Tips

Tips

• SD-WAN connectivity options hinge on latency, app performance

  Users debating MPLS vs. internet for SD-WAN connectivity should take the time to extensively research latency and quality-of-service requirements in terms of application performance.  Continue Reading

• Container hosting requires in-depth service network plans

  Microservices and containers complement each other with scalability and flexibility. But they can also compound network addressing problems in production without proper precautions.  Continue Reading

• Pick up stateless software precepts for modern app design

  Change and state are complex interrelated concepts that shape how an application performs its tasks. Learn the meaning of state, mutability and change as they relate to app design.  Continue Reading

• Direct NVMe performance with virtualization and storage tiers

  Non-volatile memory express technologies have a host of benefits, but admins must use virtualization and storage tiers to best target NVMe performance boosts.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V vs. vSphere high availability features

  Compare VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V HA approaches to see how they keep VMs and other workloads online when a host server crashes.  Continue Reading

• How to make automation part of your microservices security

  It's not ideal to manually test and secure a microservices environment. Consider automation tools when you need to fortify your microservices security plan.  Continue Reading

• Network monitoring systems best practices include centralized data

  With the help of a centralized data store and modeling language, network monitoring systems can both separate and unify data collection and analysis functions.  Continue Reading

• 4 switch ASIC interfaces to drive SDN and machine learning growth

  Learn how four interfaces that are designed to control switch ASICs and packet forwarding can help accelerate developments in SDN and machine learning.  Continue Reading

• Top server sizing strategies for VMs

  How many VMs can you put on a server? That depends on whether your hardware and virtual environment are well-matched. This tip offers four criteria to select the right servers.  Continue Reading

• Estimate cloud computing costs prior to app migration

  Enterprises should enlist a number of resources, including cost calculators and third-party tools, to assess what they'll pay for cloud computing -- before they start migration.  Continue Reading

• 5 basic SOA principles that still apply to microservices

  Microservices often replace SOA, but these two architecture styles are still similar. Here are five basic SOA principles that never went away.  Continue Reading

• A look at fundamental Linux sed commands

  The Linux stream editor is a useful way to run scripts in the data center. With these command examples, you can start to build your familiarity with sed.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways to prep microservices applications for big data

  It's easy for the expansion of big data to spin out of control in a distributed architecture. Think carefully about database management to avoid performance-killing bottlenecks.  Continue Reading

• Continuous testing in Agile means less work, more coverage

  Rather than ride the turbulent roller coaster of testing bottlenecks and uncontrolled code updates, go on the steadily paced continuous testing Ferris wheel.  Continue Reading

• 5 critical components of a microservices security plan

  Microservices have introduced a wave of security complexity. Before you run containerized microservices in production, carefully review these five critical security practices.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Exchange Unified Messaging change presents dilemma

  The arrival of Exchange 2019 also means the end of unified messaging in the on-premises offering. Admins who use voicemail in Outlook should explore their options.  Continue Reading

• Strive for real-world technical debt management in DevOps orgs

  Technical debt is a bit like the kitchen junk drawer: It's cobbled-together, useful stuff that just needed to go somewhere. But the longer you wait to sort it out, the worse it gets.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning tools ease cloud security, log management

  Machine learning has increasingly found a home in enterprise cloud management teams, but the technology is still far from being a magic fix for complex tasks, such as multi-cloud cost optimization.  Continue Reading

• How to approach mobile optimization with less risk

  Microservices and containers can help boost mobile optimization, but it's not automatic. Development teams must think carefully about tooling choices, API creation and more.  Continue Reading

• Implement security for DevOps across the board

  Security for DevOps isn't about the devices or the data center facility anymore. Learn how to protect valuable data as it moves beyond the corporate network into hybrid cloud and among various applications composed of microservices.  Continue Reading

• Minimize downtime during a data center upgrade

  End users don't want their productivity interrupted by IT maintenance. With the right technology, testing and planning, you can reduce or eliminate downtime in the data center.  Continue Reading

• Map out a smooth migration to Azure Resource Manager

  As the classic Azure portal becomes outmoded, enterprises need to migrate to ARM -- but the change doesn't always come easy. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth move.  Continue Reading

• Bevy of Microsoft containers range from cloud to captive workloads

  Windows wasn't always an ideal environment for containers, but recent changes offer a wealth of options, including those for Windows Server and the Azure public cloud.  Continue Reading

• Tap the Chocolatey package manager to usher in Windows DevOps

  Create a Chocolatey package with this tutorial on DevOps for Windows. Simplify package management and installation, and swap the GUI for a CLI client.  Continue Reading

• Third-party tools ease multi-cloud network snags

  Aviatrix is one of a host of third-party networking services that IT teams can use to simplify complex multi-cloud deployments and supplement AWS-native tools.  Continue Reading

• Make IT infrastructure documentation a regular task

  Even though documenting IT processes might not be at the top of an admin's to-do list, they should not let it fall by the wayside. Learn documentation best practices here.  Continue Reading

• Navigate data center management software selection

  Software evaluation can be a lengthy process, especially with both open source and commercial options. Functionality and support can help you form a short list of possibilities.  Continue Reading

• Manage microservices in cloud with these native tools

  AWS, Microsoft and Google all offer native resources and tools to support microservices-based architectures, most of which rely heavily on containers and service mesh technology.  Continue Reading

• Get to know the Hyper-V processor compatibility mode feature

  Hyper-V processor compatibility is relatively easy to use, but it disables some advanced CPU features and is only intended for specific circumstances on a temporary basis.  Continue Reading

• Automated network testing tools actively identify network problems

  If your organization is serious about application reliability, you'll want to adopt network testing tools so you'll know what will happen when network components fail.  Continue Reading

• Incorporate NIST security and virtualization recommendations

  Review NIST virtualization security recommendations with this overview of hypervisor security guidelines, including tips on VM lifecycles and hypervisor platform management.  Continue Reading

• Time-sensitive networking standards could boost industrial control

  With the help of VLAN priority levels, time-sensitive networking can make packet flow more predictable. The technology could especially benefit the factory floor.  Continue Reading

• Understand how Docker works in the VM-based IT world

  With advantages for microservices architectures, disaster recovery and utilization density, among other areas, containers should step out from virtual machines' shadow.  Continue Reading

• Unlock distributed analytics with a microservices approach

  Mobility creates distributed computing environments, which lead to a scenario where some of the older analytics processes are no longer useful. Distributed analytics with microservices can help.  Continue Reading

• Google Stackdriver enhances alerts, adds Kubernetes support

  A recent round of updates to Google's monitoring tool gives IT and development teams more options to set up alerts, track usage and support Kubernetes, both in the cloud and on premises.  Continue Reading

• Navigate your options for Oracle cloud certifications

  Oracle certifications, including those for cloud, can build foundational knowledge or expand existing IT skills. The first challenge, though, is to find the right training path.  Continue Reading

• VMware Integrated OpenStack 5 improves Kubernetes support

  VMware Integrated OpenStack 5 comes in the Carrier and Data Center editions and incorporates enhanced Kubernetes support, better security and the new VIO in a Box feature.  Continue Reading

• Top 7 system administrator interview questions and answers

  To land any IT job, you need to master the interview. Here are seven questions to expect in your next sysadmin interview and how to ace the answers.  Continue Reading

• The first 5 steps to build a private cloud infrastructure

  To implement a private cloud, IT teams must start at the beginning -- and define what a cloud strategy will mean, exactly, to their organization -- before they proceed.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking security involves 3 factors

  Software-defined networking security requires IT teams to ensure data confidentiality, the integrity of the network and the availability of network services, along with compliance.  Continue Reading

• Top five SCVMM 2016 features to look out for

  SCVMM 2016 provides new features, such as Nano Server management, and enhancements to existing networking and security features to better manage the entire virtualization stack.  Continue Reading

• Storage admin roles and responsibilities follow convergence and cloud

  With their jobs under constant assault, what must storage administrators do to stay relevant as data center technologies and the data storage world converge and change?  Continue Reading

• Use AWS DeepLens to develop AI skills

  The DeepLens service partners well with other AWS offerings and opens the door for numerous user- and customer-facing applications. Get started with the deep learning technology.  Continue Reading

• Single-tenant cloud services help alleviate security concerns

  What happens when an enterprise wants the benefits of cloud but without the multi-tenancy? Isolated services are available for those willing to pay.  Continue Reading

• Design a custom Hyper-V Integration Services component

  The steps for creating a new component of Hyper-V Integration Services include registering an app, creating and binding a Hyper-V socket, and compiling server and client apps.  Continue Reading

• Craft an integration testing plan with quality before quantity

  When it comes to integration testing, the end user is more important than the test volume. Increase test efficiency to please both application users and owners.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined access networks pose promise and pitfalls

  By implementing software-defined controls on the access layer, IT can centralize and unify network policies. However, any new technology is still rife with risk.  Continue Reading

• Grasp container basics to plan enterprise adoption

  To transition from virtualization that mimics hardware to a new level of portable, isolated workloads, absorb key tenets of containers and where container deployment differs from VMs and cloud instances.  Continue Reading

• How Java EE development has kept up with microservices

  Java EE is mature technology, but it will continue to evolve in ways that can fit nicely into a microservices architecture.  Continue Reading

• Serverless platforms limit programming language options

  Serverless computing can reduce infrastructure costs and streamline development processes, but don't assume that your programming language of choice will be available.  Continue Reading

• Access vCenter MOB and enable advanced troubleshooting

  The vCenter mobile object browser provides a vast amount of information. Follow these steps to make it navigable and useful for some of the most difficult troubleshooting cases.  Continue Reading

• How three new telecom services can compete with OTT services

  Network operators should embrace three new types of telecom services -- hosting, information processing and experiences -- to increase revenue and compete with OTT services providers.  Continue Reading

• Understand business logic to fortify microservices design

  Before software teams introduce microservices, they must take a critical look at the business logic that frames their architecture because, as contexts change, so does the logic.  Continue Reading

• Mulling a public folders migration? Weigh your options

  Should you stay or should you migrate? Microsoft offers a bevy of alternatives to public folders. This tip breaks down each option to help you make a decision.  Continue Reading

• 5 tips for making flash-based SSDs work with unstructured data

  Using flash storage effectively for unstructured data requires upfront analysis of cost, capacity and performance, as well as continued tracking of a rapidly changing flash market.  Continue Reading

• Avoid messy breakups with your AWS consulting partner

  Maintain control over cloud credentials and permissions to avoid a bad breakup with your AWS consultant, and structure your contract to safeguard against deals gone awry.  Continue Reading

• How to manage distributed apps built on microservices

  Distributed applications can clearly benefit from the architectural benefits of microservices, but that has traditionally come with certain drawbacks. Discover how it's become easier to manage distributed applications built on microservices due to ...  Continue Reading

• A fine-tuned change request template minimizes user discontent

  Change management is an essential ITSM practice, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of end users. Use templates to clarify expectations and set changes in motion without disruption.  Continue Reading

• Compare IaC tools for hybrid, multi-cloud environments

  Infrastructure-as-code tools come in two flavors: third-party and those native to a certain cloud provider. Keep these factors in mind to choose the right one.  Continue Reading

• Use VMware vSphere templates to manage VMs at scale

  VM templates in vSphere enable IT administrators to manage large environments by rapidly deploying fully configured VMs using the content library interface.  Continue Reading

• AWS bare-metal instances target a niche market -- for now

  AWS' addition of bare-metal instances runs counter to its heritage but is another example of how the vendor wants to keep users on its cloud and also attract new ones.  Continue Reading

• How a global file system interface eases data growing pains

  If reaching the storage limits of a file server is an imminent threat at your organization, a global system may be the answer to your data growth woes.  Continue Reading

• How to foster collaboration in software development

  App owners, developers and testers are friends -- not enemies. If it doesn't always feel that way on your collaborative team, use these techniques to foster better communication.  Continue Reading

• Consider storage backup devices for your data protection strategy

  A secondary storage device could be an important element of your data protection platform. Analyze accessibility, speed, scalability and cost before jumping in.  Continue Reading

• Avoid these VMware host profile mistakes

  VMware host profiles make it easy to deploy new hosts -- but it's also easy to make mistakes. Before you create a host profile, check this list of common errors.  Continue Reading

• Create VM templates without encountering errors

  Creating a VM template is a fairly straightforward process. Even so, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with Microsoft's documentation to avoid common mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Improve hybrid cloud monitoring through automation, alerts

  To effectively monitor hybrid cloud infrastructure -- without being overloaded with data and alerts -- IT teams need to rethink some of their existing processes. Use these five best practices to get started.  Continue Reading

• Low-code tools showdown: PowerApps vs. Appian

  Low-code dev products, such as PowerApps and Appian, come with benefits and tradeoffs. See which option comes out on top in this faceoff, and plan your workflow accordingly.  Continue Reading

• Centralize AWS account management with native SSO tool

  Some third-party tools have longer track records, but AWS SSO offers an appealing alternative as a native service to handle cloud account management.  Continue Reading

• Explore the Cubic congestion control provider for Windows

  Microsoft made Cubic the default congestion control provider for Windows 10 and plans to do the same for Windows Server 2019. Learn what this means for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Discovery functions, FIPS compliance increase DCIM security

  Data center infrastructure management is one way to track security patches and unauthorized hardware access. There are a few features you can use to increase security.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-to-cloud migration tools offer comprehensive services

  In a multi-cloud environment, data migration can take on a new set of complications. Luckily, there are a number of technologies available aimed at cloud-to-cloud data migrations.  Continue Reading

• How Azure Cloud Shell can streamline resource management

  Azure Cloud Shell's browser-based model frees IT teams from installation headaches but presents some formatting and timeout issues that admins need to watch for.  Continue Reading

• Weave AWS CodePipeline into serverless app deployment

  CodePipeline brings a number of benefits to serverless app development and deployment, including the elimination of mundane tasks and deep integration with other AWS tools.  Continue Reading

• How to move beyond REST for microservices communication

  Despite its popularity, REST isn't always the best protocol for microservices communication. There are other options that may be a better fit.  Continue Reading

• Mix test and production environments with hyper-convergence

  Despite the enhanced separation that hyper-converged infrastructure can offer, it's better to mix environments and use rules to create a hardware-independent workload balance.  Continue Reading

• Docker and Kubernetes monitoring tools that work on microservices

  What does it take to manage your containers? Explore a wide range of monitoring tools specifically suited for Docker and Kubernetes.  Continue Reading

• VMware finds its way in cloud cost management tools market

  VMware is one of the numerous companies providing tools that help organizations manage cloud costs. Though the demand is real, the market and the tools require more maturity.  Continue Reading

• Anomaly detection methods unleash microservices performance

  When distributed applications run in containers, admins suddenly have a whirlwind of metrics to track instead of just a short list. These methods reach into the heart of the task.  Continue Reading

• What is carrier cloud's role in 5G and IoT transformation?

  Carrier cloud deployment is helping network operators respond to opportunities that will drive transformation, like 5G and IoT. The question is, where can carrier cloud help?  Continue Reading

• Implement these best practices to run Terraform with AWS

  Infrastructure as code on AWS can introduce a learning curve, but tools, such as Terraform, can help enterprises meet their IaC goals.  Continue Reading

• Windows troubleshooting tools to improve VM performance

  Fine-tune virtualized workloads and diagnose performance issues with help from these Windows troubleshooting tools every server administrator should know.  Continue Reading

• Ensuring P2P apps don't cause network performance issues with IPv6

  Peer-to-peer applications can cause performance issues with IPv6 branch-office networks. Universal Plug and Play might be an effective way to overcome access issues.  Continue Reading

• Overcome 9 microservices challenges for platform flexibility

  It's all well and good to tear apart your monolith, but a careless microservices approach can result in the same old problems. Watch out for these nine hurdles.  Continue Reading

• How to match microservices middleware to your mission

  Microservices middleware strategies require an understanding of goals, state control and other key factors. Discover everything you should consider and how it affects your needs.  Continue Reading

• Calibrate your definition of 'done' in Scrum to meet requirements

  Get together with business leaders before software launches and find common ground to define done. One company's idea of perfect code is another's lurking disaster.  Continue Reading

• Build a secure Docker host environment on Linux systems

  In the cutting-edge technology world of containers, don't lose sight of the fundamental security best practices that protect workloads and minimize attack surfaces.  Continue Reading

• The developer's crash course to the application network

  Developers, we get it; you don't want to deal with the network. But hear us out, as a basic understanding of subnets, VPNs and IP addresses boost app stability and performance.  Continue Reading

• Learn the tricks for using Microsoft Teams with Exchange

  As Microsoft Teams gains prominence for business collaboration, administrators should investigate the integration options with their Exchange Online or on-premises Exchange setup.  Continue Reading

• Open source low-code platforms extend app dev capabilities

  Enterprises want their apps to go to market as fast as possible. Low-code platforms accelerate development processes, and with open source, these platforms are more customizable.  Continue Reading

• Prevent AI bias in predictive applications before it starts

  While AI offers predictive insights, developers must train AI models to ensure accurate results. These five types of input, in particular, can cause poor output from the finished app.  Continue Reading

• Accelerate API dev with documentation-driven development

  A missing cloud API doesn't mean all work needs to stop. Engineering and development teams can work with a mock API server until the real API is production-ready.  Continue Reading

• Dig into Azure Kubernetes Service networking options

  Enterprises that choose the wrong AKS networking option could face poor performance and higher costs. Evaluate the advantages and limitations of each option before you rush in.  Continue Reading

• Ensure AWS video file conversion doesn't break the bank

  Video file conversion can be a costly but necessary task for enterprises to reach their customers. Find the right mix of functionality and price with these services.  Continue Reading

• Hire a software testing team that fits your startup culture

  Albeit strapped for cash and time, software startups need testers as much as large companies. Advocate for a testing team, and find candidates who will excel in a startup culture.  Continue Reading

• Azure management groups ease policy enforcement

  It isn't easy to manage Azure subscriptions, but with management groups, admins can now simplify policy enforcement on a larger scale.  Continue Reading

• Application performance metrics and tools fit for modern architectures

  Distributed applications and cloud hosting have led to new application interactions and KPI categories -- and different performance concerns need different metrics.  Continue Reading

• Create a backup image in 7 easy steps

  Learn how to generate an image-based backup using our step-by-step instructions. Just remember to perform this activity in a test system to avoid wiping out source data.  Continue Reading

• Assess VMC on AWS benefits against possible tradeoffs

  AWS provides the types of benefits many VMware -- and Amazon -- users want, despite some tradeoffs for those more accustomed to vSphere on premises.  Continue Reading

• Composable architecture options versus CI and HCI

  While converged, hyper-converged and composable infrastructures all share some degree of similarity in convergence, important differences can affect your IT architecture choices.  Continue Reading