Data center hardware and strategy
Data center hardware includes a broad range of devices. Hardware components that make up the IT infrastructure of a data center include servers and computing equipment, networking equipment and storage equipment, plus additional infrastructure to support it like power and cooling systems. Get insights into developing a data center hardware strategy.
Top Stories
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Opinion
07 Jul 2025
Virtualization alternatives and AI: Lessons from HPE Discover
IT vendors continue to deliver VMware alternatives and expand infrastructure systems they offer to support enterprise AI workloads. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2025
HPE launches software push with CloudOps bundle
At HPE Discover, the infrastructure vendor promises a 'great VM reset' on HPE Private Cloud and touts a new software push. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2025
HPE launches software push with CloudOps bundle
At HPE Discover, the infrastructure vendor promises a 'great VM reset' on HPE Private Cloud and touts a new software push. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2025
What is a qubit (quantum bit)?
A qubit, short for quantum bit, is the basic unit of information in quantum computing and the counterpart to the bit, or binary digit, in classical computing. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2025
Agentic AI at the core of HPE networking, GreenLake updates
The infrastructure titan launched several new products and services aimed at bolstering customers' appetite and abilities for AI workload optimization. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2025
HPE offerings dive into AI features and new bundle packages
The new HPE Cloud Ops Software suite bundles pieces of the vendor's private cloud data centering offerings, and HPE expands AI capabilities in software and hardware. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2025
Texas Instruments injects $60B into U.S. chip manufacturing
The company will partner with Nvidia, Apple, Ford, SpaceX and others to spur domestic semiconductor production. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2025
HPE doubles Nonstop server platform memory, bandwidth
The company says its latest releases will fuel efficiency for enterprise customers, with the help of Intel Xeon processors. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2025
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
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Tip
11 Jun 2025
Liquid and dry cooling in a water-stressed world
Liquid cooling efficiently manages AI-driven heat in data centers, but water scarcity poses challenges. Water restrictions force data centers to find alternative cooling methods. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2025
What is a storage filer?
A storage filer is a type of file server designed and programmed for high-volume data storage, backup or archiving. Continue Reading
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Podcast
03 Jun 2025
Exploring Nvidia's approach to AI factories
The AI hardware and software provider is focusing on building massive data centers that do everything in the AI lifecycle, from data ingestion to inferencing and fine-tuning. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 May 2025
AI and private cloud: 2 lessons from Dell Tech World 2025
Two key insights emerged for IT professionals around enterprise AI integration and private cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2025
Dell Technologies customers building real-world AI apps
Enterprises and nonprofits at Dell Tech World 2025 are already deploying advanced AI, as Dell Technologies readies a new wave of products to meet future demand. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 May 2025
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
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News
20 May 2025
Dell makes private cloud optionality a priority
Dell Technologies wants to enable automation and choice on its data center hardware, with third-party support for Dell NativeEdge and new software, including Dell Private Cloud. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2025
Dell Technologies CEO expects AI ubiquity in the enterprise
Michael Dell says he anticipates smaller, focused AI deployments for enterprise applications, but IT experts foresee challenges in adoption and security. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2025
Dell Technologies pitches its hardware for AI data centers
Servers, networking and storage hardware take center stage at Dell Technologies World 2025, as well as a tightly integrated offering with AI titans such as Nvidia and Google. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2025
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
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Definition
16 May 2025
What is an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and how does it work?
An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a part of a central processing unit (CPU) that carries out arithmetic and logic operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2025
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is a memory management technique where secondary memory can be used as if it were a part of the main memory. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2025
Nutanix platform may benefit from VMware customer unrest
Nutanix's Next 2025 conference attendees are jumping ship to the platform after Broadcom's VMware buy, as Nutanix executives plan enterprise-driven evolutions for the platform. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2025
Nutanix CEO talks customer challenges and platform updates
Many customers are still looking for a VMware exit and need a modernized platform, Nutanix President and CEO Rajiv Ramaswami says in this Q&A with Informa TechTarget. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2025
What is a capacitor (capacitance)?
A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores electrical charge. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2025
Complexities of integrating AI into legacy data centers
Integrating AI into legacy data center infrastructure is challenging. Increased heat and load require advanced cooling systems, structural adjustments and enhanced power capacity. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2025
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
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Definition
30 Apr 2025
What is an mSATA SSD (mSATA solid-state drive)?
An mSATA SSD is a solid-state drive that conforms to the mSATA interface specification developed by the Serial ATA (SATA) International Organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2025
What is a clustered network-attached storage (NAS) system?
A clustered network-attached storage (NAS) system is a scale-out storage platform made up of multiple NAS nodes networked together into a single cluster. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2025
Classical vs. quantum computing: What are the differences?
Classical and quantum computers differ in their computing capabilities, how they operate and the resources they need. Know the differences to plan for a quantum future. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Apr 2025
Explore the impact of quantum computing on cryptography
When quantum computers become more widely available, lots of encryption types will be vulnerable. Learn why, plus solutions and how to navigate a post-quantum cryptography world. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2025
Quantum AI: Explaining how it will impact the business world
Quantum computers could boost AI with faster training on big data and better problem-solving abilities. But combining the two in practical business applications could take years. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2025
What is a disk image?
A disk image is a compressed file that contains a copy of the entire contents of a computer's hard drive or other storage media, such as optical discs or solid-state drives. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2025
Google Cloud Platform adds WAN and on-premises AI services
A handful of infrastructure announcements for the Google Cloud Platform debut at Next 2025 including a Cloud WAN service, on-premises Gemini AI and new AI chips. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Apr 2025
The state of quantum computing: What businesses need to know
Quantum computing's potential and steady advancement make the technology worth investigating, but adopters still need to deal with conflicting claims and uncertain market timing. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Apr 2025
What is a side-channel attack?
A side-channel attack is a cybersecurity exploit that aims to gather information from or influence a system's program execution. It does this by measuring or exploiting indirect effects of the system or its hardware rather than directly targeting the program or its code. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2025
Broadcom VMware hardens vDefend, drops Tanzu branding in VCF
The VMware Cloud Foundation private cloud platform sheds the Tanzu branding for Kubernetes and adds new capabilities to vDefend, but are prices hikes coming? Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2025
Intel CEO Tan to revamp Intel development for AI
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan plans to leverage AI for semiconductor design, shed non-core assets and foster a culture of innovation to turn around Intel. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Apr 2025
Dell VxRail vs. Nutanix NX: HCI heavyweights square off
Compare Dell VxRail and Nutanix NX, leading hyperconverged infrastructure platforms, to understand their strengths and ideal applications to best fit your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Mar 2025
What is Nvidia?
Nvidia Corporation is a technology company known for designing and manufacturing graphics processing units (GPUs). Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2025
12 companies building quantum computers
Companies are building quantum computing capabilities in the software and hardware space. Twelve have contributed significant progress and offer capabilities for the future. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2025
What is a semiconductor, and what is it used for?
A semiconductor is a substance that can act as a conductor or insulator depending on other factors, enabling it to serve as a foundation for computers and other electronic devices. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2025
AMD teams up with Rapt AI to boost GPU performance for AI
AMD is partnering with Rapt AI to focus on workload management and performance optimization when running AI models on AMD's Instinct GPUs. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Mar 2025
What is direct-attached storage (DAS) and how does it work?
Direct-attached storage (DAS) is a type of data storage that is attached directly to a computer without going through a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Mar 2025
What is reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS)?
Reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) are related operational activities that must be considered when designing, manufacturing, purchasing and using a computer product or component. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2025
What are logic gates?
A logic gate is a device that acts as a building block for digital circuits. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2025
Quantum computer vs. supercomputer: Key differences
Quantum computers could someday outperform supercomputers by orders of magnitude. Compare speeds, capabilities and specialties, and get a look into a future that combines the two. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Mar 2025
What is pipelining?
Pipelining is the process of a computer processor executing computer instructions as separate stages. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2025
What is RAID (redundant array of independent disks)?
RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a way of storing the same data in different places on multiple hard disks or solid-state drives (SSDs) to protect data in the case of a drive failure. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2025
Intel appoints ex-Cadence CEO amid turnaround struggles
Intel appoints chip industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as the next CEO responsible for revitalizing the struggling chipmaker and transforming it into a contract manufacturer. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Mar 2025
What is a network interface card (NIC)?
A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component, typically a circuit board or chip, installed on a computer so it can connect to a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Mar 2025
What are optical disks and how do they work?
An optical disk is an electronic data storage medium that can be written to and read from using a low-powered laser beam. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2025
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
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Definition
04 Mar 2025
What is a router?
A router is a physical or virtual appliance that passes information between two or more packet-switched computer networks. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2025
Amazon, Google, Microsoft race for first in quantum computing
Amazon, Google and Microsoft prioritize quantum computing reliability for future enterprise applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2025
What is quantum in physics and computing?
A quantum, the singular form of quanta, is the smallest discrete unit of any physical entity. For example, a quantum of light is a photon, and a quantum of electricity is an electron. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2025
Nvidia reports strong Q4, prepares for new AI GPUs
Nvidia's revenue soared 78% to $39.3 billon, driven by strong AI GPU demand. With Blackwell's success, a more powerful variant launches later this year. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Feb 2025
What is RAID 0 (disk striping)?
RAID 0 (disk striping) is the process of dividing a body of data into blocks and spreading the data blocks across multiple storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), in a redundant array of independent disks group. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2025
What is RAID 5?
RAID 5 is a redundant array of independent disks configuration that uses disk striping with parity. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Feb 2025
What is hexadecimal numbering?
Hexadecimal is a numbering system that uses a base-16 representation for numeric values. It can be used to represent large numbers with fewer digits. Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2025
Microsoft unveils quantum chip Majorana 1 for future advances
Microsoft unveils Majorana 1, a quantum chip with 8 qubits, aiming for 1 million. It focuses on scalability for breakthroughs in various fields despite current challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2025
5 data center trends to watch in 2025
Data center trends for 2025 focus on sustainability and AI, highlighting energy demand, hyperscale data centers, innovative cooling methods, sustainable energy and edge computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Feb 2025
What is a supercomputer?
A supercomputer is a highly advanced computer that performs at or near the highest operational rate for computers. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2025
10 top AI hardware and chip-making companies in 2025
Due to rapid AI hardware advancement, companies release advanced products yearly to keep up with the competition. The new competitive product on the market is the AI chip. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Feb 2025
What is a motherboard?
A motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2025
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
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News
05 Feb 2025
AMD trims delivery time for MI350
AMD plans to send samples of the rack-scale AI chip to key customers in the current quarter. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2025
Intel axes Falcon Shores amid market challenges
Intel decides its limited resources would be better spent on Falcon Shores' successor, Jaguar Shores. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2025
VMware alternative vendors see 2025 as year to make a mark
Numerous KVM-derived hypervisors are competing to claim the title of VMware alternative among enterprise customers, but actual adoption rates are still a question. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2025
Intel Foundry gains new defense clients for 18A process
Intel Foundry secures defense contracts with Trusted Semiconductor Solutions and Reliable MicroSystems, highlighting confidence in its 18A manufacturing process. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2025
4 hyperconverged infrastructure trends for 2025
Hyperconverged infrastructure is rapidly changing. Read what HCI has to offer in 2025 and what projected growth it may have within the next couple of years. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2025
5 top colocation providers to watch in 2025
The market share leaders are poised to pursue more AI workloads in 2025, while also expanding their data center portfolios and addressing energy consumption issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2025
Is TEC the next data center cooling breakthrough?
Thermoelectric cooling uses semiconductors for efficient temperature control of IT equipment, while using less energy, but it has limitations in ambient cooling and scalability. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2025
Third-party VMware support for perpetual licenses growing
VMware support for perpetual licensed software by Broadcom may be dwindling, but third-party vendors are stepping up to fill the void. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jan 2025
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
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Definition
30 Dec 2024
What is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)?
A complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) is the semiconductor technology used in most of today's integrated circuits (ICs), also known as chips or microchips. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2024
What is quantum superposition?
Quantum superposition is the ability of a quantum system to act as if it is in multiple states at the same time until it is measured. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2024
What is the double-slit experiment?
The double-slit experiment is a 19th century investigation into the properties of light that has since been found to demonstrate the wave-particle duality of photons, electrons and other particle types, as well as other quantum properties, such as superposition and interference. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2024
What is quantum theory?
Quantum theory, or quantum mechanics, is the theoretical basis of modern physics that explains the nature and behavior of matter and energy on the subatomic level. Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2024
VMware by Broadcom changes to continue in 2025
After a year of lawsuits, customer confusion and a restructuring of the core business, VMware by Broadcom has much to prove in 2025 to avoid future irrelevancy in the data center. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2024
GPU scarcity shifts focus to GPUaaS
High GPU costs and scarcity drive users to GPUaaS for AI workloads. But businesses should assess needs before investing. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2024
Chip recycling: Addressing e-waste in the AI hardware industry
The surge in AI chip demand raises concerns about their materials and environmental impact. Sustainable sourcing and chip recycling initiatives are crucial for a greener future. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2024
Broadcom, AT&T settle lawsuit over VMware support
The companies have 'reached a settlement-in-principle,' but the telecom giant has indicated it's planning an exit from the virtualization platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Dec 2024
What is Secure Digital Extended Capacity card (SDXC)?
A Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) card is a very small flash memory card that has greater storage capacity than the original SD (Secure Digital) memory cards. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Dec 2024
What is memory management in a computer environment?
Memory management is the process of controlling and coordinating a computer's main memory. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2024
Understanding the impact of data center noise pollution
Data center noise pollution from generators and cooling systems disrupts nearby communities and affects health. Community concern raises demand to reduce noise levels. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Dec 2024
What is a diode?
A diode is a specialized electronic component, specifically a two-terminal semiconductor device, with two electrodes called the anode and the cathode. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2024
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger out; board searches for new CEO
Gelsinger's turnaround plans -- including layoffs, restructuring and foundries -- weren't enough to pull the company out of trouble. Continue Reading
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News
25 Nov 2024
AWS to offer native VMware service with license portability
AWS and Broadcom partner again to offer a new, native service within Amazon Virtual Private Cloud using existing VMware Cloud Foundation licenses. Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2024
HPC, supercomputing share stage with enterprise AI at SC24
AI's effects on supercomputing helped shift the focus toward enterprise demands at SC24, as vendors -- including Dell and HPE -- showcased new offerings. Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2024
Court asks AT&T, Broadcom to resolve VMware dispute
A New York State Supreme Court judge gave AT&T and Broadcom until Dec. 13 to file a settlement, which attorneys say is forthcoming despite recent negotiation spats. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2024
Nvidia Blackwell GPU production ramps up amid revenue surge
Nvidia's Blackwell GPU production is 'full steam' ahead as revenue surges with AI demand. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Nov 2024
What is a server?
A server is a computer program or device that provides a service to another computer program and its user, also known as the client. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2024
Object storage, VM offerings emerge for HPE GreenLake
HPE aims to attract new customers to its GreenLake ecosystem by launching standalone virtualization software. It also eyes AI ambitions with new object storage hardware. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2024
AMD layoffs follow AI job trend
AMD joins other tech companies in using layoffs to make room for AI talent. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2024
Projections and feasibility of data centers in space
Earth has a limited amount of land, and data centers occupy large amounts of it. Data centers in space would reduce land use and energy costs, while improving processing speeds. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2024
CHIPS Act expected to survive, change under Trump
Changes to the Biden administration's application guidelines for the CHIPS Act, some of which Republicans fought against, are likely. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2024
Broadcom unveils AI, networking features for VCF
Broadcom solidifies VMware Cloud Foundation's shift with a focus on AI and services, but experts wonder about future R&D. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2024
Intel beats expectations, but AI chip Gaudi disappoints
The overall uptake of Gaudi has been slower than the company anticipated. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2024
Liquid cooling's moment comes courtesy of AI
GPUs for AI workloads are driving up power demand and consumption. Liquid cooling companies are trying to address this issue with a growing and diverse arsenal. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2024
What is SRAM (static random access memory)?
SRAM (static RAM) is a type of random access memory (RAM) that retains data bits in its memory as long as power is being supplied. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2024
Intel, AMD form x86 group in effort to combat Arm
Intel and AMD are joining forces to retain market share and create seamless interoperability across hardware and software platforms. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2024
Broadcom, AT&T explore settling VMware pricing dispute
The two companies could settle a lawsuit related to a two-year extension for VMware support services. AT&T filed its complaint in August claiming breach of contract. Continue Reading