Tips

Tips

• 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

• How Oracle licensing on AWS affects portability

  AWS works with software vendors to make cloud workloads more portable, but some vendors have licensing restrictions that could complicate BYOL.  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

• Dig into the Exchange 2016 hardware requirements

  A move to Exchange 2016 may mean increased costs to hardware that can support the latest Microsoft messaging platform.  Continue Reading

• What should my dimensions be for a data center building design?

  Don't get hung up on data center dimensions in the design phase. Focus on length-to-width ratios to get the most out of data center space, power and cooling.  Continue Reading

• Use a Linux file system journal for data integrity, performance

  Understand the three different file system journaling modes for Linux, as well as which mount option provides the best levels of data protection and performance.  Continue Reading

• Breaking down the costs of cloud storage

  Storage is a primary reason enterprises move workloads to the cloud. But before shipping off your data, learn how region, capacity and other factors shape cloud storage costs.  Continue Reading

• Automated deployment tools mitigate the risk of human error in DevOps

  There are dozens of application and infrastructure automation tools for IT shops. Choosing the right one requires project and feature evaluation.  Continue Reading

• Five data center certifications admins need to know

  Data center certifications, including those from VMware and Cisco, can provide a career boost for admins. Consider taking one of these five exams to expand your knowledge.  Continue Reading

• API growth forcing vendors to take notice or risk losing out

  The API is fast becoming a must-have in modern networking. But API growth is forcing vendors to rethink how they want their devices to be configured and managed.  Continue Reading

• Real-life change management examples prove it's harder than it looks

  Whether your IT shop rigorously follows a service management framework or takes a laissez-faire approach to changes, these examples help hone change management procedures.  Continue Reading

• The what, why and how of the TOSCA cloud standard

  As the acceptance of DevOps rises, the TOSCA standard has become a popular option for cloud application deployment. Here's a closer look at how it works.  Continue Reading

• Ease migrations with Windows Server Migration Tools cmdlets

  An in-place Windows Server upgrade is easier than a server migration. When an upgrade isn't possible, admins can ease the transition with a Microsoft snap-in.  Continue Reading

• Start your hybrid cloud implementation off on the right foot

  Hybrid cloud storage has garnered a lot of interest because it offers cost savings and scalability. But there are some key concerns to think about before you dive in.  Continue Reading

• VMware's vCenter HA makes up for vCenter Server shortcomings

  VMware vCenter 6 High Availability saves administrators the time and effort of having to log in to hosts individually to track down vCenter should they forget to restrict it.  Continue Reading

• Choose the best Google cloud instance types for your workloads

  Not all workloads are the same -- some require more CPUs, while other require more memory. Fortunately, Google's range of cloud instance types offers enterprises a lot of options.  Continue Reading

• Set up a virtual home lab to learn OpenStack and more on your own time

  There are many reasons to set up a virtual home lab, not least of all for career advancement and learning. Occasionally, it can be fun too.  Continue Reading

• Agent vs. agentless: Monitoring choices for diverse IT ops needs

  All management tools must run on a device, but the standards for agent and agentless monitoring vary widely. The determination is easier once you understand monitoring data needs.  Continue Reading

• Idempotent configuration management sets things right -- no matter what

  Idempotency ensures a system won't stray from its designated desired state, sending alerts to systems administrators if a requested change would cause a disruption.  Continue Reading

• Release management best practices for every IT team

  No one likes an app that implodes once it reaches production. IT operations teams can save themselves some headaches by implementing release management from the initial design on.  Continue Reading

• Be a more technical tester with HTML, CSS and JS

  If you're ready to boost your testing skills, why not learn more about web development? Expert Matt Heusser walks you through HTML, CSS and JS to get you started.  Continue Reading

• Consider these Linux I/O scheduler options for storage performance

  To optimize Linux performance, IT teams should examine the I/O scheduler currently in use, and evaluate alternatives, such as deadline and Completely Fair Queuing.  Continue Reading

• Build a data center shutdown procedure to prepare for the worst

  A data center shutdown checklist helps IT teams focus on backup, testing and system verification before pulling the plug and losing valuable information.  Continue Reading

• Simplify your platform with IT systems management tools

  So much effort goes into simply keeping an IT infrastructure up and running. Imagine what more could be accomplished once you automate some of those tasks with IT systems management tools.  Continue Reading

• A SaltStack tutorial to start mastering data center minions

  With a basic understanding of SaltStack minions, modules, grains and other concepts, IT administrators have the power to scale up configurations.  Continue Reading

• Perform a PaaS pricing comparison for public cloud

  When choosing a platform, enterprises need to focus on features and prices for Azure, Google and AWS. Take a look under the hood before you take it for a spin.  Continue Reading

• Compare benefits of a blade server architecture vs. hyper-convergence

  To determine if a series of blade servers is the right call for more condensed compute in your data center, evaluate its benefits compared to hyper-convergence.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft SCORCH lights an automated path to more efficiency

  System Center Orchestrator tackles tedious tasks and can even make autonomous decisions based on conditions set by the Windows administrator.  Continue Reading

• Mobile edge computing promises wide variety of uses

  Mobile edge computing can bring applications and data closer to the end user, resulting in lower latency and better data analytics for network virtualization and IoT.  Continue Reading

• Ways to make the application deployment process clear and flexible

  The application deployment manual must be flexible, and short enough to actually follow. A process that can't change with the evolving IT system isn't of much use to anyone.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Exchange Online's Role-Based Access Control model

  The Role-Based Access Control model manages and evaluates permissions in Exchange Online. Admins can explore the model, create new permissions and customize roles.  Continue Reading

• Network engineering tools changing as cloud shift pressures profession

  As more companies examine the cloud, network engineering tools are changing, requiring engineers to rethink and recraft their job descriptions.  Continue Reading

• Use Windows PowerShell DSC to construct file servers from scratch

  Administrators can take control over the deployment of common resources, such as Windows-based file servers, using PowerShell Desired State Configuration.  Continue Reading

• Real-time app development helps minimize delays

  The differences between real-time and near real-time application development are invisible to the naked eye, but everyone suffers from delays in app builds and execution.  Continue Reading

• Salt minions and grains facilitate deployment at scale

  A tiered management setup and finely grained monitoring capabilities make SaltStack's configuration management tool worth considering.  Continue Reading

• Four top products leading the way in multicloud management

  In this multicloud review, see the top multicloud management products. How do they approach different cloud environments, and what separates them from each other?  Continue Reading

• Practice cloud resource management to reduce sprawl, cut costs

  Some organizations go overboard with cloud deployments, paying for more resources than they actually need. Follow these steps to decrease wastefulness and increase cost efficiency.  Continue Reading

• Differences between SSD caching and tiering technologies

  Brien Posey looks at popular ways of using SSD as cache, including write-around, write-through and write-back, as well as how the technology compares with SSD tiering.  Continue Reading

• REST vs. SOAP: Choosing the best web service

  SOAP and REST offer different methods to invoke a web service. Learn the variations between the two approaches, including integration concerns and client choices.  Continue Reading

• Three advances making NFV deployments better for the business

  NFV deployments made progress this year, thanks to three significant developments, but will they be enough to make NFV's business case more compelling among other industry changes?  Continue Reading

• Benefits of moving from EC2-Classic to VPC

  AWS replaced EC2-Classic instances with Virtual Private Cloud to help enterprises better secure networks and resources. Here's how the two instances differ and how to migrate to VPC.  Continue Reading

• Intent-driven networking reshaping network service delivery

  When configuring a network, engineers often focus on individual tasks to enable network service delivery. Intent-driven networking transfers the focus to the overall network.  Continue Reading

• What alternatives to HTTP are there for microservices?

  Using HTTP as the bus for traffic between microservices can create some unwanted impacts, including more TCP/IP overhead. Mark Betz goes over some useful alternatives to HTTP.  Continue Reading

• Don't migrate apps to the cloud without considering the costs

  For many organizations, the public cloud is a way to cut costs -- but some apps may be costing you more in the cloud than you think. Find out which enterprise apps are better left on premises.  Continue Reading

• WAN access options multiply when buying network services

  A new menu of WAN access options means companies have a wide variety of means to reach cloud and network services. But more choice also means more potential pitfalls.  Continue Reading

• Know how to handle IT incident management to avoid chaos

  When an important application goes down, you'd better have the right IT incident management processes and procedures in place to fix it.  Continue Reading

• Log Parser Studio provides flexibility for Exchange troubleshooting

  Administrators can use default queries in Log Parser Studio or modify existing queries to analyze logs and troubleshooting Exchange issues.  Continue Reading

• Mimic production with the right staging environment

  With public or private cloud templates, it becomes easy to copy your production IT environment for staging new code as often as development needs it.  Continue Reading

• Making a storage capacity plan that doesn't bust your budget

  Storage capacity is growing at a rapid rate and by using the latest innovations in storage technologies it is possible to meet demands without growing your storage budget apace.  Continue Reading

• Optimize mainframe processor performance with vertical polarization

  To increase mainframe processor capacity and speed, IBM turned to vertical polarization. Learn how to take advantage of it through a feature called HiperDispatch.  Continue Reading

• Custom AWS metrics maximize use of CloudWatch Logs

  Unlike standard app dev methods, serverless computing with AWS Lambda does not enable easy debugging. These tools can help developers keep an eye out for Lambda errors.  Continue Reading

• IT service delivery model uses BPM to translate ops to biz

  A business process management structure for IT service delivery can bridge the gap between IT and the rest of the business, allowing IT leaders to sit at the table for important decisions.  Continue Reading

• How do I determine which OpenStack version I have?

  Figuring out the OpenStack release or version running in your organization isn't as easy as it sounds. What are some quick tips to find that information?  Continue Reading

• Setting up and controlling resources on a Proxmox cluster

  You're learned how to create Proxmox hosts and group them into a cluster. Now it's time to add resources to your cluster and assign access rights to them.  Continue Reading

• When moving servers to a colocation facility, planning is key

  Moving servers off premises to a colocation facility can be a daunting task. Use these best practices to minimize downtime to ensure a seamless transition.  Continue Reading

• Use cloud auto scaling, tagging to give unneeded resources the boot

  Auto scaling services help admins identify underused resources and reduce public cloud costs. Learn how load balancing and tagging can maximize those benefits.  Continue Reading