Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Tips to avoid a bumpy Exchange 2010 migration to Office 365

  Now that Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2013 are legacy products, administrators should make the push to migrate to avoid becoming the next ransomware target. Continue Reading

• In WAN evolution, is software-defined now implied?

  Networking trends and innovations, such as automation and network as a service, have started to ingrain software-defined principles into WAN environments. Continue Reading

• Evaluate the GitOps model for your organization

  For some organizations, GitOps leads to faster, higher-quality software delivery -- but for others, DevOps or NetOps is a better fit. Learn what factors your team should consider. Continue Reading

• SD-WAN and MPLS costs more complementary than clashing

  An SD-WAN vs. MPLS cost comparison is not always an either-or decision. Organizations often implement both technologies to enhance network traffic performance. Continue Reading

• What the new LTO roadmap means for tape storage

  The future of tape is bright, and it should be on every storage manager's shortlist. LTO and its massive current and future capacity have a place among other storage media types. Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vs. VPN: How do they compare?

  When comparing SD-WAN and VPN, enterprises choosing between the two technologies should consider factors like cost, management and routing intelligence.Continue Reading

• Choose between NAND vs. NOR flash memory

  When comparing NAND flash memory to NOR, it's important to examine the structural differences to understand which type of non-volatile memory is best suited for some applications.Continue Reading

• The era of the sustainable data center

  Sustainability in product design is becoming important to organizations. In the age of sustainability in the data center, don't forget about energy efficiency in your messaging.Continue Reading

• MNOs must clear 5G confusion to maximize revenue

  5G has the potential to generate billions in revenue, but MNOs must first clear up 5G applications and technologies -- such as FWA and IoT -- for customers and partners.Continue Reading

• Use cases of digital twins for networks

  Network engineers can use digital twins for design, testing, security and maintenance. But limitations with vendor specificity and a lack of standards hinder wider adoption for now.Continue Reading

• A short guide to Azure Data Lake Storage pricing

  Azure Data Lake Storage offers pricing that's competitive with similar platforms. However, many elements of the secure, large storage platform factor into the overall cost.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between network reliability and availability?

  Network reliability is how long infrastructure works without disruption. Network availability is the percentage of time infrastructure operates in a given time frame.Continue Reading

• Kubernetes operator vs. controller: What's the difference?

  Kubernetes operators and controllers both manage cluster resources but play distinct roles in the Kubernetes ecosystem. Explore their differences and learn when to use each.Continue Reading

• How to choose IT operations metrics that deliver real value

  The sheer volume of data collected in today's IT environments can be overwhelming. But by focusing on the user experience, IT ops teams can pinpoint the metrics that matter most.Continue Reading

• 4 best practices to avoid cloud vendor lock-in

  Without proper planning, an organization could end up feeling trapped in its relationship with a cloud provider. Follow these tips to avoid vendor lock-in.Continue Reading

• Traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN: How do they compare?

  While comparing traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN, network professionals can see the many benefits of SD-WAN, including centralized control and dynamic traffic management.Continue Reading

• Deploy WebJEA to empower your users with PowerShell

  Give your automation scripts a GUI that makes it easier for end users to get the information they need with a more streamlined approach.Continue Reading

• Simplify code with for_each and dynamic blocks in Terraform

  In this tutorial, get hands-on practice using Terraform features like dynamic blocks and the for_each attribute to write cleaner, more reusable code for cloud deployments.Continue Reading

• Explore private wireless network vendor options

  Private wireless networks can be difficult to deploy. Networking vendors -- such as Celona, Cradlepoint and Extenet -- offer services that could simplify the process.Continue Reading

• Understand how the CXL SSD can aid performance

  Although CXL SSDs are only in the research phase, their performance shows promise. When used as simple memory extensions, they should improve programs that manage large data sets.Continue Reading

• Improve IT efficiency with a PowerShell self-service portal

  You can jump over the technical barriers that impede automation efforts in your organization by exploring how to deploy a web-based portal that hosts your scripts.Continue Reading

• App modernization, mainframe, microservices: IBM event recap

  At the recent IBM Infrastructure Analyst Event, IBM announced advances in IBM zSystems for AI, app architecture and other areas to help businesses achieve their goals.Continue Reading

• The rise of the non-developer

  Low-code and no-code tools are often touted as solutions to the developer talent shortage -- but they might not be the full answer for companies facing a lack of tech skills.Continue Reading

• Follow these 9 steps for SD-WAN testing before deployment

  Before an SD-WAN implementation, you'll want to run the system through a battery of tests to check for things like failover, packet delivery and traffic segregation.Continue Reading

• Is a cloud-first strategy right for you?

  A cloud-first strategy has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Learn how to avoid risks and build a strategy that is right for your organization.Continue Reading

• How to prepare for the next version of Exchange Server

  The Exchange Server roadmap charts several twists and turns that shows Microsoft deviating from its typical course with the server-based email platform.Continue Reading

• When to use the Windows command prompt vs. PowerShell

  The Windows command prompt and PowerShell can accomplish similar tasks, but how they do so might push users toward one option over the other. Check out these examples to see why.Continue Reading

• PowerShell vs. Bash: Key differences explained

  Windows admins have the option to use Bash, a Linux shell, but the command-line tool doesn't stack up one to one with PowerShell for Windows deployments.Continue Reading

• How to use startup scripts in Google Cloud

  Google Cloud lets you use startup scripts when booting VMs to improve security and reliability. Follow these steps to create your own startup scripts.Continue Reading

• Can composable infrastructure and computational storage mix?

  'Composable' and 'computational' are often said in the same breath, but how exactly are they related -- or not? While there are differences, a combination could serve enterprises.Continue Reading

• What is PowerShell and how to use it: The ultimate tutorial

  PowerShell is an object-oriented automation engine and scripting language with an interactive command-line shell that Microsoft developed to help IT professionals configure systems and automate administrative tasks.Continue Reading

• 10 PowerShell courses to help hone your skills

  Learn what popular online PowerShell courses -- including those from Udemy, Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning -- offer for beginners and advanced systems administrators.Continue Reading

• Top 9 SD-WAN benefits for businesses

  Make the case for an SD-WAN implementation, and explore the benefits and main use cases for SD-WAN in enterprises, beyond traditional hybrid WANs.Continue Reading

• Set up PowerShell script block logging for added security

  Learn how to set up your systems to capture abnormal PowerShell behavior as one way to shore up your defenses.Continue Reading

• PowerShell Move-Item examples for file, folder management

  You can take the pain out of regular administrative tasks, such as migrating and organizing data from your users, with these advanced automation scripts.Continue Reading

• Step-by-step guide: Get started with Weave for Kubernetes

  Looking to streamline network management for Kubernetes clusters? Learn when and how to use CNI plugins, then walk through the steps of a Weave installation for Kubernetes.Continue Reading

• How SSD data reduction can help enterprises

  Data reduction techniques have been difficult to achieve on SSDs, but vendors appear to be making progress. The more effective the data reduction, the more affordable SSDs become.Continue Reading

• Considerations for configuring twisted-pair cables

  In this Q&A, author Jeffrey Beasley discusses what students who plan to take the CompTIA Network+ exam should know about twisted-pair cables, from configuration to troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• How to upload and download files with PowerShell FTP script

  By using the .NET WebClient class and PowerShell, Windows admins can upload and download files to FTP. Review the general process and corresponding examples to get started.Continue Reading

• How to test PowerShell code with Pester

  PowerShell's Pester troubleshooting tool lets users write and run tests. Learn how to install the tool and examine a step-by-step Pester test example.Continue Reading

• Why you should plan to migrate to Exchange 2019 soon

  An upgrade to the latest Exchange version will bring added functionality for end users and security enhancements. But it will also help ease the transition to Exchange vNext.Continue Reading

• Hone your PowerShell text manipulation skills

  Retrieving content from and modifying content in text files with PowerShell are skills many administrators need to cultivate to aid their automation efforts.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN comparison chart: 10 vendors to assess

  This SD-WAN vendor comparison chart is a useful starting point to evaluate information about deployment options, pricing, security, cloud connectivity and more.Continue Reading

• 6 alternatives to Heroku's defunct free service tiers

  Though the end of Heroku's free-tier services has left many developers and software teams in the cold, a flock of cloud platform providers seem determined to fill the void.Continue Reading

• Get started with Amazon CodeGuru with this tutorial

  Amazon CodeGuru reviews code and suggests improvements to users looking to make their code more efficient as well as optimize costs. Follow this tutorial to get started.Continue Reading

• How to test the PowerShell pending reboot module

  Learn how to check if your machines have pending reboots with a simple PowerShell module to ensure changes to files do not cause stability issues.Continue Reading

• The role of IT ops in digital employee experience management

  Automated tools for measuring and analyzing employees' digital experience satisfaction can help IT ops predict problems, identify areas for improvement and cut costs.Continue Reading

• 10 important components of SDN controllers

  SDN controller features include modularity, APIs, clustering and GUIs. Read more in this chapter excerpt from 'SDN-Supported Edge-Cloud Interplay for Next Generation Internet of Things.'Continue Reading

• How to filter Security log events for signs of trouble

  Certain accounts, such as company executives, will draw unwanted attention from hackers. Learn how to catch these targeted attacks by checking Windows event logs.Continue Reading

• Strategies for Kubernetes multi-cluster management

  Running multiple Kubernetes clusters has numerous advantages, but it also introduces technical complexity. Keeping these tips in mind can simplify multi-cluster management.Continue Reading

• When REST API design goes from helpful to harmful

  REST may be a somewhat non-negotiable standard in web API development, but has it fostered overreliance? Learn why other design styles could -- and should -- get an equal chance.Continue Reading

• How much does a VM cost? A guide for IT ops

  VM prices can vary widely depending on factors such as resources and use, making it challenging to predict spending. Use this VM cost guide to estimate pricing for your organization.Continue Reading

• Explore Google Cloud Storage classes

  For organizations that use Google Cloud Storage, it's crucial to store data in the optimal class. Understand top uses, benefits and drawbacks of Google Cloud's assorted services.Continue Reading

• How hybrid access as a service supports hybrid work

  Hybrid access as a service from a startup helped a global company secure optimized connectivity over home broadband connections. Could HAaaS replace VPNs?Continue Reading

• Why QLC flash changes the hybrid cloud equation

  In the debates of hard drives vs. flash and on vs. off premises, the answer is often not just one over the other. However, surging QLC flash technology offers many benefits.Continue Reading

• The role of automation in SD-WAN

  API integration, machine learning and AIOps are vital to achieve the benefits of SD-WAN automation, which include better network performance and faster operations.Continue Reading

• Words to go: 6 key data center sustainability metrics

  When organizations go green in their data center, they will have to measure the facility's efficiency and environmental impact. Use sustainability metrics to get started.Continue Reading

• Why Wasm is the future of cloud-native app development

  Just over a month into 2023, the popularity of WebAssembly is already on the rise. An industry expert explains why Wasm will have far-reaching effects on cloud-native development.Continue Reading

• CIOs must support multi-cloud training for network engineers

  Many enterprises are shifting to multi-cloud environments, but they must enable proper training. Here's how they can be proactive and support multi-cloud network training.Continue Reading

• Vendor SD-WAN labs offer hands-on testing and learning

  Software-defined WANs can be confusing. Fortunately, networking vendors offer SD-WAN labs to help organizations learn about the technology.Continue Reading

• What to keep in mind when securing virtual environments

  Virtual environments can contain numerous vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit -- with potentially devastating results. Use these tips to select security tools and strategies.Continue Reading

• FinOps model eases cloud billing complexities

  Cloud cost management is a top priority on admin's minds. FinOps expert Mike Fuller talks about cloud billing challenges and how to overcome them in this Q&A.Continue Reading

• Speed up onboarding with Active Directory user templates

  Active Directory account templates are not difficult to make. But it helps to know how to use certain shortcuts, like variables, to create home directories and roaming profiles.Continue Reading

• What's new with the EXO v3 module for Exchange admins?

  Microsoft made several significant improvements in the Exchange Online PowerShell v3 module for added reliability and performance when managing the hosted email platform.Continue Reading

• Azure Logic Apps: How it compares to AWS Step Functions

  Developers can use Microsoft Azure Logic Apps to build, deploy and connect scalable cloud-based workflows. Learn how it measures up to other cloud platforms and AWS Step Functions.Continue Reading

• The features of multi-cloud networking architecture

  Enterprises are looking for multi-cloud networking features that include programmability, security integration and end-to-end visibility in a consumption-based model.Continue Reading

• Industry outlook on MEF's new zero-trust, SASE standards

  MEF recently released new zero-trust and SASE standards. Standardizations can help with interoperability, but are they necessary for vendors and service providers to follow?Continue Reading

• EDR tools for Windows Server compared

  Windows Server 2022 comes with native security technologies to protect the enterprise. But endpoint detection and response tools can be worth the price of admission.Continue Reading

• Where IT operations management is headed in 2023

  Between an economic downturn and increasing technical complexity, IT ops management faces a challenging year. An expert analyst shares his predictions for areas of focus in 2023.Continue Reading

• Compare 6 major network certifications

  Network certifications can span networking fundamentals to product-specific knowledge. Evaluate six certifications, and weigh factors like job roles, cost, prerequisites and skills.Continue Reading

• Reduce Kubernetes spend with these 10 Kubecost alternatives

  IT teams have several options other than Kubecost to monitor Kubernetes spending, from dedicated Kubernetes-specific tools to full-fledged cloud management platforms.Continue Reading

• Make the shift-left testing approach work for your team

  Developers test to find defects and correct flaws before an application reaches release. But the ever-quickening pace of development puts pressure on testing.Continue Reading

• Use ISO 50001:2018 as a guide for green data centers

  Data centers use a lot of energy, and it can be difficult to navigate how to reduce energy use. ISO 50001:2018 provides guidance to create energy-saving plans and use targets.Continue Reading

• Evaluate Wi-Fi mapping tools and best practices

  As Wi-Fi is now a critical component of enterprise network connectivity, Wi-Fi mapping helps teams evaluate their wireless coverage. Learn the basics of Wi-Fi mapping.Continue Reading

• How cloud-managed Wi-Fi simplifies policy and AP controls

  Cloud-managed Wi-Fi provides IT groups with several benefits, including policy enforcement, network management and consistent AP configuration across multiple sites.Continue Reading

• Will developers become archaic? Analyst predictions for 2023

  Organizations must continue innovating and optimizing to keep up -- but these advances could set developers up for extinction. Explore an industry analyst's predictions for 2023.Continue Reading

• Enterprises consider NaaS adoption for business agility

  As enterprises accelerate toward digitization of their complete IT stack, NaaS -- which can lower costs, increase QoS and improve business agility -- has become a viable option.Continue Reading

• 3 software developer goals that are top of mind in 2023

  Like many people, software professionals have their own goals in mind for 2023, including a focus on project management, software accessibility and data structure decisions.Continue Reading

• IaaS vs. PaaS options on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform

  Looking to shift your organization's workloads to the cloud? Understand the advantages and disadvantages of IaaS and PaaS options on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise data storage products of 2022

  Backup, cloud, disk and storage system vendors vied for top honors in the TechTarget Storage Products of the Year competition. Find out which won gold, silver and bronze.Continue Reading

• 2023 predictions for cloud, as a service and cost optimization

  Given the highly uncertain state of the economy, this should be the year that brings an end to dinosaur thinking about enterprise IT and costs.Continue Reading

• Rust vs. Go: A microservices-based language faceoff

  Rust and Go both offer language features geared toward microservices-based development, but their relative capabilities make them a better fit for some scenarios than others.Continue Reading

• 8 tips for building a multi-cloud DevOps strategy

  DevOps practices and tools have many benefits for application development, deployment and monitoring in complex IT environments that span multiple clouds.Continue Reading

• A guide to network APIs and their use cases

  An API enables communication between two applications, while a network API provides communication between the network infrastructure -- and its protocols -- and applications.Continue Reading

• Advantages and disadvantages of storing data in the cloud

  Organizations that want to reduce on-site storage costs can consider cloud for easy pricing models and scalability. However, take note of drawbacks such as lack of data control.Continue Reading

• Mob programming benefits for Agile development teams

  Mob programming brings the whole team together for simultaneous code creation and review. If they specify roles and engage, Agile teams can benefit from mobbing practices.Continue Reading

• Five networking trends teams should focus on in 2023

  Distributed IT and hybrid work create network complexity, which is driving adoption of AIOps, network and security convergence, multi-cloud, private 5G and digital twins in 2023.Continue Reading

• What's next: Predictions, challenges and IT trends for 2023

  As organizations look to address ongoing ops skills shortages and increasing complexity in their IT environments, they'll invest in cybersecurity, AI and automation.Continue Reading

• Are private wireless networks worth the investment?

  Private wireless networks enable more control over networks, but they aren't right for every organization. Here's what to evaluate for a private wireless network deployment.Continue Reading

• How to use Microsoft Sentinel with Office 365 to find risks

  The security product attempts to ferret out threats that originate from apps and services then assists the enterprise with an automatic response to head off trouble.Continue Reading

• The future of data storage must handle heavy volume

  Storage manufacturers have an eye on the future with investments in technologies, but it's unclear if they will be able to effectively counter the exponential rise in data volumes.Continue Reading

• 5 sustainability initiatives in the telecommunications industry

  Telecom operators have committed to sustainability plans to reduce carbon emissions and energy use. But they also face challenges, like competing goals and behavioral changes.Continue Reading

• Interpret and apply AWS Compute Optimizer recommendations

  It is challenging to find the right balance between performance, availability and cost. Learn how to enable and apply AWS Compute Optimizer to monitor your metrics.Continue Reading

• Tools and techniques to test Kubernetes objects

  Kubernetes manifests and objects represent the baseline of code development on the platform. Here's why and how to test these integral elements of Kubernetes.Continue Reading

• 5G expectations high, despite underwhelming adoption rates

  A new study from IEEE found 5G remains one of the most anticipated technologies for 2023. Top expectations for 5G include automation, satellite services, sustainability and more.Continue Reading

• Carefully weigh these DevOps pros and cons

  DevOps can help organizations gain a competitive edge through fast and iterative software development cycles. Still, there are tradeoffs to consider.Continue Reading

• Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a hybrid data warehouse

  Among other benefits, a hybrid cloud data warehouse can offer enhanced flexibility and scalability, as well as on-demand access to emerging analytics services.Continue Reading

• AWS rolls out new EC2 instances at re:Invent 2022

  The wrong instance type can affect workload performance and even increase costs. This year at re:Invent, AWS released new EC2 instances from general purpose to HPC optimized.Continue Reading

• When not to use Docker and how to choose an alternative

  Docker might be the default for container orchestration, but what if it doesn't meet your needs? Explore why Docker might not be the right fit and what might be.Continue Reading

• An overview of wireless WAN

  Hybrid work, modernized cellular networks, and the convergence of 5G and software-defined networking are driving factors in the maturation of wireless WAN.Continue Reading