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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Feature
03 Dec 2018
HPE SimpliVity hyper-converged FAQs get answered
When HPE bought SimpliVity in 2017, it raised questions about the two company's HCI products, even though they were existing partners. We answer some of those questions. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Dec 2018
What can admins use as a data center GPU?
There is no formal standard to differentiate consumer and data center GPUs. Still, you should evaluate processing speeds and hardware requirements before GPU installation. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
29 Nov 2018
What you need to know before buying hyper-converged technology
Learn how to determine your organization's need for hyper-converged infrastructure and to evaluate offerings from top HCI vendors to find the right fit. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2018
Weighing open converged infrastructure against composable
OCI and composable infrastructure are both touted as the latest in convergence, but it is important to know how they differ before making an IT buying decision. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2018
Choosing the best OS: Linux server vs. Windows Server
When determining the best server OS for a data center, you have Windows Server and multiple Linux options. For both, you'll want to look at vendor support, cost and functionality. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2018
Navigate DCIM software selection, security and support
To properly evaluate DCIM software, pinpoint where you can benefit from more operational data and work with vendors. Then, ensure your selection fits your data center needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2018
How to successfully perform a data center upgrade
When data center hardware becomes outdated, there are a few options. Here are ways that admins can ensure that a migration is efficient and downtime is minimized. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2018
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
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News
16 Nov 2018
RHEL 8 beta looks to speed development of cloud-based apps
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0 updates the software's DevOps capabilities with Application Streams, and boosts its appeal to both developers and line-of-business managers. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Nov 2018
What does GPU hardware do in the data center?
Once part of the gaming industry, GPUs are gaining traction in data center infrastructures. Learn why the power of GPUs makes them fit virtualization and data-heavy applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2018
Evaluate Linux server distros for your data center
Linux is known for its reliability and flexibility in the data center. To select the proper distribution for your servers, you'll need to evaluate your application and support needs Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2018
Dell EMC VxRail HCI builds on VMware Cloud Foundation
Dell EMC builds on VMware Cloud Foundation and plans to offer a new two-node VxRail entry point, with a flexible VMware vSAN license. Dell EMC also adds VMware integration to VxBlock. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2018
How to realize server virtualization energy savings
Virtualizing servers is one of the most effective steps to reduce energy consumption, especially when the hypervisor and VM placement are taken into account. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
In IBM deal's wake, Red Hat RHEL 7.6 targets hybrid cloud
After its acquisition by IBM, Red Hat wasted little time unveiling the next version of its flagship product, RHEL 7.6, which supports hybrid clouds and updated security. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2018
NetApp HCI aimed at hybrid clouds
Late to HCI, NetApp tries to play catch up against Dell EMC, VMware and Nutanix by pushing its SolidFire flash-based product into hybrid cloud deployments. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Oct 2018
DataCore
DataCore is a software-defined storage (SDS) company, as well as an early storage virtualization software vendor, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2018
Research advances data center liquid cooling tech
You might want to investigate alternatives to water and fans to keep your data center cool. Still, there are costs and environmental concerns facing researchers and IT administrators. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Oct 2018
Is hyper-convergence infrastructure becoming stratified?
As more options for converged or hyper-converged IT types come to market, organizations may find themselves siloed into an option by size. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2018
Mitigate data center storage capacity miscalculations
You can use cloud storage and deduplication to expand storage capacity, prevent application failure and maintain data center performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2018
Secondary storage structure is based on workload needs
Using secondary storage can improve the performance of mission-critical applications, but deciding what data is secondary in importance isn't as easy as it seems. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2018
Pivot3 HCI: 7 things you should know
Where did Pivot3 first target its hyper-converged storage systems, and where is it focused today? Find out answers to these and other frequently asked questions. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2018
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
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Answer
12 Oct 2018
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
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Tip
11 Oct 2018
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
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Tip
08 Oct 2018
Navigate data center management software selection
Software evaluation can be a lengthy process, especially with both open source and commercial options. Functionality and support can help you form a short list of possibilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Oct 2018
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
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Tip
28 Sep 2018
Top 7 system administrator interview questions and answers
To land any IT job, you need to master the interview. Here are seven questions to expect in your next sysadmin interview and how to ace the answers. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
X-IO Axellio hitches HCI star to Microsoft, NVMe
X-IO side steps VMware, enters hyper-competitive hyper-converged market with dense NVMe blades packed with Microsoft virtualization and storage software. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
Hitachi Vantara storage takes turn to NVMe, cloud
Hitachi Vantara updates its products and prepares to lay out a strategy for using its storage for IoT and distributed data management amid the multi-cloud movement. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2018
Dell EMC VxRail powers Mercy Ships' floating hospital DCs
Dell EMC hyper-converged appliances float the Mercy Ships IT team's boat. VxRail helps the medical charity consolidate IT technology in its floating hospitals and headquarters. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2018
7 hyper-converged secondary storage questions answered
Combining HCI and the use cases of secondary storage, such as data recovery and archiving, was a challenge, but a few companies took up that task and launched a new market. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2018
Access vCenter MOB and enable advanced troubleshooting
The vCenter mobile object browser provides a vast amount of information. Follow these steps to make it navigable and useful for some of the most difficult troubleshooting cases. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Sep 2018
Nvidia partnership bolsters VMware live migration capabilities
As part of vSphere 6.7.1, admins can now live migrate virtualized workloads supported by vGPUs. The Nvidia and VMware partnership improves high-capacity management capabilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Sep 2018
Can I use server automation for remote management?
Depending on your server management workflow, you might want to consider automation and orchestration. Before going forward, you should figure out what scripts are necessary. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Sep 2018
Avoid these VMware host profile mistakes
VMware host profiles make it easy to deploy new hosts -- but it's also easy to make mistakes. Before you create a host profile, check this list of common errors. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Sep 2018
How can I secure my remote server management tools?
If you monitor a lot of servers, it's important to make sure the tools you use to remotely manage them are secure. Encryption and password best practices can help. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2018
GPU-buffed servers advance Cisco's AI agenda
Cisco's latest UCS servers with Nvidia's GPUs aim to help larger IT shops more quickly run AI and machine learning workloads -- and help Cisco keep pace with Dell and HPE. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2018
Discovery functions, FIPS compliance increase DCIM security
Data center infrastructure management is one way to track security patches and unauthorized hardware access. There are a few features you can use to increase security. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Sep 2018
Data center admins gain the benefits of microservices
Microservices bring perks to data center infrastructures, especially when it comes to long-term maintenance. But admins need to properly evaluate it before implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2018
Examples of hypervisors and how they're supported in HCI products
Hypervisor support in hyper-converged infrastructure has evolved over time. Find out how as we assess the past and current place of individual hypervisors in these architectures. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2018
Definition of hyper-converged infrastructure evolves, as do products
Defining hyper-convergence can be a challenge. Focus instead on learning about hyper-converged infrastructure product options and how they fit your data center and cloud plans. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2018
VMworld pushes vSAN HCI to cloud, edge
Private beta for next vSAN version includes built-in snapshots, NFS file services and cloud-native storage, as well as improved cluster management for the HCI software. Continue Reading
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News
04 Sep 2018
Pivot3 storage moves toward composable capabilities
CEO Ron Nash said Pivot3 and NexGen Storage are integrated as a single code base. NexGen gives Pivot3 automated QoS and dynamic provisioning for multi-cloud enterprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2018
Hyper-converged product comparison: What leading HCI vendors offer
Before you purchase a hyper-converged infrastructure system, use the criteria and factors examined here to evaluate 10 leading HCI products. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
29 Aug 2018
Best of VMworld 2018 U.S. Award winners
The Best of VMworld 2018 U.S. Awards highlight the most innovative products on display at VMworld 2018. Here are the winners of all seven categories and the Best of Show. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Aug 2018
Which basic Linux file management commands should I know?
File management is an essential part of working within Linux. Knowing a few basic commands makes it easier to move content and avoid file misplacement. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2018
VSAN hyper-converged users offer buying, implementing advice
Users provide tips on going from three tiers to tears-free hyper-convergence using VMware vSAN software or other HCI architectures proliferating in the data center and beyond. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2018
Composable architecture options versus CI and HCI
While converged, hyper-converged and composable infrastructures all share some degree of similarity in convergence, important differences can affect your IT architecture choices. Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2018
Dell EMC HCI gear pushes multi-cloud strategy
Dell EMC will use its HCI systems when it bundles software to encourage multi-cloud environments and push adoption of the company's own multi-cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2018
Dell EMC HCI and storage cloud plans on display at VMworld
Dell EMC promises to synchronize releases of VMware's vSAN on VxRail HCI appliances, although it may take 30 days to do it; fleshes out cloud support for storage, data protection. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2018
Getting started with Linux containers
Linux-based containers allow you to run applications in the data center without modifying OSes. If you're not sure how to get started, options such as Docker and CoreOS can help. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2018
HiveIO seeks to create buzz in HCI market
HiveIO says artificial intelligence makes its Hive Fabric's Message Bus management unique; now, the HCI startup must prove it's really AI and not just an AI-wash. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Aug 2018
Answers to NetApp FlexPod commonly asked questions
Wondering which version of FlexPod is ideal for your situation? In this FAQ, find out the answer to this, as well as other common NetApp and Cisco FlexPod questions. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Aug 2018
Which data center KPIs are the most useful?
As admins evaluate data center performance, they need ways to look at both short-term and long-term data. KPIs offer one way to evaluate components, such as storage. Continue Reading
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News
21 Aug 2018
Dell EMC PowerEdge MX teases 'kinetic' compute and storage
Dell EMC composes its MX composable infrastructure story around SAS storage sleds that slide into in a single 14th generation 7U PowerEdge chassis, with OpenManage software. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Aug 2018
Hyper-converged products offer big benefits to IT environments
Hyper-converged technology offers benefits such as scalability to help reduce the storage footprint, and enables organizations to pick the hardware and configuration to best suit their needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2018
Datrium open converged infrastructure makes HCI flexible
Datrium calls its less rigid form of converged infrastructure open convergence to highlight its greater scaling flexibility versus converged or hyper-converged infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2018
Converged data center migration practices to avoid data loss
Refreshing data center hardware is no simple task, especially for organizations with multiple workflows. Before completing an upgrade, make a plan for backups and workload management. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Aug 2018
14 SIEM reports and alerts to boost security
Setting up an SIEM reporting infrastructure requires an overall knowledge of what data capture is available. With standard reports and event categories, you can ease implementation. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2018
IBM Power9 servers add reliability, reduce maintenance costs
IBM looks to grab high-end hardware market share from archrival Intel with the introduction of two Power9 servers that offer greater uptime and reduced maintenance costs. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2018
Nutanix hyper-converged Flows into multi-cloud and more
With the introduction of Flow, Beam and Era, Nutanix has made a clear statement that it's aiming for a comprehensive Nutanix enterprise cloud OS. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Aug 2018
Accelerated processing units advance data center performance
As you come across more complex data center workflows, you can begin exploring options for accelerated processing, such as GPUs or TPUs. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2018
Western Digital OpenFlex composes storage infrastructure
Western Digital delivers OpenFlex architecture, an ambitious attempt to foster open standards for composable compute, network and storage as an alternative to hyper-convergence. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Aug 2018
What network security methods do I need to keep data safe?
How can you maintain network security beyond the standard firewall and blacklisting tactics? Encryption and digital rights management can ensure organizational data stays safe. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Aug 2018
How do I protect my OS with Linux security features?
Linux has a security framework with multiple layers, which makes it hard to maintain permissions and privileges. User-based profiles and whitelisting can help you oversee OS access and give you peace of mind. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2018
Streamline data center ops by adding functionality to your DCIM tool
Once you've successfully set up DCIM software, it's important to evaluate what further capabilities you need and the ways you can improve data center planning. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2018
IBM boosts security, reliability in Power Systems server additions
IBM's upcoming Power Systems servers add more security and reliability for cloud environments and promise to lower maintenance costs over the systems' life span. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Aug 2018
How do I integrate storage into a blade server architecture?
Blade servers come in a variety of configurations. In order to effectively manage your data center, you'll want to consider your storage needs, blade location and types of data workflows. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2018
How to keep your data center skills up to date
It can be tough to pick the skills to develop when there are so many certifications to choose from. Data center industry trends can give you insight into what skills to pursue. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2018
Composable infrastructure platform FAQs get answers
While the goal of hyper-converged infrastructure and composable infrastructure are much the same, the way they achieve that objective of on-demand IT infrastructure differs. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jul 2018
Choose the cloud computing deployment model that fits your data center needs
Organizations looking to the cloud to update their data center should consider the future development of systems management providers when selecting a cloud computing deployment model. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2018
SDDC architecture basics and deployment considerations
Software-defined data centers accelerate hardware provisioning and maintenance. These benefits are reason enough for admins to familiarize themselves with SDDC components. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2018
GPUs, FPGAs increase software-defined data center performance
Some applications in your SDDC might need special hardware so they can function at their best. GPUs and FPGAs are an effective way to increase performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jul 2018
NetApp FlexPod
NetApp FlexPod is a reference architecture for server, storage and networking components that are pretested and validated to work together as an integrated infrastructure stack. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2018
New vSAN 6.7 features boost failover, ease management
The latest version of vSAN puts the hyper-converged storage software into a wider range of use cases with better support for failover and a smoother management user interface. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2018
Four top open source SIEM tools you should know
Open source SIEM software offers organizations a way to test capabilities and augment existing functionalities for analytics and log management. Get started with these options. Continue Reading
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Quiz
18 Jul 2018
Test your hyper-converged networking knowledge
Network hyper-convergence is racing to catch up to the level of virtualization of compute and storage. Test yourself on your HCI networking knowledge. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2018
Hyper-converged infrastructure software aids IT flexibility
Implementing a software-based hyper-converged platform can make it easier to scale components separately, but it has drawbacks as well, like multiple support sources. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jul 2018
Rackspace colocation program hosts users' legacy servers
Rackspace now has a managed colocation program that it hopes to upsell its customers with additional services, once their servers are in-house. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2018
Broadcom acquisition of CA seeks broader portfolio
Broadcom has acquired CA Technologies in a move some believe is largely financially motivated, while others see an opportunity for the companies to integrate core offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2018
Ten Linux process management commands that simplify admin workflows
If you work in Linux, chances are you have to do some process management. Here are some commands to simplify that workflow. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2018
Craft a converged secondary storage strategy with care
Secondary storage vendors have been offering converged technologies and products for a few years now, and the systems have become more feature-rich and cloud-capable. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2018
Datrium DVX switches focus to converged markets, enterprise
Datrium approaches HCI in a nontraditional way, but its DVX architecture combines compute and storage while pumping up its data protection capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2018
How to ensure hyper-converged infrastructure security
To secure data in an HCI system, it requires tools and techniques that account for the unique features of hyper-convergence, such as shared resources and virtualized management. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2018
Managed private cloud gives IT a cost-effective option
Cloud evaluation requires planning and cost analysis. With available technology and managed service providers, IT can reduce long-term expenditures and management headaches. Continue Reading
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Quiz
09 Jul 2018
Test your Cohesity storage systems knowledge
Taking the principles of hyper-convergence and applying them to secondary storage systems enabled Cohesity to create a hyper-converged platform for data recovery and backup. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2018
HPE's HCI system takes aim at space-constrained data centers
HPE has complemented its recent high-end hyper-converged system with another HCI system to fit the space-constrained environments of branch offices or SMBs. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jul 2018
Agile workflows shift admins' IT procurement strategy
Changing business needs and the move toward Agile workflows affect how data center managers make decisions about daily operations and IT purchasing. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jul 2018
Dell's return to public markets sidesteps VMware query
In a complex stock deal Dell once again becomes a public company to flex its muscles against major legacy IT rivals, but sidesteps questions about VMware's autonomy. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2018
Your Red Hat Hyperconverged Infrastructure questions answered
Red Hat HCI is software only, based on open source applications and is aimed for IT operations that want to use existing hardware in a DIY implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jun 2018
SIEM software basics and use cases for IT administrators
Security information and event management products use algorithms to stop cyberattacks in their tracks, but they also offer other workflow benefits for admins. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jun 2018
Why data centers need log management tools
Log files contain rich and useful management data. With the right software tools and a few navigation tips, you can maximize and implement the information that logs provide. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2018
Cisco hyper-converged HyperFlex adds NVMe-enabled model
Cisco HyperFlex 3.5 software adds native DR and cloud-based Intersight Storage Analytics. The all-flash hyper-converged systems integrate Nvidia GPUs and Intel Optane NVMe SSDs. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jun 2018
Build your PowerShell command cheat sheet with these basics
Even if you've previously used PowerShell, it's beneficial to add new commands to your reference sheet and keep your overall knowledge as current as possible. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2018
Open source log management options for Linux distributions
Open source log management tools provide a variety of options and capabilities for admins who want customizable Linux log management functions in a server or cloud environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2018
Do I need converged or hyper-converged infrastructure appliances?
Scalability, risk tolerance and cost all factor into the decision between converged and hyper-converged infrastructure. The two technologies have very different use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jun 2018
Data center monitoring best practices simplify software choice
Metrics are essential to keep any data center operating smoothly. With monitoring software and best practices, admins can simplify their workflows and get usable data. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jun 2018
What to know before selecting DCIM software
Your DCIM needs will dictate what type of software is best for your workflow. Be sure to evaluate usability, expandability and which areas need monitoring. Continue Reading
