IT applications, infrastructure and operations
IT infrastructure and operations management excellence has become essential to maintain quality control over technology-related policies, processes and equipment. Read news and tips to assist modern IT operations and infrastructure management, including strategies to ensure the proper flow of data throughout enterprise applications and other information systems.
Top Stories
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Tip
25 Jun 2025
Consider these 5 storage-as-a-service questions before buying
Buy or lease? Subscription or consumption pricing? Ask these storage-as-a-service questions -- and others -- to decide if the tech is right for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2025
How to deploy Windows LAPS for tighter security
Microsoft improved the feature that automates local administrator password management in Windows Server and the client OS. This tutorial explains the updates and how to set it up. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2025
What is a qubit (quantum bit)?
A qubit, short for quantum bit, is the basic unit of information in quantum computing and the counterpart to the bit, or binary digit, in classical computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2025
What is a quantum circuit? Quantum vs. classical circuit
Quantum circuits are systems consisting of logic gates that operate on quantum bits (qubits) to process information and perform calculations based on principles of quantum mechanics. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2025
What is prediction error?
A prediction error is the failure of a model of a system to accurately forecast outcomes. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2025
What is prescriptive analytics?
Prescriptive analytics is a type of data analytics that provides guidance on what should happen next. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2025
What is SAP BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface)?
SAP BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface) is a special type of application programming interface (API) that allows third-party software applications to interact with SAP systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jun 2025
What are the Uptime Institute's data center tier standards?
Data center tiers are a system created by Uptime Institute LLC to describe the availability of infrastructure resources in a facility. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2025
How to deploy Windows LAPS for tighter security
Microsoft improved the feature that automates local administrator password management in Windows Server and the client OS. This tutorial explains the updates and how to set it up. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2025
What is PC as a service (PCaaS)?
PC as a service (PCaaS) is a device lifecycle management model in which an organization pays a monthly subscription fee to lease endpoint hardware (PCs) and management services from a vendor instead of purchasing them outright. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2025
What is manager self-service?
Manager self-service is a type of human resource management (HRM) platform that gives supervisors immediate access to employee information and facilitates employee-related actions. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2025
What is a bitcoin address?
A bitcoin address is a unique identifier that serves as a virtual location where the cryptocurrency can be sent during digital cryptotransactions. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jun 2025
What is change control?
Change control is a systematic approach that includes the various steps needed to process changes made to a product or system. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2025
The history of quantum computing: A complete timeline
The theories behind quantum computing go back decades, but progress has accelerated in the 2000s. Know the key milestones to get a quick understanding of how quantum developed. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2025
FTC sends message with Synopsys, Ansys divestiture order
To prevent the creation of a monopoly in software tools used to design semiconductors, the FTC wants the two companies to divest assets before merging. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2025
What is app virtualization (application virtualization)?
App virtualization (application virtualization) is the installation of an application on one computer and enabling an end user's client computer to remotely access that application. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2025
UK backdoor order to Apple raises bipartisan concerns
U.S. officials fear that gaps in existing law may enable countries to target U.S. companies with data access requests that harm user privacy and security. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2025
What is third-party risk management (TPRM)?
Third-party risk management (TPRM) is a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with using external vendors, suppliers, partners and service providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jun 2025
Intel's rise and fall: A timeline of what went wrong
Intel's dramatic decline highlights its struggle to compete in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, as its market value lags giants such as Nvidia and AMD. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2025
What is Microsoft Windows 10?
Windows 10 is a Microsoft operating system (OS) for PCs, tablets and some internet of things devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jun 2025
A guide to risk registers: Benefits and examples
Risk registers document, prioritize and track an organization's risk, providing organizations with a holistic view of risk and a ready way to communicate their risk strategies. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2025
What is application portfolio management (APM)?
Application portfolio management (APM) is a standardized process that enables businesses to manage the software applications and software-based services their employees use to complete job-related tasks. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2025
What is Desktop Management Interface (DMI)?
The Desktop Management Interface (DMI) is a standard industry framework for managing and tracking components on one or more personal computers, laptops or servers, usually from a centralized console. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2025
What is carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, product or activity. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Jun 2025
PowerShell background jobs unlock scripting performance
When you need a PowerShell script to execute as quickly as possible, try this native feature to run multiple jobs in parallel to overcome processing bottlenecks. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 May 2025
What is fourth-party risk management (FPRM)?
Fourth-party risk management (FPRM) is the process of identifying, assessing and mitigating risks that originate from the subcontractors and service providers that an organization's third-party vendors use. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 May 2025
What is a stablecoin?
A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable market value by pegging its price to a reserve asset, such as a fiat currency, e.g., U.S. dollar; a commodity, like gold; or even another cryptocurrency. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
27 May 2025
Red Hat Summit 2025 news and conference guide
Our guide to the annual Red Hat Summit keeps you up to date on trends, emerging technologies, and information from keynote speakers and industry experts. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 May 2025
What is DevOps as a service?
DevOps as a service is a delivery model for software application development. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 May 2025
Risk appetite vs. risk tolerance: How are they different?
Risk appetite and risk tolerance are related, but they don’t mean the same thing. Not knowing the difference can cause big problems for your risk management program. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 May 2025
What is hyperconverged storage?
Hyperconverged storage is a software-defined approach to storage management that combines storage, compute, virtualization and networking technologies in one physical unit that's managed as a single virtualized system. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2025
Benchmarking LLMs: A guide to AI model evaluation
LLM benchmarks provide a starting point for evaluating generative AI models across a range of different tasks. Learn where these benchmarks can be useful, and where they're lacking. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2025
Early-stage tech companies comb through data, software code
Software startups participating in the 2025 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium's Innovation Showcase take on the challenge of picking out the key signals from vast amounts of data. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 May 2025
What is modeling and simulation (M&S)?
Modeling and simulation (M&S) involves creating a digital representation of a given system to gather data and help inform decisions or predictions about it. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2025
What is quantum entanglement and how does it work?
Quantum entanglement is a foundational phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become interconnected in such a way that the state of one particle instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating them. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2025
What is an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and how does it work?
An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a part of a central processing unit (CPU) that carries out arithmetic and logic operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2025
What is Docker?
Docker is an open source software platform used to create, deploy and manage applications in virtualized environments called containers. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 May 2025
What is quantum technology? Use cases and future implications
Quantum technology is a field of physics dedicated to developing new and innovative technologies based on the principles of quantum mechanics. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 May 2025
What is NISQ computing? Pros and cons
Noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computing defines the present stage of quantum computing, in which quantum devices have a moderate qubit count, ranging from 50 to 1,000. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2025
What is IT asset management (ITAM)?
IT asset management (ITAM) is a set of business practices that combines financial, inventory and contractual functions to optimize spending and support lifecycle management and strategic decision-making within the IT environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2025
What is McKesson Corp.?
McKesson Corp. is among the largest and oldest healthcare companies in the United States, specializing in pharmaceutical distribution, medical supply chain management and health IT solutions. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2025
What is the consumerization of IT (IT consumerization)?
The consumerization of IT refers to how software and hardware products designed for personal use have migrated into the enterprise and are used for work purposes. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2025
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is a memory management technique where secondary memory can be used as if it were a part of the main memory. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2025
What is PeopleSoft?
PeopleSoft is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software suite owned by Oracle Corporation. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2025
What is private PaaS? How is it different from public PaaS?
Private platform as a service (private PaaS) is a cloud computing model that facilitates the development, deployment and management of software applications in a private cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2025
What is OEM (original equipment manufacturer)?
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces hardware or software that is later marketed and sold under another company's brand. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2025
What is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act? Definition and summary
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) is a federal law that established sweeping auditing and financial regulations for public companies. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2025
What is 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet)?
1000BASE-T is a Gigabit Ethernet standard that operates at a speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) over copper wiring. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 May 2025
Enterprise risk management team: Roles and responsibilities
Every facet of business operations is exposed to risks, requiring a risk management team that's composed of a diverse mix of corporate executives and managers. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2025
CIO vs. CTO: Key differences in roles and responsibilities
The emergence of IT and its ever-increasing importance to enterprise operations led to the creation of two tech exec positions with similar duties: the CIO and the CTO. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 May 2025
Emerging technologies in construction help manage work, risk
Emerging technologies in construction include AI and digital twins. Read how companies use advanced IT to improve risk analysis, forecasting, and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 May 2025
How will enterprises handle changes in Exchange Server SE?
With current Exchange Server versions expiring in October, Microsoft's move to subscriptions and a tight migration deadline puts pressure on organizations keeping on-premises email. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 May 2025
What is infrastructure as code (IaC)?
Infrastructure as code (IaC) is an IT practice that codifies and manages underlying IT infrastructure as software. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2025
What is a quantum processing unit (QPU)?
A quantum processing unit (QPU) is a hardware device that uses quantum mechanics -- such as superposition and entanglement-- to perform complex calculations on quantum information stored in quantum bits, or qubits. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2025
Compare Amazon Lightsail vs. EC2 for your web app needs
Developers can use Amazon Lightsail to quickly build websites and applications, but EC2 affords teams more customization. Which service best benefits your organization's needs? Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2025
What is quantum error mitigation?
Quantum error mitigation is a process used to reduce the impact of errors in quantum computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2025
What is a CIO (chief information officer), and what do they do?
The role of the CIO emerged in the late 1950s, when businesses began to incorporate computing into business operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2025
What is an automation architect?
An automation architect is a senior IT professional responsible for the strategic design, development and governance of automation initiatives across an organization. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2025
AI adoption hovers around 25% for office workers
Perficient and Thomson Reuters surveys show that AI adoption is limited in some sectors, but there's lots of experimentation and evaluation happening. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Apr 2025
What is Willow? Google's innovative quantum chip explained
Willow is a quantum computing chip made by Google that was unveiled at the end of 2024. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Apr 2025
What is quantum computing? How it works and examples
Quantum computing is an emerging area of computer science focused on building computers based on the principles of quantum theory to dramatically increase computation speeds. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2025
What is a quantum engineer?
Quantum engineering is a technological field that focuses on the principles of quantum physics. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2025
Compare 7 decentralized data storage networks
Decentralized storage offers organizations an alternative to centralized cloud storage. While cost can be a benefit, support levels vary among some of the top vendors. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2025
What is supply chain visibility and why is it important?
Supply chain visibility (SCV) is the ability to track parts, components, raw materials or products as they move from the manufacturer to the final destination. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2025
What is business transformation?
Business transformation refers to fundamental changes in an organization’s operations, strategy or structure to improve efficiency, competitiveness and financial performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2025
9 quantum computing challenges IT leaders should know
While the theory of quantum mechanics is complex, the technology might offer practical uses for organizations. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of quantum computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Apr 2025
What is quantum machine learning? How it works
Quantum machine learning (QML), also called quantum-enhanced machine learning, blends the computing power of quantum systems with the increasing computing demands of evolving machine learning models. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2025
What are quantum coherence and decoherence?
Quantum coherence and decoherence are fundamental indications of how well a system of quantum objects -- atoms or other quantum particles -- maintains its relationships and how reliably the ongoing operation of that quantum system can be predicted over time. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2025
How quantum computing can improve supply chains
Quantum's ability to model and analyze complex scenarios is tailor-made for tasks like route optimization and inventory management. Apps exist, but wide availability is years away. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2025
The potential business opportunities in quantum computing
Optimization use cases in areas like supply chain, resource allocation, routing and production scheduling are leading the near-term commercial application of quantum computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2025
A primer on quantum computing storage and memory
Quantum storage and memory differ significantly from the technologies in today's computers. The implications for compute power and storage capacity could someday be extraordinary. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Apr 2025
What is a data type?
In software programming, a data type refers to the type of value a variable has and what type of mathematical, relational or logical operations can be applied on it without causing an error. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2025
The pros and cons of quantum networking
Quantum networking promises secure, high-speed communication -- someday. There are huge practical challenges, including fragility, cost and integration with traditional networks. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Apr 2025
What is a quantum logic gate?
A quantum logic gate is a basic quantum device that operates on a small number of quantum bits or qubits. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2025
Quantum AI: Explaining how it will impact the business world
Quantum computers could boost AI with faster training on big data and better problem-solving abilities. But combining the two in practical business applications could take years. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2025
What is a project charter? Definition and examples
A project charter is a formal short document stating that a project exists and providing project managers with written authority to begin work. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2025
What is Lean management?
Lean management is an approach to managing an organization that supports the concept of continuous improvement, a long-term approach to work that systematically seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes to improve efficiency and quality. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2025
What is e-business?
E-business (electronic business) is the conduct of online business processes on the web, internet, extranet or a combination thereof. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2025
What is troubleshooting and why is it important?
Troubleshooting is a systematic approach to problem-solving often used to find and correct issues with complex machines, electronics, computers and software systems. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2025
DARPA quantum computing benchmark test seeks 'utility scale'
DARPA aims to evaluate up to 20 vendors -- from startups to large tech companies -- using a benchmarking framework that spans multiple types of quantum computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2025
What is a chief technology officer (CTO)?
A chief technology officer (CTO) is a high-level executive who is responsible for overseeing an organization's strategic use of IT. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2025
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are personal attributes that support situational awareness and enhance an individual's ability to get a job done. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2025
What is a remote desktop and how does it work?
A remote desktop is a program or an operating system feature that allows a user to connect to a computer in another location, see that computer's desktop and interact with it as if it were local. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2025
What is total cost of ownership (TCO)?
Total cost of ownership (TCO) is an estimation of the expenses associated with purchasing, deploying, managing, using and retiring IT assets, such as a product or piece of equipment. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Apr 2025
What is outsourcing?
Outsourcing is a business practice in which a company hires a third party to perform tasks, handle operations or provide services for the company. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2025
Quantum-resistant algorithms: Why they matter
Quantum-resistant algorithms play a crucial role in post-quantum cryptography, which protects against threats on digital signatures and current encryption methods. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Apr 2025
The state of quantum computing: What businesses need to know
Quantum computing's potential and steady advancement make the technology worth investigating, but adopters still need to deal with conflicting claims and uncertain market timing. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Apr 2025
What is sustainability risk management (SRM)?
Sustainability risk management (SRM) is a business strategy that aligns profit goals with a company's environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Apr 2025
What is quantum as a service? Definition and top providers
Quantum as a service (QaaS), or quantum computing as a service, is a cloud-based way for organizations to access quantum computing technologies and capabilities more affordably through a third-party provider. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2025
Quantum computing in finance: Key use cases
The financial services industry could soon use quantum for portfolio management, fraud detection and other complex processes. But the list of hurdles to overcome is long. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2025
Trump aims to consolidate federal IT contracts
Moving billions of dollars' worth of contracts into the General Services Administration could create workload challenges as the federal agency navigates staffing cuts. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2025
Low code vs. BPM: Differences and similarities
Low-code development and business process management help digitize and optimize business operations. Learn how each works and how together they enable digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Apr 2025
What is a northbound interface/southbound interface?
A northbound interface (NBI) is an application programming interface (API) or protocol that allows a lower-level network component to communicate with a higher-level or more central component; conversely, a southbound interface (SBI) allows a higher-level component to send commands to lower-level network components. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2025
Top benefits and advantages of quantum computing
While 'quantum advantage' is still a few years away, the technology has clear benefits for certain classes of computation problems. Here are four important types named by experts. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Apr 2025
What is a conductor?
A conductor, or electrical conductor, is a substance or material that allows electricity to flow through it. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2025
How quantum cybersecurity changes the way you protect data
Here's a full guide to the threats quantum computers pose to today's encryption algorithms -- and how to prepare now to become "crypto-agile" enough to stay ahead of bad actors. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Mar 2025
What is Nvidia?
Nvidia Corporation is a technology company known for designing and manufacturing graphics processing units (GPUs). Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2025
The 6 different types of quantum computing technology
Technology providers offer several paths to the promised land of quantum advantage, but customers must navigate the engineering tradeoffs among the varied types of qubits. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2025
Follow Patch Tuesday best practices for optimal results
Microsoft releases most security updates on Patch Tuesday, a day that brings anxiety to many sys admins. Learn how to develop a strategy to test and deploy these fixes. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2025
The future of quantum computing: Near- and long-term outlook
Companies are already solving optimization problems, using quantum to improve traditional programs and planning for post-quantum cryptography. But big technical challenges remain. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Mar 2025
5 steps to design an effective AI pilot project
Getting employee feedback on new technology can help mitigate risks before deployment. Learn key steps to follow when implementing an AI pilot project. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2025
8 popular infrastructure-as-code (IaC) tools to consider
Learn how these infrastructure-as-code tools can help streamline application development and deployment by reducing many of the headaches associated with manual processes. Continue Reading