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• What is a configuration management database?

  A configuration management database (CMDB) is a file -- usually in the form of a standardized database -- that contains all relevant information about the hardware and software components used in an organization's IT services and the relationships ... Continue Reading

• data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE)

  Data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center by measuring what percentage of total facility power is consumed by IT equipment. Continue Reading

• unified computing system (UCS)

  A unified computing system (UCS) is a converged data center architecture that integrates computing, networking and storage resources to increase efficiency and enable centralized management. Continue Reading

• baffle

  In data center hot aisle containment, a baffle is anything that disturbs the flow of air through a room, rack or system. A baffle changes the course of airflow or redirects it. Continue Reading

• brownfield (brownfield deployment, brownfield site)

  A brownfield deployment, in information technology, is the installation and configuration of new hardware or software that must coexist with legacy IT systems. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is a configuration management database?
  • data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE)
  • unified computing system (UCS)
  • baffle

  • brownfield (brownfield deployment, brownfield site)
  • statistical mean, median, mode and range
  • job
  • What is a power distribution unit (PDU)?

  View All Definitions

• statistical mean, median, mode and range

  The terms mean, median, mode, and range describe properties of statistical distributions.Continue Reading

• job

  In certain computer operating systems, a job is the unit of work that a computer operator -- or a program called a job scheduler -- gives to the OS.Continue Reading

• Top 12 Linux certifications

  Choosing among Linux certifications can seem daunting, but there are differences to all options that can help you decide which is best for you and your organization.Continue Reading

• 8 things to know when switching from Windows to Linux

  Switching to Linux from Windows can present new challenges for beginner Linux admins. Here are eight tips to keep in mind when adopting a Linux OS if you've only used Windows.Continue Reading

• What is a power distribution unit (PDU)?

  A power distribution unit (PDU) is a device for controlling data center electrical power.Continue Reading

• What are the Uptime Institute's data center tier standards?

  Data center tiers are a system created by Uptime Institute LLC to describe the availability of infrastructure resources in a facility.Continue Reading

• What is PUE (power usage effectiveness)?

  Power usage effectiveness (PUE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center.Continue Reading

• What is computer room air conditioning (CRAC)? CRAC vs. CRAH unit differences?

  A computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit is a device that monitors and maintains the temperature, air distribution and humidity in a data center, network or server room.Continue Reading

• A guide to switch from Windows to Linux

  Switching from Windows to Linux can seem like a daunting task. Follow this guide to seamlessly migrate to Linux, from premigration practices to installation.Continue Reading

• Useful commands to check CPU info in Linux systems

  You can issue commands through your Linux CLI to gather CPU information, including detailed information on cores, class, virtualization support, architecture and usage.Continue Reading

• What is hyperconverged storage?

  Hyperconverged storage is a software-defined approach to storage management that combines storage, compute, virtualization and networking technologies in one physical unit that's managed as a single virtualized system.Continue Reading

• Single-tenant vs. multi-tenant cloud architecture

  Single-tenant and multi-tenant cloud architecture offer unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding both is crucial for selecting the best fit for your organization.Continue Reading

• What is Bash (Bourne Again Shell)?

  Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is the free and enhanced version of the Bourne shell distributed with Linux and GNU operating systems.Continue Reading

• What are hot and cold aisles in the data center?

  Hot and cold aisles in the data center are part of an energy-efficient layout for server racks and other computing equipment.Continue Reading

• 19 Linux performance monitoring utilities

  Monitoring Linux server performance is vital for optimal operation. System admins should consider these 19 performance monitoring utilities to ensure maximum server performance.Continue Reading

• What is total cost of ownership (TCO)?

  Total cost of ownership (TCO) is an estimation of the expenses associated with purchasing, deploying, managing, using and retiring IT assets, such as a product or piece of equipment.Continue Reading

• 6 sustainable resources to power data centers

  Data centers are using clean energy to sustainably run parts of the facility. Six sustainable energy options to consider are solar, wind, nuclear, tidal, hydrogen and geothermal.Continue Reading

• 8 IaC configuration file editors for admins to consider

  Configuration files are essential for app and OS functionality but managing them at scale can be challenging. Here are eight editors for admins to consider for their IaC setup.Continue Reading

• What is a green data center?

  A green data center is a repository for the storage, processing, management and dissemination of data in which the physical space and the mechanical and electrical subsystems are designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize the environmental ...Continue Reading

• What is data center infrastructure management (DCIM)?

  Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) is the convergence of IT infrastructure, operations and building facilities functions within an organization.Continue Reading

• What are COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS?

  COTS, MOTS, GOTS and NOTS are abbreviations that describe prepackaged software or -- less commonly -- hardware purchase alternatives. The four acronyms denote different classifications of software and hardware, each with its own unique ...Continue Reading

• How to use data center wind turbines for sustainable energy

  Wind power is a promising way for data centers to cut carbon footprints. Despite challenges, evolving technology offers efficient turbines for substantial electricity generation.Continue Reading

• How do CPU, GPU and DPU differ from one another?

  Data centers use three varieties of processing units: CPU, GPU and DPU. Learn the unique uses for each and how to use them in conjunction to speed up data center workloads.Continue Reading

• What is ISO 50001 (International Organization for Standardization 50001)?

  ISO 50001 (International Organization for Standardization 50001) is a voluntary standard for designing, implementing and maintaining an energy management system.Continue Reading

• What is hot spot/cold spot?

  A hot spot/cold spot is an undesirable, tightly focused local temperature variation that often occurs when data center equipment is improperly cooled.Continue Reading

• TOML vs. INI: Comparing configuration file formats

  Organizations are adopting TOML and INI for configuration due to their readability and simplicity. Compare the formats to see if one is best for your organization.Continue Reading

• What is Hitachi Vantara?

  Hitachi Vantara is a data storage systems provider, previously known as Hitachi Data Systems (HDS).Continue Reading

• What is a shell script and how does it work?

  A shell script is a text file that contains a sequence of commands for a Unix-based operating system (OS).Continue Reading

• Understand the power usage effectiveness metric

  Data center admins must monitor power efficiency through PUE metrics. There are three PUE levels, with PUE 1.0 as the best. However, various conditions can impact the rating.Continue Reading

• Data center cooling systems and technologies and how they work

  Extreme heat and cold can keep equipment from operating at peak efficiency. Explore cost-efficient and cost-effective cooling technologies and smart options for your facility.Continue Reading

• What is MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage)?

  MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) is an OS from IBM that continues to run on many of IBM's mainframe and large servers.Continue Reading

• What is a real-time operating system (RTOS)?

  A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an OS that guarantees real-time applications a certain capability within a specified deadline.Continue Reading

• What is infrastructure (IT infrastructure)?

  Infrastructure is the foundation or framework that supports a system or organization.Continue Reading

• What is a data center administrator (DCA)?

  A data center administrator (DCA) is an experienced IT professional who is responsible for overseeing data center operations.Continue Reading

• Calculate UPS battery backup time to prepare for power failure

  Extreme heat and inadequate cooling systems can lead to power failures in data centers. Calculate the duration of your UPS battery supply to prepare for backup power needs.Continue Reading

• What is ITIL? A guide to the IT Infrastructure Library

  ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a framework designed to standardize the selection, planning, delivery, maintenance and overall lifecycle of IT services within a business.Continue Reading

• What is continuous modeling (data center continuous modeling)?

  Continuous modeling is an approach to data center management that supplements infrastructure management (DCIM) tools with engineering simulation tools.Continue Reading

• What is National Electrical Code (NEC)?

  National Electrical Code (NEC) is a set of regularly updated standards for the safe installation of electric wiring in the Americas.Continue Reading

• What is JCL (job control language)?

  JCL (job control language) is a language for describing jobs to the Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS), OS/390 and Virtual Storage Extended (VSE) operating systems (OSes), which run on IBM's S/390 mainframe computers.Continue Reading

• What is parallel processing?

  Parallel processing is a method in computing of running two or more processors, or CPUs, to handle separate parts of an overall task.Continue Reading

• What is a kernel?

  A kernel is the essential foundation of a computer's operating system (OS). It's the core that provides basic services for all other parts of the OS.Continue Reading

• What is green computing?

  Green computing, also known as sustainable computing, is the use of computers and other computing devices and equipment in energy-efficient and eco-friendly ways.Continue Reading

• What is high availability (HA)? Definition and guide

  High availability (HA) is the ability of a system to operate continuously for a designated period of time even if components within the system fail.Continue Reading

• What is a software-defined data center (SDDC)?

  A software-defined data center (SDDC) is a server management concept in which all infrastructure elements -- networking, storage and compute -- are virtualized and delivered as a service.Continue Reading

• What is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?

  An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running for at least a short time when incoming power is interrupted.Continue Reading

• What is RPM Package Manager?

  RPM Package Manager (RPM), originally called the Red Hat Package Manager, is an open source program for installing, uninstalling and managing software packages in Linux.Continue Reading

• white box server

  A white box server is a data center computer that is not manufactured by a well-known name-brand vendor.Continue Reading

• supervisor call (SVC)

  In computers, especially IBM mainframes, a supervisor call (SVC) instruction is a processor instruction that directs the processor to pass control of the computer to the operating system's supervisor program.Continue Reading

• What is an automatic transfer switch?

  An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source.Continue Reading

• Understand the uses of blockchain in data centers

  Blockchain is most famous for its cryptocurrency applications, but data centers can employ it for a variety of business-related reasons -- including increased security.Continue Reading

• scalability

  In information technology, scalability (frequently spelled 'scaleability') has two uses: for a computer application to function with change in size and volume, and to take advantage of a rescale.Continue Reading

• field-replaceable unit (FRU)

  In electronic hardware, particularly computer systems, a field-replaceable unit (FRU) is a circuit board or part that can be easily removed and replaced by the user or technician without having to send the product or system to a repair facility.Continue Reading

• hardware clustering

  Hardware clustering, sometimes called OS clustering, is a hardware-based method of turning multiple servers into a cluster -- a group of servers that acts like a single system.Continue Reading

• twisted pair

  Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and business computers to a telephone company.Continue Reading

• boot loader (boot manager)

  A boot loader (boot manager) is a small program that places the operating system (OS) of a computer into memory.Continue Reading

• ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method)

  ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) is a file management system developed at IBM that enables records to be accessed either sequentially, in the order they were entered or randomly with an index.Continue Reading

• What is VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method)?

  Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) is an access method for IBM's mainframe operating system, MVS, now called z/OS.Continue Reading

• SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux)

  SELinux, or Security-Enhanced Linux, is a part of the Linux kernel that acts as a protective agent to the operating system.Continue Reading

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)

  SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a Linux-based server operating system created and maintained by the German-based organization, SUSE.Continue Reading

• Safeguard data center power with regular UPS maintenance

  There are several levels of testing to address when developing a UPS maintenance checklist. Be sure to conduct visual, thermal and load tests to verify UPS health.Continue Reading

• plenum

  In building construction, a plenum (pronounced PLEH-nuhm, from Latin meaning full) is a separate space provided for air circulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (sometimes referred to as HVAC).Continue Reading

• technological convergence

  Technological convergence is a term that describes bringing previously unrelated technologies together, often in a single device.Continue Reading

• information technology (IT)

  Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data.Continue Reading

• Nutanix

  Nutanix is a private and hybrid cloud software provider. It started as a hyperconverged infrastructure pioneer that now markets its technology as a building block for private clouds.Continue Reading

• PowerFlex (formerly ScaleIO)

  PowerFlex is a software-defined storage product from Dell EMC. It is available as software only or as a prebuilt Dell server or rack appliance.Continue Reading

• data center

  A data center is a facility composed of networked computers, storage systems and computing infrastructure that organizations use to assemble, process, store and disseminate large amounts of data.Continue Reading

• emergency power off (EPO) button

  The emergency power off button, also called an EPO switch or EPO panel, is a safety measure for quickly disconnecting electrical power to a particular piece of equipment or facility in the event of an emergency.Continue Reading

• single pane of glass

  A single pane of glass is a management console that presents data from multiple sources in a unified display.Continue Reading

• How to calculate data center cooling requirements

  Data center cooling requirements are affected by several factors, including the equipment's heat output, floor area, facility design and electrical system power rating.Continue Reading

• raceway

  A raceway, sometimes referred to as a raceway system, is an enclosed conduit that forms a physical pathway for electrical wiring.Continue Reading

• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

  Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the transfer of data from one computer system to another by standardized message formatting without the need for human intervention.Continue Reading

• GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment)

  GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment) is a graphical user interface (GUI) and set of computer desktop applications for Linux operating system (OS) users.Continue Reading

• epoch

  In a computing context, an epoch is the date and time relative to which a computer's clock and timestamp values are determined.Continue Reading

• free cooling

  Free cooling is an approach to lowering the air temperature in a building or data center by using naturally cool air or water instead of mechanical refrigeration.Continue Reading

• power cycling

  Power cycling is the process of turning hardware off and then turning it on again.Continue Reading

• e-cycling

  E-cycling, also known as 'electronic recycling,' is the reuse or recycling of used electronic materials to limit e-waste.Continue Reading

• building management system

  A building management system (BMS) is a control system that can be used to monitor and manage the mechanical, electrical and electromechanical services in a facility.Continue Reading

• How to install and run Podman on Rocky Linux

  Rocky Linux can run and install Podman, an open source Linux tool and competitor to Docker that uses containers to find, run and deploy applications. Run Podman on Rocky Linux now.Continue Reading

• Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe, PCI-E)

  Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe or PCI-E) is a serial expansion bus standard for connecting a computer to one or more peripheral devices.Continue Reading

• data center services

  Data center services provide the supporting components necessary to the proper operation of a data center.Continue Reading

• converged infrastructure

  Converged infrastructure, sometimes called 'converged architecture,' is an approach to data center management that packages compute, networking, servers, storage and virtualization tools into a prequalified set of IT hardware.Continue Reading

• Use Glances to monitor your data center systems

  Glances is a real-time, Python-based performance monitor. Administrators with data centers that house multiple OSes should consider installing Glances.Continue Reading

• workload

  In computing, a workload is typically any program or application that runs on a computer.Continue Reading

• An overview of containerized data centers and their benefits

  The rise in digital information is causing a shortage in data center storage space. Containerized data centers can be for permanent or temporary use.Continue Reading

• XML vs. YAML: Compare configuration file formats

  Databases use data serialization languages, like XML and YAML, to transfer data between applications. XML and YAML have different strengths; admins should know how to use each correctly.Continue Reading

• runlevel

  A runlevel is an operating state on a Unix and Unix-based operating system that is preset on the Linux-based system.Continue Reading

• What is hyperconverged infrastructure? Guide to HCI

  Hyperconverged infrastructure is a software-centric architecture that tightly integrates compute, storage and virtualization resources in a single system that usually consists of x86 hardware.Continue Reading

• colocation (colo)

  A colocation facility (colo) is a data center or telecommunications facility in which a business can rent space for servers, storage devices, and other computing and networking hardware.Continue Reading

• A primer on AI chip design

  Four common AI chips -- CPU, GPU, FPGA and ASIC -- are advancing with the current market for AI chip design. Read on to see what the future holds for AI chips.Continue Reading

• logical volume management (LVM)

  Logical volume management (LVM) is a form of storage virtualization that offers system administrators a more flexible approach to managing disk storage space than traditional partitioning.Continue Reading

• hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance)

  A hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance) is a hardware device that provides multiple data center management technologies within a single box.Continue Reading

• shell program

  A shell program is software that provides users with an interface for accessing services in the kernel.Continue Reading

• 8 Linux distributions to replace CentOS

  Red Hat's discontinuation of CentOS is causing individual users and companies to look elsewhere for an RHEL-compatible OS. Look into compatibility and migration tools to decide.Continue Reading

• Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL)

  An Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) is a category ranking assigned to an IT product or system after a Common Criteria security evaluation.Continue Reading

• How to upgrade RHEL 8 to 9

  With CentOS 7 and RHEL 7 reaching end of maintenance, RHEL admins and developers must look into other OS options. Follow this tutorial to upgrade from RHEL 8 to 9.Continue Reading