Data Center
Top Stories
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News
21 Oct 2026
Nvidia, Schneider Electric test digital twin for AI data center ops
Nvidia and Schneider Electric are testing a digital twin at Portugal's SINES data center campus to model AI workloads, power and cooling before infrastructure changes. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2026
CBRE to acquire Onnec in $1 billion data center infrastructure deal
CBRE will acquire Onnec for up to $1 billion, expanding its global data center infrastructure services as hyperscalers demand more fiber, networking and deployment expertise. 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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Definition
30 Nov 2015
IBM Pureflex
IBM PureFlex is a combined hardware and software system for data centers that delivers infrastructure as a system (IaaS) optimized for scalable cloud computing. 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
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Answer
09 Mar 2015
How do I size the physical server to host virtual machines?
I want to convert a physical machine to a virtual machine. How can I select and size the right server infrastructure to host VMs? Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Mar 2015
What causes UUID errors with Replication 6?
There are a few situations that will trigger a UUID issue when using vSphere Replication 6 to copy VMs -- and one direct way to correct it. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Mar 2015
Connect the dots to uncover Replication RPO violations
When attempting to troubleshoot an RPO violation in vSphere Replication, the underlying cause is oftentimes more complex than it appears on the surface. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Mar 2015
How to troubleshoot VMware vSphere Replication issues
When problems occur with the tool you use to protect your data, it's imperative to track down the logs that can help restore order. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2015
Take data center efficiency to the max on three-phase power
Three-phase circuits provide considerably more power efficiency to data center equipment, but phase balancing can trip up deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2015
Master Linux service management on System V and systemd
Managing services on Linux is an essential task for administrators. Learn to work with either System V or systemd. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Feb 2015
How do I transfer a PS file from a mainframe to a Linux server?
I need to transfer one PS file's data from a mainframe to a Linux server. Are there any JCL scripts that can do this for me? Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jan 2015
Can you virtualize a NetBackup master server?
I have only seen companies deploy a NetBackup master server on a physical server. Are there any drawbacks to using a VM as a NetBackup master server? Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jan 2015
Big data and analytics advice from an operations pro
You don't need to employ special IT personnel for big data analytics. One company uses big data for developers to modify ads and find and adjust pain-points in a game application. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2015
Eight data center technologies to test in the new year
As the hype from 2014 dissipates, the new year rings in hot new technologies. IoE, hybrid clouds and other tech innovations make the data center run more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2015
How are SSD garbage collection, wear leveling and TRIM different?
While using solid-state drives in a vSphere environment can give a boost to VMs that require high performance, it's important to know how certain longevity features function in the storage hardware. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2015
Linux network configuration turns positively wicked
Wicked replaces a lot of old Linux network configuration commands and utilities in SLES 12, making the OS more cloud friendly. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jan 2015
How much longer will that SSD last in a vSphere server?
Even modestly sized SSDs can be more expensive than traditional hard drives, but do the benefits outweigh any concerns about longevity? Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Dec 2014
This data center cost calculator keeps you on budget
Calculating every data center expense can be challenging, but with the right spreadsheet -- and formulas -- you will accurately assess the total cost. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2014
Data center maps lead IT to server treasure
Can't find the server that needs repairs or the right reboot button when the host blue-screens? A data center map is vital when disaster hits. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Nov 2014
Which IBM 3592 tape cartridge has the highest capacity?
There are a bunch of IBM 3592 'J' tape designations. How do you order the right capacity for your tape drives? Do you take compression into account? Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Nov 2014
How do you define data center size, density?
With shifts in the scale and density of data centers, one industry organization is drawing up ways to standardize how we talk about data center size and power needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Nov 2014
How can an enterprise benefit from using a VMware vApp?
By developing a virtual appliance technology, VMware has given businesses a way to both bundle and manage multiple VMs into a single package. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2014
A data center checklist for facility design and IT ops
Choose the right data center provider or facility now, and prevent costly errors and inadequate services later. Continue Reading
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Guide
28 Oct 2014
Server form factors: A guide to rackmount, blade servers and more
Which type of server is right for you? The data center's budget, technology and reliability will steer you toward rackmount or blade servers. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2014
Create a SAN with the Linux LIO iSCSI target
With the LIO iSCSI target service, Linux shops have an affordable SAN option that ranks up there with expensive proprietary storage solutions. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2014
In-rack and in-row cooling options for any data center
Say no to CRAC and consider more selective data center cooling options. In-rack and in-row cooling systems are efficient and optimally dispel heat. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2014
Monitoring virtual CPU states to improve performance
A good understanding of vCPU run, wait and ready states can help deliver more responsive VMs. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Sep 2014
What's the best data center network topology?
You need to know these most common data center network topologies, and check out a host of alternative topologies waiting in the wings. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Sep 2014
The case for a leaf-spine data center topology
Three-layer network designs are last season's topology. The leaf-spine model is coming in hot, but can the advantages made data center designers forget about the weaknesses? Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Sep 2014
Centralized versus rack-mount UPS in telecom rooms
How does a rack-mount UPS stack up against a central data center UPS for telecom rooms? Money doesn't necessarily mean power. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2014
Business application hosting on-premises vs. cloud options
Is it better to look for a SaaS version of an app, put it in your own data center on existing equipment, or host it at a cloud provider for a mix of flexible scaling and IT ownership? Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2014
VMware vSphere Fault Tolerance gets a makeover
Users left wanting to know more about vSphere 6.0 after day one of VMworld. Their wishes were granted on day two when VMware introduced new features in its latest suite of virtualization products. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2014
EVO:RAIL creates buzz after release at VMworld 2014
VMworld 2014 started off with EVO:RAIL, the company's hyper-converged infrastructure. The release caused constant chatter on social media. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2014
With EVO: RAIL, VMware turns VSAN into a franchise
VMware's EVO: RAIL allows hardware vendors to build hyper-converged appliances running VSAN and other VMware software. Continue Reading
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News
19 Aug 2014
There's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on in converged infrastructure
With sales sagging, legacy hardware suppliers are scurrying to form partnerships with a new generation of converged infrastructure vendors. But will these newly minted converged systems convince IT to open up the purse strings? Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Aug 2014
What to do when UPS sizing goes wrong
UPS sizing is hard, with confusing terminology and an ever-shifting IT load. If you get the calculations wrong, don't worry about a Michael Bay movie scene in the data center. Here's what to do when UPS is too wimpy or too beefy for the task. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2014
Seven data center blogs you should be reading right now
Stay connected on trending IT topics on Twitter and Tumblr. Follow these seven experts who express news, opinions in data center blogs. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jul 2014
What's better? An OVF or an OVA file?
What is an OVA file and how does it compare to an Open Virtualization Format package? Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jul 2014
Denser is better: Increased storage and server density
For storage and servers, being dense is good. Careful planning can maximize the benefits of greater computing densities while minimizing potential risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2014
Mount file system Linux systemd's way
Forget about /etc/fstab and autofs. There's a new Linux system around. Systemd manages mounting and automounting of file systems differently. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2014
Best of VMworld 2014 Awards: Rules and criteria
Read the official Best of VMworld Awards rules and find out how to nominate products. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2014
A few ways to configure Linux firewalld
The method for configuring Linux servers' firewalls changed with RHEL 7 and other new distributions. Learn how to set up firewalld, and what to avoid. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2014
Controversial hot aisle containment practices
Is your hot aisle too hot for OSHA? New data center trends are causing concern. You might need to adapt to adhere to the law. Continue Reading
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24 Jun 2014
Application performance management sets new goals
Application performance management is taking advantage of open APIs and software as a service to focus on the end-user experience. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2014
What to look for in a Tier III data center provider
Don't believe just any sweet-talking colo provider claiming to be Tier III. Make sure you're getting what you pay for with a true Tier III data center. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2014
How many VMs per host is too many?
The ultimate host server welcomes hundreds of virtual machines. But that doesn't mean consolidation should outrank performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jun 2014
Hyperconvergence now a data center building block
Hyperconvergence is succeeding converged infrastructure technology for data centers that are fast, efficient and more hands-off for IT teams. Continue Reading
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Guide
30 May 2014
What's the best Linux OS for your enterprise data center?
With several updates to supported Linux OSes, how do you know which to run in your data center? This guide will help you make an informed decision. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 May 2014
What's the highest server temperature you can handle?
There's no correct inlet air temperature for all servers. Age, performance and design help determine how much heat your server can handle. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2014
DevOps and Agile IT save mainframe training from skills quagmire
The problem isn't that new hires aren't familiar with the complex, custom daily tasks of mainframe ops. The problem is that you're still doing them. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 May 2014
The right way to rename VMs with vSphere Storage vMotion
A quirk in older ESX/ESXi versions will not result in a prompt rename of a VM until it has moved to another data store. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2014
Production workloads go boldly to the cloud
Some enterprises are charging ahead with a cloud-first approach to their workloads -- not just test and dev, but production workloads as well. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Apr 2014
Linux boot options in RHEL, SLES help ailing servers
Is your server not booting correctly? Does it need crucial recovery tasks? Linux boot options with GRUB2 and systemd can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2014
Using clones as templates in VMware Workstation
After you make sure the template is cleared of specifics, follow these steps to use clones as templates in VMware Workstation. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Apr 2014
How to hunt down VM network timeout issues with performance charts
Setting up the performance counters in the vSphere client can help troubleshoot a dropped packets issue. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Apr 2014
How to clear a clogged core dump in VMware ESXi
With a little manipulation via SSH or ESXi Shell, a locked core dump file can soon be just a distant memory for your ESXi environment. Continue Reading
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20 Mar 2014
For DR, cloud is the great equalizer
Disaster recovery is hard and expensive, based on the enterprises with partial -- or no -- DR plans. But cloud computing is bringing DR to the masses. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Feb 2014
Is LRDIMM the best memory option for an enterprise server?
Load-reduced DIMM allows for more memory and decreased latency than on-server memory typically has. So how does it compare to other DIMM designs? Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2014
Mount Global File System 2, avoid corruption in RHEL High Availability
You have a working cluster, now what? Red Hat's GFS2 will help you avoid file system corruption. Learn how to mount the default cluster file system. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2014
Getting started with ITIL service management
Promised cost savings, alignment with business, and operational efficiency are encouraging more organizations to take up ITIL service management. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2014
Six steps to create a highly available Apache Web service
When a Red Hat cluster goes into production, you can protect it by configuring a supported high-availability service. Here's how. Continue Reading
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27 Jan 2014
The new automation imperative
Automating IT processes is a complex and sometimes messy process -- but the rewards can be well worth the effort. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2014
Basic Linux commands for new Linux server administrators
To manage Linux servers, administrators need a set of basic commands to view and start processes, as well as utilities that make life a little easier. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2014
RISC vs. CISC explained for data center systems
The role of RISC processors in data center equipment is hotly debated, but new RISC designs are proving that it isn't just a CISC game. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2013
Creating a quorum disk and fencing for Linux high availability nodes
The quorum disk and fencing on a Linux high availability cluster let its nodes know when they are operational and shut them off if they are not. Continue Reading