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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Tip
08 Feb 2023
10 core features of Web 3.0 technology
Web 3.0 promises to provide what Web 2.0 can't: autonomy for content creators to monetize their own data through blockchain, decentralization, user data ownership and private keys. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2023
digital library
A digital library is a collection of digital objects, such as books, magazines, audio recordings, video recordings and other documents that are accessible electronically. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2023
Wien's constant
Wien's constant is a physical constant that is used in defining the relationship between the thermodynamic temperature of a black body (an object that radiates electromagnetic energy perfectly) and the wavelength at which the intensity of the radiation is the greatest. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2023
The biggest advantages and disadvantages of Web 3.0
The benefits of next-generation Web 3.0 technologies like blockchain and smart contracts get much of the attention, but the downsides include complexity and resource intensiveness. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Feb 2023
augmented reality gaming (AR gaming)
Augmented reality gaming (AR gaming) is the real-time integration of virtual game elements with the physical environment of the player. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2023
The 10 most promising tools for Web 3.0 development
Web 3.0 doesn't exist yet, but there are many tools for developing apps for the next generation web and bridging the gap from today's Web 2.0 infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Feb 2023
blockchain decentralization
Decentralization is the distribution of functions, control and information instead of being centralized in a single entity. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2023
Speed up onboarding with Active Directory user templates
Active Directory account templates are not difficult to make. But it helps to know how to use certain shortcuts, like variables, to create home directories and roaming profiles. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2023
Capital One machine learning strategy taps MLOps
The financial services company harnesses ML for several use cases and aims to deploy the technology at scale through standardized infrastructure and the MLOps methodology. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
5 ways Web 3.0 will impact digital marketing
If Web 3.0 can provide greater privacy, more marketing reach and better targeting, the World Wide Web's latest iteration could ease the online customer personalization problem. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2023
outsourcing
Outsourcing is a business practice in which a company hires a third party to perform tasks, handle operations or provide services for the company. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
chief operating officer (COO)
A chief operating officer (COO) is the corporate executive who oversees ongoing business operations within the company. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2023
ERP vs. EPM: Which should you choose?
ERP and EPM differ in several ways. Learn how the individual systems work alone, how they complement each other and how they can increase an organization's efficiency. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
project management
Project management is the discipline of using established principles, procedures and policies to guide a project from conception through completion. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
Web 2.0
Web 2.0 are websites and applications that make use of user-generated content for end users. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2023
EDR tools for Windows Server compared
Windows Server 2022 comes with native security technologies to protect the enterprise. But endpoint detection and response tools can be worth the price of admission. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2023
How to become a Web 3.0 developer: Required skills and guide
Web 3.0 may be years away, but blockchain and web development tools have been around a while. Prepare by learning the fundamentals and getting experience on the right tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2023
distributed control system (DCS)
A distributed control system (DCS) is a digital automated industrial control system (ICS) that uses geographically distributed control loops throughout a factory, machine or control area. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2023
Agile project management (APM)
Agile project management (APM) is an iterative approach to planning and guiding project processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jan 2023
decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)
A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) is a management structure that uses blockchain technology to automate some aspects of voting and transaction processing. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jan 2023
Semantic Web
The Semantic Web is a vision for linking data across webpages, applications and files. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2023
Technology diffusion strategies for CIOs and the VC mindset
Whether a technology investment pays off depends in large part on how fast and widely it's adopted. CIOs can take a page from the VC playbook to improve the odds of success. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
10 benefits of adopting project portfolio management
Project portfolio management takes a centralized approach to managing projects and focuses on aligning projects with company goals. Learn how it adds value to project management. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2023
Best project portfolio management software and tools in 2023
Project portfolio management software and tools in 2023 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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Definition
23 Jan 2023
soft skills
A soft skill is a personal attribute that supports situational awareness and enhances an individual's ability to get a job done. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2023
Gartner halves 2023 IT spending growth
Gartner lowered its forecast for IT spending to 2.4% over 2022. The firm expects CIOs to be more cautious and delay some purchases while riding out the economic uncertainty. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2023
LZW compression
LZW compression is a method to reduce the size of Tag Image File Format (TIFF) or Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) files. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2023
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
18 Jan 2023
Gartner IT spending trends, PPI data show mixed economic bag
Gartner's global IT spending forecast reflects diverging economic trends as does U.S. inflation data, which shows a drop in professional services costs and an uptick for storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2023
Project portfolio risk management: Learn the key tenets
Project portfolio risk management is a holistic approach to managing project risk. Learn about its benefits and what can get in the way of success. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2023
Project vs. program vs. portfolio management
Project, program and portfolio management are related, but they represent three distinct disciplines. Learn about the responsibilities and goals of each and how they differ. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2023
Microsoft resolves Windows zero-day on January Patch Tuesday
The company also issues five corrections, all with a rating of important, to address vulnerabilities on its on-premises Exchange Server email platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jan 2023
enterprise architecture (EA)
An enterprise architecture (EA) is a conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of organizations. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2022
Multiple Document Interface (MDI)
Multiple Document Interface (MDI) is a Microsoft Windows programming interface for creating an application that enables users to work with multiple documents simultaneously. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2022
How to lower IT's digital carbon footprint
Digital technologies have a hidden environmental cost that too-few leaders have on their radar. Learn which technologies have a digital carbon footprint and what IT can do to help. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Dec 2022
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) is a step-by-step approach for collecting knowledge about possible points of failure in a design, manufacturing process, product or service. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
Let EAs lead your enterprise sustainability strategy
Enterprise architects are well positioned to advise the CIO when it comes to the sustainability strategy. Their choices cut across the corporate infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
How companies can overcome the IT worker shortage
Research shows organizations are still struggling to bring in IT talent. We identify the reasons why there's a shortage and what CIOs and other IT leaders can do to combat it. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Dec 2022
2022 year in review: Top business topics
The business world saw changes in 2022. Themes -- such as the rise and fall of cryptocurrency, changes to social media and navigating employment -- are all included in this review. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2022
action plan
An action plan is a document that lists what steps must be taken to achieve a specific goal. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Dec 2022
checksum
A checksum is a value that represents the number of bits in a transmission message and is used by IT professionals to detect high-level errors within data transmissions. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Dec 2022
User Principal Name (UPN)
In Microsoft Active Directory, a User Principal Name (UPN) is a username and domain in an email address format. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Dec 2022
MAC address (media access control address)
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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Definition
30 Nov 2022
routing table
A routing table is a set of rules, often viewed in table format, that's used to determine where data packets traveling over an Internet Protocol (IP) network will be directed. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
12 top metaverse predictions for 2030
Like AI before it, the metaverse carries unlimited potential and hyperbole. We address the questions of how big, how fast, how far, how scary and how impactful on businesses. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2022
Tech inflation data drops -- what does it mean for IT budgets?
The U.S. government's latest producer price data, which shows declines for servers, storage and services, could signal an economic shift and boost CIO confidence moving into 2023. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2022
Venture capital mindset helps CIOs deal with tech deluge
As CIOs and CISOs push for innovation, mindset changes might be in order. They can take a cue from VCs and think about ideation funnels and technology investment portfolios. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2022
4 sustainability leadership tips from Impossible Foods founder
Impossible Foods' Patrick Brown is proof that a focus on climate action can drive market success. Here are four sustainability mindset tips that IT leaders can use for themselves. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Nov 2022
Why companies should be sustainable and how IT can help
Pressure is mounting for the business sector to address its environmental footprint and become more sustainable. Here's a look the key drivers and how technology can help. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2022
Capital One study cites ML anomaly detection as top use case
The bank itself is making ML a key part of its digital transformation strategy, deploying the technology to locate aberrations, detect fraud and support marketing. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2022
Capital One machine learning report points to partnering
A study of data management decision-makers suggests collaboration will play an important role in evolving enterprise machine learning, but a partner's proven experience will be key. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2022
How to perform an AD group membership backup and restore
You can fix some problems with Active Directory with a few clicks, but things get difficult when they involve many layers of group membership. Here's a few ways to avoid trouble. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2022
Business sustainability projects require savvy data analysis
In this Q&A, Stephen Keys of IFS discusses why sustainability projects for organizations are complex undertakings, but the data needed to drive projects already exists. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Oct 2022
user experience
User experience (UX) design is the process and practice used to design and implement a product that will provide positive and relevant interactions with users. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2022
5 advantages and 6 disadvantages of open source software
Open source software is popular with both small and large organizations, and for good reason. But CIOs should understand which situations works best for this lower cost option. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2022
Gartner: IT spending to grow 5.1% amid optimization push
The market research firm said enterprise IT spending will endure in a tough economy, but noted an emphasis on optimization, productivity gains and rooting out inefficiencies. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2022
Sustainable procurement goes mainstream, influences IT buys
ESG considerations add a new dimension to IT purchasing criteria and, more broadly, could bridge the gap between business leaders and IT professionals. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2022
How to avoid common GPO backup and restore problems
Group Policy Objects help admins maintain control of the enterprise environment, but it takes some planning to understand how to properly protect and recover GPOs to avoid trouble. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2022
Micron investment to spark chip ecosystem in New York
The $100 billion plan aims to bring businesses and thousands of workers to the Syracuse, N.Y., area -- and boost the chip supply for the IT staples and innovations CIOs pursue. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2022
Test beds, workforce critical to U.S. technology leadership
The CHIPS and Science Act allows the U.S. to invest in critical technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2022
How to make the right business case for a tech spend
CIOs should help evaluate management goals to support long-term strategy. Learn how IT can assist business objectives and justify tech spending with a business case. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2022
Consider Azure AD group-based licensing for Office 365 users
Administrators who manage many users can go one step further toward streamlining license assignments by taking advantage of a new feature from Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Sep 2022
Business-led IT strategy casts shadow IT in more positive light
Traditional shadow IT is giving way to business-led technology deployments that have the IT department's approval. But CIOs must manage the process to avoid problems. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2022
macrotrend
A macrotrend is a pervasive and persistent shift in the direction of some phenomenon on a global level. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2022
What's old is new again as Workday aims to break down silos
At its user conference, Workday showcased tech and customer stories on bringing down the walls between HR, IT and finance. It's not a new story, but it may be newly relevant. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2022
Rich Text Format (RTF)
Rich Text Format (RTF) is a file format that lets you exchange text files between different word processors in different operating systems. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
IT services inflation follows broader market trend
CIOs can expect to pay more for consulting and professional services as pricing in the sector continues an upward trend that first surfaced last year. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Sep 2022
How automating distributed cloud infrastructure changes IT
As IT environments become increasingly distributed and complex, organizations are exploring how automation can address their evolving IT operations and infrastructure needs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2022
What to consider in scaling automation for distributed cloud
Infrastructure automation accelerates IT ops, fosters innovation and creates competitive advantage -- but executive support is essential, especially in complex cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Aug 2022
Learn to monitor group memberships with PowerShell
Use PowerShell automation to build reports in local group memberships on a server and security groups in Active Directory to keep tabs on any irregular behavior. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2022
inkjet printer
An inkjet printer is a computer peripheral that produces hard copies of a text document or photo by spraying droplets of ink onto paper. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2022
ESG for IT: How CIOs can drive environmental sustainability
Sustainability as a business initiative has rocketed up the priority list as investors, consumers and legislators demand accountability from businesses. Here's how IT can help. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2022
Inflation: Server costs rise, software sells at a premium
Latest PPI data reveals a 3.1% month-over-month uptick for host computers and servers, while storage prices drop slightly and professional services stand pat. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2022
12 AI and machine learning use cases in ITSM
AI-enabled ITSM, while still maturing, promises to greatly improve the speed and quality of IT service management. Here are 12 AI and machine learning use cases in ITSM. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
operation (computing)
An operation, in computing, is an action that is carried out to accomplish a given task. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
deprecated
In information technology (IT), deprecation means that although something is available or allowed, it is not recommended or that -- in the case where something must be used -- to say it is deprecated means that its failings are recognized. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2022
The effect of digital transformation on the CIO job
Digitization and digital transformation sound similar, but they couldn't be more different in what they demand from CIOs, explains Genpact's Sanjay Srivastava. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Aug 2022
Instilling a culture of digital transformation
Communities of practice, agile methods, cross-functional teams and platform strategies rank among the methods IT leaders use to institutionalize change and create a culture of digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Aug 2022
Learn to perform a DNS backup and restore
DNS outages cause connectivity issues that prevent basic tasks from executing properly. Understand how to perform a restore for a DNS zone, which is not always intuitive. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Aug 2022
fuzzy search
A fuzzy search is a technique that uses search algorithms to find strings that match patterns approximately. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2022
Explore print server alternatives to avoid IT headaches
Increased difficulties related to printing have many organizations exploring their options. See what these third-party print management alternatives have to offer. Continue Reading
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News
01 Aug 2022
Will cloud, IT services prove recession-resistant businesses?
Partners expect demand for their offerings to endure through economic turbulence and, to some extent, because of the unsettling times; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2022
House sends CHIPS Act to Biden's desk
Congress approved the CHIPS Act and billions more for scientific research to help the U.S. better compete against China in technology markets. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2022
Technology costs rise as inflation hits hardware, services
Inflation is affecting the CIO market basket, influencing purchasing. Government data showed a sharp increase in cost for servers, which continue to face supply chain issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jul 2022
Environmental sustainability considerations for IT teams
With customers, employees and investors pressuring companies to go green, IT needs to take a lead on sustainability. Learn some of the ways IT can make progress. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2022
six degrees of separation
Six degrees of separation is the theory that any person on the planet can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five intermediaries. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Jul 2022
Learn how to set up Windows Server 2022 SMB compression
Microsoft added SMB compression to the new server OS to reduce bottlenecks when transferring files with Windows-based file shares. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2022
PenFed expands chatbot strategy via Salesforce platform
The credit union, one of the nation's largest, is using the Salesforce platform to deploy chatbots that can handle a growing set of customer-facing tasks as well as in-house uses. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jul 2022
interrupt
An interrupt is a signal emitted by a device attached to a computer or from a program within the computer. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
Enterprise architect role reverts to tech in pandemic
The pandemic has sent many enterprises into survival mode, which altered the scope of the enterprise architect's role once again, according to a Forrester Research study. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
30 Jun 2022
Tuning enterprise architecture to cope with accelerating change
In the realm of enterprise architecture, real agility starts with architectural simplicity. Learn how businesses can reduce complexity -- and boost organizational dexterity. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2022
resource allocation
Resource allocation is the process of assigning and managing assets in a manner that supports an organization's strategic planning goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2022
POSIX (Portable Operating System Interface)
POSIX (Portable Operating System Interface) is a set of standard operating system interfaces based on the Unix operating system. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2022
security audit
A security audit is a systematic evaluation of the security of a company's information system by measuring how well it conforms to an established set of criteria. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2022
Laggards, leaders face digital transformation challenges
No one can relax in digital business: Those trailing behind must conquer the basics to get on the innovation path, while successful firms must endeavor to stay there. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2022
Do you meet all the modern authentication requirements?
Microsoft's push to a more secure method for user authentication and authorization could catch some enterprises flat-footed if IT hasn't done its homework. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2022
distributed applications (distributed apps)
Distributed applications (distributed apps) are applications or software that run on multiple computers within a network at the same time and can be stored on servers or cloud computing platforms. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Jun 2022
How to set up Exchange Online modern authentication
Microsoft plans to tighten up security on its hosted email platform to prevent attackers from gaining access to user credentials. Is your organization ready? Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2022
data latency
Data latency is the time it takes for data packets to be stored or retrieved. In business intelligence (BI), data latency is how long it takes for a business user to retrieve source data from a data warehouse or BI dashboard. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2022
chief data officer (CDO)
A chief data officer (CDO) in many organizations is a C-level executive whose position has evolved into a range of strategic data management responsibilities related to the business to derive maximum value from the data available to the enterprise. Continue Reading