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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News
12 Sep 2024
AT&T sues Broadcom over VMware support licensing
AT&T claims its negotiated contract with VMware pre-Broadcom acquisition is not being honored, casting light on recent product and purchasing changes Broadcom has instituted. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2024
Four zero-days fixed for September Patch Tuesday
Most corrections this month focus on the Windows OS, but enterprises that rely on SQL Server or SharePoint should prioritize deploying the security updates for those platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2024
data plan (mobile data plan)
A data plan is an agreement between a mobile carrier and a customer that specifies how much mobile data the user can access, usually per month, for a specific fee on a carrier network. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2024
telepresence robot
A telepresence robot is a robotic device that enables a user to maintain a virtual presence in a remote location. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2024
remote office/branch office (ROBO)
A remote office/branch office (ROBO) is a corporate business site located at some distance from the organization's headquarters or main office. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 May 2024
Automate Microsoft 365 user offboarding with PowerShell
Automation is a good way for admins to handle all the tasks associated with removing a user from the organization's tenant in Microsoft's cloud-based productivity platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 May 2024
web analytics
Web analytics is the process of analyzing the behavior of visitors to a website by tracking, reviewing and reporting the data generated by their use of the site and its components, such as its webpages, images and videos. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
20 May 2024
Red Hat Summit 2024 news and conference guide
Use this Red Hat Summit conference guide to stay up to date on current trends, emerging technologies and information from keynote speakers and industry experts. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2024
Windows Server Client Access License (CAL)
A Windows Server Client Access License (CAL) is a license that gives a user or device the right to access services, such as printing or access to a file share, from a server running the Windows Server operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 May 2024
How to use PowerShell for Exchange Online monitoring
Many enterprises rely on Exchange Online for more than just email. Admins need to stay on top of this important service to pinpoint when problems occur to resolve them quickly. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2024
CIOs face obstacles when scaling generative AI
IT leaders can expect data issues, compliance hurdles and technology coordination chores when scaling generative AI. They must also find use cases with the best business value. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
Microsoft handles 2 Windows zero-days on May Patch Tuesday
In addition to the Windows vulnerabilities exploited in the wild, admins should focus on patching multiple flaws in web browsers from Google, Microsoft and Mozilla. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
GenAI complicates IT vendor management
IT leaders at the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium cited the challenge of managing the 'explosion' of GenAI companies while also working with vendors in maturing technology sectors. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 May 2024
How to manage Microsoft 365 guest users with PowerShell
The flexible automation tool used in conjunction with Microsoft Graph can give admins the right combination to quickly tackle a range of tasks related to guest user management. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2024
genomics
Genomics is the study of an organism's entire genome, including all its genes and how those genes interact with each other and their environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2024
Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Access (Microsoft RD Web Access)
Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Access (Microsoft RD Web Access) is a Remote Desktop Services role in some versions of the Windows Server OS. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
What is business process modeling?
Business process modeling, often called process modeling, is the graphical representation or illustration of an organization's business processes. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2024
Data startups at MIT Sloan CIO event aim to fill tech gaps
Cleanlab, The Modern Data Company and Pyte seek to address data quality issues, metadata management and the perils of multiparty data collaboration, respectively. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
operational efficiency
Operational efficiency refers to an organization's ability to reduce waste of time, effort and material while still producing a high-quality service or product. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
USB-C
USB-C, or Universal Serial Bus Type-C, is a standard connection type for mobile and portable devices. It provides a single reversible connector to transmit both power for charging and data for transfers. It is designed to replace all current USB types. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
information technology (IT)
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 May 2024
Slack software
Slack software is a cloud-based messaging application that enables the personnel in an organization to connect and collaborate. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2024
PowerFlex (formerly ScaleIO)
PowerFlex is a software-defined storage product from Dell EMC. It is available as software only or as a prebuilt Dell server or rack appliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2024
document sanitization
Document sanitization is the process of cleaning a document to ensure that only the intended information can be accessed from it. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2024
affinity marketing
Affinity marketing is a type of direct marketing in which a business forms a partnership with an organization to provide goods or services in exchange for access to a new market. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2024
How to avoid Microsoft 365 management pitfalls
A migration to the cloud collaboration platform requires a command of the multiple admin portals available to admins to help the organization make the most of its subscription. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2024
interactive whiteboard
An interactive whiteboard, commonly known as a 'smartboard,' is an advanced display tool that operates interactively, either directly or through other devices, serving as a technological advancement over traditional whiteboards. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2024
Process automation cuts costs, fills gaps at SIU med school
Southern Illinois University's School of Medicine points to software cost avoidance and the ability to supplement SaaS products as benefits of its process automation approach. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2024
webmaster
A webmaster is someone who creates and manages the content and organization of a website, manages the computer server and technical programming aspects of a website, or does both. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2024
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is a managed container orchestration service based on the open source Kubernetes system, which is available on the Microsoft Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2024
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the transfer of data from one computer system to another by standardized message formatting without the need for human intervention. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2024
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a best-effort packet-switching protocol and standard for wireless and cellular network communication services. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2024
business impact analysis (BIA)
A business impact analysis (BIA) is a systematic process to determine and evaluate the potential effects of an interruption to critical business operations as a result of a disaster, accident or emergency. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2024
chief privacy officer (CPO)
A chief privacy officer (CPO) is a corporate executive charged with developing and implementing policies designed to protect employee and customer data from unauthorized access. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2024
Workday
Workday is a cloud-based software vendor that specializes in human capital management (HCM) and financial management applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2024
A green IT assessment: Why it's important, what to include
A company's technology systems and devices can have a profound effect on sustainability efforts. Learn how a green IT assessment can uncover areas that need improvement. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2024
IT operations (IT ops)
The term IT operations (IT ops) describes the many processes and services an IT department manages and maintains within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2024
laboratory information system (LIS)
A laboratory information system (LIS) is computer software that processes, stores and manages data from patient medical processes and tests. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
disaster recovery (DR) site
A disaster recovery (DR) site is a facility an organization can use to recover and restore its technology infrastructure and operations when its primary data center becomes unavailable. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
intellectual property (IP)
Intellectual property (IP) is a term for any intangible asset that is the product of someone's mind. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2024
Ally's generative AI strategy eyes multiple LLMs, AI agents
The digital bank plans to privately host multiple LLMs on its GenAI platform, explore autonomous agent technology and evaluate employee ideas for use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2024
New Active Directory features coming in Windows Server 2025
The upcoming Windows Server release will bring significant enhancements to Active Directory, including a new functional level and security and performance improvements. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Apr 2024
project scope
Project scope is the part of project planning that involves determining and documenting a list of specific project goals, deliverables, tasks, costs and deadlines. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2024
change management
Change management is a systematic approach to dealing with the transition or transformation of an organization's goals, processes and technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2024
local area network (LAN)
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and peripheral devices that are connected together within a distinct geographic area, such as an office building or campus. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2024
Microsoft corks Windows zero-day on April Patch Tuesday
The company delivered one of its largest security update releases in recent years with a proxy driver spoofing vulnerability topping the patching priority list. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Apr 2024
HR service delivery
HR service delivery is a term used to explain how an organization's human resources department offers services to and interacts with employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2024
How to create a proof of concept with 6 free templates
What is a proof of concept and how does it help an organization? We dive into the importance of writing a PoC and provide a list of free template examples to help get you started. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Apr 2024
How to build an Azure Site Recovery plan for Windows Server
Understand the costs and the requirements to use this flexible disaster recovery service that works with Linux and Windows servers in the data center and VMs in the Azure cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2024
What are the pros and cons of Microsoft Universal Print?
The modernization of many organizations revolves around the cloud and newer user devices, and a Microsoft offering could help bridge the gap with legacy printing infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
retina scan
Retina scanning is a biometric authentication technology that uses an image of an individual's retinal blood vessel pattern as a unique identifying trait for access to secure installations. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
HR automation
Human resources automation (HR automation) is a method of using software to automate and streamline repetitive and laborious HR tasks. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
IOPS (input/output operations per second)
IOPS (input/output operations per second) is the standard unit of measurement for the maximum number of reads/writes to noncontiguous storage locations. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2024
See what's coming in Windows Server 2025
Microsoft plans several changes to the upcoming version of Windows Server that promise more financial flexibility and boosts in security and workload performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2024
change control
Change control includes the various steps needed to process changes made to a product or system. Completion of change controls in a systematic fashion is part of a change management process. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Mar 2024
IT project management
IT project management is the process of planning, organizing and delineating responsibility for the completion of an organizations' specific information technology (IT) goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2024
Metaverse pros and cons: Top benefits and challenges
Lifelike experiences and new business opportunities are among the potential benefits of the still-developing metaverse. Drawbacks include privacy violations and addiction. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2024
chief financial officer (CFO)
A chief financial officer (CFO) is the corporate title for the person responsible for managing a company's financial operations and strategy. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2024
programmable logic controller (PLC)
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a small, modular, solid-state computer with customized instructions for performing a particular task. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2024
workflow management
Workflow management is the discipline of creating, documenting, monitoring and improving upon the series of steps, or workflow, that is required to complete a specific task. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2024
What is the metaverse? An explanation and in-depth guide
The metaverse reached the peak of hype and has been left for dead, but make no mistake, the technologies that will power this 3D internet are firing on all cylinders. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Mar 2024
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is a web-based service that enables businesses to run application programs in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Mar 2024
removable media
Removable media is any type of storage device that can be removed from a computer while the system is running. Removable media makes it easy for a user to move data from one computer to another. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
strategic planning
Strategic planning is a process in which an organization's leaders define their vision for the future and identify their organization's goals and objectives. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
off-site backup
Off-site backup is a method of backing up data to a remote server or to media that's transported off-site. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2024
6 sustainability reporting data tips for IT
Data overload presents a real challenge to ESG reporting. But with the right practices, IT teams can streamline their collection processes and help ensure sustainability success. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2024
paravirtualization
Paravirtualization is a type of hardware virtualization that enables the guest operating system (OS) in a virtual machine (VM) to access the hypervisor directly, rather than indirectly through a complex abstraction layer, as is the case with conventional full virtualization. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2024
continuous delivery (CD)
Continuous delivery (CD) is an approach for software delivery in which development teams produce and test code in short but continuous cycles to improve software quality. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2024
Key sustainability communications strategies for businesses
Sustainability communications are key to reaching lowered carbon emissions and other environmental goals. Learn practices that help improve outcomes and ways to avoid greenwashing. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
B2B (business to business)
B2B (business-to-business) is a type of commerce involving the exchange of products, services or information between businesses, rather than from business to consumer (B2C). Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that supports a wide variety of transaction processing, business intelligence (BI) and data analytics applications in corporate IT environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
transportation management system (TMS)
A transportation management system (TMS) is specialized software for planning, executing and optimizing the shipment of goods. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2024
Practical strategies for shadow IT management
Employees might believe that they need tools beyond the organization's scope. Learn how CIOs and their teams can properly manage shadow IT to avoid unnecessary risk. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2024
big data as a service (BDaaS)
Big data as a service (BDaS) is the delivery of data platforms and tools by a cloud provider to help organizations process, manage and analyze large data sets so they can generate insights to improve business operations and gain a competitive advantage. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2024
supplier relationship management (SRM)
Supplier relationship management (SRM) is a systematic approach to evaluating and partnering with vendors that supply goods, materials and services to an organization, determining each supplier's contribution to success, and developing strategies to improve their performance. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2024
March Patch Tuesday fixes critical Hyper-V vulnerabilities
Microsoft also corrects a remote code execution flaw on Exchange Server and issues an advisory related to changes with an outdated file-scanning feature on the messaging platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2024
How to secure on-prem apps with Entra Application Proxy
There's nothing wrong with using a VPN to securely connect to on-premises web apps, but Microsoft Entra Application Proxy is an alternative with a more streamlined approach. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Mar 2024
human capital management (HCM)
Human capital management (HCM) is a comprehensive set of practices and tools used for recruiting, managing and developing employees as a valuable business 'asset' rather than just as a business 'cost.' Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2024
IT service delivery
IT service delivery is the way a corporation provides users access to IT services, such as applications, data storage and other business resources. IT service delivery covers design, development, deployment, operation and retirement. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2024
Is the metaverse dead? Here's what happened and what's next
What happened to the metaverse? It's still here, even if the term no longer generates much enthusiasm, and finding useful applications across industries. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2024
decision-making process
A decision-making process is a series of steps one or more individuals take to determine the best option or course of action to address a specific problem or situation. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2024
5 tips for creating a data-driven culture
A Capital One data product executive lists best practices for data-driven organizations, including top-down messaging, a three-tiered data ecosystem and democratized data access. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
Nvidia Omniverse
Nvidia Omniverse is a computing platform built to enhance digital design and development by integrating 3D design, spatial computing and physics-based workflows across Nvidia tools, third-party apps and AI services. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) uses models to share information across collaborators in the design, development, test and operation of complex systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
digital strategy (digital media strategy)
A digital strategy, sometimes called a digital media strategy, is a plan for maximizing the business benefits of data assets and technology-focused initiatives. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2024
How admins can benefit from switching to PowerShell 7.4
This PowerShell release includes PSReadLine enhancements, better integration with Windows Defender Application Control and new features to ease native command use for all platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2024
application containerization (app containerization)
Application containerization is a virtualization technology that works at the operating system (OS) level. It is used for deploying and running distributed applications in their own isolated environments, without the use of virtual machines (VMs). Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2024
Web3 and sustainability: Benefits and risks
The Web 3.0 concept presents major advances to the World Wide Web, but the tech that underpins it also has environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and e-waste. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2024
The history of the metaverse explained (with timeline)
The term 'metaverse' has only recently gained currency, but its history is long. Learn about the technologies that gave rise to a concept many believe will change civilization. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2024
Metaverse vs. multiverse vs. omniverse: Key differences
Virtual realities are coming to a computer interface near you. Will you be joining a metaverse, multiverse or an enterprise-oriented version of the omniverse? Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2024
5 ways to reduce an organization's digital carbon footprint
From optimizing video conferences to minimizing unnecessary data storage, learn practical strategies that can help shrink an organization's digital carbon footprint. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Mar 2024
What is BCDR? Business continuity and disaster recovery guide
Business continuity (BC) and disaster recovery (DR) are closely related practices that support an organization's ability to remain operational after an adverse event. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Feb 2024
mobile device
A mobile device is essentially a portable, handheld computer that enables users to access information, perform tasks and connect with other people and devices. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Feb 2024
The Metaverse Standards Forum: What you need to know
Creating an open and inclusive metaverse will require the development and adoption of interoperability standards. That's the tall order of the Metaverse Standards Forum. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
How to use Microsoft 365 DSC to avoid configuration drift
This configuration-as-code technology gives admins a way to automate tasks on the Microsoft 365 tenant to keep settings locked in and avoid errors from manual input. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2024
context switch
A context switch is an operation that a computer's central processing unit (CPU) carries out when alternating between processes or threads while ensuring that the processes do not conflict. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2024
ABC classification
ABC classification is a ranking system for identifying and grouping items in terms of how useful they are for achieving business goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Feb 2024
conflict-free replicated data type (CRDT)
A conflict-free replicated data type (CRDT) is a data structure that lets multiple people or applications make changes to the same piece of data. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2024
How to research enterprise tech purchases
Conquering the tech buying landscape can be challenging. Learn how to navigate each stage of the buying cycle, identify business goals and integrate insightful research. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2024
4 virtual reality ethics issues that need to be addressed
Technology has outpaced societal guard rails throughout history. Virtual reality is no exception, introducing ethical and legal issues companies need to consider. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Feb 2024
supply chain management (SCM)
Supply chain management (SCM) is the optimization of a product's creation and flow from raw material sourcing to production, logistics and delivery to the final customer. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2024
What is a VR developer and how do you become one?
Becoming a VR developer requires coding skills, the ability to work fast and a willingness to promote yourself. In a demanding and evolving industry, a thick hide also helps. Continue Reading