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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Feature
31 Oct 2025
Binance money laundering scandal explained: What to know
CEO Changpeng Zhao wanted Binance to be the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange; however, the U.S. filed criminal charges due to lax compliance and money laundering schemes. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2025
5 real-world examples of the circular economy
The circular economy promotes sustainability in IT by extending product life and reducing waste. These examples show how it can cut costs and align with environmental goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Feb 2025
What is a cyberthreat hunter (cybersecurity threat analyst)?
A cyberthreat hunter, also called a cybersecurity threat analyst, proactively identifies security incidents that might go undetected using automated security tools such as malware detectors and firewalls. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2025
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
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Tip
03 Feb 2025
8 generative AI challenges that businesses should consider
IT managers planning to adopt GenAI can expect to encounter some hurdles, including cost optimization, workforce effects, cybersecurity concerns and energy use. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2025
10 top generative AI benefits for business
The advantages of using generative AI cover plenty of ground, with improving customer experience, reducing costs and automating code creation among the key drivers. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jan 2025
What is nearshore outsourcing and how does it work?
Nearshore outsourcing is the practice of getting work done or services performed by people in neighboring countries rather than an organization's own country. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jan 2025
What is the Semantic Web? Definition, history and timeline
The Semantic Web is a vision for linking data across webpages, applications and files. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2025
What are knowledge-based systems (KBSes)?
Knowledge-based systems (KBSes) are computer programs that use a centralized repository of data known as a knowledge base to provide problem-solving. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2025
Gartner tech spending forecast tempered by price hikes
The global IT market is projected to grow 9.8% in 2025, but an expected increase in the prices of vendor products and services will eat into CIOs' tech budgets. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2025
What is CAD (computer-aided design)?
CAD (computer-aided design) is the use of computer-based software to aid in design processes by creating simulations of real-world objects. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2025
12 top business process management tools for 2025
BPM platforms are becoming a business transformation engine as vendors infuse their tools with powerful AI and automation capabilities. Read our review of top BPM products. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2025
Top 9 smart contract platforms to consider in 2025
Platform speed, scalability, security and smart contract development support vary widely. Here's how to match features to your needs plus the lowdown on the major players. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2025
What are metered services and how do they work?
Metered services (also called pay-per-use and consumption-based pricing) are any type of payment structure in which a customer has access to potentially unlimited resources but only pays for what they use. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2025
10 trends shaping the future of BPM in 2025
Business process management is evolving rapidly as advanced automation, software integration, process simulation and generative AI redefine the way business processes are managed. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jan 2025
What is RFI (request for information)?
A request for information (RFI) is a formal process for gathering information from potential suppliers of a good or service. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jan 2025
Top 12 business process management certifications for 2025
These certifications and courses can help you gain the specialized knowledge you need to bolster your credentials and marketability as a BPM professional. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2025
15 edge computing trends to watch in 2025 and beyond
Organizations increasingly recognize the importance of edge computing in shaping business outcomes. Discover the latest insights on spending, device capabilities and infrastructure updates. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jan 2025
Top 8 blockchain platforms to consider in 2025
Get the lowdown on the major features, differentiators, strengths and weaknesses of the blockchain platforms that are getting the most buzz -- and real-world deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2025
Top Web 3.0 trends and predictions for 2025 and beyond
The next-generation internet is taking longer than expected. But blockchain improvements and a favorable regulatory climate for cryptocurrency are positives for the coming year. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2025
Key technical debt reduction strategies CTOs can use
Suboptimal software fixes cost time and money as well as strain departments throughout the organization. Here's how to develop software the right way. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jan 2025
What is a CVO (chief visionary officer)?
The CVO (chief visionary officer) is a newer C-suite title where the holder is expected to have a broad and comprehensive knowledge of all matters related to the business of the organization, as well as the vision required to steer its course into the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2025
Top 7 CIO challenges in 2025 and how to handle them
AI colors nearly all the top CIO concerns for 2025. When they are not deploying AI, they'll be tidying data to fuel AI projects and balancing AI against digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2025
8 factors reshaping the role of the CIO in 2025
Bring us the money. Heading into 2025, CIOs face increasing pressure to drive revenue, savings and business value from their technology initiatives, particularly in AI. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jan 2025
Top 5 digital transformation trends of 2025
IT leaders can expect AI to occupy the transformation driver's seat as the technology moves into production and embeds itself in enterprise workflows. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Dec 2024
What is Six Sigma and how does it work?
Six Sigma is a business methodology for quality improvement that measures how many defects there are in a current process and seeks to systematically eliminate them. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Dec 2024
Top metaverse platforms in 2025, rise of spatial computing
The metaverse is evolving, beginning with its rebranding as spatial computing and its expanding impact in the workplace. Here are 13 metaverse platforms to keep an eye on in 2025. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Dec 2024
What is synthetic data? Examples, use cases and benefits
Synthetic data is information that's artificially manufactured rather than generated by real-world events. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2024
What is 3PL (third-party logistics)?
A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Dec 2024
What is traveling salesman problem (TSP)?
The traveling salesman problem (TSP) is a programming optimization problem to find the shortest path that connects a given set of points. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2024
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
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Feature
11 Dec 2024
Top 29 IoT interview questions and answers for 2025
Do you or a job candidate have what it takes to meet the demands of IoT? Find out with our 29 questions and answers on planning, deploying and maintaining the internet of things. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2024
December Patch Tuesday shuts down Windows zero-day
Microsoft addresses 72 vulnerabilities, including 17 rated critical. Administrators should focus on patching the Windows OS to stop a flaw that has been exploited in the wild. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Dec 2024
What is incremental innovation?
Incremental innovation is a series of small improvements or upgrades made to a company's existing products, services, processes or methods. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Dec 2024
What is a web server?
A web server is software and hardware that uses HTTP and other protocols to respond to client requests made over the World Wide Web. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Dec 2024
Diffusion of innovations theory: Definition and examples
Discover how the diffusion of innovations theory unravels the journey of ideas and tech, from bold innovators to cautious laggards, shaping adoption trends across industries today. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Dec 2024
How PowerShell can automate Hyper-V deployments
This tutorial explains the basics of how to build a proper template to stand up a Hyper-V VM with a script, then go further with advanced configurations for smoother deployments. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2024
What is obfuscation and how does it work?
Obfuscation means to make something difficult to understand. Programming code is often obfuscated to protect intellectual property or trade secrets, and to prevent an attacker from reverse engineering a proprietary software program. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2024
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
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Definition
22 Nov 2024
What is a framework?
In general, a framework is a real or conceptual structure intended to serve as a support or guide for the building of something that expands the structure into something useful. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2024
What is an information system (IS)?
An information system (IS) is an interconnected set of components used to collect, store, process and transmit data and digital information. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2024
What is SAP Plant Maintenance (PM)?
SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) is a component of SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) that helps businesses support and maintain equipment and systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2024
What is SAP Quality Management (QM)?
SAP Quality Management (QM) is a component of SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) that helps businesses implement and run quality control (QC) processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2024
Best project portfolio management software and tools in 2025
Project portfolio management software and tools in 2025 promote strategic management of projects and agile tactics. Read our PPM list for guidance on which tools do what. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Nov 2024
How to run a successful IT pilot program
IT pilot programs are a crucial yet frequently overlooked step in internal tech procurement. Learn how to maximize these programs to gain a competitive edge. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2024
Microsoft halts 2 zero-days on November Patch Tuesday
The company addressed 88 vulnerabilities, including an Exchange Server spoofing flaw and a significant number of SQL Server bugs, this month. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2024
CHIPS Act expected to survive, change under Trump
Changes to the Biden administration's application guidelines for the CHIPS Act, some of which Republicans fought against, are likely. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Nov 2024
What is qualitative data?
Qualitative data is descriptive information that focuses on concepts and characteristics, rather than numbers and statistics. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2024
Measuring AI becomes key pursuit as enterprises seek ROI
Grammarly and Kroger identify impactful and extensible AI use cases amid a broader struggle among enterprises to find a way out of 'pilot purgatory' on AI initiatives. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Nov 2024
What is AI art and how is it created?
Artificial intelligence art (AI art) is any form of art that has been created or enhanced with AI tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2024
What is SAP Sales and Distribution (SAP SD)?
SAP Sales and Distribution (SAP SD) is an SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) core functional module that helps organizations store and manage customer- and product-related data. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2024
Top 12 cloud computing careers of 2025 and how to get started
Cloud computing touches many aspects of modern life, and cloud professionals are in demand. See the many positions, salaries and skills needed to launch a cloud computing career. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Oct 2024
What is AIOps (artificial intelligence for IT operations)?
Artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) is an umbrella term for the use of big data analytics, machine learning (ML) and other AI technologies to automate and enhance IT operations. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Oct 2024
How to use Ansible with Windows for server management
Initially made for Linux, Ansible also manages Windows systems through playbooks that use declarative syntax. Learn how to set up a control node and add roles to Windows Server. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Oct 2024
What is a MAC address and how do I find it?
A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2024
Growing AI energy use, tech workloads constrain IT
Speakers at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2024 warned of rising energy use and cost. Workarounds include acceleration; microgrids; and, eventually, emerging technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Oct 2024
What is Microsoft Visual FoxPro (VFP)?
Microsoft Visual FoxPro (VFP) is an object-oriented programming (OOP) environment with a built-in relational database engine. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2024
Agentic AI sparks need for more orchestration, oversight
Orchestration all the way down: Experts say multiple levels of autonomous coordination and oversight will guide the near- and mid-term evolution of AI and computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2024
What is mixed reality?
Mixed reality refers to advanced technology that combines both virtual reality (VR), a fully immersive computer-generated experience, and augmented reality (AR), which integrates digital elements into the physical world. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is a learning management system (LMS)?
A learning management system (LMS) is a software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement and assess a specific learning process. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2024
What is SAP Production Planning?
SAP Production Planning (SAP PP) is the component of ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) that helps businesses plan the manufacturing, sale and distribution of goods. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2024
What is SAP Basis?
SAP Basis is the technical foundation that enables SAP applications to function. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Oct 2024
What is monolithic architecture in software?
Monolithic architecture is the traditional unified model for the design of a software program. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is contract lifecycle management?
Contract lifecycle management (CLM) is a systematic approach to managing a business contract at each stage. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is a command prompt?
A command prompt is the input field in a text-based user interface screen for an operating system (OS) or program. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2024
How to evaluate AI for Windows Server environments
Organizations tasked with assessing AI workloads on Windows Server must weigh all the variables to determine the best approach to adopt this budding technology. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2024
What are AI hallucinations and why are they a problem?
An AI hallucination is when a large language model (LLM) powering an artificial intelligence (AI) system generates false information or misleading results, often leading to incorrect human decision-making. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2024
For Sharp HealthCare, cloud technology comes with autonomy
Sharp HealthCare's cloud strategy spans public, private and SaaS platforms to reduce vendor dependency and emphasizes knowledge transfer with its deployment partner. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Oct 2024
What is Oracle?
Oracle is one of the largest vendors in the enterprise IT market and the shorthand name of its flagship product, a relational database management system (RDBMS) that's formally called Oracle Database. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2024
Government use of AI by key U.S. military branches
The Air Force and Army are exploring applications of GenAI including using their own large language models. While some use cases are successful, others are not. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Oct 2024
What is a PMO (project management office)?
A project management office (PMO) is a group, agency or department that defines and maintains the standards of project management for a company. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2024
Microsoft repairs 2 zero-days on October Patch Tuesday
Administrators will have to tackle 117 new vulnerabilities, including three rated critical, in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2024
What's new in System Center 2025?
The key management tool for enterprises with a heavy investment in on-premises infrastructure is set for its next major release to coincide with the arrival of Windows Server 2025. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2024
What is an ODM (original design manufacturer)?
An ODM (original design manufacturer) is a company that takes the original specifications of another company or individual and builds the design to the product specifications. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2024
Generative AI energy consumption grows, but ROI role unclear
The energy costs of generative AI aren't front and center in enterprises' financial calculations. But industry consultants believe IT leaders should consider the power aspect. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2024
8 KPIs to reduce technical debt
To ensure an IT project's long-term success, stakeholders should keep track of certain KPIs to ensure technical debt is as low as possible. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2024
Will Windows Server 2025 spark VMware migrations?
Can Microsoft capitalize on VMware customer concerns by touting enhancements to its next version of Windows Server along with its cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure options? Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Sep 2024
What is a decision support system (DSS)?
A decision support system (DSS) is a computer program used to improve a company's decision-making capabilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Sep 2024
What is Change Healthcare?
Change Healthcare is a healthcare technology provider specializing in revenue cycle management, payment management and health information exchange solutions. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Sep 2024
Learn to use PowerShell Invoke-RestMethod for API calls
Admins who work with the cloud, from Azure hybrid services to Microsoft 365, should understand how REST APIs work in conjunction with PowerShell for their automation needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2024
What is an entrepreneur (entrepreneurship)?
An entrepreneur is an individual who identifies a need in the marketplace and works to fulfill it. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Sep 2024
What is an IT service catalog?
An IT service catalog is a list of information technology resources and offerings available from the IT service provider within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2024
What is Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Software)?
Blue Yonder, formerly JDA Software, is a software and consultancy company that specializes in selling supply chain management products and services to businesses. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Sep 2024
What is impedance?
Impedance, denoted with Z, is an expression of the opposition that an electronic component, circuit or system offers to alternating or direct electric current. Continue Reading
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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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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is a software license?
A software license is a document that provides legally binding guidelines for the use and distribution of software. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Platform (formerly Force.com)?
Salesforce Platform (formerly known as Force.com) is a platform as a service (PaaS) product that simplifies the development and deployment of cloud-based applications and websites. 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
10 Sep 2024
What is a sprint (software development)?
In Agile product development and software project management, a sprint is a set period of time during which specific work has to be completed and made ready for review. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2024
6 FinOps KPIs and metrics to optimize cloud expenditures
IT leaders who adopt FinOps metrics can identify underutilized resources, improve cost allocation and build a tighter connection between cloud investment and business value. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Sep 2024
What is data storytelling?
Data storytelling is the process of translating complex data analyses into understandable terms to inform a business decision or action. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Sep 2024
What is Robotics?
Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
Microsoft Purview Audit helps IT flush out bad behavior
The auditing tool gives enterprises a way to find problems by examining logs from Microsoft 365 cloud services, such as Exchange Online, to see what actions were taken and where. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2024
IBM's latest Z mainframe offers lessons in building AI systems
Studying the engineering behind IBM's mainframe architecture could help enterprises build higher reliability into the GPU clusters used to run AI applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2024
What is demand shaping?
Demand shaping is an operational supply chain management (SCM) strategy where a company uses tactics such as price incentives, cost modifications and product substitutions to entice customers to purchase specific items. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2024
Stop phishing with help from updated DMARC policy handling
Exchange admins got a boost from Microsoft when it improved how it handles DMARC authentication failures to help organizations fight back from email-based attacks on their users. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2024
JPMorgan Chase technology goal: Innovation with cost control
Financial services firm JPMorgan Chase seeks to balance technology modernization and cost optimization as it pursues initiatives like cloud migration, AI and machine learning. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2024
What is value-sensitive design?
Value-sensitive design is a concept that advocates the consideration of human principles and standards when planning technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2024
Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V updates promise speed boost
Will the new and improved features in the upcoming Hyper-V release come at the perfect time for Microsoft to capitalize on a series of unpopular changes from VMware? Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2024
What is AWS Serverless Application Model?
AWS Serverless Application Model (AWS SAM) is an open source framework that helps developers create and deploy serverless applications for the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is supervised learning?
Supervised learning is a subcategory of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) where a computer algorithm is trained on input data that has been labeled for a particular output. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is an AWS landing zone?
An AWS landing zone is a scalable, secure Amazon Web Services environment that enables AWS users and organizations to launch and deploy workloads and applications in the AWS cloud. Continue Reading