Tips

Tips

• Windows Compatibility module expands PowerShell Core reach

  The PowerShell team closed the cmdlet coverage gap with a compatibility module release for PowerShell Core, but its use requires some caution.  Continue Reading

• How to deploy a Docker container to the cloud

  Docker is highly portable and widely available across all major cloud platforms, including AWS and Microsoft Azure, but it's important to properly plan your container deployment.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways to implement vSphere GPU virtualization

  You can implement GPU hardware using VMDirectPath I/O, Nvidia Grid or Bitfusion FlexDirect on vSphere. Understand the pros and cons of each to know which will work best for you.  Continue Reading

• Drawbacks of open source networking could impede full growth

  IT teams have increasingly accepted the use of open source within their organizations. But open source networking continues to lag behind -- and it may not catch up.  Continue Reading

• DocumentDB vs. DynamoDB: Compare AWS NoSQL databases

  Infrastructure and cost management will be key factors if you have to decide between DocumentDB and DynamoDB. Learn how the two AWS document database services differ.  Continue Reading

• Azure API Management consumption tier targets serverless

  Azure's API Management consumption tier is built to manage serverless APIs, but it lacks many features users take for granted. Find out if its benefits outweigh the drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Strategies for managing multi-hypervisor environments

  Efficient multi-hypervisor management often comes down to where you place your workloads in terms of compatibility and security and how accessible your management tools are.  Continue Reading

• How will Microsoft role-based certifications affect admins?

  IT administrators should already know that the only constant for Microsoft products is change. Certifications are the next thing to get an overhaul.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G networks is more about cooperation than competition

  While Wi-Fi 6 and 5G might experience some interference with each other, enterprises should focus on the handoff of connections between the two technologies.  Continue Reading

• Choose between 5 hosted hypervisors based on features, use cases

  Hypervisors such as VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, VMware Horizon 7, Oracle VM VirtualBox and Parallels Desktop provide value to small data centers in different ways.  Continue Reading

• TestComplete vs. Katalon Studio: Test automation tool face-off

  How many features do you need in a test automation tool? IT consultant Tom Nolle shares what users value most in these two automated front-end testing options -- and crowns a winner.  Continue Reading

• Compare the top 5 bare-metal hypervisors

  Hypervisors such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix Hypervisor, RHV and Oracle VM Server for x86 provide value to enterprise-level data centers in different ways.  Continue Reading

• 3 critical considerations for your network management strategy

  The debate continues between the use of a single network management tool or a variety. Three considerations can help point your network management strategy in the right direction.  Continue Reading

• Cloud cost calculators come with some limitations

  Enterprises that plan to move to the cloud should get a good idea of the costs upfront. While calculator tools can give you an estimate, they don't factor in external costs.  Continue Reading

• 5 multi-cloud storage management mistakes to avoid

  When using multiple clouds for storage, don't let common issues, such as inadequate security or vendor lock-in, negate the many benefits you stand to reap.  Continue Reading

• Three steps to secure function as a service

  Securely setting up function as a service, or serverless computing, is complicated. Learn how to secure function-as-a-service cloud environments with three standard principles.  Continue Reading

• 4 NVMe storage problems you can prevent before they happen

  Implementing NVMe storage is complicated, from knowing what to ask when buying NVMe SSDs and arrays to what type of file system to use. Here's how to deal with four NVMe issues.  Continue Reading

• Common software compatibility issues and how to fix them

  Developers tend to look forward, to the next iteration or the newest software. But, when releasing a feature, don't leave behind end users with older systems and edge case setups.  Continue Reading

• Apply these types of code coverage to squash most bugs

  Learn technical types of code coverage -- such as all-pairs testing and branch tests -- as well as ways to gather meaningful test cases and prioritize them.  Continue Reading

• The future of VPN will reflect the need for flexibility

  The future of VPN services reflects the industry's trend toward software networking, evident in developments like SD-WAN and public cloud. The need for flexible technology is a main driver.  Continue Reading

• Adjust IT operations roles and responsibilities for cloud

  More organizations migrate to the cloud with each passing day. Learn how embracing soft skills can smooth the transition of dedicated ops staff to cloud industry roles.  Continue Reading

• Navigate serverless cloud SLAs for event-driven apps

  Each cloud provider defines serverless uptime differently. Consider platform reliability, other guarantees and refund rates before building an event-driven app.  Continue Reading

• What users should know about cloud governance models

  Governance is on the mind of most enterprises, no matter where they store the data -- but the cloud adds another layer of risk. Examine the common security issues, and learn how to combat them.  Continue Reading

• Should you buy 802.11ax devices before the Wi-Fi standard is ratified?

  The Wi-Fi 6 standard has not been ratified yet, but enterprises are faced with a decision. Should they buy 802.11ax devices now or wait for the standard to be approved?  Continue Reading

• Centralize DevOps and development on AWS with CodeStar

  Learn how to set up AWS CodeStar to centralize your dev toolchain. The service is built to be a place for developers to start, monitor and finish software projects.  Continue Reading

• The key differences between stateless and stateful microservices

  Not all services are the same. Learn about the fundamental differences between a stateful and a stateless microservice and the appropriate scenarios for each.  Continue Reading

• How to resolve 5 common VMware SRM error messages

  You can use VMware Site Recovery Manager to protect your VMs and the apps that run on them. When SRM errors occur, follow these steps to easily resolve them.  Continue Reading

• Virtualization cost-savings methods for IT administrators

  The biggest costs in any virtualization environment tend to be licenses, hardware acquisition, support and maintenance, so that's where you should look for ways to reduce expenses.  Continue Reading

• Oracle vs. AWS: Compare cloud databases, PaaS and SaaS

  Oracle and AWS gear their clouds toward different users, so it's important to know where your organization falls. See which database, PaaS and SaaS options match your requirements.  Continue Reading

• Self-service analytics at Accenture boosts knowledge workers

  Accenture's enterprise analytics and AI models are helping the firm on a number of fronts, including determining sales opportunities, pricing deals and complying with internal and customer expense policies.  Continue Reading

• Key QLC NAND challenges in the enterprise and how to tackle them

  Limited durability and degrading performance are issues with QLC NAND. These challenges limit where the technology can be used, making it best for read-intensive workloads.  Continue Reading

• Build a comprehensive outline for your data center budget

  Including all necessary data center expenses during budget planning can be daunting. IT managers can start with costs for software licenses, hardware upgrades and cloud migration.  Continue Reading

• Decide if Amazon Corretto is the best fit for Java devs on AWS

  AWS plans to support Java developers with Corretto, its OpenJDK distribution with longer free support than what Oracle offers. Decide if it's the right fit for your AWS workloads.  Continue Reading

• Manage Windows containers and Hyper-V containers with these tools

  You can use a number of tools for Windows and Hyper-V container management, including Docker and PowerShell, depending on your experience and skill set.  Continue Reading

• Open source virtualization expands VM hardware and OS options

  Dive into open source virtualization software with VirtualBox, KVM or QEMU. Each offers customizable VM management capabilities and legacy hardware support.  Continue Reading

• Latest hybrid cloud services put public cloud into the data center

  AWS, Google and Microsoft provide businesses with more deployment choices with cloud-extension services. See how these offerings can enable hybrid capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Yes, pertinent, cost-effective hyper-converged platforms for SMBs exist

  Why the simplicity and potential cost savings of a hyper-converged infrastructure from the likes of DataCore, Scale Computing and StarWind may be the way to go for some SMBs.  Continue Reading

• What happens when edge computing hits enterprise networks?

  Is it time to take your network to the edge? Learn what edge networking can do to improve traffic flows, ease demand for high-performing connectivity and more.  Continue Reading

• Exercise risk management in Agile software development

  With iterative development, teams can deliver features and patches quickly. And project managers must vigilantly avert new and more severe risks that pop up along the way.  Continue Reading

• What the future of edge computing means for cloud and networks

  IoT and application processing needs are shaping the future of edge computing, driving the growth of micro modular data centers and raising the question of cloud computing's relevance.  Continue Reading

• Public cloud networking basics: How to navigate to AWS, Azure

  Moving workloads to AWS and Azure doesn't have to be difficult as long as you follow a few cloud networking basics. What do you need to know to make the shift?  Continue Reading

• Evaluate key service mesh benefits and architecture limitations

  Service mesh technologies can provide request routing, authentication and even health checks. IT organizations that handle container and microservices deployments should plan to maximize the benefits of service mesh, and address implementation ...  Continue Reading

• How to enable Hyper-V Storage QoS and VMware SIOC

  Storage QoS prevents a VM from consuming excessive storage IOPS, but the methods for enabling the feature vary from Microsoft to VMware environments.  Continue Reading

• How to create an efficient container-based architecture

  Containers can introduce as many problems as they solve. In case you missed it, these four articles offer practical advice for consistent and structured container implementations.  Continue Reading

• Analyze Amazon S3 storage classes, from Standard to Glacier

  Select the proper S3 class to improve your storage strategy. Learn the differences in cost and fit, such as which tiers offer frequent access and which are better for archiving.  Continue Reading

• Predictive analytics for storage: Benefits and product options

  The advantages of using predictive analytics in storage include less downtime and better resource utilization. It's no wonder more storage vendors are making it an option.  Continue Reading

• Examine the requirements for 5G core networks

  The 5G core network will support millions of devices that need high-speed communication and data processing. Learn what other capabilities are required for 5G deployment.  Continue Reading

• VMware-Heptio acquisition strengthens Kubernetes management

  In its acquisition of Heptio, VMware positioned itself as a potential leader in the open source Kubernetes management market. However, the company must still fill in some gaps.  Continue Reading

• How low-code governance helps IT protect data, limit sprawl

  Low-code app developers must adhere to policies that govern data and resource usage. Lacking governance puts budgets, security and compliance at risk.  Continue Reading

• AWS Firecracker microVMs provide isolation and agility

  Firecracker aims to bridge the gap between VMs and containers with microVMs, which are secure, lightweight instance types for stateless workloads.  Continue Reading

• How to upgrade Windows Server 2008 before support ends

  With the end of Windows Server 2008 support drawing closer, administrators must navigate multiple obstacles, from locating old software to ensuring hardware compatibility.  Continue Reading

• Build up a DevSecOps pipeline for fast and safe code delivery

  It's all well and good to automate the software build process, but without proper security practices in place, the DevOps pipeline can lead developers to deploy compromised code.  Continue Reading

• Let app architecture dictate cloud integration tool selection

  Does your application rely on a homogeneous or heterogeneous stack? Will the architecture evolve? Learn the types of cloud integration and which app and dev team setups they match.  Continue Reading

• Craft your data stores with VM storage performance in mind

  Proper storage performance requires a systems approach. Discover the different elements at play, such as the queues, SCSI disks and ESXi hosts, and how to optimize your data stores.  Continue Reading

• A guide to hyper-converged data resiliency options and requirements

  What you need to find out from HCI vendors to architect a resilient hyper-converged environment that will protect data against failure, error and attack.  Continue Reading

• 4 considerations for choosing a private cloud provider

  Key features to look for from a private cloud provider include interoperability, scalability and how familiar admins are with the provider's technology.  Continue Reading

• 2 storage tiering strategies for modern media

  Storage tiering makes a comeback as businesses aim to get the most out of their storage systems. Discover the rules for optimizing both intrasystem and intersystem tiering.  Continue Reading

• Implement these 5 ALM best practices from dev to deployment

  Enterprise applications are anything but simple. To wrangle the software, resources and code of these critical apps, be smart with IT tooling, management and other aspects of support.  Continue Reading

• Take a shift-left approach, but avoid developer burnout

  Shift left is often a net positive for software quality. Yet, the change moves more tasks to earlier in the app dev process. Take care not to bury developers.  Continue Reading

• Xen vs. KVM in 2019 is a no brainer

  Xen might have lost the hypervisor war against KVM, but that doesn't mean it's dead. Niche use cases such as the automotive industry are keeping the open source project alive.  Continue Reading

• AI applications: Cloud vs. on-premises deployment options

  Should clients build on-premises infrastructures for their AI needs or turn to cloud-based AI? Insight Enterprises' Brandon Ebken and Juan Orlandini discuss these options.  Continue Reading

• Select between distributed version control systems and tools

  Before you branch out with a new version control tool, assess the pros and cons of these different options, and make sure to ask for developers' opinions.  Continue Reading

• Key considerations for refactoring applications for the cloud

  Lift and shift has been a popular migration technique, but sometimes, IT teams have to refactor applications after the fact. Review these options to optimize legacy apps on the cloud.  Continue Reading

• How DevOps teams use a CMS for documentation, collaboration

  DevOps teams should choose a CMS that enables continuous, integrated content management, and select tools for internal document sharing that build an easily searched and categorized knowledge base.  Continue Reading

• The 3 pillars of SD-WAN QoS and questions to ask your providers

  Traffic shaping, path control and forward error correction are three core components of SD-WAN QoS. Here are some crucial questions to ask your vendors regarding those areas.  Continue Reading

• 3 NVMe-oF questions to consider when deploying the technology

  Deploying NVMe over fabrics is a relatively simple process. However, make sure to check out three important areas before launching this technology.  Continue Reading

• 3 steps for a successful data center consolidation plan

  A data center consolidation plan is usually riddled with questions. But careful forethought is key for the successful centralization of software and servers.  Continue Reading

• Use S3 bucket security best practices to cut off public access

  AWS users need the benefits of S3 but not the security concerns that come along with it. Follow these guidelines to prevent the threat of public access to S3 buckets.  Continue Reading

• Get started with Google Cloud Deployment Manager

  Deployment Manager is Google's infrastructure-as-code tool. Learn about its features and how to automate use of resources such as Compute Engine, GKE and BigQuery.  Continue Reading

• Why a VMware certification is still a valuable asset

  In the cloud era, renewing or upgrading a VMware certification might feel like a waste of time, effort and money. But for some admins, it might still be a good idea.  Continue Reading

• Apply automated security scanning during app development

  For developers, security is not often a high priority -- but it should be. Automated security scanning tools can help detect and address weaknesses before evildoers discover them.  Continue Reading

• Compare AWS Lambda to Azure, GCP serverless platforms

  AWS Lambda, Azure Functions and Google Cloud Functions are all key offerings in the FaaS market. Review the variations in language support, integration options and costs that set them apart.  Continue Reading

• Set the foundation for a solid cloud backup strategy

  Behind any effective cloud DR strategy is a solid backup plan. Follow these tips around common backup methods, tools and replication to get started.  Continue Reading

• Prepare for Industry 4.0 challenges on storage, networks

  With Industry 4.0 poised to grow across industries, enterprise IT organizations must ask what it will take to support this revolution. Learn how to manage the data-led transformation.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate when to use added AWS Step Functions actions

  Additional functionality for AWS Step Functions simplifies workflow implementation and calls for less custom code. Consider the features and uses of the various integrations.  Continue Reading

• 4 essential composable infrastructure questions answered

  Learn how composable IT works, and find out when this highly flexible, programmable infrastructure model makes sense for your servers, network, and storage and when it doesn't.  Continue Reading

• Don't count out IBM virtualization on the Z platform

  A mainframe can house hundreds of thousands of VMs and a wide range of workloads. Also, IBM Z provides virtualization management via Dynamic Partition Manager and Wave for z/VM.  Continue Reading

• Make application usability a priority -- wherever testing occurs

  Testers don't have time to fully evaluate apps before deployment. But poor-quality code simply isn't an option. Enter shift right and APM, two tasks testers must be ready to accept.  Continue Reading

• Manage a multitude of VMware datastores using PowerCLI

  Discover how you can use PowerCLI to boost your storage by monitoring and managing VMware datastores across multiple hosts. This tool has many advantages over the typical GUI.  Continue Reading

• A beginner's guide to cloud-native application management

  After users develop cloud-native apps, they need to learn the basics of cloud monitoring and logging. These cloud-native management strategies can help maintain a successful application.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 Linux performance commands for system administrators

  Figuring out Linux host performance issues is time-consuming without the right tools. The top, vmstat, iostat, free and sar commands can help get CPU, device and memory data.  Continue Reading

• Get to know VMware's vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager

  With vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager, you can easily set up test and development environments and push any changes to your production environment.  Continue Reading

• Updated Microsoft Azure certifications emphasize IT roles

  Microsoft revamped its public cloud certifications in a move away from holistic skill sets. Review the newly tailored exams you'll need to take to get the Azure seal of approval.  Continue Reading

• Amazon FSx vs. EFS: Compare the AWS file services

  The overlap between Amazon FSx and EFS makes it difficult to determine which will be a better fit for your organization. Learn the major differences between the two managed file services, from usage and storage volumes to pricing and more.  Continue Reading

• Secure open source components to bypass breaches

  As enterprises increasingly turn to open source code to cut dev efforts and costs, IT industry vendors recommend that they secure dependencies and deploy patches to safeguard apps.  Continue Reading

• Understand limitations when monitoring cloud performance

  When monitoring cloud performance, organizations need to recognize the limitations that come with SaaS, PaaS and IaaS models, as well as public and private cloud architectures.  Continue Reading

• Undertake software dependency management to reduce conflicts

  Apps can bind to dependencies with various levels of interconnectedness -- sometimes to deleterious effect. Here's how to approach software dependency management and reduction.  Continue Reading

• Build Terraform modules to make IT components into code

  Modules enable reusability of infrastructure-as-code deployments with Terraform. Follow this example, which also features AWS for the hosting environment, to learn module structure.  Continue Reading

• Start using Terraform variables for IT resource deployment flexibility

  Infrastructure-as-code adopters should try Terraform input and output variables as a more flexible way to define and save values for deployment configurations.  Continue Reading

• Understand VMware virtual machine files

  Effectively navigate each of the VMware VM file types, such as the flat.vmdk file and the VSWP file, to simplify VM management tasks.  Continue Reading

• What's new in Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct?

  Microsoft has increased the capacity, resiliency and other advantages of the software-defined storage that comes with Windows Server 2019. Find out about all the benefits.  Continue Reading

• How 5G can start a brand new era for the virtual RAN

  5G is forging the way for operators to delve into virtualized RANs. Yet, despite its benefits, vRAN lacks standards and is still in the early developmental stages.  Continue Reading

• How does Ballerina stack up as a cloud-native programming language?

  While WSO2 has high hopes for its microservices-centric and cloud-native programming language, what do developers think of the current version of Ballerina?  Continue Reading

• 5 Windows network drivers supported by containers

  NAT is the default network for container applications, but there are four other available drivers. Each container network driver poses some limitations and must be used carefully.  Continue Reading

• Pick the right colocation site for your organization

  Colocation is more than signing a contract and installing hardware. Evaluate redundancy, rack space real estate and distance to ensure a successful colo partnership.  Continue Reading

• How API gateways work -- and why you need them

  Learn the essentials of both API gateways and API design. Then, grasp how to use them to modernize monolithic apps and facilitate cloud-native microservices.  Continue Reading

• Multi-hypervisor environments provide cost savings, flexibility

  Adopting multiple hypervisors might make more sense than going with a single vendor, depending on cost, the types of workloads you run, and your performance and reliability needs.  Continue Reading

• Data migration checklist: 6 steps to ease migration stress

  Following a detailed data migration strategy with extensive upfront planning can simplify complicated and labor-intensive SAN data migration projects.  Continue Reading

• Strike a cost-performance balance in microservices deployment

  To successfully deploy microservices in the cloud, IT teams should beware of these four common mistakes around resource locations, service selection and more.  Continue Reading

• 3 types of configuration tools for network change management

  From openly available scripting tools to vendor-supplied services, network change management and configuration tools generally fit into three main categories.  Continue Reading