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Manage

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• AppDefense adoption reconstructs the virtual admin role

  Security is critical to many organizations' planning stages, with virtual admins seeing additional security responsibilities as weaknesses in security teams' capabilities emerge. Continue Reading

• Build an effective SD-WAN security strategy at the branch

  Don't deploy SD-WAN without a solid network security strategy. IT teams should address four specific areas to ensure adequate security and protection against network threats. Continue Reading

• VMware and Oracle join forces to ease management for customers

  Despite a rocky past, VMware and Oracle have come together to enable customers to run VMware workloads on Oracle cloud infrastructures and Oracle cloud apps on VCF. Continue Reading

• Why it's time to take IT burnout seriously

  Disengaged or apathetic employees are a sign of weak culture -- not weak people. In this podcast, Dr. Christina Maslach shares what IT job burnout looks like and how to address it. Continue Reading

• How to improve code quality, from teamwork to AI features

  Development teams must enforce code quality from day one. Take a multifaceted approach to write, and then manage, secure application code with this advice from experts. Continue Reading

• Increase security visibility with network automation tasks

  IT teams can set up automation tasks that generate security reports about network traffic data. These read-only dashboards are useful for executives that ask for system updates.Continue Reading

• Back up VMware environments with these best practices and tips

  When you back up a VMware environment, use best practices to guide you, and weigh pros and cons of different methods. You can also automate backups and use third-party tools.Continue Reading

• Talking magnetic tape for storage with Quantum

  Mark Pastor of Quantum speaks in this Q&A about tape's advancements and uses, as well as challenges in the market, including 'old perceptions' of tape.Continue Reading

• How to manage Server Core with PowerShell

  New PowerShell users will need to overcome a learning curve to work with Server Core, but the tool has some built-in aids to help you progress.Continue Reading

• Use CloudWatch Container Insights to troubleshoot ECS, EKS

  Ensure container-based apps run properly in AWS with CloudWatch Container Insights. Discover how to set up and use this feature for detailed assessments of ECS or EKS workloads.Continue Reading

• Conduct an incident post-mortem for ongoing DevOps improvement

  A thorough and effective post-mortem process can strengthen a DevOps organization -- but first, teams must be ready to dig deep and leave blame behind.Continue Reading

• Fintech company goes all in on SD-WAN 2.0 with Versa tech

  In the age of hybrid and multi-cloud environments, software-defined WAN technology must do more than just connect branch locations to data centers. Enter SD-WAN 2.0.Continue Reading

• Licensing changes reveal Microsoft's cloud strategy

  IT analysts share insights on the Microsoft licensing updates, and what it says about the on-premises giant's push for Azure adoption and the impact on current and future workloads.Continue Reading

• A look at HCI hardware maintenance

  Resource forecasting, capacity planning and upgrade compatibility are essential components of hyper-converged infrastructure maintenance. Learn why admins must implement them.Continue Reading

• Mistakes to avoid in low-code app development

  Yes, low-code tools look easy to use. In certain situations, they are a great option. That doesn't mean users can't mess up if they're not careful.Continue Reading

• A low-code platform can do a lot, but it has limits

  If you're ready to jump into low-code development, you'll want to know what these platforms can help you accomplish and how to sidestep common troubles.Continue Reading

• Explore SCVMM features for VM deployment and management

  SCVMM can help admins better manage their virtualization stacks by providing VM networking diagrams and templates, but there are certain requirements admins must meet before use.Continue Reading

• 3 SD-WAN best practices before deployment

  When planning an SD-WAN deployment, some best practices include evaluating your business model, testing the product and establishing vendor support guidelines.Continue Reading

• 5 ways container data storage can lower costs

  Embracing data storage containers within your organization could help cut storage costs, end wasteful business practices and streamline your storage operations.Continue Reading

• Implement edge virtualization to ease device management

  Virtualization at the edge offers pros and cons. By virtualizing edge devices, admins can use a familiar management platform for devices both in and out of the data center.Continue Reading

• Convert a VM to a Docker image for speed and convenience

  In this excerpt from Chapter 3 of 'Docker in Practice, Second Edition,' authors Ian Miell and Aidan Hobson Sayers discuss how and why to use Docker as a lightweight VM.Continue Reading

• Learn the basics of ACI network technology

  Application-centric infrastructure is one way to support an SDN setup. By learning the basics, admins can manage networks with automation and data abstraction.Continue Reading

• VMware security best practices guide

  Without the proper security, you could put your entire VMware environment at risk. These best practices can keep your hosts and VMs safe from potential attacks.Continue Reading

• How to maintain your hyper-converged data center

  Data center managers can run HCI once it's out of the box, but the technology still requires performance monitoring and support to bring IT benefits to the organization.Continue Reading

• Continuous HCI platform maintenance ensures system health

  These best practices will help data center managers keep their hyper-converged platform in tip-top shape and make the process of deploying future updates simpler.Continue Reading

• Utilize AI for cloud cost optimization

  The sticker shock of cloud bills is still a pain point for enterprises. Providers are looking to AI to fix the problem, but can this technology actually meet customers' needs?Continue Reading

• 10 tips for effective change management in Agile

  Agile development encourages product owners to address customer needs through change. Follow these 10 tips for change requests and management practices that keep projects on track.Continue Reading

• The best Agile architects write code

  To be a better software architect, brush up on programming skills and write code. See how Agile architects help developers and make projects better when they dabble in coding.Continue Reading

• 4 vital UX testing methods for concept through development

  Don't rely on a single UX test, and don't create an overloaded bottleneck that delays development. Instead, deploy these four UX assessments iteratively and often.Continue Reading

• Cloud adoption a catalyst for IT modernization in many orgs

  Sloppy and insecure IT procedures that had been overlooked before the cloud arrived must evolve with the times to prevent data exposure and system breaches.Continue Reading

• A DevOps pipeline works only when the tooling works

  A DevOps toolchain needs to help IT people do their job, sure. But to do that, it also needs to provide useful glimpses into the process so that everyone is in the loop.Continue Reading

• Build a DevOps toolchain that's efficient and effective

  Is it possible to create a DevOps toolchain that meets the needs of developers, IT operations teams and business staffers? Here's how to devise a strategy.Continue Reading

• Secure VMware environments with these tools and tips

  VMware security relies on products such as AppDefense and NSX, as well as the vigilance of admins. Certain acquisitions bring additional security measures into play.Continue Reading

• Reduce AWS operational issues with OpsCenter

  Centralize operations on AWS with Systems Manager OpsCenter. Learn how to create OpsItems, connect them to AWS resources and solve operations issues in your AWS environment.Continue Reading

• Transform network management with a network automation strategy

  Enterprises can employ a network automation strategy to provide some stability for network management and monitoring. Automation, however, still requires some hard work.Continue Reading

• Improve server rack physical security with ISO standards

  Safeguarding information access is essential to data center operations. With ISO Standard 27001 and the right locking mechanisms, you can prevent a security breach at the server hardware level.Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI deployment, management options?

  While the Windows Admin Center is one way to manage the Azure Stack HCI platform, you can also use traditional, battle-tested tools.Continue Reading

• 5 steps to follow in a network security audit checklist

  Planning, execution, analysis, reporting and follow-up are the basic elements of a network security audit checklist. But coordination among IT teams is also important.Continue Reading

• Top 3 network security threats and how to protect against them

  Enterprise networks are seemingly always under attack. Learn about the most common network security threats and what protections you should have in place.Continue Reading

• Examine the major vSphere 6.7 updates you'll see in U3

  VMware's most recent update to vSphere -- vSphere 6.7 U3 -- supports several technologies such as Zen 2 processors and includes features such as vmx-15.Continue Reading

• How to tame ever-changing requirements in software development

  When one sprint ends, another begins -- but not before you receive a heaping new pile of requirements. Here's how to deal with requirements changes efficiently, every time, any time.Continue Reading

• Cloud repatriation from the storage experts' point of view

  Four industry experts discuss whether enterprises are really bringing data back from the public cloud, what's driving this trend and where it's headed.Continue Reading

• Security, business agility kindle network automation adoption

  IT teams are confused by the multiple automation strategies available, but they're still adopting automation with hopes it will benefit network security and agility.Continue Reading

• Top tips for moving workloads to hyper-converged technology

  Take security and management seriously when migrating workloads to HCI. Closely evaluate supporting systems -- and the applications and hyper-converged system itself --- as well.Continue Reading

• Obtain, deploy and manage Oracle VM templates

  Oracle VM templates, which come with a guest OS, application software and preset configurations, help admins streamline VM deployment, and they can set them up in just a few steps.Continue Reading

• Addendum sets ASHRAE 90.4 as energy-efficiency standard

  The publication of ASHRAE 90.4 in 2016 brought a new set of energy guidelines, but the industry still used Standard 90.1. A new addendum has changed protocol and best practices.Continue Reading

• Use an API mapping tool to demystify complex API integrations

  Whether a simple diagram or more complex model, an API mapping tool can bring order to loosely coupled application components, speed up debugging and simplify application updates.Continue Reading

• Prepare for Windows Server 2008 end of life

  Admins must prepare their workloads for the Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 end of support. Otherwise, they risk the possibility of significant security breaches.Continue Reading

• How to realize the benefits of software-defined infrastructure

  Software-based infrastructure and services can streamline management and application data. Before you add them to your data center, consider workload needs and existing hardware.Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI features?

  An Azure Stack HCI system relies on Windows Server 2019 to deliver the software-defined compute, storage and networking technologies that integrate with the OEM hardware.Continue Reading

• How do I create proper documentation of network automation?

  Despite network automation's advantages, organizations can face disadvantages if they have improper network documentation. These four components can help enable proper documentation.Continue Reading

• Automation improves firewall migration and network security

  Firewall migration is a compelling automation use case, as automation scripts can shorten the migration process, eliminate unused rules and bolster overall network security.Continue Reading

• How to plan for an Azure cloud migration

  A Windows Server migration into the Microsoft cloud comes with several administrative benefits, but it also means there are new management aspects to worry about.Continue Reading

• Implement a DevSecOps pipeline to boost releases' security posture

  Break security out of its silo, and get the whole team on board to create a culture of quality with the right tools at the right time -- and stop blindly rushing to release.Continue Reading

• AWS Ground Station aims to lower satellite data costs

  AWS Ground Station is Amazon's foray into satellite communications. Learn how one data and analytics company is using this satellite data transmission service.Continue Reading

• An Azure subscription management how-to

  Subscriptions are not as black and white as they seem. Review the concepts, roles and challenges involved when planning and managing subscriptions for Azure.Continue Reading

• 4 essential components to edge data center maintenance

  Security, connectivity and remote management are integral parts of any edge architecture. Here's how to include them in your infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Tips to use for microservices in mobile app development

  With mobile apps dominating enterprise customer interactions, developers must dig into microservices architectures, brush up on programming skills and decipher business requirements.Continue Reading

• Use centralized encryption methods in large-scale IT environments

  Whether data is stored in a VM or in the cloud, centralized encryption key management is critical to prevent theft and protect data from unwanted eyes.Continue Reading

• 5 key ways to fulfill the role of QA in DevOps

  DevOps teams want production-ready code, which means someone in this fast-moving pipeline needs to think like a user. Enter QA, with its toolkit of exploratory tests, design review and more.Continue Reading

• Don't overlook cloud computing training

  Cloud computing offers many benefits, but companies making the transition should be aware of the time and expense required for education and training.Continue Reading

• Educate users when troubleshooting a network connection

  In this roundup of industry blogs, engineers discuss why it's helpful to teach users the basics of troubleshooting a network connection and why it's hard to simulate a network.Continue Reading

• Why DevOps underscores the importance of software testing

  There's no debating the importance of software testing. But QA should be everyone's responsibility. In this podcast, learn how to follow a team-wide approach to quality.Continue Reading

• VMware strives to integrate VMs and containers

  With products and initiatives such as VIC, PKS, Octant, Project Pacific and Tanzu, VMware aims to better integrate VMs and containers for admins and developers.Continue Reading

• Worried about storing unstructured data? You're not alone

  Most data being created today is unstructured, and storage pros often find themselves struggling to keep up. Luckily, efficient unstructured data storage is still possible.Continue Reading

• How to rebuild the SYSVOL tree using DFSR

  Active Directory is the key component in many organizations to keep tabs on access and identity. If the SYSVOL directory disappears, these steps can get the system fixed.Continue Reading

• Set up continuous compliance on AWS with Config managed rules

  It's difficult to meet cloud compliance demands with manual practices. Establish a continuous compliance posture with AWS Config managed rules and best practices.Continue Reading

• What are best practices for archiving emails?

  Archiving email is crucial to the business continuity and disaster recovery process. For example, consider how cybersecurity and cloud storage can integrate with the archiving.Continue Reading

• Enterprises want more cloud transparency

  Cloud providers have improved the visibility into their platforms, but enterprises still need more information about what goes on behind the scenes.Continue Reading

• Know your Office 365 backup options -- just in case

  A move to Exchange Online in the Office 365 platform removes some administrative obligations but does require more work to set up proper email protections.Continue Reading

• Evaluate Azure Cost Management updates post-Cloudyn acquisition

  Microsoft users have seen a number of improvements to the Azure Cost Management tool -- but there are still concerns about its support for other cloud platforms.Continue Reading

• A comprehensive guide for application migration to the cloud

  Nothing worthwhile is easy -- a mantra you'll want to remember when challenges arise during a move to the cloud. Make it easier and follow this guide to cloud migration success.Continue Reading

• Server virtualization in DevOps continues to offer advantages

  Virtualization's role in DevOps technologies continues to persevere by providing strong isolation, flexible OS options and an assortment of sophisticated tooling.Continue Reading

• How to implement GPUs for high-performance computing

  IT managers must take advantage of advances in virtualization technology, such as virtual GPUs, to efficiently manage increasingly complex data center operations.Continue Reading

• 7 HPC workload virtualization best practices

  If you are running high-performance computing workloads in a virtual environment, use our handy checklist to see if you are optimizing your environment to its fullest.Continue Reading

• Micro VMs bridge the gap between full VMs and containers

  Micro VMs address full VM and container disadvantages, all while providing a lightweight container architecture and retaining VM security for each instance.Continue Reading

• Container image size makes a difference

  IT teams ready to embark on container deployment should look closely at how developers break down and package application components. Little details will be important.Continue Reading

• Use these features and techniques to ensure Hyper-V security

  To successfully enhance the security of Hyper-V hosts and VMs, admins should consider network security, guarded fabric technology, Generation 2 VMs and Secure Boot.Continue Reading

• What IT admins need to know about cloud application patching

  When they host apps in a SaaS or PaaS environment, IT teams offload some patching duties to cloud providers. But other responsibilities become even more important.Continue Reading

• Tips and tools to achieve a serverless DevOps workflow

  Serverless functions bring the benefits of event-driven computing to a CI/CD pipeline -- but to get there, DevOps teams might need to lean heavily on services and tools from the major cloud computing providers.Continue Reading

• How to address HCI's resource provisioning challenges

  Provisioning in hyper-convergence is often imbalanced. Integrating more powerful, higher-capacity nodes with HCI software or taking a more hybrid approach can help.Continue Reading

• Invoke these 3 commandments of microservice applications

  Unlock a microservice app's potential with a three-pillared approach centered on a thorough component directory, absolute service flexibility and reliable backwards compatibility.Continue Reading

• Which programming practices alleviate code redundancy?

  WET code leaves apps bogged down. Learn how to reduce the challenges brought on by code redundancy by programming based on the DRY principle.Continue Reading

• Persistent memory in Hyper-V VMs offers better data retention

  When coupled with virtualization, persistent memory bridges the gap between traditional memory and storage devices by offering better performance and availability.Continue Reading

• Decrease legacy hardware security gaps

  Dated infrastructure poses security threats to organizations -- especially with the amount of sensitive data used today. Address these concerns with active inventory audits.Continue Reading

• Secure configuration management tasks with a certificate authority

  A CA server is a limited shield for the data that configuration management tools collect, but IT admins can use one for many tasks -- like to create custom certificates -- and boost security.Continue Reading

• Prevent VMware environment failure with a solid design

  You can mitigate the threat of failure through good VMware environment design, with practices such as creating management clusters and carefully considering host size and density.Continue Reading

• The benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and how to prepare for them

  In order to glean the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, enterprises first need to determine the best steps for a migration strategy. Two key steps are implementing more power and faster uplinks.Continue Reading

• Explore Robin hyper-converged Kubernetes for containerized apps

  Robin Systems new scalable and agile Kubernetes HCI platform aims to take the pain out of deploying and managing complex data-intensive systems in a containerized environment.Continue Reading

• GPU repurposing helps improve infrastructure cost efficiency

  A GPU's cost efficiency decreases when left idle. But, by putting GPUs to work for virtual desktop infrastructure sessions, admins can reduce costs and ensure improved performance.Continue Reading

• 3 ways to approach legacy hardware maintenance

  Budget, maintenance cycles and specialized use cases are all reasons to keep legacy hardware. Minimize costs and outages with service contracts and emulation options.Continue Reading

• Embrace an app-centric approach to monitoring in the cloud

  Cloud computing minimizes the need for IT teams to worry about infrastructure hardware -- which means their monitoring strategies can, and should, hone in on apps and the user experience.Continue Reading

• Listen and learn about QA automation, built-in quality

  Poorly designed environments and QA automation scripts impede digital transformation. In this podcast, we discuss how to stabilize a quality signal and implement continuous improvement.Continue Reading

• Match market shifts with a lightweight enterprise architecture

  Lightweight EA can streamline and refine how IT software meets business needs. See which lightweight EA toolkit route fits your team: one focused on an EA model or workflows.Continue Reading

• Digital business upends the CIO and enterprise architect role

  IDC analyst Mike Rosen explains how new digital business pursuits amplify enterprise architects and CIOs into newly amplified roles that put business goals and requirements first.Continue Reading

• Try these 5 team-building activities for software developers

  Whether it's a soft skills workshop, simulated outage exercise or in-house tech conference, these one-day events get dev teams out of a coding rut. Plan yours now.Continue Reading

• Follow these hybrid cloud infrastructure best practices

  Although a hybrid cloud approach can seem daunting, it enables enterprises to get the best of both worlds -- if managed correctly. Learn the dos and don'ts of hybrid cloud deployments.Continue Reading

• Software drives changes in network engineer skills, certifications

  Learn what network analysts think about network engineer skills and certifications in the modern networking industry. Hint: Proprietary hardware is in the rearview mirror.Continue Reading

• How to handle service downtime in the cloud age

  You know what happens when you assume. Don't set and forget those critical IT infrastructure services in the cloud without putting together a contingency plan.Continue Reading

• ICYMI: How to select and manage serverless APIs effectively

  Explore how API selection and API management in a serverless architecture can make all the difference between getting results and having your project fall flat.Continue Reading