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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Tip
01 Jun 2023
Data center redundancy: The basics
Downtime can cost businesses thousands, and redundancy is one way to minimize disruptions. Assess uptime requirements when building redundancy in data center facilities. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 May 2023
Dell Apex updates support enterprise 'cloud to ground' moves
Dell's latest Apex updates puts the company in a position to capitalize on the hybrid, multi-cloud and edge computing needs of enterprises. Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2023
Dell enters generative AI market with Nvidia partnership
The initiative provides enterprises with both Dell servers and Nvidia's H100 GPUs and software. It could appeal to Dell users that want to create generative models on premises. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2023
6 data center migration best practices
Data center migrations can be a complex process. Use best practices when migrating a data center to ensure maximum uptime, avoid data loss and stay on schedule. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2023
Navigate Energy Star data center standard and certification
Organizations can use the Energy Star data center standard and certified assets to be more energy efficient. Consider Energy Star certification to preserve capital and save energy. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2023
Explore the impact of quantum computing on cryptography
When quantum computers become available, lots of encryption types will be vulnerable. Learn why, and what's being researched, to navigate post-quantum cryptography. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 May 2023
Aruba Atmosphere '23 emphasizes agility matters
HPE Aruba Networking positioned its Atmosphere conference as looking at what comes next, but the subtext was all about agility as the company tightens its integration. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2023
10 companies building quantum computers
Many companies big and small are building quantum computing capabilities in the software and hardware space. Here's what some offer and what they're building for the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2023
5 steps for mainframe migration
The complicated task of migrating time-tested mainframe environments calls for careful assessment, attention to technical details and thorough project planning. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2023
Tips to use the Cockpit web consoles
Admins that use Cockpit to manage Linux servers can use the web consoles to add users, build firewalls and perform other tasks. Use these web consoles to oversee your servers. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
Examine the benefits of data center consolidation
Many data centers have too many assets. Data center consolidation can help organizations make better use of assets, cut costs, and improve security and compliance. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Apr 2023
The era of the sustainable data center
Sustainability in product design is becoming important to organizations. In the age of sustainability in the data center, don't forget about energy efficiency in your messaging. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2023
Google touts AI supercomputer; Nvidia tops MLPerf 3.0 tests
Google added a little more heat to the AI supercomputing wars, revealing the latest details of its upcoming system positioned against that of market leader Nvidia. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2023
IBM's rack mount Z16 mainframe targets edge computing
IBM's new rack mount Z16 mainframe gives edge locations the ability to process workloads locally, taking the burden off systems running workloads in larger data centers. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2023
Nvidia DGX Quantum system blends CPUs, GPUs with CUDA
Nvidia and Quantum Machines deliver a new architecture that combines CPUs and GPUs with quantum technologies. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Mar 2023
App modernization, mainframe, microservices: IBM event recap
At the recent IBM Infrastructure Analyst Event, IBM announced advances in IBM zSystems for AI, app architecture and other areas to help businesses achieve their goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
How to prepare for the next version of Exchange Server
The Exchange Server roadmap charts several twists and turns that shows Microsoft deviating from its typical course with the server-based email platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2023
ASHRAE standard 90.4 updates emphasize green energy
New addenda to ASHRAE 90.4 simplify mechanical load component calculations and modify the definition of UPS, among other changes. Use the updates to guide green data center design. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2023
New Microsoft Azure VMs target generative AI developers
Generative AI app developers can soon access the supercomputing infrastructure they need through Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2023
8 green computing best practices
As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, these sustainability best practices can help your data center go greener, which benefits both your business and the environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2023
A primer on hyperscale data centers
Hyperscale data centers can hold thousands of servers and process much more data than an enterprise facility. However, they can be difficult to build and maintain. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2023
Get familiar with who builds 5G infrastructure
Organizations that build 5G data centers may need to upgrade their infrastructure. These 5G providers offer products like virtual RAN options, wireless access routers and others. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2023
IBM drops from top spot in patents, surpassed by Samsung
IBM lost its title as patent king to Samsung, which had more than 8,500 patents approved in 2022. One reason cited is IBM's transformation to a software and services company. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2023
Words to go: 6 key data center sustainability metrics
When organizations go green in their data center, they will have to measure the facility's efficiency and environmental impact. Use sustainability metrics to get started. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
AMD lifts optimism for the chip market with upbeat earnings
AMD reported a rise in fourth-quarter revenue, along with expectations for a much-needed surge in demand for PCs in the second half of 2023. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2023
Intel revenue drops again; company to speed up next-gen chips
Dogged by stalled PC sales and tighter IT spending, Intel once again reported down revenues. CEO Pat Gelsinger highlighted progress and plans to remedy the issue. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2023
Dell's next-generation PowerEdge servers target AI inferencing
Dell has delivered versions of its PowerEdge servers using Intel's 4th Gen Xeon Scalable processors and AMD's EPYC chips. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2023
Nvidia, Intel team up on energy efficient AI server
Nvidia and Intel go from competitors to partners by jointly developing a system designed to push heavy AI workloads and offer users significant energy savings. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2023
Data center environmental controls a high priority for admins
More data growth and tightening financial conditions are coming. Protect data center assets in 2023 through environmental controls like cooling, humidity and others. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2022
Quantum data centers might be the way of the future
Quantum computing has lots of potential for high compute applications. But the technology is still in the early stages, so it may be a while before more data centers adopt it. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2022
Learn different data lake vs. data warehouse uses
Data lakes and data warehouses both store big data. When choosing a lake or warehouse, consider factors such as cost and what insights or analytics you need to gain from the data. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2022
Classical vs. quantum computing: What are the differences?
Classical and quantum computers have many differences in their compute capabilities and operational traits. Know their differences to help prepare data centers. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2022
Key differences between BICSI and TIA/EIA standards
Data center standards help organizations design facilities for efficiency and safety. Organizations can use BICSI and TIA standards as guidance for data center design. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2022
Learn what SDN data center controllers do in a network
In a software-defined network, SDN data center controllers are a crucial component. Consider factors such as performance and compatibility when examining controller options. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2022
HPE's low-end supercomputers take aim at the AI market
HPE rolls out lower-cost supercomputers designed to handle complex AI-based workloads. Dell looks to meet its longtime rival in the middle with its highest-end HPC offering. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2022
Include VXLANs in data centers for quicker network speeds
VXLANs add network isolation and enable organizations to scale data center networks more efficiently. Consider VXLANs to expand a data center network and improve performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2022
Best practices for data center network optimization
Data center network optimization can improve business impact and promote long-term equipment health. Look to pilot new equipment, consolidate servers and improve energy efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Sep 2022
How to use file server reporting in FSRM
File server reporting within File Server Resource Manager can help admins identify problems and then troubleshoot Windows servers. This tutorial outlines how to generate reports. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2022
Intel expands Developer Cloud, updates GPUs, CPUs
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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News
15 Sep 2022
Arm Neoverse roadmap targets enterprise infrastructure, cloud
Arm's roadmap for Neoverse V2 core is designed to handle 5G, HPC and edge workloads. Nvidia will incorporate the offering in its Grace data center chip in 2023. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
IBM targets energy-saving mainframes at Linux users
IBMs new generation of Linux-based mainframes can significantly reduce energy use for companies willing to replace x86 servers with proprietary systems. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
22 Aug 2022
How to implement file classification in file servers
File classification with File Server Resource Manager enables admins to classify and organize data. This tutorial shows how to implement and manage file classifications. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2022
Semiconductor companies face a long road back to growth
Even with government money soon headed their way, top-tier semiconductor companies will still have to deal with a range of challenges, from falling PC sales to material shortages. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2022
CHIPS and Science Act boosts U.S. technology investment
Agencies including the National Science Foundation will receive a significant increase in funding from the CHIPS and Science Act to research and develop new technologies. 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
22 Jul 2022
CHIPS Act takes step forward on long road to production
If Congress approves the CHIPS Act, it will funnel billions into domestic chip production and provide companies like Intel and TSMC with tax breaks to build U.S. facilities. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
Nvidia QODA platform integrates quantum, classical computing
Nvidia's QODA platform bridges the chasm between quantum and classical environments. It could set the stage for quantum applications leveraging existing GPU and AI technologies. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
IBM debuts low-end Power10 servers, pay-as-you-go plan
IBM's new line of lower-end Power servers packs more processing power for smaller IT shops to deliver AI services faster, with a pay-as-you-go plan. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2022
HPE GreenLake achieves everything as a service
The latest version of HPE GreenLake has realized the vision of everything as a service, although customers are still figuring out the new way to consume infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2022
HPE GreenLake updates aim for public cloud-like simplicity
HPE GreenLake has been simplified to feel more like a public cloud while making management of VMs across hybrid clouds more consistent. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2022
New HPE ProLiant servers with Arm target energy savings
The new HPE ProLiant system incorporates the Ampere Altra and Ampere Altra Max cloud-native processors with the goal of energy and cost savings. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2022
Words to go: Learn basic Linux terminology
What is a distro? What does swappiness mean? How are Xen and KVM different from one another? Familiarize yourself with basic Linux terminology for beginner users. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2022
Understand the rise in leaf-spine architecture
Leaf-spine networks can help cut costs, reduce carbon footprints and optimize network traffic for data centers. Learn why this network architecture is on the rise. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2022
Broadcom's acquire-and-axe history concerns VMware users
VMware users are taking a wait-and-see stance on the Broadcom acquisition, keeping their fingers crossed that Broadcom remains committed to investing in innovation. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Quantinuum quantum systems now support parallel operations
Quantinuum has added parallel processing capabilities to its H1-1 quantum system making it more suitable for solving complex tasks involving cybersecurity and optimization. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Jun 2022
What's the current state of quantum computing?
As quantum computing comes closer to being a reality, learn how this style of computing can coexist with traditional computing. Discover major players and key use cases. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
Broadcom buys VMware in a $61B acquisition deal
As part of the deal, Broadcom Software Group will rebrand and operate as VMware, combining its existing infrastructure and security software into VMware's portfolio. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2022
Evaluate 5G networks vs. 4G for data centers
5G networking requires organizations and data centers to support IoT, while 4G requires increased machinery. Learn more about the differences between 5G and 4G for data centers. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2022
Intel's data center strategy rests on accelerator chips
Intel will release three generations of 200 GB, 400 GB and 800 GB infrastructure processing units over the next four years. The first two generations will include ASICs and FPGAs. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2022
IBM pledges to push boundaries in quantum computer roadmap
IBM revised its quantum computing roadmap with a 4,000-qubit system by 2025 and unveiled its Modular Quantum Computing initiative to support multiprocessor systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2022
Explore liquid cooling for data centers
Discover the different classifications of liquid cooling -- such as direct-to-chip, liquid immersion or rear-door heat exchangers -- before adopting it in your data center. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2022
Dell to ship all-NVMe version of VxRail for Project Monterey
Dell plans to ship an all-NVMe version of VxRail that will be the first hyper-converged system to work with VMware's Project Monterey, scheduled for release this summer. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2022
IBM spruces up iSeries with cloud app dev tools
IBM's new version of the iSeries OS is tightly integrated with OpenShift and includes new tools to help iSeries developers modernize legacy apps for the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2022
Break down types of data center storage
Data centers should consider alternate varieties of storage for different uses. Explore hybrid storage arrays, virtual storage, cloud storage and on-premises architecture. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2022
New IBM Z mainframe blunts quantum cyber attacks
Looking to compete with AI-based supercomputer vendors, IBM unveiled a Z mainframe armed with new AI features and security that deflects attacks launched from quantum computers. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2022
Intel acquires Granulate to boost cloud workload speeds
To improve performance of workloads spanning multiple clouds and on-premises environments, Intel acquired Granulate Cloud Solutions, specialists in autonomous optimization tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2022
Discover disaster recovery and backup for edge networks
Proper backup and DR at the edge requires an awareness of the specific challenges edge devices present, and appropriate plans and tooling to help ease management. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2022
CHIPS Act moves the needle on US chip manufacturing
Not only does the CHIPS Act funnel billions into U.S. semiconductor chip manufacturing, it reflects a major change in how U.S. lawmakers view industrial policy, experts say. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2022
Using digital twins simulation to reduce risks in industry
Whether it's fighting wildfires or working in a warehouse, people often encounter dangerous working conditions. Researchers are using digital twin simulation to counter those risks. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2022
Nvidia beefs up its line of AI supercomputers, chips
Nvidia rolls out a new GPU architecture, supercomputers and chips that in concert will aid developers in creating the hardware foundation for the next generation of AI applications and services. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2022
Intel's aggressive processor roadmap has some bumps ahead
Intel is optimistic its processor roadmap can put the company back on top, but the company faces the challenging prospect of balancing short-term costs with long-term competitiveness. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Mar 2022
What do GPUs do in your data center?
Though developed to handle complex graphics rendering calculations, GPUs now handle a variety of tasks in the data center. Learn what they can do for you. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2022
Kyndryl revenue slides, company lays out plans for growth
IBM spinoff Kyndryl reported revenue was down in 2021, but expects three cloud partnerships and a focus on growing markets to change that. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2022
11 key considerations prior to a data center upgrade
When you upgrade your data center, know the 11 key steps you must take to ensure neat migrations, good availability, continued security and limited downtime. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2022
Intel expands chip-making capacity with Tower acquisition
Intel continues its aggressive push in the processor market by purchasing Tower Semiconductor, which makes chips for a variety of consumer and industrial products. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2022
Nutanix streamlines its HCI, cloud portfolio for ease of use
Nutanix has slimmed down its portfolio by repackaging its HCI and cloud platforms to include support for VMs and containers in private data centers and public clouds. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2022
IBM Z as a service brings mainframes closer to hybrid clouds
Responding to demands to modernize mainframe environments, IBM delivered its Z as a service and a new software stack that brings mainframes and hybrid clouds closer together. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Feb 2022
How can data centers support a remote workplace?
Remote work presents a variety of challenges to businesses. Here's what an organization can do to provide adequate resources for its at-home workers and admins. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2022
Nvidia Arm deal another step closer to -- death?
Negotiations of the long-awaited Nvidia acquisition of Arm Ltd. have come to a halt with rumors of Nvidia telling partners they can't come to agreement on a deal. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2022
IBM hybrid cloud strategy driving revenue growth
IBM revenue for its hybrid cloud business showed little indication of slowing down, with the company reporting sales of $6.2 billion for the fourth quarter and $20 billion for 2021. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jan 2022
Miami Dolphins add Dell VxRail to digital transformation project
Looking to enrich the experience of fans, the Miami Dolphins have embarked on an aggressive digital transformation project involving new Dell HCI and storage infrastructure systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2021
Nutanix CEO Ramaswami talks HCI, 'invisible' cloud strategy
Former VMware executive Rajiv Ramaswami remains embroiled in the VMware-Nutanix hybrid cloud war, but now he plays for the other team with an updated plan and vision moving forward. Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2021
IBM, Samsung to deliver new energy-saving chip design
Looking to bolster its position in the next-generation chip competition, IBM unveiled a new design that allows chips to be stacked vertically, adding power and energy savings. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2021
Recent quantum computing advances point to brighter future
The past year saw a handful of breakthrough technologies from IBM and Honeywell, bringing the future promises of quantum computing closer to a present-day reality. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2021
Cambridge Quantum delivers first quantum encryption keys
Cambridge Quantum, newly merged with Honeywell's Quantum Solutions division, has debuted the first as-a-service cryptographic key generator for quantum computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Dec 2021
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 use cases for each, and how to use them in conjunction to accelerate data center workloads. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2021
Compare Hadoop vs. Spark vs. Kafka for your big data strategy
Learn more about these three big data frameworks and what use case best suits each one. You might also examine options such as Apache Hive, Flink and Storm. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2021
IBM details Kyndryl spinoff, business reorg and earnings
IBM's third-quarter earnings report was a mixed bag, with overall cloud revenues continuing to rise, and server hardware showing a sharp downturn. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2021
Bust latency with monitoring practices and tools
Improve latency across your data center's infrastructure by exploring its causes, a handful of best practices and tools you can implement to improve speed and responsiveness. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2021
Nutanix Cloud Platform, AOS 6 improve networking, security
Nutanix debuted a new version of its AOS operating system along with new networking features, looking to boost its chances in the increasingly crowded hybrid cloud market. Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2021
IBM's first Power10 server tailored for hybrid clouds
IBM has moved closer to achieving a frictionless hybrid cloud model with its first Power10 server. The new system comes loaded with a variety of security technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Sep 2021
7 major server hardware components you should know
Even with software-based data center options, it's still important to know the physical components of a server. Check out these terms to refresh your memory. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Sep 2021
Learn the difference between SMP vs. MPP
Learn the differences between the main modes of multiprocessing: SMP, AMP and MPP. Each has a distinct use case that makes it suited for different data centers and organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2021
5 considerations for proper mainframe decommissioning
As organizations decide to retire mainframe systems, IT pros should develop a plan that addresses application migration, program replatforming, data security and hardware removal. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2021
IBM boosts AI speed, security on next-gen mainframe processor
Hoping to make the mainframe more relevant to users implementing AI, IBM plans to introduce next year a processor that runs AI applications faster and with better security. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Aug 2021
Learn the major types of server hardware and their pros and cons
Servers protect data, centralize resources and enable remote worker productivity, but buyers must understand which server types works best for their data center. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2021
UK banking giant doubles down on IBM z15 mainframes
Responding to users demands for dependable access to banking services, Nationwide Building Society continued its commitment to IBM's Z series of mainframes upgrading to the z15. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2021
IBM z/OS V2.5 integrates mainframes with hybrid clouds, AI
Bringing mainframes deeper into the hybrid cloud mix, IBM delivered an updated version of z/OS that makes it easier for IT pros to modernize applications and improve security. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2021
Purported Intel-GlobalFoundries deal targets chip shortage
Hoping to build its chip production to better compete with TSCM and Samsung, Intel is rumored to be making a bid to acquire GlobalFoundries for $30 billion, among other moves. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
DPU market heats up with tech from Nvidia, Intel
Nvidia will integrate its Bluefield-2 DPU with Palo Alto Network's virtual firewall to boost performance and offer better security to handle the onslaught of cloud applications. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jul 2021
Whitehurst out as IBM president amid executive changes
Top executives leading IBM have moved, including IBM president Jim Whitehurst, and the company has added a new face to its systems business, recruited from HPE. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2021
4 key ways to prevent server sprawl
Take steps to cut back on costly and hard-to-manage server sprawl: consolidate your hardware, virtualize your servers, consider software-defined infrastructure and stay organized. Continue Reading