Data Center
Top Stories
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Tip
17 Aug 2026
Building trust: Engaging communities in data center development
Effective communication is essential in data center development. Engaging the community early addresses concerns and prepares IT leaders for stakeholder interactions. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2026
Understanding AI's resource needs and sustainability challenges
Discover how AI's demands are affecting data centers' power and water resources, cooling challenges and the approaches being implemented to address these concerns. Continue Reading
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Quiz
22 Jan 2020
How well do you know PowerCLI cmdlets?
Take this eight-question quiz to determine how much you know about PowerCLI and its cmdlets -- the short scripts that enable you to automate nearly anything. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2020
What to expect from VMware in 2020
VMware experts Brian Kirsch, Alastair Cooke and Rob Bastiaansen take a look at what's ahead for the virtualization vendor in 2020 as it builds Kubernetes into its suite. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jan 2020
Are attitudes toward edge computing architecture changing?
Edge computing has many advantages over the centralized running of applications and processing of data on premises and in the cloud. Are IT leaders getting the message, though? Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2020
Organizations try to predict the effect of 5G infrastructure
With more 5G and IoT devices emerging, admins must prepare their data centers to support low-latency apps and edge computing with the right network and processing hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2020
Why hyper-converged edge computing is coming into vogue
Hyper-convergence helps enterprises better provision applications at the network edge and more efficiently process enormous amounts of data generated by IoT devices and smart sensors. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2020
Top infrastructure and operations technology myths of 2019
Admins are consistently evaluating technology to improve I&O efficiency. Cost, integration and business goals are key components to this process and cutting down any hype. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2020
How to survive in today's IT without DevOps and containers
If you don't write software, you might not require DevOps or containers in your data center. You don't need to give into the pressure to adopt them. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2020
Quantum computing strides continue with IBM, Q Network growth
IBM literally doubled down on its commitment to quantum computing with the addition of 60 more high-profile IBM Q Network members and news that it has doubled its Quantum Volume metric to 32. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2020
Features distinguish leading composable infrastructure systems
Before selecting a composable architecture, compare the different platforms' processing power, latency rates, supported IOPS, size and type of memory. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2020
AWS Outposts vs. Azure Stack vs. HCI
See how AWS Outposts vs. Microsoft Azure Stack hybrid cloud offerings work and where they can and cannot take the place of traditional hyper-converged infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2020
IBM acquisitions may be best path back to the top
With internal AI and cloud projects such as Watson failing to deliver much revenue, analysts think IBM needs to acquire, not build, its way back to sustainable growth. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Dec 2019
How to use SnapCenter for VMware backups
NetApp storage appliances and VMware's vSphere platform provide widely used data center resources. Combine their capabilities by using NetApp's SnapCenter to back up vSphere. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2019
Use GRUB to fix Linux boot problems
GRUB is a handy tool to help admins solve any Linux booting issues. Reinstalling or manually implementing GRUB are two main approaches to getting your system back up and running. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2019
Guidelines to tackle multi-cloud and hybrid IT management
Managing infrastructure isn't just the on-premises data center anymore. Software selection, architecture configuration and governance are key components of any hybrid IT setup. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2019
How vSAN hyper-converged infrastructure software works
Delve into important aspects of VMware vSAN to help clarify its features and how it works to see if the hyper-converged infrastructure software is right for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2019
What to consider before you deploy NSX
An SDN like VMware's NSX can provide your organization with agility, automation, microsegmentation and cloud capabilities. However, you must still think carefully before you adopt. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2019
Gartner analyst lists application migration strategy essentials
Application prioritization, risk assessment and cost evaluation are key migration strategy components for organizations looking to move workloads from on prem to the cloud or a colo facility. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2019
VMware NSX Intelligence boosts data center visibility, security
The new NSX Intelligence distributed analytics engine is part of VMware NSX-T 2.5. Learn how it gives networking teams deep visibility into virtualized and containerized workloads. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Dec 2019
How is HCI market fragmentation affecting buyers, vendors?
An increasingly crowded market and the technological limitations of standard HCI have led to innovative new takes on hyper-convergence to the benefit of vendors and buyers alike. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2019
Pivot3, Scale Computing HCI appliances zoom in on AI, edge
Pivot3 Acuity automates data protection for self-healing node rebuilds. New Scale Computing HE150 HCI systems combine M.2 NVMe SSD, Scale networking software and Intel mini-PCs. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2019
How pay-as-you-go hyper-converged hardware pricing works
With consumption-based pricing, vendors deploy an HCI on premises, while you pay a subscription fee. It promises to lower upfront costs and reduce headaches. But is it right for you? Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Dec 2019
Refresh your data center cooling lexicon
As the data center industry moves to improve energy efficiency, refresh your knowledge on the available cooling technology and methodologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2019
For VMware, DSC provides ESXi host and resource management
You can now use DSC to manage VMware vSphere and ESXi hosts. Install or upgrade the module with a cmdlet, and then manage resources such as High Availability clusters, DRS and vSS. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2019
Comparing Linux distributions: Red Hat vs. Ubuntu
Before selecting a Linux distribution, compare Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu when it comes to features, ease of use, licensing and documentation. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2019
Get eco-friendly with LEED data center certification
The U.S. Green Building Council helps companies make existing and new data centers eco-friendly. HVAC, lighting and monitoring technology help increase infrastructure efficiency. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Dec 2019
What does HCI 2.0 mean for hyper-convergence?
Like composable infrastructure, next-gen hyper-convergence promises to ease procurement and management by, among other things, enabling users to add disparate IT resources independently. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2019
Top 4 open source automation tools for admins
Open source offerings are an easy way to bring automation into your organization. When selecting software, evaluate the user experience, main features offered and Linux support. Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2019
HCI storage adoption rises as array sales slip
Dell goes against the grain by increasing storage sales, but much of its gains came from hyper-converged and data protection products rather than traditional primary storage arrays. Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2019
U.S. facility may have best data center PUE
The data center energy efficiency metric, power usage effectiveness, or PUE, is not improving. But one supercomputer data center is showing that big improvements are possible. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Nov 2019
5 reasons why hyper-converged infrastructure could be right for you
The reasons for going hyper-converged vary. Often, however, organizations deploy HCI technology to effectively address one or more of the five issues outlined in this article. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
Increase efficiency with data center temperature monitoring
Data centers must track multiple temperature components. Organizations can use ASHRAE standards and on-premises hardware for easier monitoring. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2019
Develop a 7-step server maintenance checklist
For effective server maintenance, admins must perform proactive hardware and software checks. Any list must include dusting, log review and software patch tests. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2019
Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct simplifies converged, HCI storage
Storage Spaces Direct in Windows Server packages several different Microsoft technologies to lower TCO and simplify storage in converged and hyper-converged deployments. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2019
HPE gets trove of U.S. sensor data to aid exascale computing
HPE will be working with the National Renewable Energy Lab to develop AIOps aimed at improving exascale computing efficiency. The lab has a trove of data that may help. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2019
An overview of VMware snapshots and how to manage them
In a VMware environment, you can use a snapshot to save a short-term image of a VM prior to patches or upgrades. However, too many snapshots can cause performance issues. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Nov 2019
Explore compelling benefits of hyper-converged infrastructure
Better support remote office/branch office environments and address budgetary, efficiency, scaling and operational challenges with hyper-converged infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Nov 2019
Get to know Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure products in-depth
Nutanix products are major players in the hyper-convergence market. As a pioneer, Nutanix introduced one of the first HCIs and has modified and expanded its offerings ever since. Continue Reading
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Infographic
13 Nov 2019
Converged vs. hyper-converged infrastructure requirements
Companies considering convergence should compare the features, benefits and limitations of CI and HCI, and look at which workloads drive organizations to data center convergence. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Nov 2019
Are Nutanix products hyper-converged hardware, software or cloud?
Nutanix may still offer branded appliances, but there is a lot more to the hyper-converged infrastructure pioneer's product offerings than that nowadays. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2019
Dell EMC PowerOne, On Demand add cloud-like pricing
Dell EMC expands storage-as-a-service pricing, launches PowerOne converged stack for IT users looking for the "Holy Grail" of cloud pricing and on-premises management. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2019
Microsoft quantum development turns toward hardware
Microsoft revealed plans to jump into the quantum hardware business with a chip capable of running quantum software. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Nov 2019
How to upgrade from VCSA 6.5 to 6.7 -- both online and off
Use the online VCSA management interface, VAMI, or an ISO file from VMware to get started with your online or offline VCSA upgrade. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2019
New hardware, use cases shape server benchmarking needs
Advancements in server hardware help admins address the latest data-intensive use cases. But this brings questions about the place of industrywide benchmarking standards. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2019
Manage Windows Server HCI with Windows Admin Center
Download and install Microsoft's free and easy-to-use Windows Admin Center to manage local and remote Windows Server-based hyper-converged infrastructure clusters. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Nov 2019
Which converged infrastructure vendors are businesses considering?
Today's fast-paced business landscape has led enterprises to increasingly turn to convergence vendors. See why, which they are choosing and who leads the market. Continue Reading
- 06 Nov 2019
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Infographic
06 Nov 2019
Illustrated guide to VMware vSAN HCI configuration and features
VMware vSAN software benefits enterprises by tightly integrating, virtualizing and pooling server resources to ease infrastructure deployment, management and implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2019
Everything you need to know about composable infrastructure
Composability abstracts resources as services that can be dynamically composed and recomposed for specific applications. Learn about its many advantages, and why it isn't for everyone. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2019
Top guidelines for edge computing software selection
Finding edge software that meets all your organization's needs requires help from both the business and IT sides. Get the right fit with use case information and developer input. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2019
Dell EMC upgrades VxRail appliances for AI, SAP HANA
As hyperconverged infrastructure use cases expand, Dell EMC adds analytics, flash and network management to VxRail platform built on PowerEdge servers. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2019
3 PowerCLI snapshot management cmdlets you can use
You can use PowerCLI to manage snapshots in vSphere. With just three cmdlets, you can create, revert to and remove snapshots to keep your environment running smoothly. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2019
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
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Feature
01 Nov 2019
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
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Feature
31 Oct 2019
Essential VxRail appliance hyper-converged questions answered
Find out what you need to know as you investigate if Dell EMC VxRail HCI with vSAN hyper-converged software meets the needs of your organization's workloads and use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2019
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
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Quiz
29 Oct 2019
Put your VMware vSAN HCI knowledge to the test
Do you know what it takes to deploy, maintain and secure a VMware vSAN-based hyper-converged infrastructure? Take our quiz to see how deep your vSAN knowledge and expertise runs. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2019
HPE brings InfoSight AI to SimpliVity HCI
HPE brings technologies from two 2017 acquisitions -- predictive analytics and hyper-convergences -- together with InfoSight on SimpliVity in hopes of giving SimpliVity a sales jolt. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Oct 2019
Learn which edge data center types are best to virtualize
You can implement ESXi on ARM -- or other RISC processors -- in micro and nano data centers. A nano data center is more specialized but also more limited than a micro data center. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Oct 2019
What does an ESXi on ARM architecture look like?
When you run a hypervisor such as VMware ESXi on ARM architecture, consolidation shouldn't be your goal; isolation, sandboxing and management should be. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2019
What enterprises look for with converged data center projects
Learn about the state of the convergence market and what enterprises require for CI and HCI projects, the workloads they intend to run and which vendors are highest on their buying lists. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2019
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
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Tip
25 Oct 2019
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
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Answer
25 Oct 2019
Choose between CISC vs. RISC processors for edge virtualization
CISC and RISC processing architectures have different benefits and drawbacks when it comes to implementing virtualization at the edge, but RISC processors reduce power consumption. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2019
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
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Tip
21 Oct 2019
How VCF on VxRail helps achieve hybrid cloud victory
Virtual Cloud Foundation on VxRail combines VMware software-defined private cloud technology with Dell EMC hyper-converged hardware to create an extensive hybrid cloud platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Oct 2019
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
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Tip
17 Oct 2019
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
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Tip
16 Oct 2019
Essential private cloud migration steps
Executive buy-in, application evaluation and tool configuration are all important parts of cloud selection. With these steps, admins can ensure a smooth move to private cloud. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2019
Steel company mines value with Scale Computing HC3 cluster
Harrison Steel Castings outgrew its converged system and swapped it out for Scale Computing HC3 hyper-converged infrastructure, which uses open source KVM virtualization. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2019
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
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Tip
14 Oct 2019
Composable infrastructure techniques for the real world
Automating your composable infrastructure engenders flexibility that enables enterprises to reshape the data center and keep pace with today's cultural and technological shifts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Oct 2019
How to use PowerCLI and how it can help you
PowerCLI enables you to use PowerShell commands to automate a VMware environment, streamlining your system and adding simplicity compared to using a GUI. Here's how to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Oct 2019
IBM quantum computers' usefulness in sight -- using binoculars
IBM's Bob Sutor discusses Big Blue's new quantum systems and computation center, the realities of quantum computing today and how IT pros will code for these systems in the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2019
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
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Tip
07 Oct 2019
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
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Tip
04 Oct 2019
Selection criteria for converged data protection
See if a converged backup product will meet your needs by exploring the features you should consider before investing in this relatively new kind of data protection platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Oct 2019
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
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
VMware security portfolio grows as security market evolves
The constant evolution of enterprise security presents challenges that VMware hopes to meet as it develops its security portfolio. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
How to resolve a vSphere TPM error
If you encounter a host TPM attestation alarm -- meaning the system cannot verify your host -- in vSphere 6.7, you can modify settings in the server's UEFI to troubleshoot. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
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
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Feature
26 Sep 2019
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
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Feature
23 Sep 2019
Elevate software-defined technology's role in the data center
SDS and SDN aren't a cure-all for infrastructure management ails. Proper implementation requires research and a suitable hardware setup. Here's a look at what this tech can do. Continue Reading
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Infographic
23 Sep 2019
Illustrated history of the converged data center
Data center convergence emerged as an alternative to the traditional data center and it continues to evolve. Learn more about CI, HCI and composable infrastructure in this infographic. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2019
Deploy vCenter and vSphere without using a VAR
VMware platforms are more than just virtualization software; they create an SDDC. If you take the time to understand vSphere and vCenter, you can deploy them without a VAR. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2019
VMware's Bitnami acquisition grows its development portfolio
VMware acquired Bitnami and added an important app-packaging tool to its development portfolio. This buy helps VMware stay current, but forces it to enter uncharted market waters. Continue Reading
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Quiz
17 Sep 2019
Put your composable infrastructure knowledge to the test
Are you up to speed on composable disaggregated infrastructure and technology? Take our quiz to find out if you know how composability works and how it can benefit you. Continue Reading
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Quiz
17 Sep 2019
How much do you know about VMware AppDefense?
How much do you know about VMware's security product, AppDefense? This quiz asks you about AppDefense's technology and use cases to prove your understanding. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2019
New Dell EPYC servers embrace AMD Rome chips
Dell EMC goes from Naples to Rome with a new line of EPYC servers, including Ready Solutions for high-performance computing and Ready Nodes for vSAN hyper-converged infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Sep 2019
Use these PowerCLI vMotion cmdlets to automate VM migration
VMware vMotion moves VMs between hypervisors and storage devices to keep those VMs running. You can use PowerCLI to easily automate complex vMotion tasks. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Sep 2019
Can next-gen SIEM help cybersecurity initiatives?
More organizations are using SIEM, AI and cloud technology to minimize security breaches. Though despite interest, this combination is still in its infancy. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Sep 2019
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
- 13 Sep 2019
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News
12 Sep 2019
IBM z15 mainframe secures data across multi-cloud environments
IBM unveiled the latest in its line of mainframes capable of processing 1 trillion web transactions a day. The IBM z15 mainframe's software can manage data across multiple clouds. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2019
Data center management as a service launches DCIM to the cloud
DMaaS is an option for organizations that want to use cloud-based management. Though these offerings hold a lot of promise, there are concerns about cost and function. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2019
How Cisco and Nexenta software defines storage for HyperFlex HCI
See how Nexenta's virtual storage appliance software can extend Cisco HyperFlex HCI storage capabilities without additional hardware or complex system reconfigurations. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2019
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
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Tip
10 Sep 2019
A close look at different types of hyper-converged architectures
Learn more about the major kinds of hyper-converged infrastructure available as we explore the evolution of HCI from basic storage-compute nodes to newer disaggregated types. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2019
Examine the growing role of VMware in the IoT market
In a growing IoT market, VMware decided to focus on system management. Although users might not bet on VMware to become an IoT market leader, the company has its strengths. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2019
Answers to top server lifecycle management questions
Unsure when to maintain, upgrade or ditch a server? Here's a look at your hardware -- and software -- care options. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2019
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
