Tips

Tips

• Storage class memory could benefit VDI storage, remote work

  SCM has the potential to meet IOPS and latency requirements of VDI workloads, but it isn't clear if it's worth the extra cost. We look at some possible ways this could happen.  Continue Reading

• How to apply serverless in front-end cloud computing

  As application front ends move to the cloud, it's important for app designers and cloud users to understand how serverless and other models affect performance and cost.  Continue Reading

• An in-depth look at calculating server hardware costs for SMBs

  Servers can be expensive, but there's more to the purchase than just the price of the hardware. Learn what additional items an SMB must factor into the overall cost.  Continue Reading

• From coding to automation, SRE skills reach far and wide

  A site reliability engineer wears many hats. In addition to development and IT troubleshooting responsibilities, this role requires top-notch communication skills.  Continue Reading

• How to start using a BDD framework

  Why bother with behavior-driven development? Learn how this Agile-focused development framework can help bolster application quality, and explore tooling that can help.  Continue Reading

• How to prevent and recover from server failure

  Hardware, software and facility issues can lead to server failure. With the right protocol and preventive maintenance, you can reduce failure amount and troubleshoot time.  Continue Reading

• What's new in vCloud Director 10

  Version 10 of vCloud Director, aims to make cloud configuration easier for tenants and providers. Read about its HTML5 UI, sizing policies and NSX-T integration.  Continue Reading

• Pick a data center layout: Raised floors vs. overhead cabling

  There's no definitive design when it comes to data center infrastructure. Cost, manageability and cooling effectiveness are all factors during the selection process.  Continue Reading

• Get started with API versioning and URIs

  Applications change, and the APIs they depend on need to be updated and upgraded accordingly. Developers who know the value of versioning and the basics of numbering improve APIs.  Continue Reading

• Fix spaghetti code and other pasta-theory antipatterns

  Developers must try to write maintainable, reusable code. That's easier said than done. Learn about programming antipatterns espoused in the pasta theory, and don't forget a napkin.  Continue Reading

• Assess risk, forecast for IBM software licensing agreement success

  When it's license renewal time, ClearEdge Partners recommends taking stock of the licenses you already have and determining how to allocate spending across your IBM ELA.  Continue Reading

• Why automated user provisioning still demands a human touch

  IT teams can automate away many -- but not all -- of the tedious tasks associated with user provisioning. A human operator is still essential to ensure accurate account details.  Continue Reading

• Step-by-step guide to develop an AWS runbook

  Runbooks enable anyone on the team to execute a task and jump in when things go wrong. Learn how to create one to handle repetitive tasks like monitoring and incident response.  Continue Reading

• It's time to dismiss these 7 DevOps collaboration myths

  DevOps is taking root in IT organizations across the globe -- but that doesn't mean it's well understood. Misconceptions persist, but they can be conquered.  Continue Reading

• 3 common challenges of mobile application testing

  Testers often struggle with these three aspects of mobile app testing. Luckily, these QA challenges aren't insurmountable. Learn how to mitigate these mobile app testing problems.  Continue Reading

• VMs vs. containers: What Windows admins need to know

  VMs have high resource overhead, but they're dependable. Containers can scale dramatically, but they require a different mode of management. Which is right for your workloads?  Continue Reading

• Computational storage may ease edge storage efforts

  Before diving into storage at the edge, ensure your organization can meet the technology's lofty space and resource requirements. Computational storage can help.  Continue Reading

• Proxmox VE 6 and later offers container features, better security

  Proxmox VE, an open source virtualization management product, provides admins with several features, such as VM live migration, backup abilities and high availability.  Continue Reading

• How declarative DevOps enables self-service, flexible delivery

  DevOps teams can achieve automated delivery via a lot of custom code, or they can implement declarative tools and templates. Declarative DevOps has many advantages to offer.  Continue Reading

• Get started with threshold monitoring

  IT monitoring doesn't have to be difficult to set up and use. Learn how to set thresholds and dashboards, know when and how to escalate responses, and keep IT systems humming along.  Continue Reading

• DBmaestro vs. Liquibase: Database DevOps tools square off

  DevOps has reached databases, which means yet another option to consider in your toolchain. Learn what matters in a database DevOps tool, and what sets apart Liquibase and DBmaestro.  Continue Reading

• Insight into Big Blue key to better IBM ELA renewals

  Before negotiating a renewal of your IBM enterprise license agreement, get to know Big Blue's sales strategy and which factors influence its deal-making process.  Continue Reading

• Steer clear of trouble while following the Office 365 roadmap

  There are literally hundreds of changes coming to the collaboration platform that affect email and other services. Here's what IT can do to help ease the transition for end users.  Continue Reading

• Successful IBM ELA renewal negotiations require preparation

  Start planning early, follow a realistic timeline and know your enterprise license agreement options inside and out as you gear up for ELA negotiations with IBM.  Continue Reading

• How to deploy Terraform code in an Azure DevOps pipeline

  Automation in the cloud will not only make you move faster, it will do so in an efficient way. Learn how to create an Azure DevOps pipeline with Terraform code.  Continue Reading

• 3 lessons microservices developers can learn from SOA

  Microservices developers can learn from past SOA mistakes to build more resilient and high-performance applications today. Take a look at three major lessons for microservices projects.  Continue Reading

• Container auditing best practices for large-scale deployments

  Container auditing and reporting are essential security and compliance measures in a production environment. Apply these practices to uncover abnormalities, control user access and choose the right tool.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for SIEM logging software and storage

  SIEM systems aggregate a lot of data across all types of infrastructure. For regular audits, admins should address notification settings, analysis protocols and storage locations.  Continue Reading

• How to build a network monitoring business case

  As network teams construct a business case for a new network monitoring tool, they should include a cost comparison of alternative tools and a strong defense for the selected tool.  Continue Reading

• How -- and why -- to add SolarWinds modules

  SolarWinds is known for its capabilities in network monitoring, but flexible modules give IT operations staff the ability to monitor systems far and wide.  Continue Reading

• 3 options to use Kubernetes and containers for edge computing

  While every deployment is unique, these general guidelines can help IT teams determine whether -- and how -- to incorporate Kubernetes and containers into an edge computing strategy.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2019 RDS updates a boon for remote work needs

  Enhanced security, improved end-user experience and cloud integration are just a few of the perks for organizations that move to Windows Server 2019 RDS.  Continue Reading

• Use a zero-trust model for container security in the cloud

  Traditional firewalls just won't cut it when it comes to container security in the public cloud. Zero-trust models are a better approach, but they demand some careful upfront work.  Continue Reading

• How to fuse domain-driven design and microservices

  Domain-driven design helps organizations create business capabilities with the architecture that microservices need. Here's how to merge DDD into your development process.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What VMware Project Pacific means for the next vSphere release

  Project Pacific introduces many new capabilities to vSphere, including centralized application management, API management and a new type of workflow called Pods.  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