IT Operations
Top Stories
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News
05 May 2026
ServiceNow reintroduces itself as an AI 'security company'
ServiceNow pulls ahead of other agent orchestrators with expanded AI security features, experts say, as enterprises proceed cautiously toward agent autonomy. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2025
Top PowerShell commands you must know, with cheat sheet
Explore this list of the most useful PowerShell cmdlets with a guide on how to use each command. Then, download the handy cheat sheet to keep the information at your fingertips. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2018
Prepare a Hyper-V configuration report with PowerShell
Generate a report with valuable Hyper-V configuration information, such as the virtual disk path, using a PowerShell script to ensure your server settings match the design documentation. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jun 2018
How many Hyper-V virtual processors should I configure per VM?
There isn't a set number of virtual processors you should configure for a Hyper-V VM, but there are steps you can take to ensure your workloads receive enough processor resources. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jun 2018
Kubernetes books put container deployments on the right track
Whether you're tasked to set up and manage or deploy applications with Kubernetes, these books offer guidance and support. Co-author Brendan Burns shares insights from the texts. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2018
Use Sysprep to generalize Hyper-V VMs for rapid deployment
Microsoft's Sysprep tool enables rapid Hyper-V VM configuration and deployment through image generalization. Use commands to speed up configuration and disaster recovery. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 May 2018
Forget the DevOps mindset, and change habits and behaviors instead
DevOps is not a state of mind, but rather a series of behaviors and practices. Expert Rob Lambert explains how a focus on habits can be a DevOps game-changer. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 May 2018
How do you use forklift migration to move VMs to the cloud?
To migrate a VM and its dependencies from a local data center to a public cloud, use the forklift method to prepare the VM for migration, deploy the right tools and import. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2018
Top-tier ITSM skills go beyond a good tool set
An organization can supply all the tools IT wants and still struggle to succeed. Build up key soft skills in IT and you'll boost productivity and business relationships. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2018
Red Hat Virtualization 4.2 updates include UI and DR enhancements
The latest updates to Red Hat's virtualization platform enhance enterprise-grade features. But despite improvements, it's still not a VMware killer. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2018
Manage KVM at scale with these best practices
KVM management is easy when VM density is low, but managing hundreds or thousands of VMs can present a challenge. Plan ahead, configure the right drivers and optimize for scale. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2018
A proper DevOps feedback loop includes business leaders
What the modern IT organization needs isn't DevOps -- it's BizDevOps. IT exists to serve the business, but that relationship must be fully reciprocal. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2018
Master application scalability in cloud computing alongside devs
Just because cloud scales endlessly doesn't mean every component in an application should, too. Teams throw money away and degrade app performance when ops isn't involved in design and test. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Apr 2018
Get started with this Nutanix Community Edition installation guide
Install Nutanix Community Edition to test its features in your infrastructure for free. Learn about the download, installation, configuration and VM creation processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2018
Azure PowerShell cmdlets monitor, manage VMs
PowerShell gives administrators a way to customize reports that hone in on the details that matter to the business, such as the configuration of production VMs. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Apr 2018
Exchange IRM helps enterprises lock down information
Exchange Server's information rights management features put boundaries on messages and documents to avoid the mishandling of restricted content. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Apr 2018
512e disks attempt to bridge the gap between 512n and 4Kn
It's important to ensure that your OS and hypervisor support 512e and 4Kn disks, but there are always alternatives to work around any incompatibilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Apr 2018
What are the best log consolidation and storage methods?
Storing log data is an important part of the log management process. Maintain performance, security and backup policies with careful log consolidation. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2018
How do you analyze log data for relevant information?
Log files can contain enormous amounts of potentially useful information, but without log data analysis and log filtering, it can be difficult to sort, prioritize and read. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2018
How does an effective logging strategy improve data analysis?
Logs and log analytics can produce vast amounts of information. Save time and use resources efficiently with an effective logging strategy that prioritizes relevant data. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Mar 2018
'Accelerate' with the DevOps Research and Assessment team
DevOps success will require a focus on learning and an expectation of high-performance. The DORA team explains in its new book, 'Accelerate: The Science of DevOps.' Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2018
Automated continuous deployment tools produce successful code
Continuous deployment skips the operations oversight step in software production. So, automated tools must ensure code success in administrators' stead -- before mistakes go live. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Mar 2018
DevOps Research and Assessment team dispels maturity model myths
'Accelerate: The Science of DevOps' examines the hard data to see how current development methodology is really performing. In this excerpt, the focus is on capabilities, not maturity. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2018
Plan ahead: Build a container network for scalability
Container connectivity is no small problem for enterprises with large Docker and Kubernetes deployments. Bring in tools designed to support the workload. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2018
Ten lessons for enterprises deploying containers
The majority of medium to large enterprises surveyed by EMA foresee containers replacing VMs in two to five years. Unsurprisingly, container management and shadow containers are pressing concerns. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2018
Six simple cloud security policies you need to know
Data protection takes center stage in modern IT. Step through this cloud security checklist to ensure your organization is covering all its bases. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Mar 2018
Why operations metrics and telemetry matter in DevOps too
The earlier developers think about what operations pros need, the tighter the feedback loop will become. Expert Theresa Neate explains how metrics are key to shifting ops left. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Mar 2018
Keep DevOps operations relevant in the age of code
The operations role isn't going away in DevOps, but it is going to change -- in some cases, dramatically. Expert Matthew Heusser explains what you need to do to be prepared. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2018
Integrate DevOps and containers with simple tool adjustments
Organizations with an established DevOps pipeline can migrate from VMs to containers without tossing out the entire toolstack. Focus on these steps to enable containers in production. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Feb 2018
Can container tools box out configuration management?
What will happen to your infrastructure programming skills when containers take over? Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2018
Help ops to begin a DevOps implementation the right way
DevOps can be difficult to get right, even with lots of experience. For those forging ahead for the first time, however, the hurdles can seem enormous. Stephen Bigelow explains. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
22 Feb 2018
Data center and cloud computing products that make an impact
The Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards recognize the best IT infrastructure and cloud computing products in seven categories, from cloud to DevOps to converged infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2018
Meet these SCVMM 2016 requirements before upgrading
Before upgrading to SCVMM 2016, ensure that you meet its hardware requirements, including SCVMM 2012 R2 and Update Rollup 9 or later, and have a supported version of SQL Server. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2018
Cloud ops doesn't solve your problems, it creates new ones
There are many reasons to consider a cloud migration, but if you expect to cut costs or dramatically ease management, you'll be disappointed. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2018
Container adoption stats reveal a ramp up in production
There's a 50/50 chance your IT organization will provision and support container-based applications by 2020. See how organizations approach container deployment, including how much they need to spend. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Feb 2018
Salary snapshot: It's a very good time to be a DevOps pro
In 2017, the number of job postings for DevOps jumped 15% over the previous year, and salaries increased, too. Do you have today's most in-demand skills? Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Feb 2018
Follow these VM network configuration best practices
Set up and operate a VM network using proven strategies to ensure security and performance. With a little planning, virtualization admins can avoid potential issues down the road. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Feb 2018
Network security features available in a virtual switch
Virtual switch security is achieved through a number of features. Virtualization admins can create and enforce policies, lock down MAC addresses and block forged traffic from VMs. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Feb 2018
NIC teaming software enables load balancing and failover
Load balancing and failover capabilities help optimize performance and achieve resiliency in your virtual infrastructure. Learn how NIC teaming provides both functionalities. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Feb 2018
Navigate different network ports, from physical to virtual
Physical network ports, virtual network ports, uplink ports and group ports all have different functions in virtual infrastructures. Learn more with this in-depth breakdown. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Feb 2018
VM networking: Physical and virtual switches explained
In order for VMs to communicate, they must utilize VM networking technologies that enable them to emulate and access the existing physical network and provide additional features. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2018
Sharpen IT effectiveness to go from cost center to business nexus
IT departments must work to keep user experience positive to avoid a perception as a resource vacuum. If users can't manipulate the app effectively, what does uptime matter? Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2018
Are DevOps responsibilities in production unfair to developers?
When Nike.com gave developers live production support responsibilities, the shakeup unearthed fundamental questions about app design and support processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2018
Ensure container monitoring and control via smart tooling
Don't try to stick with traditional monitoring tools when your organization matures to containers; they won't do enough. Seek out monitoring and management tools with targeted capabilities. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Jan 2018
It's tough to explain DevOps, that nebulous IT concept
DevOps is more about goals and aspirations than any set of practices or tools. Right? Or is it just about collaboration and culture? Either way, it's tough to define DevOps. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Jan 2018
The future of DevOps in 2018? More people, more integration
From DataOps to function as a service, DevOps adoption is going to mean acquiring some new skills in 2018. Contributor George Lawton asks the experts. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Jan 2018
Be wary of DevOps evangelists preaching a culture change
There are many reasons to adopt DevOps, and there are many challenges involved in getting it right. But don't buy into the culture myth that many DevOps evangelists are selling. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2017
Use virsh commands to manage KVM networking
Virsh commands enable you to manage network properties and can be used alongside brctl commands to help you create additional virtual bridges in your KVM environment. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Nov 2017
Systems thinking principles: Building a DevOps support model
It's time to embrace a DevOps support model. Everything we do has consequences, good or bad. We're interdependent. That's why no team should work in isolation. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2017
To build or to buy? That is the DevOps toolchain question
An organization should assess its strengths and weaknesses before choosing a DevOps toolchain. A pre-made pipeline is simpler than individually collected tools, but it sacrifices flexibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2017
Windows Server containers and Hyper-V containers explained
It's important to not only understand the differences between these two container types but also the specific requirements, deployment considerations and management practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2017
Microsoft Nano Server
Microsoft Nano Server is a lightweight version of the Windows Server operating system that was introduced with Windows Server 2016 for use as an OS layer for virtualized container instances. Continue Reading
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Quiz
29 Aug 2017
Know how container host machine resources get used?
What's a container's resource limit? How do they scale? What OS does a host machine need? Answer 10 questions to prove your container deployment knowledge. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2017
A deployment pipeline keeps infrastructure ducks in their rows
IT infrastructure is difficult to get right. Whether to stand up a test/dev server or deploy a new app to production, infrastructure developers turn to a deployment pipeline to build IT. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Aug 2017
Chef Habitat offers a different take on configuration management
Chef Habitat's strategy focuses on the dynamic application environment instead of static servers, approaching configuration management with a new focus. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2017
IT asset tracking informs better capacity, management decisions
Detailed IT asset inventories are a result of granular asset tracking and lead to better server and storage management -- among other benefits. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2017
Let's talk about IT infrastructure and emerging technologies
Work closely with hardware specialists and engineers in the data center, as emerging compute, network and storage technologies have ramifications beyond the racks. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2017
Set Salt configuration management free without a master
Salt configurations usually involve at least one minion controlled by a master, but that's not always necessary. See how to use Salt to run a single machine in masterless mode. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2017
Advanced shell scripting for IT ops professionals: Free chapter
Shell scripts can improve speed and automation for sys admins beyond what's possible with graphical user interfaces. Dana French's books cover advanced shell scripting for experienced users. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Feb 2017
Are there IT jobs in cloud capacity management?
If a company moves only 30% of workloads from its data center to the public cloud, that will reduce IT ops demand. Is there still a role for the ops engineer? Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2017
How the Puppet architecture manipulates configurations
Puppet is intrinsically scalable, enabling IT teams to manage one machine or hundreds. Its architecture makes the configuration management tool compatible with a range of IT setups. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2017
Set up Docker container networking for real production workloads
A technology as old as data centers -- networking -- threatens to derail the next new thing. Smart networking choices make Docker container deployments functional and organized. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2017
Real-life change management examples prove it's harder than it looks
Whether your IT shop rigorously follows a service management framework or takes a laissez-faire approach to changes, these examples help hone change management procedures. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2016
Idempotent configuration management sets things right -- no matter what
Idempotency ensures a system won't stray from its designated desired state, sending alerts to systems administrators if a requested change would cause a disruption. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2016
Simplify your platform with IT systems management tools
So much effort goes into simply keeping an IT infrastructure up and running. Imagine what more could be accomplished once you automate some of those tasks with IT systems management tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2016
A SaltStack tutorial to start mastering data center minions
With a basic understanding of SaltStack minions, modules, grains and other concepts, IT administrators have the power to scale up configurations. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2016
Ways to make the application deployment process clear and flexible
The application deployment manual must be flexible, and short enough to actually follow. A process that can't change with the evolving IT system isn't of much use to anyone. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2016
Salt minions and grains facilitate deployment at scale
A tiered management setup and finely grained monitoring capabilities make SaltStack's configuration management tool worth considering. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2016
Setting up and controlling resources on a Proxmox cluster
You're learned how to create Proxmox hosts and group them into a cluster. Now it's time to add resources to your cluster and assign access rights to them. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2016
Secure Docker on Linux or Windows platforms
With Docker appearing in businesses of all shapes and sizes, security is a concern for many IT admins. Here's how to secure Docker on the container or the host machine. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Sep 2016
Select the best configuration management tools for your company
What characterizes the best configuration management tools for your company? Read about the different tools available and which ones would address your company needs the best. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2016
Patch servers the right way without wasting time
Apply these server patching best practices to save time, reduce complexity, and build an optimal schedule and toolkit. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
09 Aug 2016
Pick up infrastructure as code tools and techniques
Walk through an infrastructure as code template, using AWS CloudFormation as an example, to better understand defining and connecting resources. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Aug 2016
How is runtime as a service different from PaaS or IaaS?
What is runtime as a service and how does it differ from platform as a service and infrastructure as a service? Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jul 2016
Set Office 365 data loss prevention policies with PowerShell
Exchange administrators can use PowerShell to manage Office 365 compliance, e-discovery and data loss prevention. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2016
Create a cloud development environment for on-premises apps
With built-in tools from many of the mature public cloud services and a well-planned deployment strategy, IT teams can -- and should -- move test/dev to public cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 May 2016
Crunching the costs of Microsoft Exchange on-premises vs. cloud services
Security concerns are less of an issue for most organizations, but do the costs of using Exchange on premises vs. the Office 365 mail service stack up? Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2016
Start using the PowerShell pipeline with this example
An administrator can create functions to support the PowerShell pipeline, which improves upon text-based shells by allowing the scripter to pass objects across the pipe. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2016
How to upgrade to PowerShell 5
PowerShell version 5 is the most recent iteration of the scripting language and offers new features from previous versions. Admins can upgrade to the new version in a few steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2016
PowerShell script examples and reference guide for admins
Microsoft unveiled PowerShell in 2006, but many Windows administrators are still unaware of the tremendous amount of resources available to help automate numerous tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2016
Use the admin center for some Office 365 administration
Administrators can choose the admin center or PowerShell for Office 365 management -- the best option depends on the circumstances. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Feb 2016
Why is there an Outlook folder missing from Outlook Web App?
Some folders in a mailbox on Exchange Server 2013 are not showing up on the folder list in the OWA virtual directory but do appear in other views. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2016
Six alternative Hyper-V management tools
There are a number of third-party Hyper-V management tools available for organizations that need to handle a few dozen nodes. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Dec 2015
What are my options for Azure ExpressRoute connections?
For companies that need a private connection and full access to different Azure regions, Microsoft offers a premium version of Azure ExpressRoute. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2015
Using PowerShell to create XML documents
Administrators can avoid introducing errors when building an XML file by using PowerShell to construct the document. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2015
Server patch management for multi-OS data centers
If you have a multi-OS data center, you know the struggle that is server patch management. Don't fret, the right combination of tools and human intuition can alleviate the pain. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2015
Facebook completes Chef DevOps migration, shares lessons
The mistakes, best practices and tools that Facebook shares from its migration to Chef configuration management apply to your DevOps shop too. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2015
What are SR-IOV pros and cons with Hyper-V?
SR-IOV in Windows Server 2012 R2 supports Hyper-V Live Migration, but system requirements hampered adoption for some cases. Should everyone put PCIe SR-IOV to use? Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2015
Two ways to manage different server operating systems
Several tools and techniques let data center systems administrators work with multiple server OSes on one host system, and manage it effectively. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jan 2015
Can you verify software compatibility on IT systems?
If you're thinking about deploying an application software package, how do you know if it is compatible with your particular systems and hardware? Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Dec 2014
IBM Tivoli software for enterprise system management
IBM Tivoli enterprise system management products are designed to manage all aspects of a data center, including storage, monitoring and automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Dec 2014
Dell OpenManage enterprise system management overview
Dell's OpenManage product suite provides tools and modules to manage both Dell and third-party IT infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2014
How can I delete Exchange audit logs?
Admins don't have to sidestep the default settings for deleting logs, but if needed, these PowerShell cmdlets will get the job done. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2014
Know your data center monitoring system
You can't depend on a building system to run the data center. Implement a BMS and a DCIM tool to monitor and predict system changes, tighten security and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Sep 2014
How to write server documentation
A data center should be prepared for the worst, but try to avoid that at all costs. Appropriate system documentation helps avoid critical errors. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2014
Successful DevOps practices from the start
Here's all you need to know to get started with DevOps, from identifying goals and roadblocks, to useful tools to scale DevOps to the next level. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2014
IT asset management best practices for any data center
Choosing a data center asset management tool depends on how the infrastructure functions, the mix of hardware and software in action and more factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2014
Set up an ADFS server to manage Office 365 identities
As long as you know how to set it up and install it, ADFS can be a good identity management option for Office 365. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2013
Five tips for selecting system management tools
Too much granularity? Not enough? Need alerts? Maybe not. There are five considerations for systems management tools -- and cost isn't one of them. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2011
Exchange 2010 auditing tools to track admin, end-user behavior
Compliance rules make tracking admin and email users a necessary evil. Thankfully, audit logging tools in Exchange 2010 can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2010
Improve application performance with multithreaded applications
Multi-core CPUs fuel a server's operating system performance and virtualization technologies. Can multithreaded applications and multi-core CPUs fuel application performance as well? Continue Reading