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• What is a thin client (lean client)?

  A thin client (lean client) is a virtual desktop computing model that runs on the resources stored on a central server instead of a computer's resources. Continue Reading

• What is serverless computing?

  Serverless computing is a cloud computing execution model that lets software developers build and run applications and servers without having to provision or manage the back-end infrastructure. Continue Reading

• How do CPU, GPU and DPU differ from one another?

  Data centers use three varieties of processing units: CPU, GPU and DPU. Learn the unique uses for each and how to use them in conjunction to speed up data center workloads. Continue Reading

• How to properly implement Exchange Extended Protection

  This security feature can better protect Exchange Server deployments to prevent a wide range of attacks and safeguard sensitive data transmitted over the network. Continue Reading

• What is cloud computing? Types, examples and benefits

  Cloud computing is a general term for the on-demand delivery of hosted computing and IT services over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is an API (application programming interface)?
  • What is a SAN? Ultimate storage area network guide
  • What is a data retention policy?
  • What is multi-access edge computing? Benefits and use cases

  • What is 5G?
  • What is 6G? Overview of 6G networks & technology
  • phase-locked loop (PLL)
  • What is millimeter wave (mmWave)?

  View All Definitions

• What is usage-based pricing?

  Usage-based pricing is a consumption-based pricing model in which customers are charged only when they use a product or service.Continue Reading

• What is network monitoring?

  Network monitoring, also frequently called network management, is the practice of consistently overseeing a computer network for any failures or deficiencies to ensure continued network performance.Continue Reading

• What is a private cloud? Definition and examples

  Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers advantages similar to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture.Continue Reading

• An introduction to AWS Graviton processors and instances

  With improved performance in each generation, AWS Graviton processors reduce energy use and cost, making them ideal for many workloads. But which instance type should you choose?Continue Reading

• What is noisy neighbor (cloud computing performance)?

  Noisy neighbor is a phrase that describes a cloud computing infrastructure co-tenant that monopolizes bandwidth, disk input/output (I/O), processor (CPU) and other resources which can negatively affect other users' cloud performance.Continue Reading

• What is cloud orchestration (cloud orchestrator)?

  Cloud orchestration (cloud orchestrator) is the use of programming technology to manage the interconnections and interactions among workloads on public and private cloud infrastructure.Continue Reading

• What is the spiral model and how is it used?

  The spiral model is a systems development lifecycle (SDLC) method used for risk management that combines the iterative development process model with elements of the Waterfall model.Continue Reading

• What is network automation?

  Network automation is a process that uses intelligent software to automate the management, configuration, deployment, testing and operation of both physical and virtual devices.Continue Reading

• What is ISO 50001 (International Organization for Standardization 50001)?

  ISO 50001 (International Organization for Standardization 50001) is a voluntary standard for designing, implementing and maintaining an energy management system.Continue Reading

• Cloud networking vs. cloud computing: What's the difference?

  Businesses might see cloud computing and cloud networking as interchangeable due to similarities, but the two strategies dictate different processes and fulfill different goals.Continue Reading

• A guide to software design documentation and specifications

  Software design documents still rank as important SDLC components -- even in the age of DevOps. Learn why they are important, how to write one and who should contribute.Continue Reading

• What is Google Cloud Coldline storage?

  Google Cloud Coldline storage is a public cloud cold storage class for infrequently accessed data.Continue Reading

• What is the Universal Service Fund (USF)?

  The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a United States government program that supports telecommunications access and affordability in rural and low-income communities.Continue Reading

• What is Google Cloud Nearline storage?

  Google Cloud Nearline storage is a public cloud storage class intended for storing infrequently accessed data.Continue Reading

• What is replatforming and how does it work?

  Replatforming is the process of migrating an application or system from one platform to another.Continue Reading

• What is lazy loading?

  Lazy loading is a design pattern in web development that only loads necessary code components immediately, deferring nonessential components.Continue Reading

• What is cloud transformation and how do you get started?

  Cloud transformation is a migration process in which a business's IT infrastructure, data, applications and software are moved to cloud-based environments.Continue Reading

• Steps to launch an EC2 instance using AWS CloudFormation

  Admins can use AWS CloudFormation templates and resource stacks to deploy an EC2 instance using an infrastructure-as-code approach.Continue Reading

• Harnessing space-based architecture for high performance

  Space-based architecture offers the modularity of a distributed microservices architecture but with submillisecond data access times. Unsurprisingly, it comes with tradeoffs.Continue Reading

• Evaluate 7 cloud monitoring tools for networks

  Organizations use cloud monitoring tools to manage on-premises, hybrid and cloud networks. Discover the features of seven cloud monitoring tools that can enhance performance.Continue Reading

• What is hot spot/cold spot?

  A hot spot/cold spot is an undesirable, tightly focused local temperature variation that often occurs when data center equipment is improperly cooled.Continue Reading

• TOML vs. INI: Comparing configuration file formats

  Organizations are adopting TOML and INI for configuration due to their readability and simplicity. Compare the formats to see if one is best for your organization.Continue Reading

• The role of container networking in DevOps

  Containerization isn't just for DevOps teams. Network engineers often set up container networks, ensure connectivity between containers and work with container networking tools.Continue Reading

• What is Microsoft Azure and how does it work?

  Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft's public cloud computing platform.Continue Reading

• How to launch an Amazon EC2 Mac instance

  Amazon EC2 Mac instances empower macOS and iOS developers with essential capabilities for app development, testing and deployment. Discover their advantages and how to launch them.Continue Reading

• What is Hitachi Vantara?

  Hitachi Vantara is a data storage systems provider, previously known as Hitachi Data Systems (HDS).Continue Reading

• What is network downtime?

  Network downtime refers to inaccessibility to part or all of a network due to the failure of hardware, software or some combination of both.Continue Reading

• What is PSTN (public switched telephone network)?

  PSTN (public switched telephone network) is the world's collection of interconnected voice-oriented public telephone networks via traditional circuit-switched networks.Continue Reading

• What is data segregation and why is it important in the cloud?

  Data segregation, also commonly referred to as data separation, involves the policies and practices for isolating data and workloads based on specific criteria.Continue Reading

• What is quality assurance (QA)?

  Quality assurance (QA) is any systematic process of determining whether a product or service meets specified requirements.Continue Reading

• What are the types of APIs and their differences?

  Enterprises increasingly rely on APIs to interact with customers and partners. It all starts with knowing which type of API is right for your needs.Continue Reading

• What is a test case?

  A test case is a set of actions performed on a system to determine if it satisfies software requirements and functions correctly.Continue Reading

• What is cloud migration? Your guide to moving to the cloud

  Cloud migration is the process of moving data, applications or other business elements to a cloud computing environment.Continue Reading

• 13 must-know Markdown tips and tricks

  Use these tips to improve your Markdown-based documentation, streamline your approach and structure your documents.Continue Reading

• Professional Scrum Developer exam questions and answers

  Professional Scrum Developer is a highly respected certification, but it's not easy to get. Take this sample PSD exam to test yourself and see how prepared you are for the exam.Continue Reading

• What is pay-as-you-go cloud computing (PAYG cloud computing)?

  Pay-as-you-go cloud computing, or PAYG cloud computing, is a payment method for cloud computing that charges based on usage. The practice is similar to that of utility bills, using only resources that are needed.Continue Reading

• What is Google Cloud?

  Google Cloud is a suite of public cloud computing services offered by Google.Continue Reading

• What are the 5 types of network management?

  Despite the changes in how organizations optimize network performance, the five foundational elements of network management -- also known as FCAPS -- remain the same.Continue Reading

• How to create an EC2 instance from the AWS Console

  AWS has made launching EC2 instances an easy task, but there are still many steps to the result. Learn how to successfully create an EC2 instance from AWS Console.Continue Reading

• Understanding SaaS migration benefits and best practices

  Consider the four common approaches to single-tenant and multi-tenant SaaS migration and get a good grasp on tradeoffs and challenges before making a move.Continue Reading

• How PowerShell can automate Hyper-V deployments

  This tutorial explains the basics of how to build a proper template to stand up a Hyper-V VM with a script, then go further with advanced configurations for smoother deployments.Continue Reading

• Linux text editor tips for cloud admins using Vim and Nano

  Vim and Nano are common Linux text editors that can help cloud admins manage cloud-based Linux VMs. While the tools might seem overwhelming, a few basic skills can go a long way.Continue Reading

• What is Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification?

  Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is a series of technical certifications for senior networking professionals who design, build, implement, maintain and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking infrastructures.Continue Reading

• 11 cloud migration benefits to know before making the move

  The cloud's benefits are well established, but it's still useful to keep the biggest ones in mind before going through the trouble of moving on-premises systems to the cloud.Continue Reading

• The purpose of route poisoning in networking

  Route poisoning is an effective way of stopping routers from sending data packets across bad links and stop routing loops. This limits delays and creates a more stable network.Continue Reading

• Block vs. file vs. object storage: Differences explained

  Object storage has surged in popularity, but block and file still have clearly defined uses. Access, metadata and performance are among admins' key considerations.Continue Reading

• Webhook vs. API: Which mechanism is better?

  Moving data in one direction? Choose a webhook. Need applications to communicate with each other? Use an API. But first, compare both methods in function, cost, security and more.Continue Reading

• What is cloud testing? An introduction to testing in the cloud

  Cloud testing is the process of using the cloud computing resources of a third-party service provider to test software applications.Continue Reading

• The 5 Scrum events explained

  Scrum consists of four formal events for inspection and adaptation within one containing event -- the sprint. Learn how to execute each event in this framework.Continue Reading

• What is SaaS (software as a service)?

  Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a cloud provider hosts applications and makes them available to end users over the internet.Continue Reading

• What is a software requirements specification (SRS)?

  A software requirements specification (SRS) is a comprehensive description of the intended purpose and environment for software under development.Continue Reading

• Cloud visibility: Definition, importance and challenges

  Cloud visibility is a company's ability to monitor, track and gain insight into its cloud infrastructure and resources.Continue Reading

• What is distributed cloud and how does it work?

  Distributed cloud is public cloud -- any third-party cloud computing service offered over public internet -- deployed in more than one location, ideally in proximity to whoever or whatever wants to access it.Continue Reading

• Immutable storage: What it is, why it's used and how it works

  A major benefit of immutable storage is insurance against many forms of data loss, such as malicious deletion. It's not infallible, but positives outweigh the potential drawbacks.Continue Reading

• What is a cloud-native application?

  A cloud-native application is a program that is designed for a cloud computing architecture. These applications are run and hosted in the cloud and are designed to capitalize on the inherent characteristics of a cloud computing software delivery ...Continue Reading

• 13 application performance metrics and how to measure them

  You've deployed your application, now what? Keep your application performing well by tracking metrics. Take a look at these 13 critical KPIs.Continue Reading

• What is a configuration file?

  A configuration file, often shortened to config file, defines the parameters, options, settings and preferences applied to operating systems (OSes), infrastructure devices and applications in an IT context.Continue Reading

• What is a cloud server?

  A cloud server is a virtual server that operates in a cloud computing environment and makes its resources accessible to users remotely over a network.Continue Reading

• What is web application (web apps) and its benefits?

  A web application (web app) is an application program that is stored on a remote server and delivered over the internet through a browser interface.Continue Reading

• What is an application architecture?

  An application architecture is a structural map of how a software application is assembled and how applications interact with each other to meet business or user requirements.Continue Reading

• What is a shell script and how does it work?

  A shell script is a text file that contains a sequence of commands for a Unix-based operating system (OS).Continue Reading

• Understand the power usage effectiveness metric

  Data center admins must monitor power efficiency through PUE metrics. There are three PUE levels, with PUE 1.0 as the best. However, various conditions can impact the rating.Continue Reading

• Scrum master responsibilities: What does a Scrum master do?

  While the title may sound authoritative, Scrum masters have little control over their team. So, what exactly does a Scrum master do? The answer might surprise you.Continue Reading

• What is Cisco Performance Routing (PfR)?

  Cisco Performance Routing (PfR) is a way of sending network packets based on intelligent path control.Continue Reading

• What is a Waterfall model? Definition and guide

  The Waterfall model is a linear, sequential approach to the software development lifecycle (SDLC) that is popular in software engineering and product development.Continue Reading

• Managed identity vs. service principal for Azure apps

  Managed identities automate identity management for Azure-native applications, while service principals are ideal for external applications that need access to Azure resources.Continue Reading

• Webhooks explained simply, with examples

  Webhooks make significant use of basic API call mechanisms and set event triggers in a few clicks of a button -- all without the overhead of heavy request-response structures.Continue Reading

• Ultimate Markdown guide: 5 rules to know

  Markdown is crucial to documentation writers. Learn the vendor-based variations and several basic formatting rules to get started with this potent markup language.Continue Reading

• An introduction to a cross-cloud strategy

  A cross-cloud strategy enables enterprises to run the same workload in different cloud environments simultaneously. This is beneficial for resilience, flexibility and performance.Continue Reading

• Managing complexity: Event-driven architecture explained

  Event-driven architecture is complex, but so are today's data challenges. Discover ways to manage dynamic and distributed interactions in this EDA explainer.Continue Reading

• Physical vs. virtual memory: How the two types compare

  Physical memory wasn't enough for storage systems. Computer architects created virtual memory to ease the performance burden and work alongside the physical form.Continue Reading

• 10 key characteristics of cloud computing

  Evaluate how these 10 characteristics of cloud computing, such as on-demand self-service and broad network access, can help you become a more nimble and cost-effective business.Continue Reading

• Why does DNS use TCP Port 53 and UDP Port 53?

  DNS uses both TCP and UDP ports to maintain consistent and reliable network performance. TCP provides zone transfers, while UDP handles name resolution queries and responses.Continue Reading

• What is cloud compliance and why is it important?

  Cloud compliance ensures the safe and secure use and storage of data through strict adherence to existing cloud computing rules and guidelines, including applicable federal or international laws and regulatory compliance, as well as industry ...Continue Reading

• What is AIOps (artificial intelligence for IT operations)?

  Artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) is an umbrella term for the use of big data analytics, machine learning (ML) and other AI technologies to automate and enhance IT operations.Continue Reading

• What is cloud architecture? Design and implementation

  Cloud architecture is how infrastructure components are connected and configured to create a suitable cloud computing environment for the performance, reliability and scalability needed to host user workloads and data.Continue Reading

• 8 microservices best practices to remember

  From integrating domain-driven design to securing APIs, explore a range of microservices best practices for building a resilient and scalable application.Continue Reading

• Logical vs. physical topology: What's the difference?

  A complete network topology is a network map that provides a look into the network's hardware components and data flow using physical and logical topologies.Continue Reading

• What is a MAC address and how do I find it?

  A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network.Continue Reading

• Quiz yourself on cloud computing basics

  To grasp a technology, it's best to start with the basics. Take this brief cloud computing quiz to gauge your knowledge of providers, deployment models and other 101-level topics.Continue Reading

• What is cloud sprawl?

  Cloud sprawl is the uncontrolled proliferation of an organization's cloud instances, services or providers.Continue Reading

• What is hyperscale cloud? Computing and data center uses explained

  A hyperscale cloud is an extensive, scalable cloud computing operation that employs numerous hyperscale data centers.Continue Reading

• What is Jira?

  Jira is an application lifecycle management (ALM) and Agile project management tool from Atlassian.Continue Reading

• A cloud services cheat sheet for AWS, Azure and Google Cloud

  Can't make heads or tails of Amazon, Microsoft and Google cloud offerings? Use this list to help start your analysis of what's available from the largest cloud providers.Continue Reading

• What is Apache JMeter?

  Apache JMeter is open source software for load testing applications and measuring their performance.Continue Reading

• What is integration testing (I&T)?

  Integration testing -- also known as integration and testing or I&T -- is a type of software testing in which the different units, modules or components of a software application are tested as a combined entity.Continue Reading

• What is an application?

  An application, also referred to as an application program or application software, is a computer software package that performs a specific function directly for an end user or, in some cases, for another application.Continue Reading

• What is alpha testing?

  Alpha testing is the initial phase of validating whether a new product will perform as expected.Continue Reading

• What is C (programming language)?

  The C programming language is a procedural and general-purpose language that provides low-level access to system memory.Continue Reading

• What is a product owner?

  A product owner is a role on a Scrum team that is responsible for the project's outcome.Continue Reading

• What is a 3-tier application architecture?

  A three-tier application architecture is a modular client-server architecture that consists of a presentation tier, an application tier and a data tier.Continue Reading

• What is acceptance testing?

  Acceptance testing is a quality assurance (QA) process that determines to what degree an application meets end users' approval.Continue Reading

• What is multi-cloud? Definition, pros and cons

  Multi-cloud is an approach to cloud computing that involves combining two or more cloud services from different providers.Continue Reading

• Rust vs. Python: Strengths, challenges and use cases

  This Rust vs. Python faceoff breaks down how the two programming languages stack up against each other in terms of performance, speed, memory management and more.Continue Reading

• The cloud shared responsibility model for IaaS, PaaS and SaaS

  The shared responsibility model defines cloud security, but it changes for IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. Explore the ins and outs of cloud security and what your company is responsible for.Continue Reading