Tips

Tips

• Steps to safely build and manage a preproduction environment

  A well-run testing lab is a true asset to developers. An uncontrolled one, on the other hand, is a massive liability that can cost dearly. Plan lab builds along these guidelines.  Continue Reading

• Get started with PowerShell Core on Linux

  PowerShell Core lets you configure and manage Windows, Linux and Mac-based servers in the data center. Learn how to install and navigate the command-line shell in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Study up on the best certifications for testing professionals

  Before you invest time into a certification course, decide if you want to step into a new career or want recognition for hard-earned experience. Then, peruse the apt certification options.  Continue Reading

• How blockchain storage could benefit the enterprise

  Whether your organization is a potential buyer or seller of blockchain data storage, the technology could change how you look at storage. Discover where blockchain is headed.  Continue Reading

• Use the right performance monitoring strategy for automated networks

  Virtual and automated networks can often hide performance issues that lurk within the network. Learn performance monitoring strategies to get the most out of these environments.  Continue Reading

• Amazon Forecast melds time series data with machine learning

  Consider Amazon Forecast to help with data predictions, resource planning and more. Find out how the service works and ways it can be customized to meet enterprise needs.  Continue Reading

• How to improve network speed and get faster Wi-Fi in 3 steps

  Proper router placement and maintenance, along with tighter security controls, can help IT departments improve network speed and boost Wi-Fi performance.  Continue Reading

• Google tool signals move to greater cloud transparency

  Access Transparency users can review the work Google admins did on their cloud accounts. It's a step toward greater accountability, but large organizations will want even more.  Continue Reading

• AWS vs. Oracle cloud services: Compare costs and capabilities

  AWS has established leadership in the cloud market, but long-standing software vendor Oracle could chase it down as a viable alternative. See how these cloud services compare.  Continue Reading

• How to measure IT performance, step by step

  While IT performance measurement can be a tedious challenge, done correctly, this process provides essential analysis and assessments. Learn how to optimize these reviews.  Continue Reading

• Take steps now to ready your network for 802.11ax specification

  The 802.11ax specification promises higher speeds and lower latency. Preparing now will help you make the transition easier. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• What to do when you can't deploy an OVF template

  Invalid certificates can keep OVF-based VM deployments from working properly. Luckily, admins can work around this issue by logging into the host or using the OVF Tool application.  Continue Reading

• Hire testers with a mix of technical skills and hutzpah

  There's a lot at stake when you hire a software tester -- and a lot to consider about the applicants. Matt Heusser shares how to evaluate capabilities and personalities.  Continue Reading

• Examine the top low-code development platform options

  Nontechnical users can now build applications with little or no coding experience. However, there are many factors to consider before you jump in.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways to manage multiple data sources for high-performance apps

  Applications can pull from and work with data from multiple sources, as long as the app design incorporates these five fundamental data management and mapping techniques.  Continue Reading

• Pick a cloud IDE that best fits developer projects

  Cloud IDEs give developers more flexibility with when, where and how they create, deploy and manage code. Although enticing, end users should understand all aspects -- the good and the bad -- of cloud IDEs.  Continue Reading

• The problems with cloud-based email security

  Cloud-based email security can be challenging for enterprises to achieve. Learn what makes it a challenge and how to secure email in the cloud from expert Dave Shackleford.  Continue Reading

• Explore FAQs on Azure subscription management

  For some IT teams, particularly those new to Microsoft's public cloud, Azure subscriptions spark a number of pressing questions related to billing, resource management and more.  Continue Reading

• Compare the pros and cons of container management tools

  From the ever-popular to the obscure, evaluate different container management options based on the user interface, documentation, ease of use, available features and integrations.  Continue Reading

• AWS App Mesh faces tough race in microservices market

  As AWS and its rivals continue to evolve their service mesh technologies, they'll have to do so with enterprise demands, including those for multi-cloud capabilities, top of mind.  Continue Reading

• Overcome IoT challenges for cloud-based workloads

  Organizations often build IoT apps on public clouds for their scalability, but these platforms introduce their own obstacles. Factor in these network, storage and security impacts.  Continue Reading

• Let an IT and application monitoring strategy drive tool choices

  A monitoring tool that simply gets the job done isn't always the best option for IT ops teams. Use metrics and staff feedback to determine if it's time for a change.  Continue Reading

• What container management software features are important?

  Because containers are easy to spin up, the infrastructure can quickly get out of hand. A tool that simplifies container management can help, if it provides certain capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Software resilience engineering helps teams quash chaos

  What does a nuclear power plant or government team of epidemiologists have to teach software engineers? Quite a lot, if your aim is not just better apps, but more resilient ones.  Continue Reading

• Create Hyper-V containers in Windows Server 2016

  Once you enable the Hyper-V role and Windows container feature, install Docker Engine, container modules and a base OS image to prepare the host for Hyper-V container deployment.  Continue Reading

• Use Packer for Windows to enhance machine image automation

  Packer can curtail time sinks for administrators, especially those dealing with rapid OS releases. But the DevOps tool can require additional effort to work for Windows.  Continue Reading

• Enable an antilatency cloud event processing architecture

  Event-based applications cannot tolerate unreliable networks or latency. Consider an architecture that puts some event processing local to the source to alleviate cloud traffic.  Continue Reading

• Where container infrastructure and management investments yield ROI

  Containers are efficient and flexible, but these benefits can come with a hefty price tag. Ensure these elements are in the container budget to escape unexpected charges.  Continue Reading

• Compare reserved instances pricing for AWS, Azure and GCP

  Got commitment issues? When it comes to long-term instance reservations, cloud users should look closely at what AWS, Microsoft and Google offer.  Continue Reading

• Know your options for Elasticsearch services on AWS

  Determine which Elasticsearch tool is right for your organization with a comparison of key features in Amazon's Elasticsearch Service and Elastic's Elasticsearch.  Continue Reading

• How to improve network security in 5 steps

  The basics of network security start with a proactive and comprehensive audit of connectivity points. Also, be sure to get end users involved with network security policies.  Continue Reading

• The clock is ticking on the Exchange Web Services change

  Another change that might affect your Exchange environment is coming in 2020. Here's what you need to know to prepare.  Continue Reading

• Network operating system advantages extend to white box switching

  The network operating system is changing, moving toward software acceleration, open APIs and white box switching. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the new NOS.  Continue Reading

• Add Elasticsearch nodes to a cluster in simple steps

  Elasticsearch, part of the Elastic Stack with Logstash and Kibana, uses YAML for configuration scripting. Follow these steps to configure an Elasticsearch cluster with two nodes.  Continue Reading

• AWS WebSocket support ushers in real-time serverless features

  The WebSockets vs. HTTP debate has changed for AWS users. With WebSocket support for Amazon API Gateway, users can build serverless applications that can communicate instantaneously.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways to grade integration platform-as-a-service vendors

  The best iPaaS vendors offer a mix of standardization and flexibility, and they can't leave out compliance. Learn how to compare offerings based on these crucial capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged integrated systems crucial to long-term HCI success

  No HCI platform exists in a silo. Learn why hyper-converged systems must communicate, interact and integrate with third-party management tools and the wider IT infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• How to get the most out of your SIEM system

  When it comes to threat protection, antivirus software is no longer enough. Data center admins need cloud-based SIEM to ensure their environments are fully protected.  Continue Reading

• How Jenkins X updates this CI/CD tool for the cloud, Kubernetes

  Jenkins wasn't built for the cloud or Kubernetes, but that's not so for Jenkins X. Here's how users can keep their favorite CI/CD tool to build modern cloud apps and work with containers.  Continue Reading

• How integration platform as a service stacks up against PaaS and SaaS

  IT orgs that face a hybrid mix of apps and data sets can turn to iPaaS for integration -- without the overhead of more software to manage. And there's more than one kind of iPaaS.  Continue Reading

• Data center budget process should review business goals first

  Discover four factors data center managers should evaluate when allocating financial resources and areas to address to ensure funding requests meet execs' business goals.  Continue Reading

• AWS predictive scaling boosts cloud's resource management

  AWS Auto Scaling offers adjustable resources for workloads with fluctuations in demand. With predictive scaling, AWS applies machine learning to anticipate spikes in capacity needs.  Continue Reading

• Determine the cost of app customization in the cloud

  Cloud applications are like icebergs: There's a lot users don't see below the surface. One apparently small change could have a massive ripple effect on operations.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN cost savings hinge on underlying WAN technologies

  SD-WAN marketing almost always mentions the benefit of cost savings. Cut through the hype and discover how SD-WAN works with MPLS and internet connectivity to drive savings.  Continue Reading

• Automate tests with attention to UI, rapid feedback and more

  If your app-dev group just can't seem to get automated tests right, you're not alone. Here's how to implement an effective test automation strategy, one piece at a time.  Continue Reading

• Wireless network configuration basics: 5 steps to follow

  Different wireless networks have different requirements. However, some common principles exist for strategizing your wireless network configuration steps.  Continue Reading

• How shared Lambda functions help microservices access control

  Shared Lambda functions can help combat error message issues that arise when developers create custom authentication and authorization for microservices. Here's how they work.  Continue Reading

• Use AWS Firecracker to build micro VMs for containerized apps

  Firecracker has many of the benefits of containers and VMs, without some of their limitations. Here are a few things to know if you plan to use this technology at your organization.  Continue Reading

• Compare tools for multi-cloud Kubernetes management

  For IT teams that need to manage Kubernetes deployments that span multiple cloud platforms, here are seven tools intended to simplify that process.  Continue Reading

• Concourse vs. Drone: Pick a CI/CD tool that fits your team

  For CI/CD, a software team should weigh how well a tool fits into its existing practices. Drone and Concourse each highlight ease of use and pipeline features.  Continue Reading

• Non-IT software vendors stir up IT tool selection process

  Many non-IT vendors now offer homegrown software -- a model that carries benefits and risks. Weigh the pros and cons around support, availability and other factors before making a decision.  Continue Reading

• AWS Lambda functions become more flexible, but use caution

  AWS Lambda added custom runtimes and longer timeouts. Review the benefits, such as flexibility and easier migration, along with the drawbacks, which include potentially higher costs.  Continue Reading

• How to assess an SD-WAN product and determine which you need

  Two main differentiators have emerged in SD-WAN products. Learn how they work and how an IT manager can use them to assess network performance and diagnose problems.  Continue Reading

• How to improve network latency in 3 steps

  High latency can snarl network traffic and disrupt communications, resulting in unhappy end users. Check out these three steps to reduce and improve network latency.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of network slicing in 5G

  Although network slicing is useful for certain applications, like IoT and mobile networks, it might not be necessary at this point, especially when considering its cost.  Continue Reading

• Major I/O virtualization vendors and technologies explained

  Technologies that virtualize I/O components offer a number of additional capabilities, such as direct memory access remapping and network queuing for each VM.  Continue Reading

• How to improve your networking career path in 3 steps

  Network technology is always changing. As a result, your IT network skills need to evolve, as well. Take a look at three steps you can take on your networking career path.  Continue Reading

• Maximize Ansible scalability, performance as IT deployments grow

  There are several options to increase Ansible performance at scale -- a task that should move to the top of the to-do list as an IT deployment grows.  Continue Reading

• GPU virtualization evolves with new chip types on the horizon

  GPU-makers Intel, AMD and Nvidia all provide virtualization support; the next step is to merge CPU and GPU functionality to handle both application and math/graphics-related tasks.  Continue Reading

• Adjust IT team dynamics for a cloud-native approach

  As enterprises set their cloud-native strategy, they'll need to navigate major changes -- both from a technical standpoint and in terms of IT team structure and management style.  Continue Reading

• How SD-WAN architectures improve network flexibility and efficiency

  The key benefits of SD-WAN architectures include better network redundancy, efficient MPLS connections and added flexibility to deploy new services remotely.  Continue Reading

• 5 steps to troubleshoot a virtual machine problem in Azure

  If you're wrestling with a virtual machine problem, like a faulty connection issue, be sure to check the domain name system and network traffic routing.  Continue Reading

• 5 common traps lurking in RESTful development

  Unfortunately, many RESTful API developers fall into the same traps during design. Here are five common mistakes that you can avoid with the right planning.  Continue Reading

• How to prepare your data center for an HCI appliance

  Vendors tout hyper-converged infrastructure as a plug-and-play offering, but before you install anything in your data center, be sure your network supports the hardware.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged cloud key to private cloud success

  Granular scaling and rapid deployment help make hyper-converged infrastructure the ideal platform for building out, deploying and scaling out a private cloud.  Continue Reading

• Monitor APIs with these metrics for smooth app integrations

  What user information do you pull in from APIs? Do you even know how well they perform? Dev teams should track these metrics to create and maintain smooth API communication.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate the Mesos architecture for massive container deployments

  In addition to supporting large-scale IT deployments, Mesos takes a unique approach to data center and cloud resource pools that can benefit both containerized and noncontainerized apps.  Continue Reading

• Intent-based networking reality check for 2019

  The transition to intent-based networking won't happen overnight. But organizations can study up on different IBN approaches now to plan for future intelligent deployments.  Continue Reading

• How to use Jira as a test management tool

  While Atlassian Jira is a common tool to manage software projects, Amy Reichert's team uses it to manage tests. She details snags you might encounter with test cases and management.  Continue Reading

• The VMware CloudHealth acquisition extends cloud management

  VMware's acquisition of CloudHealth aims to expand VMware's line of cloud management tools to help clients centrally manage many services.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate remote office/branch office technology trends

  Traditional data center technology, including SD-WANs, HCI, and virtual backup and disaster recovery devices, often supports remote and branch offices.  Continue Reading

• Network configuration basics: Focus on users and software tools

  When configuring a network, keep a detailed and updated document to track user needs and network changes. And, of course, take advantage of network configuration software.  Continue Reading

• Automate the IT service desk workflow for maximum success

  The automated help desk using ITSM software does for IT operations and support what the CI/CD toolchain has done for developers and DevOps engineers.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for a successful DCIM implementation

  Selecting the right DCIM software is a complicated process. Make sure you have executive buy-in, vendor support and defined goals to get the best return on investment.  Continue Reading

• Have newer security methods made NAC systems obsolete?

  While newer security methods, like microsegmentation and software-defined perimeter, diminish the role of network access control, NAC systems can still help secure the network edge.  Continue Reading

• How to replicate Azure resources for speed, agility

  There isn't a one-click tool to quickly clone full-stack application environments in Microsoft Azure, but these techniques can make the process easier.  Continue Reading

• How the SaltStack architecture enables config management at scale

  SaltStack's one-to-many communication model enables it to manage configurations in massive IT deployments without network strain. To get the most out of SaltStack, understand ZeroMQ.  Continue Reading

• These tools help build microservices in Java

  Depending on the mission, developers need to align their tool choices with one of two paths for Java microservices. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• 6 ways to tighten Agile feedback loops

  Software bugs are inevitable, but quality improves when you find defects sooner rather than later. Adopt these measures to cut down lengthy and expensive software feedback loops.  Continue Reading

• AWS Outposts continues the trend of 'cloud-down' hybrid

  AWS Outposts may not make an impact until 2020, but organizations still need to prepare for Amazon's on-prem cloud service to see if the 'cloud-down' approach fits their needs.  Continue Reading

• How Google Cloud Build helps microservices build automation

  Google Cloud Build has the potential to play a valuable and reliable role in CI/CD pipelines for microservices development. Learn how Cloud Build can help.  Continue Reading

• Follow these 6 serverless security best practices

  Optimal security for serverless architectures requires developers and ops teams to embrace best practices around dependencies, testing, access and more.  Continue Reading

• How to document software requirements without hating your job

  Software requirements specifications explain, in painstaking detail, what is expected of a project. So, why develop without one? It's not worth the risk. Read why an SRS is vital.  Continue Reading

• 7 misconceptions about the NVMe protocol and NVMe technology

  See what you need to know to avoid some of the common misperceptions about NVMe technology and making possibly expensive mistakes with your organization's NVMe architecture.  Continue Reading

• The 2 fundamental approaches to hybrid cloud integration

  Organizations that want to create a hybrid cloud environment need to develop a strategy. Consider these two approaches.  Continue Reading

• How NFV architecture works

  NFV enables organizations to virtualize operations and replace network equipment such as routers and switches. It's built on three components: VNFs, NFVI and the MANO framework.  Continue Reading

• 6 steps to troubleshoot Wi-Fi network issues

  In a business setting, as you troubleshoot Wi-Fi network issues, these six steps provide a foundation to get you started and keep you grounded when wireless problems hit.  Continue Reading

• Set your AWS cloud migration strategy before the big move

  A move from on premises to the cloud doesn't happen with a click of a button. Set clear goals, and familiarize yourself with AWS' various native tools to make the most of your move.  Continue Reading

• Use shift-right testing to cut skepticism, deployment delays

  Production environments are the final frontier for bug hunters. So, embrace -- don't eschew -- shift-right testing. It has the potential to enhance software quality for users.  Continue Reading

• Get informed of the risks associated with docker.sock

  Container security is a new area for many IT admins, and enterprise IT organizations can easily set up Docker in ways that compromise access control -- potentially exposing the host.  Continue Reading

• How to configure a gMSA for Windows containers

  You must start Windows containers with a CredentialSpec file and gMSA name to enable applications to use gMSA credentials in place of local system and network service accounts.  Continue Reading

• Keep an eye on these third-party cloud management tools

  Examine what third-party vendors can bring to the table before you choose your cloud provider's native management tools as a default option.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises iffy on telecom services beyond network connectivity

  Enterprises look to telecom carriers for network connectivity services, but providers need to win them over to sell cloud and productivity options, according to network pros.  Continue Reading

• Tips for selecting a data center testing provider

  Finding the right service provider for data center tests can be time-consuming. To pick the right one, be sure to have realistic objectives and a detailed SLA.  Continue Reading

• Hone your skills to be an IT infrastructure architect

  IT architecture relies on most skills that sys admins have picked up already but also demands a few more. Learn the responsibilities and the requirements for this advancement.  Continue Reading

• How to integrate DevOps QA testing on AWS

  QA testing is an overlooked, but important, part of DevOps. For workloads on AWS, use CodeBuild, CodeCommit and other tools to make the most of your workflow.  Continue Reading

• SD-branch begins to prove itself with growing deployments

  Enterprises are beginning to deploy SD-branch and are seeing positive results, pointing to the possibility that the software-defined branch will become the norm for branch networking.  Continue Reading

• Get started with natural language processing APIs in cloud

  As the cloud makes AI technology increasingly accessible to enterprises, more developers look to incorporate natural language processing into their apps.  Continue Reading

• How to write and structure worthwhile SRS documentation

  Software projects contain many moving parts, and a miscommunication can derail them easily. Keep everyone on the same page with clear and exhaustive requirements specifications.  Continue Reading

• Storage Migration Service eases Windows Server transfers

  See how SMS eases the process of migrating Windows servers, simplifying the administrator's job and minimizing the disruptions to users and applications.  Continue Reading