterprise and you

  Gain a better understanding of Microsoft Office 365 security and storage management features and how the popular cloud-based productivity and collaboration suite really works.Continue Reading

• Don't let Kubernetes services stall a multi-cloud strategy

  Despite the benefits of managed Kubernetes services from AWS, Microsoft and Google, these offerings can impede workload portability when tied closely to other provider-native tools.Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud adoption trends and strategies explained

  Hybrid cloud deployments are gaining traction because they enable private cloud security and public cloud flexibility, and orchestration between the two cloud models has improved.Continue Reading

• MAMR hard drives could shake up the storage industry

  Microwave-assisted magnetic recording technology may be the next breakthrough HDD technology, promising lower cost and higher reliability than heat-assisted magnetic recording drives.Continue Reading

• DevOps in networking begins to gain ground

  Software development has benefited from a DevOps framework, which brings together software engineers and operating teams to collaborate in a continuous integration/continuous delivery model that helps automate and deploy code faster. DevOps in ...Continue Reading

• Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility

  Cloud-based network monitoring offers Broward Center's theater campus more flexible and efficient network management so IT can keep performing arts center stage.Continue Reading

• Choosing the right software-driven network technology

  The software-driven network can drive efficiency and flexibility, but network pros first need to identify the problems they're trying to fix to choose the right technology options.Continue Reading

• Enterprises use network security in the cloud to combat threats

  The market for network security in the cloud is growing as enterprises shift workloads to the cloud to combat potential data breaches and system threats.Continue Reading

• DevOps for networking evolves with software

  Enterprises have yet to fully integrate a collaborative approach to DevOps for networking, but that's changing as networks become more automated and software-driven.Continue Reading

• Comcast's monolith to microservices shift spotlights pains, gains

  The shift to microservices is not an easy task. A senior software professional at Comcast explains the important lessons learned as his team moved Xfinity Home off of the monolith.Continue Reading

• Web server management best practices and essential features

  There are a lot of tools on the market for web-based server management. To find the best product, look for functions that automate workflows and add security.Continue Reading

• Top IaaS providers slowly warm up to multi-cloud

  While major IaaS vendors all offer some flavor of multi-cloud support, they still have work to do to help customers achieve the dream of seamless portability.Continue Reading

• Edge computing technology can ease bandwidth pressure points

  Stockpiling data at endpoints makes sense in a growing number of applications. With storage at the edge, concerns about storage bandwidth and data costs can be mitigated.Continue Reading

• Zenoss ZenPacks plug-ins support hundreds of external resources

  IT monitoring tools only monitor what they're built for. Zenoss fills in the inevitable gaps with ZenPacks to give admins exactly what they need -- without unnecessary extras.Continue Reading

• ADC, the networking management tool, acquires new abilities

  Networking pros should take a new look at what application delivery controllers now offer. ADCs now have some cutting-edge features making the networking workhorse exciting.Continue Reading

• Evaluate private cloud service providers in the market

  Red Hat, Microsoft and VMware all provide private cloud environments that offer security and compliance, but it's important to consider other business needs, as well.Continue Reading

• New, micro-ADC features can aid enterprise security

  The ADC is no hot, new networking tool, but it's evolved dramatically, adding some features in its latest iterations that promise to increase its already important role.Continue Reading

• Weigh the benefits of PaaS providers against lock-in risks

  The right PaaS environment enables developers to focus on what they care about most: building a successful application. But it also brings new risks -- particularly around lock-in.Continue Reading

• Top 4 advantages of a command-line interface

  With the simple look of the command-line interface, organizations don't always realize the advantages it brings to systems through pointed, accurate commands.Continue Reading

• The growing ties between networking roles and automation

  Network automation is here, bringing with it new demands for network professionals. But these changes should go beyond shifting networking roles, responsibilities and skills.Continue Reading

• The storage administrator skills you need to keep up today

  To meet changing enterprise IT needs, storage admins must acquire a new set of skills. If not, they risk being bogged down in an outmoded, outdated career rut.Continue Reading

• The evolution of backing up to tape and where it stands

  Tape backup continues to have a cost advantage over disk, and there are still some use cases where the medium makes sense and will do so for the foreseeable future.Continue Reading

• Test your Storage Spaces Direct hyper-converged system smarts

  Windows Server 2016 took Microsoft into the HCI game, with hyper-convergence features based on Storage Spaces Direct, the upgrade from Windows Server 2012's Storage Spaces feature.Continue Reading

• Get to know SIEM software basics and benefits

  Security information and event management tools give organizations enhanced network management functionality, such as automatic reporting, data stream analysis and anomaly detection.Continue Reading

• Are AWS certificate authority services trustworthy?

  AWS now operates as its own CA. What are the potential risks of the new AWS certificate authority services? Expert Dave Shackleford outlines the pros and cons of this new setup.Continue Reading

• Test your private vs. public cloud knowledge

  Although public and private clouds might seem similar on the surface, they differ greatly in terms of their architecture and use cases. Take our quiz to see if you know your stuff.Continue Reading

• Test your hyper-converged infrastructure storage knowledge

  Storage in a hyper-converged infrastructure is not limited to whatever disks the vendor decides to put into its base appliance. Test your knowledge of HCI storage with our quiz.Continue Reading

• Top 5 features to look for in private cloud services offerings

  When evaluating private cloud services, consider offerings that provide an intuitive self-service portal, RBAC, capacity planning and policy enforcement for tenant workloads.Continue Reading

• Four tips for a successful hybrid cloud POC

  A hybrid cloud proof of concept is an important step to ensure a deployment will fully meet IT and business needs. Mind these best practices around data, networks and more.Continue Reading

• Key considerations before evaluating SD-WAN vendors

  Before selecting an SD-WAN technology, organizations must understand what problems they need to solve and assess which implementation option is best suited to their WAN and business requirements.Continue Reading

• Assess network device monitoring capabilities with these tips

  Organizations considering new network device monitoring software should evaluate the alerting capabilities and extensibility of several different tools before making a purchase.Continue Reading