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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Tip
25 Oct 2017
How to change an ESXi password for vCenter
A forgotten ESXi root password can stop you in your tracks. Avoid dodgy quick fixes and learn the proper way to recover a root password for vCenter-connected and stand-alone hosts. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Oct 2017
How do you use VMware ESXi logs to troubleshoot your host?
With access to logs, you can troubleshoot your ESXi host and track issues as they crop up. You can access your logs via the console or a web browser with only a few simple steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2017
Add a host to a VMware cluster by following these tips
Grouping physical hosts together on a cluster improves resource distribution and increases availability. It's easy to add a host to a cluster, but be sure to follow these rules. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2017
With Btrfs file system gone in RHEL 8, look at alternatives
In the XFS, Ext4, Btrfs and ZFS comparison, Linux users will say goodbye to Btrfs in RHEL 8. Learn more about your options and what can fill the gaps once development halts. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Oct 2017
How to choose a live kernel patching extension
Ksplice and kpatch offer similar live kernel patching services on a Linux system, but differences between function-level services and technical support showcase their differences. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Sep 2017
What happens when you violate affinity or anti-affinity rules?
Just because VM placement is flexible doesn't mean you should take it for granted. Affinity rule conflicts can take a serious toll on the functionality of multiple VMware platforms. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Sep 2017
What are VM-VM and VM-host affinity and anti-affinity rules?
It's important to create specific rules in VMware DRS to outline how different VMs and hosts behave. What kinds of affinity and anti-affinity rules are there, and how do they work? Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2017
Install Ubuntu Core successfully with these steps
An Ubuntu Core installation can often prove tricky for IT teams. Use these step-by-step instructions to properly install the platform for a more secure Docker environment. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Aug 2017
How can a VM storage policy improve vSAN cluster redundancy?
FTT dictates how many failures can occur in a vSAN cluster without sacrificing availability. How can you use a VM storage policy to define the amount of Failures To Tolerate? Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2017
The mainframe environment: A thing of the past or the future?
It made its name in a long-ago era, but even in the time of virtualization and cloud computing, the mainframe hasn't disappeared yet. The IBM z14 aims to keep it that way. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Aug 2017
Uptime Institute tier classification system faces new rivals
Because the Uptime Institute focuses primarily on power and cooling, alternative data center certifications have emerged. Their chances of replacing Uptime, however, seem slim. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Aug 2017
How do you manually download VMware Tools ISO images?
VMware Tools optimizes VMs within a vSphere infrastructure. Although it's typically bundled with ESXi hosts, you can also manually install VMware Tools via an ISO image. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Aug 2017
What is Photon OS, and why would I use it in my data center?
Due to its scalability, low cost and fast deployment, container technology is on the rise. How does VMware harness the power of containers in a vSphere environment? Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2017
IBM Strategic Imperatives mark a transition into software and services
IBM's Strategic Imperatives are slowly morphing the server hardware stalwart into a software and services company. But IBM still needs hardware to complete the transformation. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jul 2017
How do deduplication and compression compare to RAID erasure coding?
RAID 5 and RAID 6 erasure coding, deduplication and compression are similar but distinct concepts that reduce data and maintain storage capacity in virtualized environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2017
Use the Rufus utility to create a bootable VMware ESXi installer
Rufus -- short for Reliable USB Formatting Utility -- is a free Windows tool that can create a bootable VMware ESXi installer and a custom installation package in mere minutes. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2017
Use SIOC to create and apply IOPS limits and storage policies
VMware Storage I/O Control uses vSphere APIs for I/O Filtering to quickly establish and apply IOPS limits to VMs that regularly access your data store. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2017
Follow these steps to assign vSphere permissions and roles
Admins can use vSphere permissions to assign VM controls to different IT groups within their enterprise. Follow the networking example below to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2017
Integrate Ceph object storage in a VMware vSphere environment
It can be challenging to integrate Ceph in a VMware environment, but with the right interface, vSphere administrators can reap the rewards of object storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2017
Reference architecture vs. converged infrastructure: Know the difference
The terms converged infrastructure and reference architecture frequently appear together, but they're not interchangeable. One is the blueprint and the other is a structure. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jun 2017
VSAN Encryption: What it is, what it does and how to use it
New to vSphere 6.6, vSAN Encryption uses an XTS AES-256 cipher to encrypt all objects in the vSAN data store across both all-flash and hybrid configurations. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jun 2017
How does VMware secure boot protect VMs and ESXi hosts?
New to vSphere 6.5, the secure boot feature protects VMs and ESXi hosts from viruses, malware and spyware -- and enabling it is as easy as checking off a box. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jun 2017
Seven hyper-converged software options for DIY HCI
If your company already has hardware that you want to turn into a hyper-converged infrastructure stack, you can do it with one of these software-only options. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2017
What issues can storage I/O control present in vSphere?
Storage I/O control can be an effective way to handle occasional storage sharing issues, but it is not always suitable for every virtual machine. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2017
Integrate vRealize Log Insight and NSX for centralized logging
VMware added vRealize Log Insight NSX in version 6.2.3. This central logging system receives log entries from ESXi hosts and helps identify issues in your NSX deployment. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2017
Use the VMware Host Client to manage single ESXi hosts
The VMware Host Client is faster and more secure than the vSphere Flash-based client, but it has yet to reach maturity. Here are some other tools you can use to manage ESXi hosts. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Apr 2017
How do you change ESXi 6.5 host names and DNS configuration?
Admins have options when it comes to changing an ESXi 6.5 host name, but only the vSphere Web Client has full functionality in the latest release. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Apr 2017
How can I prevent data loss during a Linux distribution upgrade?
It's important to prevent data loss during a Linux OS upgrade. How can partitions or disk drives help IT teams meet that goal? Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2017
Copying virtual machines with VMware vSphere Replication
Now that you've completed the installation and configuration, it's time to walk through the process of how vSphere Replication works. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Feb 2017
How do you recreate a missing VMDK descriptor file?
The descriptor file plays an essential role in a virtual machine disk file, pointing to the larger data file and other VMDK information. So, what do you do when it goes missing? Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2017
Use automated vSphere Update Manager for more controlled patching
The most recent version of vSphere Update Manager helps reduce the stress of patching hosts, VMs, virtual appliances and more. Set it up in just a few simple steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2017
What should my dimensions be for a data center building design?
Don't get hung up on data center dimensions in the design phase. Focus on length-to-width ratios to get the most out of data center space, power and cooling. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2017
Use a Linux file system journal for data integrity, performance
Understand the three different file system journaling modes for Linux, as well as which mount option provides the best levels of data protection and performance. Continue Reading
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Quiz
16 Jan 2017
Test yourself on modern data center networking architecture
Evolving business needs demand a new approach to data center networking. Keep yourself updated on SDN, VXLAN and other technologies with this quiz. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2017
Five data center certifications admins need to know
Data center certifications, including those from VMware and Cisco, can provide a career boost for admins. Consider taking one of these five exams to expand your knowledge. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2016
VMware's vCenter HA makes up for vCenter Server shortcomings
VMware vCenter 6 High Availability saves administrators the time and effort of having to log in to hosts individually to track down vCenter should they forget to restrict it. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2016
Compare the best Linux distros for enterprise servers
Any of the popular Linux distributions can run on enterprise servers, but here's how to decide which is best for you. Compare SUSE, Red Hat, Oracle and Ubuntu Linux OSes. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2016
Consider these Linux I/O scheduler options for storage performance
To optimize Linux performance, IT teams should examine the I/O scheduler currently in use, and evaluate alternatives, such as deadline and Completely Fair Queuing. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2016
Build a data center shutdown procedure to prepare for the worst
A data center shutdown checklist helps IT teams focus on backup, testing and system verification before pulling the plug and losing valuable information. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2016
Compare benefits of a blade server architecture vs. hyper-convergence
To determine if a series of blade servers is the right call for more condensed compute in your data center, evaluate its benefits compared to hyper-convergence. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2016
VSPEX
VSPEX is a platform specification from Dell EMC to guide the building of systems for converged and hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI). Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Oct 2016
Optimize mainframe processor performance with vertical polarization
To increase mainframe processor capacity and speed, IBM turned to vertical polarization. Learn how to take advantage of it through a feature called HiperDispatch. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2016
HyperGrid
HyperGrid is a cloud computing provider that offers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and application management services. To support the DevOps movement which breaks down the silos between software development and operations teams, HyperGrid can provide support for application lifecycle management (ALM) as well as virtual machine (VM), bare metal and container deployments. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Oct 2016
Fujitsu Ltd.
Fujitsu Ltd. is a Japanese technology company that specializes in consumer and industrial electronics. Fujitsu’s products include servers, PCs, laptops, media centers, tablets, storage hardware, displays, air conditioning and heat pump units. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2016
When moving servers to a colocation facility, planning is key
Moving servers off premises to a colocation facility can be a daunting task. Use these best practices to minimize downtime to ensure a seamless transition. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Sep 2016
Manage Btrfs snapshots with the SUSE Snapper utility
Learn how to use Btrfs snapshots with Linux utilities, such as Snapper and GRUB2, to revert back to previous states in the event of a configuration mishap. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Aug 2016
Before leaving a system administrator job, don't burn any bridges
Leave on good terms from your system administrator job to avoid burning bridges and to keep a good reputation in the industry. Here are some things to consider before your move. Continue Reading
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Quiz
08 Aug 2016
Test your knowledge of useful Linux commands with this quiz
Think you're an expert on useful Linux commands for network and server management? Try your hand at this Linux command quiz to see how much you know about 10 Linux utilities and their use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2016
Three interface options for remote server monitoring, management
Remote server management interfaces, such as IPMI, iDRAC and iLO, give data center admins a central location to monitor fan speeds, power supply status, temperature and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2016
Three types of mainframe monitoring tools to track performance
Mainframe users face a variety of options when it comes to system monitoring tools. Determine if a real-time, near-time or post-processor tool is the best fit for your IT needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2016
Five tools to enable Linux automation, monitoring and backup
When it comes to Linux data center tools, there is no shortage of options. For automation, backup and monitoring, consider these five Linux tools first. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2016
Upgrade ESX to ESXi hosts in seven steps
The upgrade from ESX to ESXi hosts can be difficult; no current tools convert hosts for you and you can't preserve manual configurations. But there are ways to ease the process. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2016
Construct a winning data center project plan
Before embarking on new data center projects, such as an upgrade or move to the cloud, clearly define all goals and expectations -- and not just for IT. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2016
Six helpful Linux networking commands to monitor connectivity
There are plenty of useful Linux tools to help in the event of a network connection failure. Here are six of the top commands to stay ahead when trouble occurs. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2016
New IT roles to put on your hiring radar
The shifting nature of the IT industry doesn't just influence new technology; it's spawning some noteworthy changes in IT staffing, especially around big data and cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2016
Don't overlook these crucial enterprise CPU updates
Despite its critical role in cloud application performance, the enterprise CPU is often overlooked. Learn about next generation hardware, and why it's important to cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2016
Horizon 7 Smart Policies helps increase security
If you want to smarten up your security, using Policy-Managed Client Features in Horizon 7 can help. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Apr 2016
How can you disable snapshots in vSphere 6?
Reducing the number of snapshots that you have could boost performance. Here's how to disable snapshots completely. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2016
Gauging whether hyper-converged vendors' ages matter
Deciding between the new guy and the old standby has driven purchasing decisions for decades, but what do users think when it comes to hyper-converged infrastructure? Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Apr 2016
Tips to ace tough IT operations interview questions
Few things career-wise are as nerve-wracking as job interviews. Knowing what to expect going into that first meeting for a Web or app administrator role can quell some uneasiness. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Apr 2016
How do I convert CPU hours to MIPS for mainframe capacity planning?
For better mainframe capacity planning, how do I convert CPU hours to MIPS? And is there a way to calculate the relationship between MIPS and MSUs? Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2016
Draw up a data center network diagram you'll actually use
Creating a data center network diagram is time-consuming but necessary work. Keep the scope narrow and know the priorities of your diagram to save time and energy. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2016
Software-defined applications and infrastructure explained
The inner mechanics of today's software-defined applications and infrastructure reveal an interconnected web of isolated components and scalable resources, supervised by automated management. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2016
Using shared disks to set up virtual clusters in ESXi
Thanks to some expert advice, we've come up with some best practices for building a Red Hat-based Linux cluster in an ESXi environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2016
Deconstructing disk capacity using VM thin provisioning
Although thin provisioning promises to reduce the disk footprint of VMs, it can lead to an increase in disk capacity usage, making capacity monitoring absolutely essential. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2016
Prepare yourself for these VMware administrator interview questions
Before you get to your VMware interview, prepare yourself with these questions. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2016
EMC launches VxRail VSAN-based hyper-converged appliance
EMC replaces Vspex Blue with VxRail, integrating the new version of VMware's Virtual SAN software on four-node hyper-converged appliances. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2016
Ten server deployment checklist considerations
Use this server deployment checklist to make sure you've covered all your bases. From power distribution outlets to available network connectivity, server deployment can be an arduous process. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2016
Scripting workflows with the VMware vRealize Orchestrator
Understanding the essential elements of how vRealize Orchestrator workflows work is just the first step to increasing functionality, simplicity and compartmentalization. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2016
The Linux ip command makes network config easy
The Linux ip command makes monitoring a Linux network configuration easy, but you need to know what to look for. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Dec 2015
Should I make a storage LUN for each server?
In some scenarios, more than one LUN per server makes sense. In others, it's better to maintain a one-to-one ratio. So which is better? Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2015
Creating virtual machine blueprints with vRealize Automation
In this installation of our VMware vRealize deployment guide, we take an in-depth look at creating virtual machine blueprints and servers with vRealize Automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2015
A who's who of white box switch vendors
White box networking gives IT organizations more freedom of choice for network hardware and OSes. It's a young and changing market, with a mix of vendor involvement. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2015
Massive tax bill increases uncertainty in Dell-EMC deal
Dell's deal to buy EMC and VMware for $67 billion is in doubt after revelations that the company could face a $9 billion tax bill, forcing some uncertain IT buyers to look elsewhere. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2015
Greenfield vs. brownfield data center development strategies
Don't count out that old, empty department store that hasn't seen customers in a decade -- data center brownfield developments bring new life to these types of abandoned buildings. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2015
The three tiers of hyper-converged architectures
Hyper-converged architecture delivers storage in a bundle, but there are several components involved. George Crump discusses the three pieces of hyper-converged systems. Continue Reading
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Guide
28 Oct 2015
Data center metrics and standards guide
From energy use to server performance, data center metrics form a foundation for improving IT operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2015
Data center humidity recommendation falls dramatically
An ASHRAE study's conclusions are disproving the conventional wisdom around data centers' relative humidity levels. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2015
Impact Awards: Vote for the best Converged/Hyper-Converged Product
Vote for the best Converged/Hyper-Converged Product in the 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Sep 2015
How do you verify a HA server or cluster is working?
I want to ensure server high availability in my production IT environment. Is it better to test server HA and risk disruption, or trust in the systems' reliability? Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2015
HP Enterprise to cut up to 30,000 jobs ahead of split
A leaner, more nimble HP Enterprise will have as many as 30,000 fewer employees after the company splits in November. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2015
IT jobs surge in upper Midwest, Rockies, led by Java
IT jobs are being filled at the highest rate away from some of the traditional technology hotspots -- including many Midwestern states. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2015
Modern Infrastructure 2016 Impact Award Categories
Here are the categories for the 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Aug 2015
What can I do to gain Java skills and leave mainframe programming?
I have two years of experience in mainframe technology, currently working as a mainframe developer. I want to change to Java technology. Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2015
HP Enterprise has work cut out following split
With the split two months away, HP Enterprise needs to ensure its hardware, software and services groups work and play better together. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Aug 2015
Can I use Mikrotik vs. Cisco switches in a data center?
I'm purchasing rack-level access switches for an enterprise data center, and weighing Cisco vs. Mikrotik, which is less expensive. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jul 2015
Can a VMware snapshot resurrect a VMDK file?
Snapshots can be used to undo botched upgrades, but can they be used to rebuild a broken VMDK file? Continue Reading
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Guide
15 Jul 2015
Avoiding downtime with VMware Fault Tolerance and High Availability
This guide delves into two of vSphere's key uptime features, High Availability and Fault Tolerance, how they keep the business running and how they differ. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jul 2015
Help! I deleted a Linux boot partition
I deleted a partition on my Linux system, but I still see a boot menu. How do I re-install GRUB2 and not lose data? Continue Reading
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Guide
16 Jun 2015
Server performance and benchmark testing guide
The right back-end servers, tuned for maximum efficacy, make the difference in business-critical applications and services. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jun 2015
How the balloon driver helps VM performance
Using the balloon driver in VMware Tools is a better option for reclaiming RAM from a VM; otherwise there may be a bigger performance issue. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2015
Build Linux from scratch to improve admin skills
There's a sure-fire way to increase your knowledge about the Linux kernel and how to troubleshoot Linux servers: Build one yourself. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
29 May 2015
SAN basics: All the tools you need to purchase a storage-area network
Whether you're purchasing a SAN for the first time or looking to upgrade, this guide walks you through the buying process from start to finish. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2015
Checklist of IT KPIs for responsive data center ops
The right metrics, aligned with business needs, strengthen data center monitoring and capacity planning. KPIs orient IT performance to specific goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2015
How to build your own virtual test lab
A virtual test lab can give you a place to test patches and configuration changes -- and avoid the potential for downtime in the production environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2015
Tracking VMware's expansion from humble beginnings
VMware got its start by overcoming the technical hurdles of server virtualization and now faces other barriers as it expands its reach to other markets. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2015
Horizon View Direct-Connection Plugin streamlines configuration
The Direct-Connection Plugin lets Horizon View users connect to a virtual desktop without connecting to a Connection Server first. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Apr 2015
Taming data center disturbances with vRealize Operations Manager
As more workloads and servers are virtualized, the vSphere administrator will need some kind of tool to help keep an eye on resources and make intelligent choices. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Mar 2015
How do I configure vSphere HA for automatic failover?
I want to install a virtualization environment with physical servers for failover and a storage server to boot up some virtual servers in our network. How can I do this? Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2015
Resolve a network bottleneck with these techniques
Data center network performance problems will disappear with fixes from a simple reorganization through a strategic overhaul. Continue Reading