Tips

Tips

• IT automation vs. orchestration: Key differences

  As complementary technologies, automation defines each repetitive task to be performed, while orchestration assembles arrays of individual tasks to accomplish complex workflows.  Continue Reading

• APM best practices: 9 strategies to adopt

  Teams responsible for APM must develop a clear strategy to identify performance risks, reduce APM costs and secure sensitive data collected as part of their initiatives.  Continue Reading

• Application performance monitoring vs. management

  Explore the nuances between application performance monitoring and application performance management, especially in enhancing application efficiency and the user experience.  Continue Reading

• When to use Amazon RDS vs. Redshift

  Amazon RDS and Redshift are effective data warehousing services, but there are key differences that separate the two. Let's compare Amazon RDS vs. Redshift to find their use cases.  Continue Reading

• Explore software-defined storage pros and cons

  Software-defined storage gives organizations more flexibility and often lower costs, but be prepared to self-troubleshoot. Get to know the pros and cons of SDS.  Continue Reading

• An overview of Amazon EC2 vs. AWS Lambda

  EC2 and Lambda meet different needs in an AWS cloud environment -- but they can also work together. The only limits are in the minds of cloud architects.  Continue Reading

• 6 sustainable resources to power data centers

  Data centers are using clean energy to sustainably run parts of the facility. Six sustainable energy options to consider are solar, wind, nuclear, tidal, hydrogen and geothermal.  Continue Reading

• The 4 different types of wireless networks

  The four types of wireless networks -- wireless LAN, wireless MAN, wireless PAN and wireless WAN -- differ in size, range and connectivity requirements.  Continue Reading

• Implementing webhooks: Benefits and best practices

  Webhooks are a simple technology, so make the implementation strategy simple, too. Start by designing an intuitive workflow that plans for the unexpected and prioritizes security.  Continue Reading

• Use the 7 Rs to develop an app modernization strategy

  Application modernization can be the bane or boon of app development. Learn how to use the seven Rs to create an effective development strategy for your business's applications.  Continue Reading

• 8 IaC configuration file editors for admins to consider

  Configuration files are essential for app and OS functionality but managing them at scale can be challenging. Here are eight editors for admins to consider for their IaC setup.  Continue Reading

• 802.11 standards: How do 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be differ?

  Wi-Fi standards -- 802.11ac, 802.11ax and 802.11be -- differ based on frequency bands, spatial streams and maximum data rates, with 802.11be offering the most significant improvements.  Continue Reading

• How to prepare a data storage budget, with free template

  Budgeting for data storage can be part of an organization's larger budget -- but make sure every line item is included. The downloadable template here can help.  Continue Reading

• Difference between a statement vs. expression in programming

  The decision between statement-centric and expression-oriented languages can influence an individual's programming style and the code's length, complexity and security.  Continue Reading

• 10 steps to develop your IT automation strategy

  Setting business goals, establishing governance practices, identifying and deploying the right tools, and providing training are the foundations of a sound IT automation strategy.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for writing clean code comments

  Well-written code comments are a great tool to explain code intent. Use these tips to ensure your comments are adding value to source code, not cluttering it up.  Continue Reading

• Tidal energy for data centers: A sustainable power option

  Tidal energy offers a sustainable and dependable power source for data centers. It reduces carbon emissions and operational costs but raises environmental and logistical concerns.  Continue Reading

• Compare software-defined storage vs. storage virtualization

  SDS and storage virtualization are two approaches that help storage teams efficiently and cost-effectively manage resources. Examine the differences between the two.  Continue Reading

• 4 phases to build a network automation architecture

  The implementation of a network automation architecture involves several elements, including a core orchestration engine, assorted databases and proper network testing.  Continue Reading

• Why and how to create Azure service principals

  Service principals are a convenient and secure way to protect Azure resources. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a service principal that defends vital Azure workloads.  Continue Reading

• How to start a FinOps career in cloud

  FinOps is an integral part of many organizations' cloud strategy. Do you have what it takes to land a FinOps job? Explore the benefits and requirements to help jump-start your career.  Continue Reading

• How data centers can help balance the electrical grid

  Data centers consume 1% of global electricity. To ease grid pressure, data centers should use renewable energy, partner with power companies and manage demand during peak times.  Continue Reading

• How to fix software bugs: Guide and best practices

  'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' -- Benjamin Franklin, 1736. The original quote pertained to fire safety, but it still applies to software bug prevention today.  Continue Reading

• The basics of working with pseudocode

  Writing pseudocode is a great way to practice problem-solving skills, a crucial aspect in programming. It helps developers conceptualize and communicate their ideas.  Continue Reading

• Top 9 bare-metal cloud providers of 2025

  This overview looks at nine bare-metal cloud providers, including Amazon, OpenMetal and Vultr. It also discusses features to look for, common use cases and bare-metal limitations.  Continue Reading

• Use network standardization to facilitate automation

  Network teams can automate and standardize network designs to improve configurations, simplify operations and more easily implement changes within their networks.  Continue Reading

• Top 13 cloud certifications for 2025

  Cloud certifications are available for all levels of cloud expertise. Use this guide to evaluate basic, topic-specific, high-level and vendor-neutral certifications.  Continue Reading

• The 5 essential HTTP methods in RESTful API development

  While HTTP methods aren't inherently complex, developers still need to understand the core RESTful API HTTP methods and why they matter.  Continue Reading

• How to use data center wind turbines for sustainable energy

  Wind power is a promising way for data centers to cut carbon footprints. Despite challenges, evolving technology offers efficient turbines for substantial electricity generation.  Continue Reading

• 17 common QA interview questions and answers

  Use these typical QA interview questions -- broken into basic, intermediate and advanced -- to progress from the screening interview to the final stages and land the job.  Continue Reading

• RAID 5 vs. RAID 6: Capacity, performance, durability

  RAID 5 and RAID 6 both have their pros and cons. Find out which RAID configuration is right for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Data center temperature and humidity guidelines

  ASHRAE maintains a recommended list of humidity and temperature level standards for data centers. Discover which range of guidelines is best for each equipment class.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a NAS: A step-by-step configuration guide

  Get the most out of your rackmount NAS appliance by setting up admin accounts, permissions and network access; running a diagnostic check; and configuring advanced options.  Continue Reading

• How do CPU, GPU and DPU differ from one another?

  Data centers use three varieties of processing units: CPU, GPU and DPU. Learn the unique uses for each and how to use them in conjunction to speed up data center workloads.  Continue Reading

• How to properly implement Exchange Extended Protection

  This security feature can better protect Exchange Server deployments to prevent a wide range of attacks and safeguard sensitive data transmitted over the network.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot DHCP issues

  DHCP server troubleshooting steps vary depending on the DHCP error. Some of the most common errors include DHCP server failure, lack of available IP addresses and network failures.  Continue Reading

• What are story points? Agile estimation explained

  Complex variables and unknown factors can obscure time-based work estimates for development projects. Story points help teams account for change through relative estimation.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to AWS Graviton processors and instances

  With improved performance in each generation, AWS Graviton processors reduce energy use and cost, making them ideal for many workloads. But which instance type should you choose?  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of cloud computing explained

  Scalability, flexibility, lower costs and fast connectivity are among the cloud's advantages that must be weighed against vendor lock-in, internet dependence and complex pricing.  Continue Reading

• Explore 7 future potential quantum computing uses

  Quantum computing development can benefit data centers. Potential quantum computing uses include improving supply chains, financial modeling, and AI and machine learning optimization.  Continue Reading

• A guide to software design documentation and specifications

  Software design documents still rank as important SDLC components -- even in the age of DevOps. Learn why they are important, how to write one and who should contribute.  Continue Reading

• 4 AWS Backup best practices for reliable data protection

  Unlock the power of AWS Backup. Discover how this centralized service enhances data reliability, fortifies disaster recovery and safeguards resources.  Continue Reading

• Data center migration checklist: A move to modern facilities

  Data center migration involves extensive planning. Use this data center migration checklist to organize the move, such as listing assets and managing hardware inventory.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of using generative AI for API testing

  GenAI has the potential to reduce the API testing effort and improve the coverage and quality of testing. But finding the right patterns and workflows is critical to performance.  Continue Reading

• Prevent the storage and data security risks of remote work

  While employees still work from home, some may not have taken the security and training precautions that remote work requires. Storage security is paramount amid cyberthreats.  Continue Reading

• Harnessing space-based architecture for high performance

  Space-based architecture offers the modularity of a distributed microservices architecture but with submillisecond data access times. Unsurprisingly, it comes with tradeoffs.  Continue Reading

• Is TEC the next data center cooling breakthrough?

  Thermoelectric cooling uses semiconductors for efficient temperature control of IT equipment, while using less energy, but it has limitations in ambient cooling and scalability.  Continue Reading

• 34 must-know Agile terms

  Agile is the cornerstone of countless development efforts today. Use this definitive glossary as a quick reference for Agile terminology and concepts.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate 7 cloud monitoring tools for networks

  Organizations use cloud monitoring tools to manage on-premises, hybrid and cloud networks. Discover the features of seven cloud monitoring tools that can enhance performance.  Continue Reading

• The steps and benefits of DNS service audits

  Network administrators should perform DNS audits periodically and after major network changes. Routine checks can help teams to plan for future upgrades.  Continue Reading

• How to configure networks using CI/CD pipelines

  The CLI is the common tool for many network engineers who manage network devices. But DevOps is changing the landscape, and network pros should understand network CI/CD deployment.  Continue Reading

• Reverse proxy vs. load balancer: How do they compare?

  If reverse proxies were plantains, load balancers would be bananas. Despite surface similarities, the two services work in different ways and support varying use cases.  Continue Reading

• How to protect VMs with Azure Bastion hosts

  Port scans are a popular hacking technique used to find network vulnerabilities. Could Azure Bastion hosts provide the network security businesses need?  Continue Reading

• TOML vs. INI: Comparing configuration file formats

  Organizations are adopting TOML and INI for configuration due to their readability and simplicity. Compare the formats to see if one is best for your organization.  Continue Reading

• The role of container networking in DevOps

  Containerization isn't just for DevOps teams. Network engineers often set up container networks, ensure connectivity between containers and work with container networking tools.  Continue Reading

• How to launch an Amazon EC2 Mac instance

  Amazon EC2 Mac instances empower macOS and iOS developers with essential capabilities for app development, testing and deployment. Discover their advantages and how to launch them.  Continue Reading

• How to use network automation to ease cloud integration

  Cloud network automation can ease the integration of networking and cloud resources. Set clear objectives and standardize tools to make the process smoother.  Continue Reading

• Top public cloud service providers of 2025: How they compare

  As the market share gap tightens among AWS, Microsoft and Google, see how their features and offerings stack up against each other and some of the smaller cloud providers.  Continue Reading

• Compare DIMM vs. SO-DIMM features, uses

  The question of DIMM vs. SO-DIMM yields some clear answers, especially as it relates to size. A proper comparison also considers the effect that CAMM will have on the market.  Continue Reading

• Guide to creating a cloud migration testing strategy

  Follow these guidelines to craft a strategy for cloud migration testing, from key tests to common challenges and best practices -- and understand why everything involves security.  Continue Reading

• Cloud migration security challenges and best practices

  Cloud migration can seem daunting to security teams. Following these essential practices can help them move infrastructure and applications to the cloud safely and securely.  Continue Reading

• What are the types of APIs and their differences?

  Enterprises increasingly rely on APIs to interact with customers and partners. It all starts with knowing which type of API is right for your needs.  Continue Reading

• 4 popular machine learning certificates to get in 2025

  AWS, Google, IBM and Microsoft offer machine learning certifications that can further your career. Learn what to expect from each one, as well as skills and tips you should know.  Continue Reading

• Exploring cell-based architecture vs. microservices

  Cell-based architecture takes fundamental concepts related to microservices and applies them across the entire software environment to make more fault-tolerant, scalable systems.  Continue Reading

• How to transition to the cloud: 7 best practices

  Cloud migration provides numerous benefits, but there are pitfalls. Following these best practices builds a solid foundation for a systematic plan that sets you up for success.  Continue Reading

• Network design principles for effective architectures

  It's important for network architects to consider several factors for an effective network design. Top principles include flexibility and scalability, redundancy and security.  Continue Reading

• Cloud TCO: How to calculate cloud total cost of ownership

  Unsure what it will cost to run workloads in the cloud? Learn the variables you need to compare on-premises deployment to cloud deployment and avoid costly surprises later on.  Continue Reading

• 13 must-know Markdown tips and tricks

  Use these tips to improve your Markdown-based documentation, streamline your approach and structure your documents.  Continue Reading

• Chip recycling: Addressing e-waste in the AI hardware industry

  The surge in AI chip demand raises concerns about their materials and environmental impact. Sustainable sourcing and chip recycling initiatives are crucial for a greener future.  Continue Reading

• 7 Scrum certifications and career paths to pursue

  Learn about the various Scrum certifications for Scrum masters, product owners and developers. Discover career paths that map to those certifications.  Continue Reading

• Django vs. Flask: Comparing Python web frameworks

  Django's batteries-included approach might be excessive for small projects. Flask is lightweight, but a lack of built-in tools can add to development time. Analyze the tradeoffs.  Continue Reading

• See what's new in Desired State Configuration v3

  Avoid unexpected surprises, and learn how to bring consistency to your on-premises infrastructure and cloud resources with the overhauled configuration management tool.  Continue Reading

• How to calculate cloud migration costs

  It's important to calculate the total cost of a cloud migration before making the move. Heer's how to compare your on-premises expenses to what you'll spend on the migration.  Continue Reading

• Webhook security: Risks and best practices for mitigation

  Webhook security is an ongoing process, with responsibility shared between providers and consumers to protect against threats and ensure a secure webhook ecosystem.  Continue Reading

• How to prepare for long-lasting cloud outages

  Cloud outages are more than a technical inconvenience -- they can threaten business continuity, customer satisfaction, security and innovation. Will your business survive one?  Continue Reading

• Understanding SaaS migration benefits and best practices

  Consider the four common approaches to single-tenant and multi-tenant SaaS migration and get a good grasp on tradeoffs and challenges before making a move.  Continue Reading

• 5 examples of cloud migration success stories to learn from

  Senior executives from Experian and TCW explain why and how they moved to the cloud. Plus: case-study highlights from Johnson & Johnson, Unilever and Capital One.  Continue Reading

• The 7 R's of cloud migration: How to choose the right method

  Gartner's easy-to-remember model summarizing cloud migration options, later expanded by AWS, neatly captures the choices. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of each.  Continue Reading

• Linux text editor tips for cloud admins using Vim and Nano

  Vim and Nano are common Linux text editors that can help cloud admins manage cloud-based Linux VMs. While the tools might seem overwhelming, a few basic skills can go a long way.  Continue Reading

• On-premises-to-cloud migration: Top methods and tools to use

  One of the first steps in a cloud migration is to choose a data transfer model. There are two options to consider -- online and offline -- but you need to weigh the pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the impact of data center noise pollution

  Data center noise pollution from generators and cooling systems disrupts nearby communities and affects health. Community concern raises demand to reduce noise levels.  Continue Reading

• 11 cloud migration benefits to know before making the move

  The cloud's benefits are well established, but it's still useful to keep the biggest ones in mind before going through the trouble of moving on-premises systems to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• The purpose of route poisoning in networking

  Route poisoning is an effective way of stopping routers from sending data packets across bad links and stop routing loops. This limits delays and creates a more stable network.  Continue Reading

• How to monitor network traffic in 7 steps

  Effective network monitoring is an ongoing process that requires the right tool set to gain visibility into infrastructure service quality. These steps can help network teams fine-tune network monitoring strategies.  Continue Reading

• Block vs. file vs. object storage: Differences explained

  Object storage has surged in popularity, but block and file still have clearly defined uses. Access, metadata and performance are among admins' key considerations.  Continue Reading

• How to determine when to use reserved IP addresses

  Network admins choose IP address configuration based on management requirements. Each address type has a specific role, but reserved IP addresses are best in certain situations.  Continue Reading

• Webhook vs. API: Which mechanism is better?

  Moving data in one direction? Choose a webhook. Need applications to communicate with each other? Use an API. But first, compare both methods in function, cost, security and more.  Continue Reading

• What's next for APIs? 4 API trends for 2025 and beyond

  As businesses navigate tightening budgets and resources, the API marketplace will continue to play a vital role in integrating services, applications and cloud environments.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for rightsizing EC2 instances

  EC2 instances that are improperly sized drain money and restrict performance on workloads. Learn how rightsizing EC2 instances can optimize costs with these best practices.  Continue Reading

• The 5 Scrum events explained

  Scrum consists of four formal events for inspection and adaptation within one containing event -- the sprint. Learn how to execute each event in this framework.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Teams monitoring tips for admins

  Learn how to use PowerShell to set up an automated way to check for suspicious activity in the Microsoft chat service to avoid security and compliance issues.  Continue Reading

• Immutable storage: What it is, why it's used and how it works

  A major benefit of immutable storage is insurance against many forms of data loss, such as malicious deletion. It's not infallible, but positives outweigh the potential drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• 13 application performance metrics and how to measure them

  You've deployed your application, now what? Keep your application performing well by tracking metrics. Take a look at these 13 critical KPIs.  Continue Reading

• Tips to reduce the environmental impact of data storage

  Data storage technology can harm the environment. Choose efficient strategies and green-friendly cloud providers to help reduce the environmental impact of data storage.  Continue Reading

• 12-step checklist for cloud migration success

  Ready to move your on-premises apps to the cloud? From rehosting vs. redesigning to testing and monitoring, follow these key steps for a successful cloud migration.  Continue Reading

• Ansible vs. Docker: Differences and similarities explained

  Ansible and Docker play specific roles, but when used together, Ansible's playbooks and Docker's Dockerfiles provide greater control and configurability over servers.  Continue Reading

• Understand the power usage effectiveness metric

  Data center admins must monitor power efficiency through PUE metrics. There are three PUE levels, with PUE 1.0 as the best. However, various conditions can impact the rating.  Continue Reading

• How to migrate legacy applications to the cloud

  Enticing as cloud benefits are, it takes a lot of research and planning to know all the risks and challenges before committing to a cloud migration.  Continue Reading

• Scrum master responsibilities: What does a Scrum master do?

  While the title may sound authoritative, Scrum masters have little control over their team. So, what exactly does a Scrum master do? The answer might surprise you.  Continue Reading

• How to build a business case for cloud migration

  Successful cloud migrations start with a solid business plan that details the costs, benefits, risks and challenges to key stakeholders and decision-makers.  Continue Reading