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
08 Nov 2023
ITIL V3
ITIL V3 is the third version of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a globally recognized collection of best practices for managing IT and for implementing IT service management (ITSM) practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2023
How to modernize legacy applications
For many organizations, system upgrades mean investing time, money and resources. Discover how to modernize legacy applications with these critical tips. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Nov 2023
multisig (multisignature)
Multisig, also called multisignature, is the requirement for a transaction to have two or more signatures before it can be executed. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2023
What is a digital transformation strategy? Everything you need to know
A strong DX strategy details an organization's current state, its plans for the future and the actions to achieve those goals. Discover the key elements that should be included. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Nov 2023
cross-functional team
A cross-functional team is a workgroup made up of employees from different functional areas within an organization who collaborate to reach a stated objective. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2023
Data center power constraints send AI everywhere
Most experts agree there isn't enough unused electricity to perform future AI processing in hyperscale data centers and colocation facilities as GenAI demand soars. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2023
How AI impacts digital transformation
AI adoption is changing digital transformation as enterprises deploy the technology to improve customer experience, boost developer productivity and look for a competitive edge. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Oct 2023
How to use ChatGPT with PowerShell to write code for admins
Use of artificial intelligence tools is on the rise in many industries, and administrators can tap into these digital helpers to improve their scripting attempts. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2023
10 data storage questions for enterprises to ask
Does top management support your organization's storage needs? Is the storage platform compliant with regulations? These are just two of the data storage questions you need to ask. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
11 reasons why digital transformations fail, explained by pros
Digital transformations continue to be challenging and are prone to failure. Learn about 11 fatal mistakes to avoid at all costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
How digital transformation is changing customer experience
Digital transformation and customer experience go hand in hand as organizations look to provide self-service options, highly personalized experiences and easier ways to query data. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
How to work with the new Windows LAPS feature
Microsoft updated this automated method to manage and back up passwords for local administrator accounts on Windows desktop and server systems. See what's new with Windows LAPS. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2023
Cloud inflation affects IT spending trends, GenAI not yet
Gartner's forecast points to rising cloud and services spend. Generative AI is yet to strongly influence IT budgets, but IBM and other providers gear up for growth. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2023
12 digital transformation tips and best practices
Successful digital transformation requires agility, speed, cost optimization, technical innovation and cultural change. C-suite commitment and employee buy-in are also critical. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Oct 2023
project post-mortem
A project post-mortem is a business process that lets the project team, project management, and other stakeholders review and evaluate the results at the end of a project or after the resolution of an incident. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2023
PLM vs. ALM: Compare the differences
Company leaders must be aware of the critical distinctions between PLM and ALM. Learn each system's features and how they can potentially work together. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2023
Microsoft tackles three zero-days for October Patch Tuesday
The company releases fixes for several products affected by the HTTP/2 "Rapid Reset" vulnerability to help curb widespread Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Oct 2023
Is quantum computing overhyped?
Quantum computing may be coming to the enterprise. Here's what to understand about the benefits it promises, the risks it poses and how to prepare. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2023
Lean startup
Lean startup is an approach to building new businesses based on the belief that entrepreneurs must investigate, experiment, test and iterate as they develop products. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2023
enterprise risk management (ERM)
Enterprise risk management (ERM) is the process of planning, organizing, directing and controlling the activities of an organization to minimize the harmful effects of risk on its capital and earnings. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2023
Capital One study: Businesses battle with self-service data
Technical, cultural and financial issues hinder organizations from enacting self-service data strategies that include business users as well as data specialists Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2023
Generative AI in the enterprise raises questions for CIOs
Technology and business leaders are exploring pivotal issues surrounding adoption strategy, architecture and the IT organization's management responsibilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2023
skunkworks project (Skunk Works)
A skunkworks project, also known as Skunk Works, is an innovative undertaking, involving a small group of people, that is outside the normal research and development (R&D) channels within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Sep 2023
vertical SaaS (software as a service)
Vertical SaaS describes a type of software as a service solution created for a specific industry, such as retail, financial services, insurance, healthcare or manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2023
enterprise IT (enterprise-class IT)
Enterprise-class IT (also known as enterprise-grade, or enterprise IT) is hardware, software and other IT services designed to meet the demands of a large organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2023
On-premises data centers play key role in distributed clouds
Enterprise Strategy Group's Scott Sinclair shares survey results on the benefits and challenges of managing distributed clouds. Data centers remain an essential part of the mix. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2023
microtargeting
Microtargeting (also called micro-niche targeting) is a marketing strategy that uses consumer data and demographics to identify the interests and preferences of specific individuals or small groups to send targeted advertisements that align with their interests. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2023
business process improvement (BPI)
Business process improvement (BPI) is a practice in which enterprise leaders analyze their business processes to identify areas where they can improve accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency and then make changes within the processes to realize these improvements. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Sep 2023
Why cloud governance is shifting to business stakeholders
Balancing value creation with innovation is a constant challenge for organizations. Here's what to consider when evaluating the long-term business value of cloud governance. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
What's new in Microsoft Graph PowerShell v2?
The company overhauled the new version of its software development kit and updated PowerShell modules that replace legacy methods for managing Microsoft's cloud-based services. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Sep 2023
Windows Sysinternals
Windows Sysinternals is a collection of 70 freeware utilities that Microsoft offers IT administrators and developers to help them monitor, manage, diagnose and troubleshoot Windows systems and their applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2023
Walmart AI: Retailer taps employees to find GenAI use cases
The Walmart generative AI approach includes learning from its employee-users and soliciting their feedback to discover key applications and refine the technology. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2023
Cloud pricing hits new mark amid multiple drivers
Cloud costs continue to rise, according to the U.S. government's latest pricing data. Wages, energy demands, emerging tech and consumption patterns contribute to the trend. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Sep 2023
Top 10 benefits of blockchain for business
Blockchain's unique characteristics address many business issues. Here are 10 important benefits of blockchain and examples of the industries taking advantage of them. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
Microsoft solves two zero-days for September Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 62 vulnerabilities this month, including a Microsoft Word flaw and a Windows bug that have both been exploited in the wild. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2023
supply chain transformation
Supply chain transformation is the addition and integration of technology to improve supply chain performance, optimize costs and mitigate risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Sep 2023
7 benefits of ERP in accounting
ERP and accounting applications operate separately, but ERP systems can deliver valuable financial insights for companies. Learn about the benefits of ERP in accounting. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Sep 2023
steering committee
A steering committee comprises a group of high-ranking IT professionals who provide guidance and strategic direction to an organization or organizational segment. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Sep 2023
What is Web 3.0 (Web3)? Definition, guide and history
Web 3.0 promises a more personalized and intelligent web that uses blockchain decentralization to give control back to users. Here's how to sort through the claims and get ready. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Sep 2023
learning management system (LMS)
A learning management system 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
07 Sep 2023
distributed ledger technology (DLT)
Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the transactions and their details are recorded in multiple places at the same time. Continue Reading
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Quiz
06 Sep 2023
10 blockchain quiz questions: Test your understanding
IT leaders are increasingly faced with learning how to implement blockchain in their organizations. Use this blockchain quiz to test your knowledge. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
9 quantum computing challenges IT leaders should understand
While the theory of quantum mechanics is complex, the tech might offer practical uses for organizations. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of quantum computing. Continue Reading
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Podcast
05 Sep 2023
Third-party support a new option for SAP S/4HANA Cloud users
Rimini Street CTO Eric Helmer explains how the company provides tech support and maintenance for SAP and Oracle ERP systems and where on-premises ERP fits in SAP's cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2023
10 examples of smart contracts on blockchain
Smart contracts are powerful tools for automating tasks on a blockchain. Read these use cases and understand the benefits and challenges IT leaders face during implementation. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Aug 2023
IT controls
An IT control is a procedure or policy that provides a reasonable assurance that the information technology (IT) used by an organization operates as intended, that data is reliable and that the organization is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Aug 2023
biometric authentication
Biometric authentication is a security process that relies on the unique biological characteristics of individuals to verify they are who they say they are. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Aug 2023
IT organization (information technology organization)
An IT organization (information technology organization) is the department within a company that's charged with establishing, monitoring and maintaining information technology systems and services. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2023
IT audit (information technology audit)
An IT audit is the examination and evaluation of an organization's information technology, operations and controls. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2023
ISACA
ISACA is an independent, nonprofit, global association that engages in the development, adoption and use of globally accepted information system (IS) knowledge and practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2023
deputy CIO (deputy chief information officer)
Deputy CIO (chief information officer) is a role within some organizations that generally has responsibility for overseeing day-to-day information technology (IT) operations. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2023
The future of storage administration: 4 key questions answered
What are the best moves a storage professional can make? Learn about the skills, technologies and strategies to focus on now for the most payback in the future. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
Opportunities, challenges of ServiceNow generative AI plan
The vendor said that while it is creating its own LLM models, it's not interested in winning the LLM war. Instead, it wants its customers to use the models for specific use cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2023
Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager)
Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager) is a set of tools for infrastructure monitoring and application performance management. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2023
Exchange Web Services (EWS)
Microsoft Exchange Web Services (EWS) is an application program interface (API) that lets applications access items in a Microsoft Exchange email mailbox, such as calendars, contacts, and messages. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Aug 2023
How to set up PowerShell remoting over SSH
Microsoft recommends using WinRM to manage Windows machines remotely, but OpenSSH offers other advantages, particularly in organizations that also use Linux systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Aug 2023
Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM)
The Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) is a conceptual framework that outlines activities for the recovery and discovery of digital data. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2023
How to kickstart a proof-of-concept IT project
Like any IT initiative, operations staff need a clear vision for a proof-of-concept project. From the justification to reporting stages, knowing the steps can bolster PoC success. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2023
Terraform
HashiCorp Terraform is an infrastructure as code (IaC) software tool that allows DevOps teams to automate infrastructure provisioning using reusable, shareable, human-readable configuration files. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2023
Cloud costs continue to rise among IT commodities
CIOs can expect higher cloud costs as the U.S. government's wholesale inflation index hits its highest rating for the technology category that includes this IT model. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
rainmaker
A rainmaker is an individual who generates an unusually high amount of revenue for an organization by bringing new clients and new business to the company. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Aug 2023
26 tips to get the most out of a conference
With conference season fast approaching, use these tips to show up prepared to make the most out of your experience -- before, during and after the event. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2023
Several Exchange Server flaws fixed on August Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 74 vulnerabilities this month with the on-premises email server platform returning to the spotlight with corrections to close six security holes. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Aug 2023
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). Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Aug 2023
executive dashboard
An executive dashboard is a computer interface that displays the key performance indicators (KPIs) that corporate officers need to effectively run an enterprise. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2023
smart home
A smart home is a residence that uses internet-connected devices to enable the remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems, such as lighting and heating. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2023
floating gate transistor (FGT)
A floating gate transistor (FGT) is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology capable of holding an electrical charge in a memory device that is used to store data. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2023
8 steps for an ERP post-implementation audit
A post-implementation audit can help determine if an ERP system is working well or not. Project leaders should consider these eight steps to ensure a successful audit. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2023
AI hype far exceeds its use within enterprises
Experts say most organizations are holding back on spending while investigating the cost, legal liabilities and data privacy risks associated with generative AI use. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jul 2023
legal health record (LHR)
A legal health record (LHR) refers to documentation about a patient's personal health information that is created by a healthcare organization or provider. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2023
Exchange Online post-migration steps for admins
A move to the hosted email platform is an opportunity to streamline how users work with other Microsoft 365 services. But it requires IT to stay current with the product roadmap. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jul 2023
IT hiring picks up amid ongoing economic concerns
TechTarget's 2023 salary and careers survey shows most organizations are hiring for selected IT skills, making progress on DEI initiatives and offering workplace flexibility. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2023
proportional control
Proportional control is a control system technology in which the response (output) is proportional to the difference between a setpoint value and the current value of a process variable. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2023
taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of classification according to a predetermined system, with the resulting catalog used to provide a conceptual framework for discussion, analysis or information retrieval. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2023
Microsoft System Center
Microsoft System Center is a suite of software products designed to simplify the deployment, configuration and management of IT infrastructure and virtualized software-defined data centers. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
What's new with Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2022
Not every organization can move to the cloud but using Microsoft Office apps on premises might not be an option beyond 2026. Are the days of the RDS role numbered? Continue Reading
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News
13 Jul 2023
Storage, server prices drop as inflation eases
Server and storage prices declined in June, reflecting cooling inflation, but companies remain intent on containing costs and optimization. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2023
Microsoft repairs 5 zero-days for July Patch Tuesday
The company addressed 130 vulnerabilities and provided additional instructions to fully resolve several bugs, which will require extra attention from IT this month. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2023
Today's blockchain use cases and industry applications
Though not yet a mature technology, blockchain is gaining ground as a sound and generally secure method for conducting myriad transactions in numerous applications and industries. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2023
6 reasons legacy systems are still in use
Staying with tried-and-true legacy systems can feel like the safest route. But as the world changes at a dizzying pace, IT leaders might want to reconsider that strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2023
Replacing vs. maintaining legacy systems
Understanding issues such as which systems hinder organizational performance can help IT leaders decide which legacy systems to replace and which to maintain. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jun 2023
Tech integration partnerships can help boost IT productivity
Enterprise Strategy Group's Doug Cahill discusses survey results that show using integrated technologies from multiple vendors can free up IT teams for strategic projects. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2023
cognitive computing
Cognitive computing is the use of computerized models to simulate the human thought process in complex situations where the answers might be ambiguous and uncertain. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jun 2023
multiprocessing
Multiprocessing is the utilization of two or more central processing units (CPUs) in a single computer system. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2023
How to become a smart contract developer
Blockchain fundamentals, programming knowledge, security awareness, and experience in testing and debugging are among the major requirements in smart contract development. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2023
5 types of software architecture design worth knowing
While it's impossible to identify any software design style as the 'most important' to know, there are five major patterns with which all architects should arguably become familiar. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2023
Google Play
Google Play, formerly known as Android Market, is the official online store for digital media distributed by Google. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2023
ledger database
A ledger database is somewhat modern and commonly refers to a type of database that uses cryptographic techniques, including blockchain, to secure data and enable an immutable ledger. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jun 2023
SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram
A SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram is a visual tool for documenting a business process from beginning to end prior to implementation. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2023
Server prices drop while cloud costs rise in PPI data
The U.S. government's latest inflation reading shows moderating hardware prices, which spiked in mid-2022. Cloud costs, however, have been moving in the opposite direction. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2023
June Patch Tuesday settles two Exchange Server bugs
Microsoft's plans for upcoming security hardening in Kerberos and Netlogon protocols will have admins busy with testing over the next several weeks. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2023
prototyping model
The prototyping model is a systems development method in which a prototype is built, tested and then reworked as necessary until an acceptable outcome is achieved from which the complete system or product can be developed. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2023
mean time to detect (MTTD)
Mean time to detect (MTTD) is a measure of how long a problem exists in an IT deployment before the appropriate parties become aware of it. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2023
How to write an RFP for a software purchase, with template
Software buying teams should understand how to create an effective RFP. Here's a look at what components to include, along with a free, customizable template. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
A Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) is a small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2023
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 and other AI technologies to automate the identification and resolution of common IT issues. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2023
Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO)
A Chief Medical Information Officer, or CMIO, essentially serves as the bridge between medical and IT departments at a healthcare organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2023
flow control
Flow control is a technique used to regulate data transfer between computers or other nodes in a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2023
load shedding
Load shedding (loadshedding) is a way to distribute demand for electrical power across multiple power sources. Continue Reading