Tips

Tips

• Amazon SNS vs. other push notification services

  It can be difficult for developers to enable push notifications across platforms. These messaging services from AWS, Google and Microsoft meet that need but have different strengths.  Continue Reading

• Build an effective SD-WAN security strategy at the branch

  Don't deploy SD-WAN without a solid network security strategy. IT teams should address four specific areas to ensure adequate security and protection against network threats.  Continue Reading

• When to use Jenkins vs. Jenkins X for pipeline automation

  Three primary factors -- flexibility, Kubernetes adoption and the need for a GUI -- should shape an organization's decision between Jenkins and Jenkins X as a pipeline automation tool.  Continue Reading

• 3 PowerCLI snapshot management cmdlets you can use

  You can use PowerCLI to manage snapshots in vSphere. With just three cmdlets, you can create, revert to and remove snapshots to keep your environment running smoothly.  Continue Reading

• VMware and Oracle join forces to ease management for customers

  Despite a rocky past, VMware and Oracle have come together to enable customers to run VMware workloads on Oracle cloud infrastructures and Oracle cloud apps on VCF.  Continue Reading

• How Google Cloud Composer manages workflow orchestration

  Before users get started with Google Cloud Composer, a workflow orchestration service, they need to grasp key concepts of the Apache Airflow software that underpins it, including DAGs.  Continue Reading

• Increase security visibility with network automation tasks

  IT teams can set up automation tasks that generate security reports about network traffic data. These read-only dashboards are useful for executives that ask for system updates.  Continue Reading

• Use CloudWatch Container Insights to troubleshoot ECS, EKS

  Ensure container-based apps run properly in AWS with CloudWatch Container Insights. Discover how to set up and use this feature for detailed assessments of ECS or EKS workloads.  Continue Reading

• Conduct an incident post-mortem for ongoing DevOps improvement

  A thorough and effective post-mortem process can strengthen a DevOps organization -- but first, teams must be ready to dig deep and leave blame behind.  Continue Reading

• Archive vs. backup and why you need to know the differences

  Archiving and data backup are both key pieces of data protection. They can complement each other, but both provide distinct and important capabilities.  Continue Reading

• A look at HCI hardware maintenance

  Resource forecasting, capacity planning and upgrade compatibility are essential components of hyper-converged infrastructure maintenance. Learn why admins must implement them.  Continue Reading

• Try out the Graphite monitoring tool for time-series data

  Combined with third-party tools, Graphite provides a number of benefits for IT performance monitoring. Explore its core components -- including Carbon and Whisper -- and basic guidelines for installation.  Continue Reading

• The right (and wrong) way to think about code refactoring

  Code refactoring keeps code clean, sharp and efficient -- ideally without changing any of its functionality. Learn how to refactor code without interrupting your deployment pipeline.  Continue Reading

• 5 security oversights to avoid with IAM configurations

  IAM provides the granularity organizations need to secure their cloud workloads, but only if it's properly implemented. Refrain from making these common IAM mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Consider these Office 365 alternatives to public folders

  Public folders in Exchange still exist, but they're considered legacy features that haven't kept up with the times. See what Office 365 alternatives might be a better fit.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways container data storage can lower costs

  Embracing data storage containers within your organization could help cut storage costs, end wasteful business practices and streamline your storage operations.  Continue Reading

• Learn the basics of ACI network technology

  Application-centric infrastructure is one way to support an SDN setup. By learning the basics, admins can manage networks with automation and data abstraction.  Continue Reading

• Prevent man-in-the-middle attacks on apps, CI/CD toolchains

  Man-in-the-middle attacks pose a serious threat to both CI/CD tools and the apps those tools support. Learn how these attacks typically occur -- and how to stop them -- to do DevOps securely.  Continue Reading

• How AWS VPC Traffic Mirroring works

  Solve cloud network traffic issues with VPC Traffic Mirroring. Breakdown how traffic mirroring works and how it can boost monitoring and security practices in your AWS environment.  Continue Reading

• Continuous HCI platform maintenance ensures system health

  These best practices will help data center managers keep their hyper-converged platform in tip-top shape and make the process of deploying future updates simpler.  Continue Reading

• Perform these steps to monitor Windows Server with Nagios Core

  Nagios is no newbie to the server monitoring world, but setting it up for Windows takes a few extra steps. Learn how Nagios Core, originally meant for Linux, can monitor Windows servers.  Continue Reading

• 10 tips for effective change management in Agile

  Agile development encourages product owners to address customer needs through change. Follow these 10 tips for change requests and management practices that keep projects on track.  Continue Reading

• Scala: Lightweight functional programming for Java

  Scala provides a lightweight code option for Java development, but there could be a steep learning curve. Learn a little about Scala and if it's worth adopting.  Continue Reading

• VMware Cloud on AWS training eases deployment and use

  VMware's cloud platform has a steep learning curve, but investing in training courses helps simplify implementation.  Continue Reading

• How VCF on VxRail helps achieve hybrid cloud victory

  Virtual Cloud Foundation on VxRail combines VMware software-defined private cloud technology with Dell EMC hyper-converged hardware to create an extensive hybrid cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways to implement a functional programming architecture

  Functional programming, which came about as a highly theoretical, mathematical way to build software, has a place in APIs and other components of applications.  Continue Reading

• 4 vital UX testing methods for concept through development

  Don't rely on a single UX test, and don't create an overloaded bottleneck that delays development. Instead, deploy these four UX assessments iteratively and often.  Continue Reading

• Decide between cloud-native apps and app modernization

  Whether you want to update current workloads as part of a migration or you're leaning toward a cloud-native model, review the benefits and drawbacks of each approach first.  Continue Reading

• How VPC networking changes affect AWS Lambda

  AWS' old approach to connecting an enterprise's VPC to Lambda was inefficient and added complexity. Learn how the updated model attempts to address those shortcomings.  Continue Reading

• Cloud adoption a catalyst for IT modernization in many orgs

  Sloppy and insecure IT procedures that had been overlooked before the cloud arrived must evolve with the times to prevent data exposure and system breaches.  Continue Reading

• Reduce AWS operational issues with OpsCenter

  Centralize operations on AWS with Systems Manager OpsCenter. Learn how to create OpsItems, connect them to AWS resources and solve operations issues in your AWS environment.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 cloud architect interview questions and answers

  Job candidates need technical skills and much more to work in the cloud. Prepare for your cloud architect interview with these potential questions and answers to stand out from the crowd.  Continue Reading

• Improve server rack physical security with ISO standards

  Safeguarding information access is essential to data center operations. With ISO Standard 27001 and the right locking mechanisms, you can prevent a security breach at the server hardware level.  Continue Reading

• The benefits -- and tradeoffs -- of a mobile SDK

  A mobile SDK can do wonders for mobile app development. But how does it work, and what are the pitfalls to watch out for when you take this approach?  Continue Reading

• Essential private cloud migration steps

  Executive buy-in, application evaluation and tool configuration are all important parts of cloud selection. With these steps, admins can ensure a smooth move to private cloud.  Continue Reading

• Grasp Docker networking basics with these commands and tips

  For a containerization novice, networking poses one of the biggest challenges. Use this breakdown of essential Docker networking commands and concepts, including host and bridge setups, to reduce complexity.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN deployment in the works? Consider these 3 things

  SD-WAN can simplify the deployment and management of new branch WANs, but there are some key configuration and technical choices you must make to get started.  Continue Reading

• Windows container monitoring tools prevent resource contention

  Monitoring tools for Windows containers enable admins to keep track of CPU, memory, storage and networking performance metrics and troubleshoot any issues that arise.  Continue Reading

• 5 steps to follow in a network security audit checklist

  Planning, execution, analysis, reporting and follow-up are the basic elements of a network security audit checklist. But coordination among IT teams is also important.  Continue Reading

• Top 3 network security threats and how to protect against them

  Enterprise networks are seemingly always under attack. Learn about the most common network security threats and what protections you should have in place.  Continue Reading

• Examine the major vSphere 6.7 updates you'll see in U3

  VMware's most recent update to vSphere -- vSphere 6.7 U3 -- supports several technologies such as Zen 2 processors and includes features such as vmx-15.  Continue Reading

• Composable infrastructure techniques for the real world

  Automating your composable infrastructure engenders flexibility that enables enterprises to reshape the data center and keep pace with today's cultural and technological shifts.  Continue Reading

• Get to know Oracle Linux Virtualization Manager

  Oracle released Linux Virtualization Manager, a platform that lets admins configure, manage and monitor their virtual server environments.  Continue Reading

• What's new with the Exchange hybrid configuration wizard?

  The Exchange configuration wizard continues to evolve into a refined utility with enhanced capabilities that administrators should explore when considering a hybrid deployment.  Continue Reading

• AWS vs. Azure: Compare VMware-based hybrid clouds

  Enterprises can extend their on-premises VMware environments to AWS or Azure, but they'll need to decide which one best meets their needs. See how the two managed services stack up.  Continue Reading

• How to tame ever-changing requirements in software development

  When one sprint ends, another begins -- but not before you receive a heaping new pile of requirements. Here's how to deal with requirements changes efficiently, every time, any time.  Continue Reading

• Amplify improvements streamline AWS mobile app development

  Once just an open source Java library, AWS Amplify is now a full-fledged AWS mobile app development platform. Learn how it works and how it compares to Google Firebase.  Continue Reading

• Optimize Docker images on Windows for better system performance

  Multiple layers in a Windows Docker image can cause resource contention. Optimization requires you to limit the number of layers that you use and minimize each layer's size.  Continue Reading

• How to use PowerCLI and how it can help you

  PowerCLI enables you to use PowerShell commands to automate a VMware environment, streamlining your system and adding simplicity compared to using a GUI. Here's how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Match cloud application monitoring to integration needs

  An enterprise's cloud migration includes several elements: a new security process, budget redistribution and a monitoring system that integrates cloud and on-premises apps.  Continue Reading

• VMware Cloud on AWS adoption is on the rise in SMBs

  VMware's cloud platform isn't exclusive to enterprise-level industries; smaller organizations that adopt the platform can realize cloud advantages, such as high availability and flexibility.  Continue Reading

• How to develop and implement a network security plan

  When formulating a focused network security plan, you'll need to address specific questions about outbound traffic, user logins and government regulations.  Continue Reading

• Web and mobile testing faceoff: Sauce Labs vs. BrowserStack

  Two automated testing platforms enter; only one tool leaves. IT consultant Tom Nolle examines how Sauce Labs and BrowserStack each test apps across mobile devices and web browsers.  Continue Reading

• Top tips for moving workloads to hyper-converged technology

  Take security and management seriously when migrating workloads to HCI. Closely evaluate supporting systems -- and the applications and hyper-converged system itself --- as well.  Continue Reading

• Top Office 365 MFA considerations for administrators

  A complex password only goes so far to stop a breach. Implementing multifactor authorization can help, but make sure the product you select fits your current and future needs.  Continue Reading

• Obtain, deploy and manage Oracle VM templates

  Oracle VM templates, which come with a guest OS, application software and preset configurations, help admins streamline VM deployment, and they can set them up in just a few steps.  Continue Reading

• Addendum sets ASHRAE 90.4 as energy-efficiency standard

  The publication of ASHRAE 90.4 in 2016 brought a new set of energy guidelines, but the industry still used Standard 90.1. A new addendum has changed protocol and best practices.  Continue Reading

• Use an API mapping tool to demystify complex API integrations

  Whether a simple diagram or more complex model, an API mapping tool can bring order to loosely coupled application components, speed up debugging and simplify application updates.  Continue Reading

• Data center transformation drives the ADC security use case

  Application delivery controllers play many roles, but the ADC security use case might be most important. Learn about ADC features and how they boost data center security.  Continue Reading

• Prepare for Windows Server 2008 end of life

  Admins must prepare their workloads for the Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 end of support. Otherwise, they risk the possibility of significant security breaches.  Continue Reading

• Selection criteria for converged data protection

  See if a converged backup product will meet your needs by exploring the features you should consider before investing in this relatively new kind of data protection platform.  Continue Reading

• How does time-series analysis work in IT environments?

  IT monitoring metrics are crucial for enterprises to gauge performance and plan for future events. But admins should understand the tradeoffs between a time-series and point-in-time analysis.  Continue Reading

• Heed these cloud security considerations for SaaS, PaaS

  A move to the cloud lessens IT's workload responsibility, but SaaS and PaaS models each require a targeted cloud security strategy to protect applications.  Continue Reading

• Compare microservices deployment patterns for best strategy

  To solve pesky deployment woes, match your app to a microservices deployment pattern, like single service instance per host, multiple service instances per host or even serverless.  Continue Reading

• Compare AWS CodePipeline vs. Jenkins for CI/CD

  Jenkins has more than a thousand third-party integrations, whereas AWS CodePipeline ties you closer to Amazon's cloud. Compare Jenkins and CodePipeline for cost, usability and versatility.  Continue Reading

• Weigh the challenges of multi-cloud disaster recovery

  An enterprise could craft a multi-cloud backup strategy, but that doesn't mean it should. Weigh the potential benefits against the myriad challenges presented by this approach.  Continue Reading

• Automation improves firewall migration and network security

  Firewall migration is a compelling automation use case, as automation scripts can shorten the migration process, eliminate unused rules and bolster overall network security.  Continue Reading

• VMware security portfolio grows as security market evolves

  The constant evolution of enterprise security presents challenges that VMware hopes to meet as it develops its security portfolio.  Continue Reading

• Implement a DevSecOps pipeline to boost releases' security posture

  Break security out of its silo, and get the whole team on board to create a culture of quality with the right tools at the right time -- and stop blindly rushing to release.  Continue Reading

• AWS Ground Station aims to lower satellite data costs

  AWS Ground Station is Amazon's foray into satellite communications. Learn how one data and analytics company is using this satellite data transmission service.  Continue Reading

• An Azure subscription management how-to

  Subscriptions are not as black and white as they seem. Review the concepts, roles and challenges involved when planning and managing subscriptions for Azure.  Continue Reading

• Tailor and create compliance rules with this AWS Config tutorial

  Get started with this guide to AWS Config rules. Learn how to customize AWS Config managed rules with CloudFormation and create new rules with AWS Lambda.  Continue Reading

• How to resolve a vSphere TPM error

  If you encounter a host TPM attestation alarm -- meaning the system cannot verify your host -- in vSphere 6.7, you can modify settings in the server's UEFI to troubleshoot.  Continue Reading

• 4 essential components to edge data center maintenance

  Security, connectivity and remote management are integral parts of any edge architecture. Here's how to include them in your infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Use centralized encryption methods in large-scale IT environments

  Whether data is stored in a VM or in the cloud, centralized encryption key management is critical to prevent theft and protect data from unwanted eyes.  Continue Reading

• 5 key ways to fulfill the role of QA in DevOps

  DevOps teams want production-ready code, which means someone in this fast-moving pipeline needs to think like a user. Enter QA, with its toolkit of exploratory tests, design review and more.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate AWS Glue vs. Data Pipeline for cloud-native ETL

  There's more than one ETL option for AWS-hosted apps. Choose between Glue's managed service, Data Pipeline's range of supported data sources and Batch's asynchronous operations.  Continue Reading

• Choose an event-processing architecture for an application

  Sift through the state control methods that exist for event-driven applications and see which architecture type is the best fit.  Continue Reading

• Get to know VM networking basics

  Admins can create a network between isolated VMs with the help of several features and products, such as network interface cards and virtual LANs.  Continue Reading

• Get started with Google Cloud Run

  Google has upped its resource management game with Cloud Run. Learn the basics of the managed compute platform and follow the simple tutorial on deploying a web app with the service.  Continue Reading

• RAID 50: How to select the right RAID level

  RAID 50 combines striping with distributed parity for reduced data loss and better performance. Is RAID 50 the right configuration for your organization?  Continue Reading

• How to rebuild the SYSVOL tree using DFSR

  Active Directory is the key component in many organizations to keep tabs on access and identity. If the SYSVOL directory disappears, these steps can get the system fixed.  Continue Reading

• Set up continuous compliance on AWS with Config managed rules

  It's difficult to meet cloud compliance demands with manual practices. Establish a continuous compliance posture with AWS Config managed rules and best practices.  Continue Reading

• These 6 microservices architecture design patterns solve problems

  Navigate the benefits and drawbacks of standard architecture design patterns that aim to diminish microservices deployment and performance miseries.  Continue Reading

• 5G, edge computing and IoT poised to retool networking

  The combination of 5G and edge computing could introduce several changes for network operations. Find out why the network infrastructure -- along with fog computing -- is so important.  Continue Reading

• When to use AWS OpsWorks vs. CloudFormation or Elastic Beanstalk

  There are multiple ways to define and deploy resources on AWS. Break down when to use the different AWS configuration management tools and how they integrate together.  Continue Reading

• Apply staging environment best practices to an app lifecycle

  From the public cloud to blue/green deployment, there are a myriad of ways that IT teams can make the most of their staging environments -- and use resources they already have.  Continue Reading

• Elixir functional programming enables concurrency, fault tolerance

  Developers can combine features of Erlang functional programming with a newer language, Elixir, which promises simplicity and fault-tolerant operations for distributed applications.  Continue Reading

• Unravel asynchronous inter-service communication in microservices

  See why microservices need to communicate with each other asynchronously. Then, see how to surmount the challenges of inter-service communication in microservices architecture.  Continue Reading

• Working with Git branches and repositories

  With a grasp of just a few basic concepts and commands, developers can use Git's branching capability for feature development and experimentation, testing before release and more.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises want more cloud transparency

  Cloud providers have improved the visibility into their platforms, but enterprises still need more information about what goes on behind the scenes.  Continue Reading

• Know your Office 365 backup options -- just in case

  A move to Exchange Online in the Office 365 platform removes some administrative obligations but does require more work to set up proper email protections.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate Azure Cost Management updates post-Cloudyn acquisition

  Microsoft users have seen a number of improvements to the Azure Cost Management tool -- but there are still concerns about its support for other cloud platforms.  Continue Reading

• Server virtualization in DevOps continues to offer advantages

  Virtualization's role in DevOps technologies continues to persevere by providing strong isolation, flexible OS options and an assortment of sophisticated tooling.  Continue Reading

• Add shadow IT applications to the official DevOps toolchain

  Sometimes developers and other IT team members install unapproved apps to fill a gap in the DevOps toolchain. These shadow apps are risky -- but give them a chance.  Continue Reading

• 7 HPC workload virtualization best practices

  If you are running high-performance computing workloads in a virtual environment, use our handy checklist to see if you are optimizing your environment to its fullest.  Continue Reading

• Micro VMs bridge the gap between full VMs and containers

  Micro VMs address full VM and container disadvantages, all while providing a lightweight container architecture and retaining VM security for each instance.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 nontechnical skills for cloud computing success

  Companies that move to the cloud need a staff with a strong technical background, but soft skills are important too. Review five non-tech skills needed for a successful cloud initiative.  Continue Reading

• How to keep VM sprawl in check

  Virtualization improves hardware use, but the pendulum can swing the other way and result in an overallocation of resources. Here's how to maintain the balance.  Continue Reading

• Build cloud economics expertise in-house

  Cloud bills shouldn't be filled with surprises, but unexpected costs are all too common. Ensure your staff can handle cost management and optimization processes to rein in spending.  Continue Reading