Tips

Tips

• Two simple ways to create custom APIs in Azure

  Learn how to create custom APIs in Azure through both Azure Portal and Visual Studio Code, and review some post-deployment best practices that add value and security to those APIs.  Continue Reading

• Colocation vs. cloud: What are the key differences?

  An organization can host a private cloud in a colocation facility, but using the colocation facility isn't the same as building a private cloud; the two are exceedingly different.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined home offerings drive remote productivity

  Say hello to software-defined home, a 'branch of one' package that combines professional-grade Wi-Fi, security, SD-WAN and centralized management for remote workers.  Continue Reading

• How to become a cloud administrator

  Although the cloud admin role varies from company to company, there are key skills every successful one needs. Explore seven areas of expertise and how they relate to this role.  Continue Reading

• The CAP theorem, and how it applies to microservices

  Learn the fundamentals of the CAP theorem, how it comes into play with microservices and what it means for your distributed architecture design choices.  Continue Reading

• Inside 5 types of test doubles

  Spies, fakes and other nefarious-sounding test objects are actually beneficial to development teams. Learn about the five primary types of test doubles and when to use them.  Continue Reading

• The new features of vSphere 7 DRS

  The updated version of Distributed Resource Scheduler that VMware premiered with vSphere 7 has several new features, including configuration options and scalable shares.  Continue Reading

• Objective-C vs. Swift: The war for iOS development supremacy

  While Objective-C still holds the crown, Swift is quickly mobilizing to rule iOS development. Let's examine and compare the most compelling features of each language.  Continue Reading

• What the critics get wrong about serverless costs

  While critics say serverless is an expensive, clunky way to deploy software, it really isn't -- if you use it right. Let's debunk some myths around the costs of using serverless.  Continue Reading

• Myth or emerging trend? Cloud repatriation explained

  Cloud customers may look to move workloads off the public cloud because of cost, security, availability and staff skill sets. But how common is the move itself?  Continue Reading

• Colocation pricing guide: Understanding data center costs

  Colocation facility costs can include anything from power fees and bandwidth service charges to connectivity expenses, change fees and support costs.  Continue Reading

• Avoid colocation and cloud noisy neighbor issues

  In any multi-tenant IT environment, noisy neighbors can be an issue. Here's a closer look at how the challenges differ in the public cloud versus colocation.  Continue Reading

• 9 considerations for a colocation data center selection checklist

  Use this data center selection checklist to make fair and comprehensive comparisons between colocation data center providers before making a decision.  Continue Reading

• Analyze Google's cloud computing strategy

  After a few false starts, Google has taken a different, more open approach to cloud computing than AWS and Azure. Let's take a look at this strategy and roadmap to date.  Continue Reading

• Retail colocation vs. wholesale data centers: How to choose

  One offers more control, while the other offers more flexible space. If you're considering a colocation facility, how do you decide between wholesale and retail?  Continue Reading

• Using the saga design pattern for microservices transactions

  We explore how the saga design pattern can support complex, long-term business processes and provide reliable rollback mechanisms for multistep transaction failures.  Continue Reading

• How and why to create an SRE error budget

  No IT service is completely immune to disruption. A realistic error budget is a powerful way to set up a service for success.  Continue Reading

• 7 benefits of colocation for your business and 4 challenges

  Colocation is not a silver-bullet solution for everyone. Discover the benefits and drawbacks that come with allowing a third-party to manage your IT equipment.  Continue Reading

• With SASE, security and networking tech come together

  SD-WAN, SASE or some combination of the two -- which approach will deliver the best and most secure network connectivity in your organization going forward?  Continue Reading

• VMware NSX vs. Microsoft Hyper-V network virtualization

  When comparing VMware NSX to Microsoft Hyper-V network virtualization, it's important to examine the software-defined networking features these two hypervisor platforms offer.  Continue Reading

• How to make remote pair programming work

  Two heads are better than one when you're writing software code. Learn how to get those two developers working together from separate locations in a remote pair programming session.  Continue Reading

• What's new with VCF 4.0?

  The latest major release of VMware Cloud Foundation features more integration with Kubernetes, which means easier container orchestration for your vSphere environment.  Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud networking -- how to choose the right path

  There are a couple ways to connect the disparate pieces of a multi-cloud architecture. Review your networking options and choose the best fit for your environment.  Continue Reading

• Cypress vs. Selenium: Compare test automation frameworks

  Testing a complex application front end? What about a web app written in Ruby? Pick a test automation framework -- Selenium or Cypress -- that fits the project.  Continue Reading

• Notable benefits of private cloud for IT ops staff

  Deploying a private cloud could provide more benefits than drawbacks -- although it certainly carries both. Know the specific implications of private cloud on IT ops staff.  Continue Reading

• Cloud automation use cases for managing and troubleshooting

  Cloud automation use cases highlight the benefits these tools can provide to companies evaluating how best to manage and troubleshoot their cloud connections.  Continue Reading

• Infrastructure as code principles: How IaC works and how to use it

  What are the most important things to know about infrastructure as code if you're going to implement it? Follow these guidelines to build a solid IaC foundation.  Continue Reading

• Avoid server overheating with ASHRAE data center guidelines

  Finding the right server operating temperature can be tricky. ASHRAE standards provide guidance for all server classes and what factors can play into temperature readings.  Continue Reading

• How HPE OneView composes, manages Synergy infrastructure

  HPE OneView enables Synergy composable infrastructure to do its job. Learn how OneView enables users to manage compute, storage and network for composing virtual servers on-demand.  Continue Reading

• How to master microservices data architecture design

  Microservices have data management needs unlike any other application architecture today. You'll need the right set of knowledge, mechanisms and design principles to succeed.  Continue Reading

• How to apologize for server outages and keep users happy

  Nobody panic: The servers are down. How IT communicates an issue often means more to users than resolution speed. An admission of struggle is more forgivable than silence.  Continue Reading

• Boost Windows Server performance with these 10 tips

  A small investment in time to execute these Windows Server performance tuning tips and techniques can optimize server workloads for more satisfactory results.  Continue Reading

• VMware-Pivotal acquisition leads to better cloud infrastructure

  VMware acquired Pivotal in 2019 to bolster its cloud infrastructure lineup. Now, more than a year later, learn what Pivotal has brought to VMware and what still needs doing.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways a remote hands data center ensures colocation success

  Off-site hardware upkeep can be tricky and time-consuming. With remote hands options, your admins can delegate routine maintenance and monitoring to trained, on-site service staff.  Continue Reading

• Explore the benefits of containers on bare metal vs. on VMs

  Advances in container and cloud technologies have morphed the debate over container deployment on bare-metal servers vs. VMs, with strong pros and cons for each.  Continue Reading

• Implementing an SDP architecture for added network security

  A key component of a software-defined perimeter requires client authentication before connection, while also making a network's internals invisible to outsiders.  Continue Reading

• These IT automation scripts take little effort and save a lot of work

  Doing some IT tasks by hand is doing them wrong. Whether to provision components, research an issue or report on performance, IT automation scripts are powerful and easy to write.  Continue Reading

• Navigating the evolving BPA tools market

  The BPA market tool landscape is still maturing, but organizations should prepare themselves to adopt it. Review the basics of BPA and learn how to start building your automation strategy.  Continue Reading

• Your guide to avoiding server rack setup issues

  Not all data center servers are created equal. Before you attempt a server racking project, double-check size specifications and account for fastening hardware and cabling needs.  Continue Reading

• A production deployment checklist for enterprise apps

  The more complex an app gets, the more complex production deployment becomes. Split the process into these nine areas to streamline team communication and tasks.  Continue Reading

• What network managers need to know about SaaS optimization

  When strategizing SaaS optimization tactics, network management teams should consider their traffic steering preferences and geographically dispersed access points.  Continue Reading

• How to containerize legacy applications in an Azure migration

  There are many benefits to containerization as part of a migration, but only for the right type of app. If you're moving to Azure, follow these steps to ensure it's a success.  Continue Reading

• Extend your power lifecycle with Li-ion data center batteries

  Backup system batteries are critical in any infrastructure. Developments in Li-ion technology can bring more power, lower TCO and a longer component lifespan.  Continue Reading

• Explore the benefits of Azure AD vs. on-prem AD

  A move to Office 365 doesn't require cutting the cord from on-premises Active Directory, but it is an option. Here's what you need to know when comparing Azure AD vs. on-prem AD.  Continue Reading

• How to test micro apps

  Micro apps are limited in functionality, but they still require a full slate of tests. Learn how micro apps and microservices differ, the benefits driving micro app adoption, and how to test them.  Continue Reading

• Basics of the pairwise, or all-pairs, testing technique

  Pairwise testing can improve test coverage without increasing wait times. Consider the QA technique's benefits, challenges and role within a test suite.  Continue Reading

• The vicious cycle of circular dependencies in microservices

  Modular design is impossible so long as circular dependencies lurk in your architecture. So how can you break problematic coupling between otherwise-independent components?  Continue Reading

• 7-step pandemic return-to-work IT infrastructure checklist

  As employees return on site, ensure your HCI can handle the changes. Follow these steps for checking system hardware and storage, as well as securing software and firmware.  Continue Reading

• Use virtual clusters to avoid container sprawl

  Virtual clusters enable admins to deploy, track and manage containers across various systems to ensure performance, security and governance, and low costs.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a VMware home lab on a budget

  Set up a small, energy-efficient, at-home VMware virtualization lab for under $1,000 by evaluating your PC, software subscription and storage options.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud infrastructure design for AWS, Azure, Google Anthos

  Learn about infrastructure for tightly coupled hybrid clouds and delivering AWS Outposts, Microsoft Azure Stack and Google Anthos from an on-premises data center.  Continue Reading

• 4 innovations in software development and testing to watch

  These methods and technologies change the way developers and testers do their jobs -- or even what their duties are. Explore innovations related to AI, the flow of work and more.  Continue Reading

• Microsegmentation networking: Nutanix Flow vs. VMware NSX HCI

  Explore how microsegmentation improves network security and the differences in how Nutanix and VMware bring the technology to their software-defined hyper-converged infrastructures.  Continue Reading

• 4 mobile app security threats all developers must face

  Mobile apps carry their own set of code-based vulnerabilities and entry points, meaning developers need to step up their secure development, coding and deployment practices.  Continue Reading

• Transform your infrastructure to support parallel processing

  Quick, real-time data analysis is a boost to any organization's operations. With the right hardware and software, you can support parallelization in your data center.  Continue Reading

• How service mesh enables microservices networking

  As microservices applications grow more popular, IT teams need to enable reliable networking between them for proper communication. That's where service mesh comes in.  Continue Reading

• RAID vs. backup: Learn the differences and benefits of both

  In a battle of RAID vs. backup, both could win. While RAID offers disk failure protection, it falls short in other areas where backup comes in handy.  Continue Reading

• 9 tried-and-true open source frameworks for development

  No matter which type of application you are developing or what your priorities are, there is likely an open source framework that caters to your needs.  Continue Reading

• Automate these DevOps tasks for maximum productivity

  DevOps is hard work, but only upfront. The goal -- once teams build a pipeline and set up automation -- is to stand aside and watch the builds flow through.  Continue Reading

• Bolster remote IT management with these security tips

  The remote management of IT systems has become essential -- but admins need to uphold that responsibility in a way that doesn't compromise security.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways to ease the green data storage transition

  Energy-efficient storage promises several benefits. Finding the right approach requires carefully assessing available technology, where you keep your data and costs.  Continue Reading

• Reevaluate your cloud computing pandemic strategy

  If you jumped to the cloud at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, without much long-term planning, take some time now to evaluate your current cloud strategy.  Continue Reading

• Microservices logging best practices every team should know

  Creating a log system for distributed microservices is a task much easier said than done. Joydip Kanjilal offers a few best practices to shore up microservices logging processes.  Continue Reading

• How to use ChatOps to automate network tasks

  Integrating team collaboration chat systems with network automation results in the ability to automate tedious workflows, enabling faster problem resolution and streamlined operations.  Continue Reading

• Remote possibilities: Out-of-band management admin options

  COVID-19 puts added strain on administrators who need to compensate for lack of personnel in data centers, which leads to the need for a remote access strategy.  Continue Reading

• Write a software deployment plan under these guidelines

  A successful and comprehensive software deployment plan includes many moving pieces. But don't panic -- here are the key aspects to consider.  Continue Reading

• Why networks should apply security by design principles

  Security by design incorporates security and risk management directly into network architecture, using segmentation and Agile infrastructure design.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined power offers benefits, but lacks popular interest

  Virtualized power systems promise to ease deployment and maintenance, but the market is still in its nascency.  Continue Reading

• How and why to implement Wi-Fi QoS

  Quality of service, as network pros know, prioritizes apps as they cross the network. But Wi-Fi QoS needs to be considered, too, in relation to the overall network.  Continue Reading

• Using the Office 365 Recommended Configuration Analyzer

  Learn how this free PowerShell-based utility digs into your Office 365 security setup and offers guidance for administrators looking to stop the latest online threats.  Continue Reading

• Django vs. Node.js: Pick the right web development framework

  Understanding the differences between Django and Node.js comes down to understanding their data capabilities and the programming languages that make up each one's history.  Continue Reading

• Harness these three types of developer collaboration tools

  More than ever, developers must work as a team to achieve business goals. Here are three types of collaboration tools to help developers work with ease.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the modular monolith and its ideal use cases

  While it isn't always the right fit, a modular monolith can often provide a happy medium between the simplicity of a traditional monolith and the complexity of microservices.  Continue Reading

• 5 machine learning skills you need in the cloud

  Put your IT team in the best position to succeed with AI. Develop these machine learning skills and see how they translate to the major cloud platforms.  Continue Reading

• Mini PCs for business offer improved performance, reduced costs

  Mini PCs are a low-cost hardware alternative to servers that enable organizations to maintain maximum data center features and capabilities in remote office locations.  Continue Reading

• How COVID-19 will reshape 2021 enterprise network spending

  COVID-19 has shifted enterprise network spending. Campus LAN traffic may never be the same, but companies are earmarking funds to better support the remote workforce.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 new vSphere 7.0 features

  With vSphere 7.0, VMware introduced several new capabilities and tools. Explore the top 10 most innovative features in this latest vSphere release.  Continue Reading

• 3 SaaS cost management tips for new-to-cloud usage

  When it comes to SaaS spending, IT must ensure that everyone from users to management is on the same page. Use these strategies to stay within your cloud budget.  Continue Reading

• How to work with Azure DNS zones

  Microsoft's hosting service for DNS domains is an option for organizations with a heavy Azure investment that want the benefits associated with a cloud service.  Continue Reading

• Manage Kubernetes pods and nodes with these native features

  In Kubernetes, pod management requires familiarity with the platform's native features. From Services and Jobs to taints and tolerations, learn how they help direct deployments.  Continue Reading

• Waterfall vs. Agile vs. iterative development explained

  Componentized software architectures gave way to new forms of software development. Learn when to implement simple iterative development versus wholesale changes with Agile.  Continue Reading

• How to hold Three Amigos meetings in Agile development

  Three Amigos is an Agile development strategy to keep projects on track with specifications, timeline expectations and more. Here's how to host the meetings, and who should join in.  Continue Reading

• The non-tech skills of software development project managers

  Teams are key to the success of any enterprise software project, but development teams don't run themselves. Managers need the right skills to keep their employees on track.  Continue Reading

• Compare Google Cloud Deployment Manager vs. Terraform on GCP

  Determine whether to opt for cloud native Deployment Manager or third-party Terraform for infrastructure as code on Google Cloud.  Continue Reading

• Infrastructure as code examples for DevOps, cloud deployments

  Administrators can use infrastructure as code to consistently manage a distributed set of resources. Follow these four examples to get started, and explore common IaC tool choices.  Continue Reading

• Explore the tools for disaster recovery on AWS, Azure and GCP

  Utilize cloud infrastructure for your disaster recovery plan. Learn about the tools and services from AWS, Google and Microsoft to see if they fit in your DR plan.  Continue Reading

• Figure out the differences of asset management vs. CMDB

  There is no shortage of software options for change management tools. Operational goals can help IT teams decide if ITAM or CMDB is the right choice for the organization.  Continue Reading

• How to start managing software development teams like a pro

  Team performance is vital to a software project's success. Avoid these common management challenges and learn about the key metrics that help monitor your team's effectiveness.  Continue Reading

• How to ensure a scalable SASE architecture

  Don't assume all SASE architecture is the same, especially when it comes to scalability. Enterprises should consider distance to vendor PoPs, office locations and agent onboarding.  Continue Reading

• Compare low-power Wi-Fi protocols and their roles in IoT

  Wi-Fi means more than faster speeds. Low-power Wi-Fi will help companies improve the efficiency of their IoT deployments, thanks to longer signal range and power consumption features.  Continue Reading

• Cloud storage best practices in the work-from-home era

  Find out what data and applications are best for cloud storage, what design factors to consider and how to choose the right service to meet short- and long-term needs of remote workers.  Continue Reading

• Learn SELinux commands for management and troubleshooting

  SELinux provides a more secure way to run Linux servers. Key commands for status, file management and troubleshooting can help you run SELinux smoothly on your infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate SaaS integration tools for IaaS-hosted apps

  SaaS tools can enhance applications hosted on AWS, Microsoft Azure and other public clouds, but they also present integration challenges. See which tools can ease those burdens.  Continue Reading

• How and why to do parallel testing

  Parallel testing can be a boon to test coverage and test execution times. But while the practice is quite adoptable, testers still need a well-thought-out implementation strategy.  Continue Reading

• The value of an IoT implementation in the data center

  IoT can help with data center management and optimization. Before you embark on an implementation, evaluate use cases, software options and security concerns.  Continue Reading

• Compare runbooks vs. playbooks for IT process documentation

  Despite some contextual differences, runbooks and playbooks serve a similar purpose in the enterprise: to document critical processes.  Continue Reading

• How to build a resilient network design

  Everything fails eventually, even in networking. Enterprises can prepare for network failure by building resilience and redundancy into their network infrastructure design.  Continue Reading

• How static and dynamic code analysis boost app security

  Catch security vulnerabilities before they catch up to you. Here's how static and dynamic source code analysis help address application concerns, and the difference between the approaches.  Continue Reading

• Put an IT succession plan in place for your cloud team

  IT is a small world. Before you leave your current company and role, make sure your successor has the right training, support and documentation to hit the ground running.  Continue Reading

• A basic overview of micro front ends

  Microservices enable independent app-dev teams, asynchronous app updates and precise troubleshooting. If these benefits sound good for your UI, consider a micro front end.  Continue Reading