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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Answer
14 Dec 2018
What are the benefits of serverless computing?
At the recent Gartner Symposium, analyst Arun Chandrasekaran highlighted the benefits of serverless computing and delineated the factors driving enterprise interest in serverless. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2018
AI in ITSM equals 'service intelligence' -- ITSM's next frontier
AI in ITSM, or 'service intelligence,' is the next logical step in IT's mastery of professional service delivery. ITSM expert Jan-Willem Middelburg lays out four use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2018
5 tips to improve ITSM SLAs in IT shops with multiple service providers
How do CIOs develop ITSM SLAs that satisfy business expectations in today's complex environment of multiple service providers? David Clifford takes CIOs through five key steps. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Nov 2018
How can companies build a strategy for monetizing data?
To extract value from data, most companies will face people, process and technology challenges. Matt Maccaux explains the ins and outs of monetizing data. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Nov 2018
Cisco network architecture targets CIOs. Will they buy it?
An emerging Cisco network architecture that spans multiple domains and integrates security debuted at a recent conference. The vendor's architectural messaging targets CIOs. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2018
The key features of project and portfolio management software
Cloud or on premises? Does it have the proper collaboration features? How about mobile access? When buying PPM software, these are just some of the questions businesses should ask. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2018
Lumentum CIO talks building an enterprise cloud computing strategy
A well-defined plan is essential as cloud adoption becomes a business necessity. In this Q&A, CIO Ralph Loura sounds off on the must-haves for any enterprise cloud computing strategy. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Nov 2018
What should CIOs look for when choosing public cloud platforms?
In this Ask the Expert, Lumentum SVP and CIO Ralph Loura highlights two key factors to consider when choosing among public cloud giants AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2018
Benefits of PPM software include reduced failure rates
PPM software provides organizations a greater insight into projects, enabling decision-makers to better manage and prioritize projects, as well as allocate resources. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2018
How automating feature engineering can help data scientists
Feature Labs CEO Max Kanter explains how automating feature engineering for machine learning can help data scientists and why CIOs should care. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
Data analytics projects need structure, says former Avis analytics exec
In this Q&A, Ashok Kumar made one thing clear for CIOs: Before they touch an AI project, they need to get their data house in order. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Nov 2018
How one CTO is building a plan for legacy code replacement
Legacy code removal leads 2019 digital transformation plans for CTO Niel Nickolaisen. Learn how his team is prepping for the implementation of a new codebase. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
Gartner Symposium 2018: 6 emerging trends in security
At Gartner Symposium 2018, analyst Peter Firstbrook highlighted the emerging trends in security that cybersecurity pros -- and their employers -- need to prep for in the next year. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2018
How WPI uses AI in ITSM to improve help desk support
WPI is using AI in ITSM to route help desk tickets to the most qualified technicians. ITSM automation of this ilk helps users and IT-- but it requires some handholding. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2018
Gartner top 10 technology trends for 2019: A comprehensive guide
For digital-minded CIOs, Gartner's 2019 top 10 technology trends should come as no surprise: IT is getting smarter, casting an intelligent digital web over the enterprise -- and everywhere else. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2018
What can CIOs expect from ITIL 4? More leadership advice, for one
ITIL 4 is scheduled for release in early 2019. ITIL expert David Ratcliffe discusses what's different about this ITIL update and why the guidance remains vitally relevant to CIOs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Oct 2018
Digital transformation for banks: One institution's website remake
Digital transformation for banks: A commercial bank in India retooled and relaunched its website to drive more visits and generate more leads. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
Gartner Symposium 2018: Enterprise cloud strategy mistakes to avoid
At the recent Gartner Symposium 2018, cloud guru Daryl Plummer highlighted the need for developing a strong cloud strategy -- and the mistakes to avoid when drafting one. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Oct 2018
streaming data architecture
A streaming data architecture is an information technology framework that puts the focus on processing data in motion and treats extract-transform-load (ETL) batch processing as just one more event in a continuous stream of events. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2018
What are PPM tools and how do they help the enterprise?
PPM tools provide a holistic view of enterprise project health, enabling C-level execs and project managers to prioritize, organize and optimize projects for maximum ROI. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2018
How secure-by-design ITSM processes can be a business differentiator
Secure ITSM procedures are essential to digital organizations' data protection processes. They can also be a bottom line boon, says information governance expert Jeffrey Ritter. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2018
Embedded IT, global talent to define future of IT jobs
As more businesses identify as tech companies, what's the future of IT jobs? Many IT teams will work remotely on a gig-by-gig basis and their colleagues will span the globe. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Oct 2018
ITSM governance essential as new tech trends drive business processes
New tech trends in AI, cloud and robotic process automation create capabilities that are reshaping ITSM. But for the innovations to reach their full potential, strong governance over ITSM processes are required. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Oct 2018
What tactics can organizations adopt to drive cloud security practices?
In this Ask the Expert, Gartner's Marco Meinardi explains business factors driving cloud security practices and explains the role of the CIA triad in enterprise cloud security. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Oct 2018
Big data processing techniques to streamline analytics
Analyzing raw data has become a complex task that companies are often underprepared for as data sets continue to grow. Here's how to create smarter data processing techniques. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Sep 2018
Many companies jump the gun in hiring data scientists
Do you know why you're hiring data scientists? A lot of companies feel pressure to hire one, but a lot of companies aren't ready for them or don't know what to do with them, said Stephen Gatchell, ... Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2018
CIO on the importance of holistic data collection and analysis methods
CIO Tammy Bilitzky explains what she means by holistic data collection and analysis methods, and how they ensure accuracy of results and build trust into automated data systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2018
A CIO forges a data strategy plan for creating actionable data
As CIO of Data Conversion Laboratory, Tammy Bilitzky is responsible for the technology that her organization and its clients need to turn content into actionable data. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
Digital workers are invading the enterprise -- and that's not a bad thing
Credit Suisse and LogMeIn executives provide a glimpse at how external and internal customer service strategies are melding. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2018
ITSM vs DevOps: Are DevOps, Agile overshadowing ITSM frameworks?
In this Ask the Expert, digital transformation expert IsaacSacolick shares his perspective on the impact that DevOps and Agile strategies have on ITSM practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2018
Forging an IT service catalog management plan to drive business goals
An IT service catalog management strategy that drives business results requires CIOs to look beyond the provisioning of IT services -- and users to grasp the value of service automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2018
Benefits of ITSM: Use an ITSM portal as gateway to cloud services
Requiring users to access the cloud via an ITSM portal will reduce spending, explains Andy Sealock in part two of his tip on leveraging the benefits of ITSM in cloud services. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2018
ITSM in the cloud: Using ITSM best practices to optimize cloud usage
Cloud-based services can't be beat for their ease of use, but companies often experience some 'unhappy surprises' when the bill comes due, says Andy Sealock. ITSM in the cloud can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2018
4 factors to consider when making the shift to the cloud
For CIOs assessing their organization's cloud readiness, Andrew Larkin discusses four factors to consider before moving their applications to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2018
5 ways ITSM automation is driving business value
Current trends in ITSM automation include the adoption of intelligent automation, ITSM as a service, digital labor, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2018
What is driving the evolution of ITSM processes?
At leading companies, ITSM processes are being redefined as 'cross-domain service management' and the ITSM team functions as enabler-in-chief of digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2018
3 stages of ITSM and 5 ways to enhance your ITSM strategy
From help desk to service desk to business-aligned ITSM -- how evolved is your ITSM strategy? Dennis Drogseth explains ITSM's three stages and offers five tips for reaching maturity. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2018
Multi-cloud management best practices and pain points
To reap the benefits of a multi-cloud strategy, CIOs must first have the right skills and processes in place. Here are the multi-cloud management best practices to lead the way. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2018
Cloud migration best practices: 4 potential problems to avoid
Andrew Larkin, from the Cloud Academy, explains why successful cloud migration strategies require more than just a 'lift and shift' approach to maximize the benefits of the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2018
Top disadvantages of cloud computing: What CIOs can do
Andrew Larkin from the Cloud Academy sheds light on cloud computing misconceptions and drawbacks -- including downtime -- and offers best practices for CIOs to address these risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Sep 2018
4 ITSM best practices for managing service vendors
CIOs must align IT strategy to business KPIs, and so should their service vendors. In this ITSM best practices tip, experts explain how to tie vendor services to business outcomes. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2018
Chatbot technology brings 'self-help IT' to life at LogMeIn
In this SearchCIO Q&A, LogMeIn CIO Ian Pitt describes how chatbot technology and other cutting-edge tools help him run a lean IT department and deliver services more efficiently to the growing company. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2018
4 best practices to maximize the value of your ITSM vendor
If your ITSM vendor isn't living up to expectations, chances are you're ignoring these four ITSM best practices. ISG's Lois Coatney takes you through them, step by step. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2018
Texas college CIO pushes into enterprise service management
A mature ITSM program has not only won Link Alander's IT team kudos for superb service delivery, but it is also driving automation of business processes in other departments. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2018
An ITSM program evolves from subpar to superb
How do you go from 'lousy' systems and subpar services to an ITSM program that is driving a service approach across the enterprise? CIO Link Alander gives us the details. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2018
Transforming IT infrastructure and operations to drive digital business
In an environment where speed disrupts everything, organizations must transform their I&O. Gartner's Gregory Murray explained how at the Gartner Catalyst conference. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Aug 2018
What are the benefits of ITSM for fast-moving businesses?
IT service management helps enable digitization, but CIOs will have to invest resources to develop an effective ITSM program. Here are six benefits of ITSM that help make the case. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Aug 2018
How to use value stream mapping tools, CSI to improve business processes
ITIL expert Gary Case lays out the leading methods for improving business processes. Learn how value stream mapping tools and CSI models can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2018
CTO: Hyper-converged infrastructure appliances cut costs
An Indianapolis school district's decision to deploy hyper-converged infrastructure appliances has reduced support overhead and cut acquisition and operating costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
Building a service catalog management strategy: Where to start?
The IT service catalog is the foundation of an effective ITSM program, but it's a complicated tool and hard to get right. Here's some expert advice on how to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Aug 2018
As IT permeates the business, the service desk role expands
Don't underestimate the IT service desk. Read about how enterprises are using new ITSM platforms to grow the service desk role and improve business processes across the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
16 Aug 2018
2018 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium: A SearchCIO guide
The 2018 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium was all about making good on an enterprise digital transformation strategy. Explore the strategic advice, emerging technologies and big ideas from this year’s roster of CIOs, MIT faculty and experts. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2018
Top 10: What IT service delivery challenges plague CIOs?
ITIL expert Gary Case has consulted with a wide range of companies over a long career in ITSM. Read his list of the 10 IT service delivery challenges that continue to bedevil CIOs. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2018
Business transformation project: Dealing with legacy data
Business transformation requires a solid data foundation. Expert Dan Morris offers a near-term fix for your data-quality problems and the basis for a long-term approach to better data. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Aug 2018
What 3 factors go into a winning service management strategy?
Service management is not a one-off project. In this Ask the Expert, ITSM guru Charlie Miles explicates the three ingredients that separate success from failure. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2018
Bank opts for AI-infused data storage platform over cloud
A storage vendor that bills itself as a software company is baking AI management into its all-flash arrays. Read why IT execs like Dan King sees the innovation as a game changer. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jul 2018
Is consolidating ITSM tools in the best interest of CIOs?
Gartner's Kenneth Gonzalez says ITSM software tools should be assessed against three metrics -- quality, cost and performance. That will require CIOs to do some major silo-busting. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2018
What steps can CIOs take to optimize their ITSM software?
James Stanger of CompTIA dives into the reasons for ITSM software proliferation in the enterprise, why that's a problem and how sticking to a unified ITSM framework can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2018
IT service desk vs. IT help desk: What's the difference?
One came first and focused on IT fixes. The other got direction from ITIL. Users ask for one over the other. Today, something called ESM might just put both out to pasture. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2018
ITSM in the era of cloud-based services
Companies with IT service management strategies in place have a leg up when it comes to handling cloud-based services and hybrid environments, according to Protiviti's Eric Winton. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2018
The nine roles you need on your data science research team
Data science research has become an essential element of modern companies' success in the digital economy. Here's how to build a data science team to get the most bang for your buck. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
Digital transformation in logistics: Delmar begins tech overhaul
Delmar International has agreed to move its IT infrastructure to Rackspace managed services, representing a huge shift for Delmar's IT strategy and digital transformation plans. Continue Reading
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Video
28 Jun 2018
The benefits of data-driven digital transformation strategies
At the 2018 MIT CIO Symposium, speaker Frederic Veron discussed why readily available data and previous knowledge can prove invaluable to digital transformation projects. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2018
Convenience: Driver of BI innovation
IoT and autonomous systems expert Ella Hilal, a speaker at the upcoming Real Business Intelligence Conference, connects the dots between convenience and BI innovation. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jun 2018
IT career skills: Does being a specialist make a difference?
When it comes to developing IT skills, is it better to be the jack-of-all-trades or master of one? Airtel's Harmeen Mehta shares her perspective in this ATE. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jun 2018
How can I use the V-Model with SAP Product Lifecycle Management?
The V-Model combines three highly interconnected components of product development: mechanics, electronics and informatics. Here are the steps for using it with SAP PLM. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2018
Edge computing helps IT execs in managing large data sets
Four IT practitioners at the 2018 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium said edge computing, real-time analysis and Lambda architecture help them in managing large data sets. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 May 2018
Got questions? Get them answered -- and make better data-driven business decisions
Companies today want to make data-driven business decisions, but huge volumes data could lead them astray. So could huge volumes of questions about the data. Rue La La's CTO has tips for countering ... Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2018
Equinix expands amid a flourishing data center services market
In this Q&A, Equinix exec Ryan Mallory discusses his company's moves to meet growing demand for data center services and interconnectivity. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2018
Rue La La CTO: Don't let data poisoning impair business health
If not treated properly, data can corrupt agendas, spur endless arguments and narrow thinking, the e-commerce company's Anthony Accardi says. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2018
Build 2018 gives the office meeting a high-tech sheen. Does it matter?
A display on the future of meetings at Microsoft's Build 2018 event was a technology tour de force. But analysts said the fanfare sort of misses the point. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Apr 2018
The need for mainframe work continues amid staff shortages
The need for mainframe work continues as important applications continue to reside on these computing machines, but staff shortages are an issue in maintaining big iron's health. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2018
Using RPA development to bridge the gap between legacy and cloud apps
RPA tech has evolved into sophisticated frameworks that automate IT tasks and rules-based processes. Now, RPA benefits are bridging the gap between legacy apps and modern ones. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2018
Computer vision, machine learning skills help fuel surge in AI jobs
A report by the world's No. 1 job site, Indeed, finds there are more AI jobs than ever, but job-seeker interest is leveling out. What accounts for the dwindling enthusiasm among job hunters? Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Digital transformation for insurance: Idaho firm opts for HCI
An Idaho-based property and casualty insurance company has swapped out its VMware infrastructure and separate storage systems for hyper-converged hardware from Scale Computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Mar 2018
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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News
27 Mar 2018
How to build end-user data literacy skills, step by step
Top-notch hospital systems are filled with smart, knowledgeable people eager to use data. But first, they must improve their data literacy, as this case study shows. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2018
Gartner issues four-part prescription for data and analytics leaders
Fake facts, discrimination, complexity and illiteracy are four challenges CIOs and data experts must overcome to reap the value of data analytics. Also, forget about bimodal IT. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Two data scientists offer advice on breaking down siloed data
Data scientists offer insight into why the age-old problem of siloed data persists and some concrete advice to CIOs on how to break down the walls. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2018
'Intelligent tutoring systems' use AI to boost student IQ
Intelligent tutoring systems that track how a student learns become smarter and more useful with practice, according to Carnegie Mellon University's Ken Koedinger. It's all about the data. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Mar 2018
What should companies know about sustainability software?
Sustainability is composed of social, environmental and economic pillars. That's why technologies focused on this market address different needs. Here's a narrow glimpse. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2018
Data and analytics strategy: Lessons learned from spy agencies
Analyst Jim Hare of Gartner offers five ways to turn your company's data and analytics strategy into a competitive advantage by studying what our spy agencies do. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Mar 2018
How does SAP PLM support the product validation process?
Checking and validating each step of product development helps ensure greater success and detects potential failure. Here's a look at how SAP PLM supports that process. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2018
Neurala claims 'lifelong deep neural nets' don't forget
Boston startup Neurala says it has developed deep neural networks that can learn on the fly. Neurala's COO Heather Ames explains. Continue Reading
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Survey
02 Feb 2018
IT Priorities 2018: Network upgrades, automation, cloud make the cut
The TechTarget IT Priorities 2018 survey finds that networking, automation and cloud projects will keep IT pros busy. IoT and AI lag, but that doesn't mean they aren't happening. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2018
Digital phenotype introduces new kinds of data to clinical setting
John Brownstein of Boston Children's Hospital explains how his team is 'putting the public back in public health' by mining troves of nonclinical data culled from social media. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2017
For Airbnb, data democratization is a strategic advantage
Home-rental site Airbnb recognized the value of data from its start. Then it built tools and developed training to democratize data, turning employees into data scientists. Continue Reading
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Guide
29 Aug 2017
Enterprise data analytics strategy: A guide for CIOs
This Essential Guide explores enterprise data analytics strategies and how to select the right infrastructure, management tactics and technologies for your organization. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jul 2017
David vs. Goliath no more, Agile adoption is the new standard
As Agile adoption grows, companies should not be looking to specialists to support agility, says Joseph Flahiff. Make Agile coaching a standard job requirement for team managers. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2017
Book excerpt: The five phases of decision architecture methodology
In this book excerpt, authors Andrew Wells and Kathy Chiang detail the decision architecture methodology, describe its five phases and explain how the strategy drives data monetization. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2017
Unclouding: How one company reversed the cloud migration process
As cloud use matures, more companies are considering scaling back and starting a reverse cloud migration process. Here is one IT officer's 'unclouding' experience. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Mar 2017
The IT value stream and the quest for 'fast flow'
Business velocity has changed the approach to service delivery and the IT value stream. Achieving 'fast flow' through optimization of IT processes can enable better, faster IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2016
Data lake governance: A big data do or die
Data lake governance may not be a sexy undertaking, but it's become a critical component in modern data architecture, according to experts. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2016
Three key ingredients of any data lake implementation
A data lake implementation can provide enormous flexibility for analyzing all types of external and internal data -- but not without these three requirements. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Feb 2016
The four facets of an Agile PMO
The Agile project management office (PMO) leverages the centralized portfolio management team to deliver on projects and products faster, said Michael Nir, president and founder of Sapir Consulting ... Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2016
8 free IT budget plan templates for CIOs
Creating a reliable IT budget plan is no cinch, especially in today's digital age. Here, we've rounded up free, customizable IT budget templates to help. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2015
Writing a statement of work? Here's what you should include
A project's success can hinge on having clear and specific details about it. Download this free checklist to see critical elements of a statement of work. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2015
Free statement of work template examples for CIOs
Statements of work are critical in helping CIOs keep projects on track and meet business goals. Check out these free statement of work template examples. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2015
IT asset management strategy: License compliance and beyond
In this Q&A on IT asset management strategy, read up on what it's like to run afoul of software companies' license compliance requirements and how IoT will impact ITAM. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Oct 2015
Pixar president on why building a 'fail fast' culture is hard
The duality of failure, IBM's bet on cognitive computing, and the difference between a data officer and an analytics officer: The Data Mill reports. Continue Reading