Tips

Tips

• Understand the differences in VM vs. container vs. serverless

  VMs, containers and serverless computing provide organizations with application development flexibility, but they add management complexity.  Continue Reading

• What is the self-driving data center and how does it work?

  Self-driven data centers require little intervention to handle daily operations. Explore their inner workings, benefits, and what HPE and VMware are doing to make them a reality.  Continue Reading

• Network engineer career advice amid the COVID-19 pandemic

  As COVID-19 dramatically affects the global economy, people may ask, 'What's next for my career?' No one is sure, but these tips can help network engineers feel and stay secure.  Continue Reading

• Pair programming pros and cons for network automation

  Pair programming is an Agile software development technique that reduces bugs and produces better software. Can pair programming work between networking experts and programmers?  Continue Reading

• A comprehensive guide to Open vSwitch and its capabilities

  Distributed multilayer switches are essential to managing several network connections between VMs. Open vSwitch offers admins automated and dynamic network control for virtual systems.  Continue Reading

• Gain a broad view of cloud optimization

  Cloud optimization is a broad discipline that involves much more than just cost. Learn why performance, reliability and sustainability should also play a role in an optimization strategy.  Continue Reading

• Craft a DevOps transformation roadmap around these 5 milestones

  As organizations embark on a DevOps journey, they can use these five milestones to ensure team members stay on track -- and collaborate efficiently along the way.  Continue Reading

• How to prep for your AWS cloud certification exam

  Use this guide to AWS certifications to start your exam prep. Let's make sense of all the exam resources out there.  Continue Reading

• Storage and database innovation evolve in tandem

  Faster storage means faster database operations. Discover how developments and innovation in storage improves the performance and flexibility of database technology.  Continue Reading

• Optimize your VM monitoring strategy with these tools

  Keeping track of hundreds of VMs and applications can be difficult. However, monitoring tools such as OpManager and vSphere can help admins ensure successful system performance.  Continue Reading

• Remote access best practices emphasize security, ease of use

  COVID-19 has forced companies to determine the best way to keep remote employees supported. Not sure which way to proceed? Consider these remote access best practices.  Continue Reading

• Tools and tips to track server power consumption

  Server power requirements differ for each organization, but it's still essential to monitor peak loads and track how much power your servers consume to avoid outages.  Continue Reading

• Complete guide to penetration testing best practices

  Pen testing uncovers security vulnerabilities before hackers do. Use this guide to learn about the tooling options, test types, use cases and common flaws in software penetration testing.  Continue Reading

• Design a cloud application with portability in mind

  Writing apps for easier portability between clouds takes some work and comes with tradeoffs. Yet, the effort required to design a portable app can pay off in the long run.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of SD-WAN and remote access

  SD-WAN could be a compelling option for enterprises that require remote access for mission-critical jobs. But IT teams should be aware of cost, training and implementation barriers.  Continue Reading

• Remote work infrastructure requires on-prem network changes

  Demilitarized zone, network access control and VPN termination points are some of the on-premises components that need to be addressed in a remote work infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Kotlin vs. Swift: An open source programming language face-off

  Take a look into what Kotlin and Swift have to offer in terms of cross-platform capabilities, library support and ease of use. Also, review their major strengths and limitations.  Continue Reading

• Watch out for these 5 hybrid cloud security challenges

  Protect your hybrid cloud environment against these five common security vulnerabilities. Avoid the risks with established strategies and public cloud tools.  Continue Reading

• Reduce IT burdens, costs with on-premises storage as a service

  Most organizations automatically associate storage as a service with the cloud -- but emerging, on-premises STaaS offerings can benefit IT ops and the business just as much, if not more.  Continue Reading

• VSphere Standard Switch vs. Distributed Switch: The differences

  Explore the differences between vSphere's two virtual switches: vSS and vDS. One works best on a small scale, while the other can help manage networking across a large business.  Continue Reading

• Consider Office 365 MFA to thwart attacks

  More remote users are working on their own equipment, which opens an organization to a hack attempt. Office 365 customers can use multifactor authentication to lower this risk.  Continue Reading

• Top Docker best practices for container management

  Many admins use Docker for container management, so they should explore best practices such as container backup procedures and exploring Dockerfile commands.  Continue Reading

• Top criteria that belong in a mobile app testing plan

  Smartphones are ubiquitous, but no two users are the same -- bandwidth, devices, OSes and platforms differ. Here's how to test mobile apps exhaustively and prioritize what matters.  Continue Reading

• Sonatype Nexus vs. JFrog: Pick an open source security scanner

  Chances are your organization relies on open source code. But how do you manage code vulnerabilities? Find a product best suited for your needs in this Sonatype Nexus vs. JFrog comparison.  Continue Reading

• Getting a handle on certificate management in Windows shops

  A certificate that isn't renewed by its expiration date will cause dire consequences for administrators who will need to find a fast remedy when systems can't communicate.  Continue Reading

• 5 areas to assess when rethinking storage at the edge

  Does your organization have the right edge storage resources? Here's what you need to focus on to ensure your organization keeps pace with changes at the edge.  Continue Reading

• 5 free virtual appliances for data analysis, app creation

  Virtual appliances can execute specific IT tasks, such as data analysis and application creation. There are several free offerings available, but admins must be wary of risks.  Continue Reading

• The 5 essential elements of an RPA strategy

  RPA's benefits can be wiped out by an improper implementation. Give your business a sound RPA strategy and roadmap before you rush in.  Continue Reading

• Review hybrid cloud offerings that bring the cloud on premises

  Check out this roundup of hybrid cloud tools and services from AWS, Microsoft and Google that extend public cloud platforms into on-premises environments.  Continue Reading

• 5 needed product features to fix network management issues

  Virtualization and public cloud monitoring are among five top network management issues facing companies as they assess tools designed to oversee increasingly complex networks.  Continue Reading

• Getting to know the API proxy

  Explore the capabilities and practical uses for an API proxy, as well as examine the relationship between an API proxy and an API gateway.  Continue Reading

• How to address and mitigate serverless security issues

  There are two major security implications of serverless cloud infrastructure: secure coding and identity and access management. Uncover best practices to mitigate these risks.  Continue Reading

• 4 DIY cloud projects to make your business more cloud-friendly

  Show your business there's value in doing more in the cloud. Even in a work-from-home world, you can start small with projects that will be catalysts for broader adoption.  Continue Reading

• 7 top open source network monitoring tools

  Network is an essential part of infrastructure health and requires constant monitoring. To meet specific OS and hardware requirements, open source tools can be the best fit.  Continue Reading

• Amazon and VMware unveil RDS on VMware

  Amazon and VMware teamed up to create RDS on VMware. It should appeal to VMware users and has some compelling features, but it still faces several barriers to widespread use.  Continue Reading

• Maximizing containerized storage performance and flexibility

  Are you taking full advantage of container storage? When properly deployed, containers can bring significant benefits, including better flexibility and performance.  Continue Reading

• 4 microservices antipatterns that ruin migration

  A migration to microservices can quickly lead to a chaotic heap of overly-coupled modules and fragile code. Here are the most critical microservices antipatterns to avoid.  Continue Reading

• 3 tips to prevent VDI IP address exhaustion before it happens

  For those turning to VDI to support remote workers due to the COVID-19 influx, it's best to get ahead of IP address problems before people return to the office.  Continue Reading

• Avoid common pain points when migrating to Exchange Online

  Every Exchange Server configuration is unique, which makes a move to hosted email in Office 365 a complex undertaking, but some stumbling blocks are more frequent than others.  Continue Reading

• Navigate uncertainty with a SaaS migration strategy

  SaaS migrations can be tricky in the best scenarios. But in a crisis, IT has to act fast. Prioritize the essential data and communicate with users to get the best outcome.  Continue Reading

• Kubernetes vs. VMware: Drive the choice with IT architecture

  It isn't easy to classify Kubernetes as the superior product for managing VMs and containers compared to vSphere 7. The decision depends on how widely admins use containers.  Continue Reading

• Outsourced DevOps brings benefits, and risks, to IT shops

  Lack certain DevOps skills? Consider outsourcing as a way to fill the gaps, but be sure to understand the potential risks, which vary with each DevOps pipeline stage.  Continue Reading

• Use tokens for microservices authentication and authorization

  Independent and interoperable microservices require a permissions rethink, or you'll drive users crazy. Examine how tokens come into play for authentication and authorization.  Continue Reading

• Support remote workers with front-end cloud computing

  If a company has a lot of remote workers, a standard VPN might not be able to do the job. More companies are turning to cloud computing front ends to ensure secure remote access.  Continue Reading

• How zero-touch IT operations can be a burden, not a benefit

  In their pursuits of end-to-end automation, IT operations teams should be careful not to downplay the importance of human staff.  Continue Reading

• How ISPs and operators ensure network quality in a pandemic

  COVID-19 has caused a spike in remote workers, increased internet usage and traffic surges. Here's how ISPs and telecom operators plan for continuity and quality during the pandemic.  Continue Reading

• Quickly repurpose HCI hardware for hosting virtual desktops

  Virtual desktops are tailored for remote work situations, and hyper-convergence makes a great VDI host that stands up quickly in a pinch. Consider these factors, though.  Continue Reading

• The future of quantum computing in the cloud

  Quantum computing is the latest technology to catch the eyes of developers and cloud providers like AWS and Microsoft, but analysts predict it could still be years away from practical use.  Continue Reading

• Anticipate the unexpected with application capacity planning

  Disasters and crises that disrupt daily routines are inevitable. Follow these app capacity guidelines to prepare IT teams for such events and maintain business capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Boost cloud storage performance for your work-from-home workforce

  Optimizing cloud storage security and performance are key to transitioning to a 100% remote workforce. Learn best practices to follow as your organization responds to COVID-19.  Continue Reading

• Expand your knowledge of Hyper-V virtual switch types

  Admins can create three Hyper-V virtual switch types: external, internal and private. The need for internet access and a secure network can help admins decide which one to use.  Continue Reading

• What to include in a disaster recovery testing plan

  Prepare software systems for disasters by putting together and testing a disaster recovery plan. Be ready for ransomware, fires, sabotage and a spilled cup of coffee on a laptop.  Continue Reading

• Tips to improve network visibility and security

  Network visibility and security can be tricky, especially with the range of products available. These tips help teams pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and gauge the tools they need.  Continue Reading

• Overcome these common cloud bursting challenges

  Cloud bursting might seem like a great way to handle traffic spikes, but it's rife with complications. Still, it's not impossible. Incorporate these strategies in your IT plans to get your hybrid cloud up and running.  Continue Reading

• Why configuration management is important for networks

  Configuration management is essential to keep accurate network configuration records and to help organizations avoid potential challenges or problems within their networks.  Continue Reading

• The 7 crucial RPA developer skills

  As enterprises move in on RPA, they need developers who can juggle both the business and technical sides of automation. Here are seven essential RPA developer skills.  Continue Reading

• Avoid resource contention with the help of VMware HA

  Use VMware HA VM-to-VM rules and host groups and avoid resource contention. This can help balance resources between your production and testing and development VMs.  Continue Reading

• VMware licensing changes set to have long-term cost effects

  VMware assured admins they would see little to no effect on costs in the short term with its switch to per-core licensing, but these changes could have long-term cost effects.  Continue Reading

• Evolution of cellular 5G backhaul architecture faces challenges

  Backhaul has become trendy again and for good reason. 5G backhaul architecture means network architects will have to reconsider how their networks can handle 1 Gbps speeds.  Continue Reading

• Improve container monitoring with these strategies and tools

  Containerized infrastructure significantly expands the number of available metrics within an IT environment. Take a layered approach to container monitoring and lean heavily on automation.  Continue Reading

• How developers focus despite open offices, concurrent projects

  What do shared meeting calendars, pink sombreros and home offices have in common? They're all ways to combat distractions and let programmers focus on productive coding.  Continue Reading

• Container logging tips for IT troubleshooting and more

  Don't just leave container log data on a host and forget about it. Instead, establish a detailed strategy to index, search, correlate and analyze that data.  Continue Reading

• How Wi-Fi experts can help during times of crisis management

  When faced with disaster response, wireless network professionals can volunteer their Wi-Fi skills and advise friends and family about home network security.  Continue Reading

• Learn to manage Office 365 ProPlus updates

  The traditional Microsoft Office applications you get from Office 365 might appear to be the same on the surface, but how you administer them differs in several key ways.  Continue Reading

• How SASE architecture integrates with network infrastructure

  SASE architecture offers a compelling value proposition, as it converges networking and security services onto a single cloud platform. Explore how it works with existing infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Software-based routing on its way to become the new normal

  SD-WAN took the networking world by storm, and software-based routing aims to do the same in the router market. Here's what to expect from the move to software.  Continue Reading

• Why SASE adoption requires a paradigm shift

  Enterprises preparing to adopt Secure Access Service Edge should understand how the architecture presents organizational and architectural challenges for network and security teams.  Continue Reading

• An overview of how AWS changed Lambda for the enterprise market

  Learn how AWS Lambda has been updated over the years to address shortcomings in its serverless computing platform, and how enterprises have become savvier about when to use it.  Continue Reading

• Improvements in CPU features help shape selection

  CPUs have evolved to meet ever-increasing technology demands. We look at the way performance and power characteristics have shifted in recent years.  Continue Reading

• Active Directory nesting groups strategy and implementation

  Does your current Active Directory permissions setup spark joy? If not, then it's time to unscramble that confusing design into something that's easier to use and maintain.  Continue Reading

• 4 ways to make a distributed Scrum team work

  Distributed Scrum team members must find virtual ways to replicate the workflows, practices, tools and perks that a colocated team has access to -- from the comforts of their homes.  Continue Reading

• Deal with remote software testing challenges

  Is your software QA team new to remote work? Learn what technical, process and culture challenges you will encounter, and how to surpass them to ensure quality.  Continue Reading

• 4 components of a disaster recovery plan to prepare for a crisis

  IT teams must take a proactive approach to crisis management and disaster recovery. Use these four guidelines around communication, monitoring and more to build a plan that works.  Continue Reading

• 4 ways to use record and playback test automation tools

  Many test automation tools offer record and playback testing. Here's how to apply this handy capability for training, usability tests and continuous automated testing.  Continue Reading

• Make remote SAN management work in the age of coronavirus

  SANs usually aren't configured to allow remote management. Find out what storage admins can do during the COVID-19 crisis to ensure their organization's SAN can be managed remotely.  Continue Reading

• How to manage the surge in remote video internet traffic

  As more people work from home and create more internet traffic, enterprise network managers should adjust bandwidth levels and consider connectivity upgrades.  Continue Reading

• VMware Skyline Health for vSAN improves system check capabilities

  VMware's announcement to merge vSAN Health and Skyline offers admins a comprehensive portfolio of various VMware support technologies under a common umbrella.  Continue Reading

• Tap into these dark data use cases for IT ops and the business

  Untapped data sources cause enterprises to forgo a wealth of information that benefits both IT operations and the business. Here's why -- and how -- to shine a light on dark data.  Continue Reading

• What is Pivot3 Acuity Intelligence Engine for AI and automation?

  The Acuity Intelligence Engine delivers advanced data and performance management to simplify data protection and system administration for Pivot3 hyper-convergence.  Continue Reading

• Build a migration plan for enterprise edge infrastructure

  Micro data centers are essential to edge computing use cases. Build an effective migration plan through site selection, application inventory and post-move monitoring tools.  Continue Reading

• Consider the pros, cons of AI-based log analysis tools

  Machine learning can help IT teams uncover new insights in system log files. But these advanced analytics capabilities, especially when achieved through on-premises tools, can be costly.  Continue Reading

• How to keep physical backup media storage safe

  Data is your organization's most important digital asset. Here are some tips on how to ensure physical data backups are stored at a safe and secure location.  Continue Reading

• How to plan and execute a migration to microservices

  Ready for a migration to microservices? Here are the steps your development team can take to gradually transition your existing monolithic applications.  Continue Reading

• Lay the groundwork for a SecOps team structure

  A good partnership between IT operations and security teams requires trust, mutual commitment and continual work -- but results in significantly reduced security exposures and a healthier work culture for all.  Continue Reading

• The 3 tenets of microservice messaging patterns

  In a microservices architecture, there's no question that it's tricky to ensure effective service communication. Review these three tenets of microservice messaging patterns.  Continue Reading

• What the breakup of data management and storage means to you

  There are distinct advantages to abstracting data management from storage. Find out how this new approach makes these operations simpler and cheaper to run.  Continue Reading

• 5 key software testability characteristics

  How do you design the software components for comprehensive testing? Start with these fundamentals of software testability -- from mocks and stubs to infrastructure-as-code.  Continue Reading

• How do you run effective standup meetings?

  When it comes to Agile standups, throw out the rulebook. Effective standup meetings result from flexibility, not rigidity. Follow these five guidelines to get more engagement.  Continue Reading

• Configure advanced VM settings in vSphere 6.7

  Configuring advanced VM settings is no easy task. Some common questions admins ask include where to place VM swap files and how many sockets and cores they should use.  Continue Reading

• How to protect and manage Azure Pipelines secrets with Key Vault

  Follow along with this Azure Key Vault tutorial to securely manage passwords and other sensitive information in an Azure DevOps pipeline.  Continue Reading

• Do you need to make Exchange Online backups?

  Microsoft has several protective measures in place to let customers restore deleted mail in Office 365, but backup vendors will say it's not enough to cover every scenario.  Continue Reading

• Employ log management best practices to better analyze, protect data

  Log files generate vast amounts of data, which negatively affects performance. As a result, admins should build logging strategies to prioritize and protect data.  Continue Reading

• Get started with a hybrid microservices model

  Enterprises don't always have to choose between a microservices and monolithic architecture -- take a hybrid approach to experience the best of both worlds.  Continue Reading

• What you should know about host profiles in VMware

  Use VMware Host Profiles to keep configuration consistent between hosts and clusters across your vSphere, and avoid common errors and mistakes to maintain stability.  Continue Reading

• The recent key vSphere vMotion innovations

  VMware vMotion is a function of vSphere that enables live migrations of VMs to ease load balancing and maintenance. Explore the innovations in the most recent update of vMotion.  Continue Reading

• Automate security testing and scans for DevSecOps success

  Attackers are knocking at your door. Don't waste time with repetitive, automatable security tasks. Here's how DevSecOps enables code analysis, security testing and more.  Continue Reading

• Reduce these forms of AI bias from devs and testers

  Watch out for cognitive biases in every development and testing decision -- especially AI biases that affect software users. Here are the ways to address common issues.  Continue Reading

• Kubectl commands and best practices for new Kubernetes users

  Kubectl is a simple and powerful means to control containers in Kubernetes. But as with any CLI, it demands familiarity with available operations, resource types and associated syntax.  Continue Reading

• Flash memory standards and interfaces every IT admin should know

  Flash memory standards can be confusing for even seasoned IT pros. TLC, QLC, MLC, SLC flash and so on. SAS vs. NVMe, NVMe-oF among others. Let's make sense of this acronym soup.  Continue Reading

• 802.3cg standard extends single-pair Ethernet range and speed

  IEEE 802.3cg is a single-pair Ethernet standard that aims to support speeds up to 10 Mbps, extend Ethernet range up to 1,000 meters and offer multidrop capabilities.  Continue Reading