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• How to save an Amazon EBS snapshot to S3

  I'd like to back up an Elastic Block Store volume to AWS S3. What do I have to do and what are the associated costs? Continue Reading

• Does a tester actually need test cases?

  Discover whether or not test cases are necessary in this expert answer by consultant Robin Goldsmith. Continue Reading

• Four principles for staying true to real Agile

  Over time, software teams develop their own variants of Agile. Here's how to make sure your practice remains aligned with the spirit of Agile. Continue Reading

• Can you virtualize a NetBackup master server?

  I have only seen companies deploy a NetBackup master server on a physical server. Are there any drawbacks to using a VM as a NetBackup master server? Continue Reading

• Setting up a CloudFront distribution on AWS S3

  AWS CloudFront works with a range of other services, including EC2 and S3. Follow these steps to set up a CloudFront distribution from an S3 bucket. Continue Reading

• How does RDMA work and why is it advantageous with flash?

  Remote Direct Memory Access is a good way to reduce latency in flash environments and works with InfiniBand and some Ethernet connections.Continue Reading

• What you should know about using flash to complement DRAM

  George Crump discusses emerging technology that enables using flash as memory, why it matters and its applicable use cases.Continue Reading

• Test software with persona-based requirements

  Do persona-based requirements make it easier to test software? Learn if there are tools designed to make testing software easier.Continue Reading

• How QA testers participate in the requirements definition process

  Learn how QA testers should participate in the requirements definition process in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Big data and analytics advice from an operations pro

  You don't need to employ special IT personnel for big data analytics. One company uses big data for developers to modify ads and find and adjust pain-points in a game application.Continue Reading

• How do hardware profiles work in Microsoft Virtual Machine Manager?

  The Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager allows the creation of hardware profiles, which help to provision virtual storage. Brien Posey explains how to use the tool.Continue Reading

• What apps are suited for being hosted in the cloud?

  What types of applications are best suited for being hosted in the cloud? Read this expert answer to find out.Continue Reading

• SaaS platform changes: Is there a migration model?

  Is there a data migration model if a company leaves the SaaS platform it has been using? Read this expert answer to find out.Continue Reading

• This data center cost calculator keeps you on budget

  Calculating every data center expense can be challenging, but with the right spreadsheet -- and formulas -- you will accurately assess the total cost.Continue Reading

• Data center maps lead IT to server treasure

  Can't find the server that needs repairs or the right reboot button when the host blue-screens? A data center map is vital when disaster hits.Continue Reading

• How do requirements relate to acceptance criteria?

  Requirements and acceptance criteria often seem to be essentially the same thing, but that's not quite true.Continue Reading

• A cloud management tools comparison guide

  With its complex nature, cloud management can get bumpy at times. Luckily, cloud management tools from VMware, Dell and others can help.Continue Reading

• What are the most obvious object storage use cases for my system?

  Object storage is latency-prone, making it a bad option for production data, but there are several areas where it's incredibly useful.Continue Reading

• Archiving methods: Smart meta tags, archive in place and FLAPE

  Jon Toigo outlines several archiving techniques, the technologies that make them run smoothly, and explains why data classification is crucial.Continue Reading

• Web services vs. cloud services: Are they the same?

  Learn how Web services and cloud services differ, and how working together impacts business efficiency.Continue Reading

• App Quality Alliance compiles mobile testing criteria

  SearchSoftwareQuality.com talks to Martin Wrigley of the App Quality Alliance about smart practices and testing criteria for mobile app developers.Continue Reading

• Server form factors: A guide to rackmount, blade servers and more

  Which type of server is right for you? The data center's budget, technology and reliability will steer you toward rackmount or blade servers.Continue Reading

• Create a SAN with the Linux LIO iSCSI target

  With the LIO iSCSI target service, Linux shops have an affordable SAN option that ranks up there with expensive proprietary storage solutions.Continue Reading

• How can I delete Exchange audit logs?

  Admins don't have to sidestep the default settings for deleting logs, but if needed, these PowerShell cmdlets will get the job done.Continue Reading

• Know your data center monitoring system

  You can't depend on a building system to run the data center. Implement a BMS and a DCIM tool to monitor and predict system changes, tighten security and more.Continue Reading

• How to secure REST API endpoints for cloud applications

  When designing APIs, developers must make good decisions about security design components that show who's using what API, when and for what purpose. This tip offers insights into the critical components for securing APIs.Continue Reading

• Set rules with Office 365 message classification

  Message classifications are some of the handiest tools Exchange Online admins can have in their toolkits.Continue Reading

• With MPLS-TP and SDN, a simpler dynamic control plane

  MPLS-TP transforms carrier networks for packet switching, but SDN could take it a step further. Combining the technologies, engineers could reduce complexity in the dynamic control plane and gain flexible service creation.Continue Reading

• Does AWS CloudFront work with static and dynamic content?

  Dan Sullivan reviews AWS CloudFront and the two types of content it works with, static and dynamic.Continue Reading

• Facing the challenges of migrating applications to the Azure cloud

  Porting an existing application from on-premises to Microsoft Azure comes with challenges, but the hurdles aren't impossible to overcome.Continue Reading

• The case for cloud storage: Cloud considerations and strategies

  Before deploying your cloud storage project, learn about cloud storage use cases, how to do a cloud cost analysis and keeping data safe in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Monitoring virtual CPU states to improve performance

  A good understanding of vCPU run, wait and ready states can help deliver more responsive VMs.Continue Reading

• Parsing AWS CloudTrail logs for useful information

  AWS CloudTrail logs all API calls, which means it generates a lot of data. But digging for useful data among all the logs takes some work.Continue Reading

• Agile testing methods for multiple teams

  Learn the latest Agile testing methods for converting multiple teams from a traditional process to Agile.Continue Reading

• How to manage a public API

  Amy Reichert discusses how to overcome concerns of managing public APIs.Continue Reading

• What do you need to roll out application containerization?

  Containers have a significant following these days, thanks to Docker. Find out how containers can help and what you need to get started.Continue Reading

• How to write server documentation

  A data center should be prepared for the worst, but try to avoid that at all costs. Appropriate system documentation helps avoid critical errors.Continue Reading

• Five steps to moving mission-critical applications to the cloud

  Some enterprises see migrating mission-critical apps to public cloud as an insurmountable obstacle. But, common sense precautions can smooth the transition of even the most crucial workloads.Continue Reading

• Business application hosting on-premises vs. cloud options

  Is it better to look for a SaaS version of an app, put it in your own data center on existing equipment, or host it at a cloud provider for a mix of flexible scaling and IT ownership?Continue Reading

• Umpqua Bank employs NSX, micro-segmentation for enterprise security

  Umpqua Bank's Sam Guidice tells how the organization deployed VMware's NSX as part of its effort to utilize micro-segmentation for enterprise security.Continue Reading

• Redundant cloud storage ensures high availability

  Redundant cloud storage gateways and redundant WAN links help companies avoid protection gaps that could result in outages or data loss.Continue Reading

• Network programming skills from scripting to DevOps: What to learn

  Networking pros don't need to become code monkeys, but a little network programming can go a long way toward advancing their careers.Continue Reading

• Keys to a painless data migration process

  Moving data from array to array has always been a difficult process, but new techs and techniques make your data migration process easier than ever.Continue Reading

• How to resolve team conflict

  Arguing team members can derail a project. Project managers can help resolve the issue by finding its root cause.Continue Reading

• How do VMware thin provisioning alerts work?

  VSphere allows users to set up custom alarms to alert them when capacity or memory is low. Learn how they can be especially helpful when using thin provisioning.Continue Reading

• Are there any downsides to using VMware thin provisioning?

  Storage should be monitored carefully when using VMware's thin provisioning feature to avoid slower performance and potentially maxing out capacity.Continue Reading

• When tracking defects, make efficiency the end goal

  Tracking defects can benefit the development team if done for the right reasons. Explore the reasons to track defects in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Switching cloud storage service providers comes at a cost

  Analyst George Crump explains the best way to deal with the upfront costs and security issues that come with switching cloud storage providers.Continue Reading

• Attain magical five nines availability for cloud applications

  Every company seeks the magical five nines -- or 99.999% availability. If major providers can't promise it, how can you get it?Continue Reading

• Denser is better: Increased storage and server density

  For storage and servers, being dense is good. Careful planning can maximize the benefits of greater computing densities while minimizing potential risks.Continue Reading

• Virtual switch tweak optimizes ESXi networking

  Administrators in an ESXi environment should adjust the networking configuration to prevent slow VM migrations.Continue Reading

• Mount file system Linux systemd's way

  Forget about /etc/fstab and autofs. There's a new Linux system around. Systemd manages mounting and automounting of file systems differently.Continue Reading

• Monitoring SQS metrics with Amazon CloudWatch

  Learn how to use Amazon CloudWatch to monitor and access metrics for a Simple Queue Service.Continue Reading

• Three considerations to ensure data storage efficiency

  Vendors often claim their products cut out storage inefficiency, but administrators can make a difference as well with some planning.Continue Reading

• AWS certification process calls for experience in the trenches

  Real-world experience with Amazon's cloud services is the best prep for AWS certs, and experience trumps passing grades for IT employers.Continue Reading

• A few ways to configure Linux firewalld

  The method for configuring Linux servers' firewalls changed with RHEL 7 and other new distributions. Learn how to set up firewalld, and what to avoid.Continue Reading

• Controversial hot aisle containment practices

  Is your hot aisle too hot for OSHA? New data center trends are causing concern. You might need to adapt to adhere to the law.Continue Reading

• Process large data sets quickly with Amazon Elastic MapReduce

  Learn how to distribute large amounts of data to Amazon S3 using the Amazon EMR cluster.Continue Reading

• What to look for in a Tier III data center provider

  Don't believe just any sweet-talking colo provider claiming to be Tier III. Make sure you're getting what you pay for with a true Tier III data center.Continue Reading

• Cloud competition heating up as Amazon takes aim at VMware

  In this podcast, we talk about what the AWS Management Portal for vCenter means for VMware and how to calculate true cloud computing costs.Continue Reading

• Proactive additions shore up forms-based authentication

  How can we best prevent hacking and user account lock out in Web applications with forms-based authentication?Continue Reading

• Six things that can wreck storage system performance

  Performance bottlenecks can occur in different places in a storage system. Here's how to identify and eliminate them.Continue Reading

• What's the highest server temperature you can handle?

  There's no correct inlet air temperature for all servers. Age, performance and design help determine how much heat your server can handle.Continue Reading

• Set up AWS CloudWatch alerts and alarms

  Need more insight into your AWS cloud? Want to know when something is wrong before it's too late? Use CloudWatch to create alerts and alarms.Continue Reading

• Untangle cloud billing knots across multiple providers

  Tracking your spending while using multiple cloud accounts can be a budgeting nightmare, but services are available to simplify the process.Continue Reading

• How to leverage the power of open source BPM

  Establishing a relationship with open source BPM providers can help users quickly resolve technical issues and reduce internal IT staff.Continue Reading

• Identify this network convergence nomenclature: You could be a winner

  As the admin and platform owner of a project, Patrick Hubbard has to monitor everything, and he coined a new term that describes that responsibility.Continue Reading

• AWS Management Console: Five steps to create an S3 bucket policy

  In this AWS Management Console series, learn five ways to create an S3 bucket policy.Continue Reading

• S3 Browser: Amazon's adaptable data storage interface

  Learn how to use the SS3 Browser and how to benefit from it.Continue Reading

• Database performance tuning: Five ways for IT to save the day

  IT teams can play heroes when database performance issues disrupt applications. Try these five tips for performance tuning before there's a problem.Continue Reading

• Using clones as templates in VMware Workstation

  After you make sure the template is cleared of specifics, follow these steps to use clones as templates in VMware Workstation.Continue Reading

• Working with OpenStack storage: Tips on Cinder, Swift and the cloud

  This guide explores the block, object and cloud storage offerings from OpenStack, one of the most sought-after open source storage platforms.Continue Reading

• Updating COBOL programs: Pitfalls to avoid when going from COBOL to C

  To keep operational expenses low, keep these modernization considerations in mind when dealing with COBOL programs.Continue Reading

• How to hunt down VM network timeout issues with performance charts

  Setting up the performance counters in the vSphere client can help troubleshoot a dropped packets issue.Continue Reading

• Agile application lifecycle management is not an oxymoron

  Learn how Agile application lifecycle management supports the development process for better software and business needs.Continue Reading

• How to build an enterprise private cloud that looks better than AWS

  Clouds that enterprises build rarely stack up to AWS and its ilk in a public cloud. Follow these steps if you want a viable private cloud for users.Continue Reading

• Examining the future of the RAID volume

  Expert Jon Toigo provides a set of tips to answer key questions regarding RAID's place in today's storage world, and whether it will be replaced.Continue Reading

• Boost your network productivity for free with 'lost things'

  Like Tinker Bell, network engineers can work magic by sprinkling fairy dust on formerly dormant equipment. And it doesn't cost a cent.Continue Reading

• IT asset management best practices for any data center

  Choosing a data center asset management tool depends on how the infrastructure functions, the mix of hardware and software in action and more factors.Continue Reading

• How does a scale-out NAS environment affect storage management?

  Phil Goodwin explains how scale-out NAS systems simplify storage management through a single point of control and by combating performance problems.Continue Reading

• Are SSDs necessary to perform analytics on big data efficiently?

  Storage expert Phil Goodwin explains how SSDs can speed up analytics, but solid-state technology is only needed in certain types of environments.Continue Reading

• All about Agile and ALM

  When it comes to deployment strategies, mobile app capabilities, cloud computing issues and security, there's a lot to learn about Agile ALM.Continue Reading

• Backup targets: Tape libraries and VTLs

  Tape drives, tape libraries and virtual tape libraries are among the popular backup target options available today.Continue Reading

• Is LRDIMM the best memory option for an enterprise server?

  Load-reduced DIMM allows for more memory and decreased latency than on-server memory typically has. So how does it compare to other DIMM designs?Continue Reading

• Three key strategies to prevent RAID failure

  In this tip, analyst Jon Toigo shares several ways storage admins can proactively prevent the failure of RAID arrays.Continue Reading

• Mount Global File System 2, avoid corruption in RHEL High Availability

  You have a working cluster, now what? Red Hat's GFS2 will help you avoid file system corruption. Learn how to mount the default cluster file system.Continue Reading

• What is the top storage challenge with in-memory databases?

  Wikibon CTO David Floyer said the greatest challenge with an in-memory database from a storage perspective is recovery in the event of a problem.Continue Reading

• Getting started with ITIL service management

  Promised cost savings, alignment with business, and operational efficiency are encouraging more organizations to take up ITIL service management.Continue Reading

• Agile project management: Increasing business agility with Agile ALM

  Increase business agility capabilities with Agile project management. Find tips and tools for Agile ALM best practices.Continue Reading

• Cloud storage investment tips

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• Choosing storage for streaming large files in big data sets

  Learn how to select storage that can both scale and perform to effectively stream large files in big data environments.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity

  In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity.Continue Reading

• Enterprise design: Is three-tiered architecture still useful?

  When dealing with complex systems, an enterprise design that includes a Web services tier that can support different types of devices is a necessity.Continue Reading

• Agile ALM tools have pitfalls to acknowledge

  While venders only discuss the benefits of using Agile ALM tools, test expert Amy Reichert reveals the possible pitfalls.Continue Reading

• Agile and ALM: A marriage made in heaven?

  Learn why developing Agile and ALM can benefit organizational processes.Continue Reading

• BPM workflow management software answers IT manager's call

  An inside look at how an IT manager researched workflow management software to determine how to best meet his organization's growing needs.Continue Reading

• Comparing performance and cost of DRAM vs. NAND

  George Crump of Storage Switzerland compares the performance and cost of DRAM to NAND flash in this Expert Answer.Continue Reading

• How NAND flash degrades and what vendors do to increase SSD endurance

  Storage Switzerland senior analyst Eric Slack digs into the technical aspects of SSD cell degradation and how vendors are increasing SSD endurance.Continue Reading

• External storage might make sense for Hadoop

  Using Hadoop to drive big data analytics doesn't necessarily mean building clusters of distributed storage; a good old array might be a better choice.Continue Reading

• Building a better archival storage strategy

  This guide walks through important tips and considerations regarding storage archive design strategies and technologies.Continue Reading