Tips

Tips

• Back-end storage considerations for in-memory processing

  Storing hot data in main memory removes the latency associated with hard disk and solid-state storage operations; it's the best option for need-it-now data.  Continue Reading

• Amazon DAX manages database spikes for improved performance

  The DynamoDB Accelerator reduces database latency without tacking on a separate cache. While the service has some early limitations, DAX benefits enterprises with real-time apps.  Continue Reading

• Install Ubuntu Core successfully with these steps

  An Ubuntu Core installation can often prove tricky for IT teams. Use these step-by-step instructions to properly install the platform for a more secure Docker environment.  Continue Reading

• How to determine the true cost of flash

  If you want to add flash storage, it's important to consider the cost per IOPS and gigabyte compared to HDD volumes, as well as the difference between consumer and enterprise SSDs.  Continue Reading

• Real-time vs. near-real-time analytics -- how to choose

  Data is king, but what happens when the data isn't truly real-time? Expert Tom Nolle explains the cloud platform choices when it comes to 'real-time' analytics.  Continue Reading

• A deployment pipeline keeps infrastructure ducks in their rows

  IT infrastructure is difficult to get right. Whether to stand up a test/dev server or deploy a new app to production, infrastructure developers turn to a deployment pipeline to build IT.  Continue Reading

• Come to grips with immutable infrastructure in production

  Immutable infrastructure is a developer approach to application hosting that's made its way into the IT ops lexicon. It's time to understand the changes it brings to application support.  Continue Reading

• Compare XtremIO vs. Unity all-flash storage system for VDI

  Dell EMC offers two all-flash storage options geared toward VDI shops. One suits companies with fewer than 500 persistent machines, and the other is for larger deployments.  Continue Reading

• Four tips for building a Swift object store

  OpenStack Swift doesn't have to be scary. You can use the command line, zones and access control lists to make object storage management a little easier.  Continue Reading

• In a microservices app, how many microservices are too many?

  How many microservices are optimal for your microservices app? DevOps analyst Chris Tozzi explains how to use containers, codebase analysis and other tactics to decide.  Continue Reading

• Open source network tools compete with shrinking vendor equipment

  Vendor equipment consolidation could limit network operator service automation efforts, but new open source network tools offer options and prevent lock-in.  Continue Reading

• Chef Habitat offers a different take on configuration management

  Chef Habitat's strategy focuses on the dynamic application environment instead of static servers, approaching configuration management with a new focus.  Continue Reading

• IT automation software: Top five common mistakes

  IT automation software projects can involve a great deal of risk, but avoid these common mistakes and it will increase the chances for automation success.  Continue Reading

• New options for managed network service providers benefit enterprises

  SDN, NFV and SD-WAN are creating a new set of software-based offerings that managed network service providers can roll out to enterprises faster and at lower cost.  Continue Reading

• How to move to a network hybrid cloud architecture

  Learn how to avoid network hybrid cloud architecture problems before a migration, and why uniformity and consistent performance are essential for success.  Continue Reading

• How a backup data retention policy combats growing storage needs

  While a thorough backup system can protect your data, it can also lead to a rapid increase in the amount of data you have stored. A policy-based storage system may be able to help.  Continue Reading

• What is the future of container deployment?

  Container deployment continues to evolve with the help of VM models, microservices and DevOps. Learn how the container architecture can impact your business goals.  Continue Reading

• Use the Rufus utility to create a bootable VMware ESXi installer

  Rufus -- short for Reliable USB Formatting Utility -- is a free Windows tool that can create a bootable VMware ESXi installer and a custom installation package in mere minutes.  Continue Reading

• Automate Active Directory jobs with PowerShell scripts

  Much of what admins do in Active Directory is not exactly cutting-edge, and they don't want to waste time on mundane tasks. A dash of PowerShell can speed things along.  Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about OpenStack modules

  OpenStack continues to evolve in an effort to compete with AWS. The modules that are available now make OpenStack a viable enterprise option.  Continue Reading

• Simple steps to improve the IT incident management process

  No one notices when there's a solid IT incident management response process in place, but everyone notices when there's not. Improve how you handle issues in three steps.  Continue Reading

• Lost and found: Use an Exchange recovery database to restore data

  PowerShell can come to the rescue to restore messages and other items from an Exchange 2016 recovery database when trouble strikes -- or when lawyers make requests.  Continue Reading

• How to use Azure Active Directory differently than classic AD

  Windows administrators can't just whip up an Azure Active Directory deployment and expect it to mimic the classic AD, but Azure AD has several meaningful uses.  Continue Reading

• Agentless Ansible structure opens up configuration management potential

  Ansible is easy to use for IT ops pros, and it supports multicloud functionality within its automation structure. This simple walkthrough gets sys admins started with the tool.  Continue Reading

• Should you run MySQL on VMs or physical machines?

  Take stock of your current environment, including instance types, orchestration systems and storage devices, before deciding whether to deploy MySQL to VMs or physical machines.  Continue Reading

• Overcome common IP address issues during a cloud migration

  During a move to the cloud, many organizations overlook potential snags surrounding IP addresses. To start, know how cloud providers manage address assignment.  Continue Reading

• Improve query performance, cut costs with Amazon Athena

  Amazon Athena can query more data formats than its competitor Google BigQuery, but developers must choose easy-to-process formats to enjoy Athena's benefits.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 admin roles give users the power of permissions

  No matter your organization's size, it's helpful to have users handle some functions typically reserved for IT. But limit access to elevated access to reduce security risks.  Continue Reading

• Debug an Active Directory domain join failure on Windows Server

  The domain join process typically works without issue. But when a device can't connect to Active Directory, the administrator must seek the culprit from the usual suspects.  Continue Reading

• Use SIOC to create and apply IOPS limits and storage policies

  VMware Storage I/O Control uses vSphere APIs for I/O Filtering to quickly establish and apply IOPS limits to VMs that regularly access your data store.  Continue Reading

• Server OS patching doesn't have to be as painful as you fear

  OS patching is like a mechanic's job -- you need different tools for different makes and models. SCCM, Satellite and Landscape provide upkeep for IT's sports cars and SUVs.  Continue Reading

• Integrate Ceph object storage in a VMware vSphere environment

  It can be challenging to integrate Ceph in a VMware environment, but with the right interface, vSphere administrators can reap the rewards of object storage.  Continue Reading

• Know your AWS downtime limits

  Enterprises have different standards of downtime tolerance, which often vary between applications. Properly set your expectations and avoid unnecessary -- and unwanted -- downtime.  Continue Reading

• Reference architecture vs. converged infrastructure: Know the difference

  The terms converged infrastructure and reference architecture frequently appear together, but they're not interchangeable. One is the blueprint and the other is a structure.  Continue Reading

• Telecom vendors feel the pressure of operator transformation plans

  Changes in network operators' buying trends have rocked the status quo for telecom vendors, with pricing pressure, software and chants of 'no more lock-in' driving it home.  Continue Reading

• GlusterFS vs. Ceph: Weighing the open source combatants

  When considering open source storage software, GlusterFS and Ceph share that designation and little else. Knowing how each option works can help in the selection process.  Continue Reading

• What to expect in OpenStack releases Pike and Queens

  OpenStack Pike, Queens and Rocky will include much-needed features and updates that will simplify user interfaces and improve the function of existing APIs.  Continue Reading

• Three DevOps toolchain options refine IT automation

  DevOps tools that don't interconnect form a bottleneck that teams can easily avoid -- or retroactively remedy -- if the CI/CD workflow merits the time commitment.  Continue Reading

• VSAN Encryption: What it is, what it does and how to use it

  New to vSphere 6.6, vSAN Encryption uses an XTS AES-256 cipher to encrypt all objects in the vSAN data store across both all-flash and hybrid configurations.  Continue Reading

• Four private cloud design pointers to ensure success

  To design a successful private cloud, lay the groundwork: Plan beyond the five-year mark, determine who will manage images and make it highly available.  Continue Reading

• Seven hyper-converged software options for DIY HCI

  If your company already has hardware that you want to turn into a hyper-converged infrastructure stack, you can do it with one of these software-only options.  Continue Reading

• Use AWS Batch -- not Lambda -- for these workloads

  AWS Batch makes it easier to automatically spin up EC2 instances and boost capacity to provision resources for uneven application workloads.  Continue Reading

• When to use Docker alternatives rkt and LXD

  Docker can't meet the needs of every IT scenario. LXD and CoreOS rkt are additional container formats to try out when Docker doesn't make sense.  Continue Reading

• Open source network software matures, but needs incentives for use

  Open source network software is maturing, but the networking industry needs to create compelling economic incentives for large suppliers and buyers to contribute, as well.  Continue Reading

• IT asset tracking informs better capacity, management decisions

  Detailed IT asset inventories are a result of granular asset tracking and lead to better server and storage management -- among other benefits.  Continue Reading

• Manage Linux servers with a Windows admin's toolkit

  Even Microsoft recognizes it's no longer just a Windows world. Here's what Windows administrators can do to pick up Linux management and monitoring.  Continue Reading

• Explore Google XPN for virtual private cloud networks

  Isolated networks strengthen cloud security, but sharing data can become a challenge. Learn how Google XPN enables multiple users or departments to share one virtual private cloud.  Continue Reading

• No-code/low-code project management best practices

  Before setting your no-code/low-code product into motion, you must prepare your organization. Expert Zach Flower discusses the importance of collaboration and communication.  Continue Reading

• Your cloud bill climbs due to these five overlooked costs

  AWS, Google and Azure offer tools that help users estimate cloud costs. But overlooked services, usage spikes and outages can cause actual cloud bills to far exceed those estimates.  Continue Reading

• Optane memory: Opening the window on Intel's latest technology

  Now that Optane products are on the market, the future of fast memory for storage and processing looks bright. But will Optane match the claims Intel has been making?  Continue Reading

• Log management systems benefit greatly from AI

  Organizations with massive volumes of IT operational data need log management tools that can quickly and adeptly process it. AI embedded into tools might be the answer.  Continue Reading

• Why SDN, DevOps don't share automated network missions

  SDN and DevOps may both have a role in automated network device management, but compared to SDN, DevOps has a completely different mission, our expert explains.  Continue Reading

• Helpful steps toward an easy private cloud implementation

  There are many aspects of an overall private cloud infrastructure that affect your organization's cloud storage plans, and knowing what to look for is vital.  Continue Reading

• Learn shell scripts: A sys admin's guide to automation

  Shell scripts and sys admins should be best friends. A day rarely goes by without using some form of shell script or another. Learn how those scripts work and start writing them.  Continue Reading

• Integrate vRealize Log Insight and NSX for centralized logging

  VMware added vRealize Log Insight NSX in version 6.2.3. This central logging system receives log entries from ESXi hosts and helps identify issues in your NSX deployment.  Continue Reading

• AWS certification types with the most street cred

  Passing an AWS certification exam is often a top benchmark on a cloud pro's resume. These AWS certifications are considered the most difficult -- and valuable.  Continue Reading

• Note these ops issues before you deploy with Docker containers

  Docker regularly updates its containerization offering, but it's not click-to-deploy ready for production. Ops professionals should acknowledge these points before deploying Docker containers.  Continue Reading

• Build Docker container images with AWS CodeBuild

  AWS CodeBuild is a developer tool that automates tasks, such as software releases, and enables IT teams to build and push containers to a registry within minutes.  Continue Reading

• Techniques for optimizing microservice performance in the cloud

  Learn how to prevent bottlenecks, create efficient deployment and avoid security issues to ensure optimal microservice performance in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Avoid downtime during the cloud migration process

  During a public cloud migration, IT teams need to take a cautious, one-step-at-a-time approach to avoid hearing the dreaded phrase, 'the system is down.'  Continue Reading

• Five reasons your software testing career is harder than necessary

  No job is perfect, but software testers do have a few things to complain about. Expert Amy Reichert shares the five things that make her want to polish her résumé.  Continue Reading

• Use the VMware Host Client to manage single ESXi hosts

  The VMware Host Client is faster and more secure than the vSphere Flash-based client, but it has yet to reach maturity. Here are some other tools you can use to manage ESXi hosts.  Continue Reading

• Scale resources automatically with Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets

  Scalability is an attractive capability of cloud computing that reels in enterprises of all sizes. Learn how Virtual Machine Scale Sets in Azure can help you achieve that benefit.  Continue Reading

• Deep dive into Hyper-V files and folders

  Understanding all aspects of a Hyper-V installation now makes it easier to troubleshoot problems later. Look under the hood of Hyper-V files and folders to prep for the worst.  Continue Reading

• The status of NAND flash memory now and in the near future

  Flash memory chips have driven a revolution in storage, and faced a recent shortage because of huge demand. That's easing, and advances in NAND technology show a great future.  Continue Reading

• Let's talk about IT infrastructure and emerging technologies

  Work closely with hardware specialists and engineers in the data center, as emerging compute, network and storage technologies have ramifications beyond the racks.  Continue Reading

• Build an effective API management system for multicloud

  APIs play a critical role in cloud, allowing apps and services to communicate with each other. But with multiple cloud providers in the mix, API management gets complicated.  Continue Reading

• Amazon Route 53 benefits include efficient domain management

  There are many domain hosting options, but Amazon Route 53 stands out from the pack for resolution speed -- especially among AWS users. Route 53 offers these benefits for users.  Continue Reading

• Comparing containers and VMs for multi-tenant apps

  Secure containers is a big concern when comparing virtual machines and containers for multi-tenant apps. Learn what each has to offer and which works best for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Copying virtual machines with VMware vSphere Replication

  Now that you've completed the installation and configuration, it's time to walk through the process of how vSphere Replication works.  Continue Reading

• Layer 3 switches explained

  Layer 3 switches are important in enterprise networks -- particularly in designs with many subnets and virtual LANs. What is a Layer 3 switch, what can it do for you, and how does it differ from a regular switch or router?  Continue Reading

• AWS Lambda functions have storage capacity, longevity limitations

  AWS Lambda's high scalability can serve as a limitation, as data can be lost if too much strain is placed on the data store. These methods can work around Lambda memory limitations.  Continue Reading

• Set Salt configuration management free without a master

  Salt configurations usually involve at least one minion controlled by a master, but that's not always necessary. See how to use Salt to run a single machine in masterless mode.  Continue Reading

• Select the right cloud regions, availability zones to optimize costs

  Cloud computing can bring a multitude of unexpected costs. To stay within budget, evaluate the costs associated with regions and availability zones.  Continue Reading

• Managing apps essential in realizing their business value

  Apps have taken center stage, but in order to exploit their value, enterprises have to find a way of managing apps that works best for them.  Continue Reading

• Choose cloud configuration management tools for multiple platforms

  The multicloud model presents unique configuration management challenges. When choosing a tool, enterprises should compare cloud native and third-party options carefully.  Continue Reading

• Status report 2017: NFV deployments grow; standards issues remain

  Large service providers are continuing their NFV deployments, which will enable 5G wireless and IoT. But management, orchestration and standards questions remain.  Continue Reading

• Tap PowerShell DSC resources to automate web server construction

  Administrators will create numerous IIS web servers during their IT careers. With Desired State Configuration, admins can automate this task with cleaner results.  Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about testing .NET applications

  For the most efficient testing, you need the right tools for the job. Expert Matt Heusser explains in detail all the testing tools for tackling apps built with Microsoft's .NET.  Continue Reading

• Shipyard floats a Docker GUI for easier container management

  Deploying new Docker images is the easy part; managing and reporting on those instances is tricky. IT teams can use the Shipyard GUI to stop, start, orchestrate and manage Docker.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting microservices performance problems

  Get a better understanding of troubleshooting tools and techniques for managing microservices performance issues.  Continue Reading

• How types of noise in data communication systems affect the network

  Learn about the different types of noise in data communication -- including thermal, intermodulation, cross-talk, impulse and shot noise -- and how they can affect your network.  Continue Reading

• Application support and maintenance add up to operational ALM

  An application isn't fully grown when it moves from development to production -- it still needs nurturing to meet its full potential.  Continue Reading

• Get started with the Azure API Management service

  APIs are vital to open the communication lines between cloud apps, and proper management of those APIs is also critical. Learn how Azure's API service can kick start that process.  Continue Reading

• How the Puppet architecture manipulates configurations

  Puppet is intrinsically scalable, enabling IT teams to manage one machine or hundreds. Its architecture makes the configuration management tool compatible with a range of IT setups.  Continue Reading

• Compare offline data migration services from AWS, Azure and Google

  Sending a storage disk to a cloud provider seems like an antiquated data-migration method, but it's a common choice. Here's how AWS, Azure and Google manage the process.  Continue Reading

• When and how to use a FIFO queue in SQS

  Using FIFO queues in Amazon SQS support Exactly-Once Processing and keep tasks in order. But they can create bottlenecks if used with the wrong workloads.  Continue Reading

• Discover the pros, cons of bare-metal cloud services

  A bare-metal cloud service combines the benefits of physical servers with public cloud, but may not be right for all workloads. Weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision.  Continue Reading

• Set up Docker container networking for real production workloads

  A technology as old as data centers -- networking -- threatens to derail the next new thing. Smart networking choices make Docker container deployments functional and organized.  Continue Reading

• State and threading: Key concepts in a .NET microservices architecture

  There are a number of reasons why implementing a .NET microservices architecture presents a challenge. Tom Nolle explains how to marry .NET and microservices.  Continue Reading

• Software networking supports wide range of deployment use cases

  Software networking includes elements of SDN, NFV and network virtualization, which have taken the industry by storm; it also supports advances like 5G wireless and hybrid cloud.  Continue Reading

• Cloud security tips to consider when mulling external data centers

  The old security rules don't apply when moving workloads to the cloud. These cloud security tips will help you make the right decision.  Continue Reading

• Identify and reduce multicloud integration costs

  When using multiple cloud providers, application integration costs can grow quickly. To prevent billing surprises, carefully plan application deployments and workflows.  Continue Reading

• How to manage microservices with a container registry

  Container registries will help to compile and store images. Get a better understanding of popular registry products and services.  Continue Reading

• Optimize PHP with finely tuned IT resources and settings

  Application ops should address the elephant in the room -- poorly optimized PHP -- to speed load and processing times.  Continue Reading

• New telecom transformation goals require service automation

  Restarting a telecom transformation means putting business goals first and technology choices second, and making the service process more efficient through automation.  Continue Reading

• How to keep microservices performance from going south

  Microservices can streamline development, but at what cost? Kurt Marko discusses the potential performance impacts and how to implement proper microservices performance management.  Continue Reading

• Using Azure Site Recovery for data and VM replication

  Data replication is a critical part of a disaster recovery plan, and the devil is in the details. Ease your plan with automation through Azure Site Recovery.  Continue Reading

• Use automated vSphere Update Manager for more controlled patching

  The most recent version of vSphere Update Manager helps reduce the stress of patching hosts, VMs, virtual appliances and more. Set it up in just a few simple steps.  Continue Reading

• Application containers offer a new approach to SOA

  Traditional SOA and containerized infrastructure share many common goals, but containers offer better efficiency and manageability. How can enterprises bring the two together?  Continue Reading