Manage

Manage

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• Deploy a VM from a template with VMware PowerCLI

  Quickly create and deploy VMs from templates using Packer or PowerCLI rather than doing so from scratch via installation media. This helpful how-to walks you through the steps. Continue Reading

• 10 tips to approach IT operations processes with confidence

  Stuck in the NOC over the holidays? To pass the time, improve your ability to plan projects and quash production infrastructure incidents with confidence. Continue Reading

• See how file system structure can drag down NVMe performance

  Find out what matters when it comes to file system design and how to prevent file systems from becoming bottlenecks to achieving optimal performance in NVMe-based storage systems. Continue Reading

• Bookmark 10 popular tips on containers and Kubernetes

  Should we go with an open source or commercial option? What about DevOps? These 10 essential tips explain how containers fit into complex modern IT environments. Continue Reading

• Secure data in the cloud with encryption and access controls

  Enterprises can't rely on their IaaS provider to protect sensitive information in the cloud. Implement these data security techniques to mitigate potential risks. Continue Reading

• 3 ways to minimize critical container vulnerabilities

  Containers are complex, and it takes some work to keep your container components and images safe from attack. Here are three critical container development security practices.Continue Reading

• Weigh your AWS database options before a migration

  A database migration can be quite messy. Determine your requirements and whether native Amazon services can meet them before you do a complete on-prem database teardown.Continue Reading

• Without DevOps metrics, forget about DevOps glory

  DevOps doesn't provide easy comparison points to quantify improvements. So how do you know if you're on the path to success or just spinning your wheels?Continue Reading

• A configuration management plan can unite tools and teams

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• How to prevent swap usage from hurting your NVMe devices

  Overuse of swap files can cut into the life span of your organization's NVMe-based drives. Find out how to monitor and limit swapping on your Linux systems.Continue Reading

• Discover the top Windows Server and PowerShell tutorials of 2018

  Administrators can level up their management game with these Windows Server tips and PowerShell tutorials that got the most attention on the SearchWindowsServer site in 2018.Continue Reading

• Use T3 instances for burstable workloads -- cautiously

  AWS' burstable VMs can save money for certain workloads, but tread lightly, as users can also get stung by overage charges, particularly with the latest generation.Continue Reading

• 5 tips to help effectively manage container components

  The layered approach is commonly used with Docker containers, but it's important to keep container components under control. Here are five crucial tips.Continue Reading

• 5 software development trends propel innovation in 2019

  Get ready to jettison your comfort zone and dive into shift-right testing, IoT development and other emerging skill and coverage areas for software developers and testers.Continue Reading

• Manage Salt minions in large environments in symphony

  IT organizations must create, enforce and update configurations in a standardized manner. Learn how to direct Salt minions to install software without repetitive manual work.Continue Reading

• 8 multi-cloud storage strategies that target performance

  Performance is an important aspect of using multiple clouds for storage but may take a back seat to the technology's other benefits. Are you missing out?Continue Reading

• Use Puppet for Windows ops automation with dsc_lite

  With DSC and dsc_lite, as well as a native option, users operate in Puppet within the familiarity of PowerShell settings. Here's how each approach works.Continue Reading

• How can organizations improve their network change management?

  Organizations can optimize their network change management processes with dedicated change management services for improved planning, monitoring and communication capabilities.Continue Reading

• DynamoDB pricing option makes it a go-to for serverless apps

  DynamoDB had its drawbacks, but the addition of on-demand billing and ACID transactions makes it a solid database option for serverless applications.Continue Reading

• Foster cross-team collaboration with IM, mind maps and more

  Build a collaborative workspace that's more than just an HR slogan. These tools get teams to talk and tackle problems together.Continue Reading

• AIOps use cases address complexity in virtual data centers

  The ever-growing complexity of virtual infrastructures is making management a struggle, but an AIOps platform can enable admins to transform raw data into useful information.Continue Reading

• Put your IT disaster recovery plan to the test

  Operations teams need to make DR planning and preparation a priority every day of the year -- not just at test time. Here's how to keep apps and systems out of harm's way.Continue Reading

• 10 critical multi-cloud and edge computing storage questions

  Combining edge-to-cloud computing with data storage is riddled with complexities. Luckily, there are steps to take that can help avoid a storage management disaster.Continue Reading

• 3 tips for managing multi-cloud network architectures

  By correlating network events, understanding network paths and crafting detailed exception reports, network managers can get a handle on their multi-cloud environments.Continue Reading

• How to use microservices to manage serverless APIs

  Monolithic applications may be a little bit heavy for development of serverless APIs, but microservices can make all the difference. Here's how to make it work.Continue Reading

• 5 best ways to minimize cloud scaling costs

  Many factors can contribute to a high public cloud bill -- one of which is scalability. Apply these five practices to effectively scale cloud resources without breaking the bank.Continue Reading

• Third-party partners fill gaps in AWS' multi-cloud support

  Even if AWS lags behind Microsoft and Google on its public embrace of multi-cloud, there are tools and services available for users who want to go that route.Continue Reading

• How to use Azure Site Recovery Deployment Planner

  A successful disaster recovery procedure is more complicated than most people think. Learn how an Azure service can streamline the process of VM replication and failover.Continue Reading

• IBM multi-cloud portfolio grows with more tools, acquisitions

  IBM continues to build out its multi-cloud management portfolio, but it's still far from alone in a highly competitive market.Continue Reading

• Meet data center compliance standards in hybrid deployments

  Data center compliance is a moving target that shifts with standards and technologies. Don't get sidetracked by the complexity -- prioritize performance while maintaining compliance.Continue Reading

• Simple-to-automate IT tasks: Stop doing these 3 things

  There are certain tasks that no IT ops administrator should still do manually. No more excuses -- take these easy operations processes off your plate, and let scripts or tools take over.Continue Reading

• Compare Docker containers vs. VMs for app dev environments

  While there are important technical distinctions between VMs and containers, the reasons developers opt for the latter are often more philosophical, or cultural, in nature.Continue Reading

• Ways to partially implement Agile and still get results

  Pair programming, iterative workflows, timeboxed builds and other Agile tenets benefit app dev teams. Here's how to incorporate Agile practices and culture with minimal disruption.Continue Reading

• Is read-only mode a viable approach to container hardening?

  Can containers work in read-only mode, and how does this setup make a difference in security hardening?Continue Reading

• Discover practical applications of machine learning on AWS

  Many organizations still don't know how to get value out of AI, but industries ranging from finance to manufacturing have found practical applications for Amazon SageMaker.Continue Reading

• Assess native cloud monitoring tools from top IaaS providers

  Monitoring tools from Google, AWS and Azure all share a common goal: help developers optimize application performance. But they also have key differences that users should note.Continue Reading

• How mainframe maintenance intersects with x86 server upkeep

  Mainframe maintenance overlaps with some x86 server upkeep tasks. Patching and storage management play a role in keeping mainframes up to date.Continue Reading

• Try this Chocolatey tutorial to pick up Vagrant provisioning for Windows

  To install a Linux-based tool on a non-Linux machine, at least one intermediary tool is necessary. On Windows, use the Chocolatey package manager for a smooth process.Continue Reading

• Design data center redundancy based on cloud outage lessons

  Public cloud providers have had catastrophic outages, but IT administrators can learn from cloud redundancy failures and successes -- and apply them to on-premises infrastructures.Continue Reading

• Why teams create DevOps platforms to match projects

  Prebuilt platforms offer a wealth of capabilities without the hassle to integrate everything. But cherry-picking for exact needs yields tighter resource management.Continue Reading

• Control resource sprawl in multi-cloud architectures

  Resource sprawl can occur quickly and easily in a multi-cloud deployment. Learn how to dodge this costly, yet common, issue with these five best practices.Continue Reading

• 8 steps to effective multi-cloud cost management

  Strategic thinking and careful planning can help you squeeze the maximum value out of your multi-cloud environment. Here are eight tips to help you get started.Continue Reading

• Boost DevOps cred with script management in Git version control

  DevOps teams use configuration management to automate patches and provisioning. They use version control to increase collaboration and change control. Learn how to combine the two.Continue Reading

• Big picture QA testing skills foster better app usability

  As companies wrestle to fit QA into budgets, keep in mind the skills that human testers provide -- from customer satisfaction to disaster prevention.Continue Reading

• Snowball Edge enhances data migration to AWS

  Enterprises use Snowball to speed data migrations, but the portable appliance has its limitations. With its newer Edge devices, AWS added compute capabilities to address that.Continue Reading

• Use Active Directory for testing environments in DevOps shops

  AD enables admins to create testing environments almost identical to production environments through duplicated trees, interconnected forests and authentication best practices.Continue Reading

• 6 emerging technologies that belong in an IT operations plan

  A penny saved is a penny earned. But when it comes to AI, specialized compute engines and these other key emerging IT operations areas, a penny saved today is a dollar wasted -- or worse -- in the future.Continue Reading

• Combat algorithm bias with these software test pointers

  As AI penetrates all kinds of software, it's imperative that testers devise a plan to verify predictive results. Put QA professionals on task to root out AI bias.Continue Reading

• Prioritize UX in a serverless mobile app framework

  There's no universal approach to incorporate serverless functionality into mobile app development. Cloud tools and serverless elements can complicate a deployment.Continue Reading

• Public cloud workload success requires IT leadership

  IT must change with the times and adapt to the reality that others within the organization can now procure and provision cloud resources without their input.Continue Reading

• Automated data management is a crucial part of IT's future

  Automating data management will play an important role in helping us cope with the coming zettabyte apocalypse, a time when the amount of data generated will overwhelm storage resources.Continue Reading

• How PowerShell Direct helps polish off those VMs

  PowerShell Direct offers administrators a remoting option that does not rely on a network connection to manage Hyper-V VMs, but be sure you meet the requirements for its use.Continue Reading

• Storage administrator skills and jobs in the age of convergence

  Simpler data centers can complicate the lives of IT pros with specialized skills, such as storage admins. But they can still thrive by specializing further or becoming generalists.Continue Reading

• Information storage on the cloud is often the way to go nowadays

  Base your decision on where to park your business's critical data and apps on where they can be most effectively accessed and used. For enterprises today, that's frequently the cloud.Continue Reading

• Why more enterprises choose to park information on cloud platforms

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• 5 fundamental steps of managing APIs

  API management is undeniably essential, but it requires a comprehensive plan. Here are the five steps of an API management strategy and advice on how to complete each one.Continue Reading

• Test yourself on the challenges of microservices security

  Think you know what complicates microservices security and what precautions to take to maximize protection? Challenge yourself, and take this quiz to find out.Continue Reading

• Azure Reserved Instances boost flexibility around VM size

  A recent Azure update for Reserved Instances offers enterprises increased flexibility in terms of VM size, but it also comes with some additional management tasks.Continue Reading

• AWS container services set for next steps

  AWS' container line-up doesn't differ much from the competition today, but expect the cloud provider to expand its offerings and integrate with serverless platforms such as Lambda.Continue Reading

• It's time to automate the help desk ticketing system

  The help desk is no admin's favorite job -- and no user's favorite place. But with a little automation and AI, the help desk can become a more palatable experience for both parties.Continue Reading

• Support for SaaS applications demands a hands-on approach

  While they reduce some management burdens for enterprise IT teams, SaaS apps don't exactly run on autopilot, either. Be sure to put a proper support model in place.Continue Reading

• A quick primer on microservices load balancing

  Work distribution in microservices is tricky; without the right strategy, you risk that workloads won't scale effectively. Here's how to nail down load balancing for microservices.Continue Reading

• Construct a better build-deploy pipeline with these 6 measures

  Developers can launch code to production faster than ever, and still do it safely, with careful attention to the build-deploy pipeline, tests and monitoring metrics.Continue Reading

• Use Microsoft SCVMM to clone a VM

  There are some requirements you must meet to clone VMs with SCVMM, but the steps to clone an existing VM -- whether it's running, paused or shutdown -- are fairly simple.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN and SLAs: Why crafting internal SLAs is a smart move

  IT teams can use SD-WAN to keep track of network performance, upping the possibility to create and enforce internal SLAs that better reflect business requirements.Continue Reading

• 3 virtualization infrastructure design rules to shape your deployment

  Admins can improve virtual infrastructure design by focusing their deployments on transparency and flexibility and critically evaluating emerging technologies.Continue Reading

• Cloud and containers rewrite monitoring and management rulebooks

  IT performance management is tricky when it stretches as big as the public cloud and scrunches as small as a microservice. IT ops techniques must change to keep up.Continue Reading

• DevOps metrics point to fast releases, open source adoption

  You can always be better at DevOps. Assess these metrics from a variety of DevOps teams to see where you could stand to improve -- and give your team some positive reinforcement.Continue Reading

• Quantum supremacy and the path to encryption chaos

  Widespread use of quantum computing isn't as far into the future as some might think. When it arrives, this powerful computing technology could turn IT security upside down.Continue Reading

• Some tricks to help manage load balancing in microservices

  Load balancing is a critical, and potentially thorny, part of cloud-native microservices management. Consider these methods and tools that can help address these challenges.Continue Reading

• Keep IT project planning on track with 5 principles

  Whether you're a seasoned IT vet about to take on the biggest project yet or a new team member spearheading an important build, follow a project planning approach that limits scope and hits goals.Continue Reading

• Direct NVMe performance with virtualization and storage tiers

  Non-volatile memory express technologies have a host of benefits, but admins must use virtualization and storage tiers to best target NVMe performance boosts.Continue Reading

• How to make automation part of your microservices security

  It's not ideal to manually test and secure a microservices environment. Consider automation tools when you need to fortify your microservices security plan.Continue Reading

• Network monitoring systems best practices include centralized data

  With the help of a centralized data store and modeling language, network monitoring systems can both separate and unify data collection and analysis functions.Continue Reading

• 4 switch ASIC interfaces to drive SDN and machine learning growth

  Learn how four interfaces that are designed to control switch ASICs and packet forwarding can help accelerate developments in SDN and machine learning.Continue Reading

• A look at fundamental Linux sed commands

  The Linux stream editor is a useful way to run scripts in the data center. With these command examples, you can start to build your familiarity with sed.Continue Reading

• 3 ways to prep microservices applications for big data

  It's easy for the expansion of big data to spin out of control in a distributed architecture. Think carefully about database management to avoid performance-killing bottlenecks.Continue Reading

• Continuous testing in Agile means less work, more coverage

  Rather than ride the turbulent roller coaster of testing bottlenecks and uncontrolled code updates, go on the steadily paced continuous testing Ferris wheel.Continue Reading

• NVMe-oF fends off scale-out storage challenges

  NVMe over Fabrics has proven to be a useful fix for the problems faced by scale-out storage architectures, and vendors and users alike are taking notice.Continue Reading

• What are some useful remote server management tools?

  Choosing software for remote server monitoring and maintenance depends on organizational and administrative needs. Here are a few programs to include in your search.Continue Reading

• Minimize downtime during a data center upgrade

  End users don't want their productivity interrupted by IT maintenance. With the right technology, testing and planning, you can reduce or eliminate downtime in the data center.Continue Reading

• How to manage Active Directory groups with 7 PowerShell commands

  Managing users, devices and other resources with Active Directory doesn't always require a GUI tool. Try PowerShell to streamline some of your administrative workload.Continue Reading

• What do I need to know about remote server management?

  The ability to manage servers requires evaluating WAN connection options, available repair staff and software capabilities. This tip offers insight into how it all comes together.Continue Reading

• Incorporate NIST security and virtualization recommendations

  Review NIST virtualization security recommendations with this overview of hypervisor security guidelines, including tips on VM lifecycles and hypervisor platform management.Continue Reading

• Tame the virtualization infrastructure management beast

  IT administrators must manage virtual infrastructure requirements, such as patches, reboots and component lifecycles, to create and maintain an efficient data center.Continue Reading

• Maximize cloud storage benefits with cloud-native data

  A cloud storage strategy must acknowledge that storage is but one part of cloud use and involves storage and compute, as well as data that's accessible to all cloud resources.Continue Reading

• StorOne storage is set to disrupt the software-defined market

  StorOne's TRU Storage technology raises the bar for software-defined storage by gathering together universal pools of storage across disparate hardware that any workload can use.Continue Reading

• IT migration success hinges on minimizing downtime

  Data, software and hardware migration projects should, but don't always, fully exploit the features and settings of the new environment and minimize application downtime.Continue Reading

• Improve infrastructure performance with these compute and data tips

  Perpetual hunger for better and faster application performance often requires reducing latency by either moving the data to the compute or the compute to the data, but which one?Continue Reading

• Yes, a true private cloud can now be built

  Forget everything you've heard about private cloud storage and start over with a true set of building blocks designed to let you create a public cloud-like infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Break the performance bottleneck with these storage, network tips

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• Enterprise value streams' role in a software delivery model

  Do software delivery teams overstress speed and discount value? Mik Kersten, CEO of Tasktop, which produces value stream tools, shares his thoughts in this Test and Release episode.Continue Reading

• Unlock distributed analytics with a microservices approach

  Mobility creates distributed computing environments, which lead to a scenario where some of the older analytics processes are no longer useful. Distributed analytics with microservices can help.Continue Reading

• SQL Server deal portends problems with AWS BYOL approach

  A BYOL approach gives enterprises flexibility with their cloud vendors, but be sure to have an exit strategy in case any licensing agreements come to end.Continue Reading

• The first 5 steps to build a private cloud infrastructure

  To implement a private cloud, IT teams must start at the beginning -- and define what a cloud strategy will mean, exactly, to their organization -- before they proceed.Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking security involves 3 factors

  Software-defined networking security requires IT teams to ensure data confidentiality, the integrity of the network and the availability of network services, along with compliance.Continue Reading

• Cost management the next big issue in multi-cloud computing

  Multi-cloud computing continues to make its way into the enterprises and, as it does, introduces some significant cost management challenges.Continue Reading

• Design a custom Hyper-V Integration Services component

  The steps for creating a new component of Hyper-V Integration Services include registering an app, creating and binding a Hyper-V socket, and compiling server and client apps.Continue Reading

• Craft an integration testing plan with quality before quantity

  When it comes to integration testing, the end user is more important than the test volume. Increase test efficiency to please both application users and owners.Continue Reading

• Plan ahead for traffic spikes with AWS CDN

  While Amazon CloudFront can make traffic spikes more manageable, IT teams still need to carefully prepare their environment for these increases in user activity.Continue Reading