MSP technology services
Tips on IT service delivery approaches and features on building lines of business to meet customers' digital transformation needs.
Top Stories
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Tip
04 Mar 2025
How to troubleshoot common routing errors
It's important to troubleshoot routing errors to minimize network disruptions. Common errors rooted in BGP and OSPF include misconfigurations and various unmet neighbor requirements. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2024
For Sharp HealthCare, cloud technology comes with autonomy
Sharp HealthCare's cloud strategy spans public, private and SaaS platforms to reduce vendor dependency and emphasizes knowledge transfer with its deployment partner. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jul 2020
Unified communications consulting, implementation heat up
Channel partners provide a range of offerings in the unified communications market, from workplace analytics to entire product suites. Cloud conferencing is driving growth. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2020
Dell Technologies partner strategy persists during pandemic
Coming out of mixed first-quarter results, Dell Technologies said it plans to stay the course with its channel partner strategy. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2020
Cohesity service providers gain pay-per-use pricing
Cohesity's new pricing model lets cloud and managed service providers consume the company's data management offerings based on a commitment as low as $2,000 per month. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2020
Gartner forecasts near 20% growth for public cloud services
Gartner's latest research predicts an uptick in cloud spending, spurred by demand for public cloud services and cloud-based communications; more channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2020
5G opportunities for channel partners yet to take shape
At the beginning of 2020, many aspects of 5G technology remain abstract, but channel partners can benefit by preparing their customers for future deployments. Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2019
Accenture cloud tool aims to shorten decision cycle
Consulting firm Accenture has launched a cloud tool that industry watchers find interesting for its simulation capabilities and potential to speed up adoption. Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2019
TCS, Microsoft aim for intelligent cloud, edge
Tata Consultancy Services' Microsoft Business Unit is one of a handful of such IT services entities focused on the software giant; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2019
CPaaS market could boost partners with the right skills
Channel companies that want to become CPaaS partners should expect to encounter a new set of buyers, a rapidly changing technology and the need for coding skills. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2019
PDU-UPS evolves slowly, offers partners modularity
Data center power infrastructure may not be the epicenter of IT innovation, but channel partners see vendors providing modularity, customization options and redundancy features. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2019
Hosted private cloud speeds Epic EMR system rollout
A healthcare firm faced the daunting deadline challenge of deploying an Epic EMR system in eight months. US Signal's hosted private cloud helped the client beat the clock. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Feb 2019
How to manage Windows 7 user accounts and groups
Whether your customers operate in a workgroup or a domain/Active Directory environment, user account setup and group memberships control their rights, permissions and roles. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2018
Colo vendors, MSPs explore new data center cooling methods
Unconventional cooling methods, such as evaporative cooling and data center liquid cooling, provide alternatives to traditional computer room air conditioning systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2018
Network design checklist: How to design a local area network
Local area network design considerations for IT consultants range from IP default gateway redundancy to device standardization. Browse these tips iIf you are building a LAN. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Oct 2018
hosted services
Hosted services are applications, IT infrastructure components or functions that organizations access from external service providers, typically through an internet connection. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
Hardware makers discuss tariff effects at channel event
Hardware vendors aim to mitigate the effects of the Trump administration's tariffs on imported Chinese goods, using such strategies as tariff engineering. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Aug 2018
Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions boost channel
Hyper-converged infrastructure technology has become a core part of channel partners' technology portfolios, but customer requirements still call for traditional storage gear. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jul 2018
White-label cloud marketplaces become valuable tool for MSPs
MSPs are tapping cloud-based commerce platforms to bolster sales and marketing. Find out about using white-label cloud marketplaces and popular online shops run by AWS and Google. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2018
managed hosting
Managed hosting is an IT provisioning model in which a service provider leases dedicated servers and associated hardware to a single customer and manages those systems on the customer's behalf. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jul 2018
Mobile management services offer SI, reseller opportunities
Mobile lifecycle management services offer opportunities for a range of companies, including resellers, systems integrators, outsourcers and communications service providers. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Marketing for MSP companies: Still a struggle
While managed service providers continue to struggle with marketing, the list of vendors committing to the channel sales model continues to grow; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Oct 2016
Salesforce telehealth system lets channel add real-time video, audio
Salesforce's telehealth tool, built on top of its Health Cloud platform, offers partners the ability to add real-time video and audio to their healthcare vertical offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2012
Unified storage architecture approaches: Modular vs. integrated
Find out what the considerations are for VARs with customers looking for both file and block storage in a single device. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2012
Cloning virtual machines in vCenter Server
Learn how to identify and clone virtual machines in vCenter Server, from the parameter selection in vSphere 5 to the actual steps to creating the clone. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Oct 2011
Using AuditPol to audit Windows users and set policies
Solution providers may find value in the AuditPol utility for auditing and organizing Windows users, setting policies and configuring settings such as user privileges. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Apr 2011
Forming a vSphere upgrade strategy: Upgrading vCenter Server and ESX, ESXi
During the vSphere upgrade process you will need to upgrade your customer’s vCenter Server, ESX and ESXi hosts and virtual machines. Get the best upgrade methods in this chapter excerpt. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Mar 2011
Configuring, implementing Logical Domains in Oracle Solaris 10
Learn what separates Logical Domains from other hypervisors and use this excerpt to find out all the relevant information for VARs on domain implementation and configuration. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Feb 2011
Enabling VMware HA, DRS: Advanced vSphere features
Learn how to configure vSphere features such as VMware HA and DRS that will ease VM management if a host failure occurs and help balance resources in your customer's environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Feb 2011
VSphere Fault Tolerance requirements and FT logging
To provide continuous availability for a VM in case of a host failure, you'll need a strong understanding of VSphere Fault Tolerance (FT) requirements and FT logging. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Nov 2010
How to use nsswitch.com to find Linux system information
In this chapter excerpt, learn to find information in your customers' Linux systems by using nsswitch.conf to search for information types, including netgroups or networks, and method searches such as dns or nis. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Nov 2010
Linux DHCP server and client: Configuration and deployment
DHCP offers several benefits that you can't get from storing network configuration information in local files. Learn the best practices for a successful Linux-based DHCP server and DHCP client configuration and deployment. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2010
Exchange Management Shell, Queue Viewer: Message tracking tools
Learn how Exchange 2010 message tracking tools, such as Queue Viewer, allow solution providers to uncover potential mail flow issues in their customers' Exchange Server 2010 systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2010
Monitoring Exchange Server 2010 : Using event logs, ExBPA
Using the Exchange Best Practices Analyzer (ExBPA) for an Exchange health check and monitoring event logs will help keep Exchange Server 2010 at peak performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Oct 2010
MMC console management: Adding Windows 7 snap-ins
From ActiveX Control to Task Scheduler, there are many Windows 7 snap-ins available. Check out the different user and configuration settings that manage a customer's MMC console. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2010
Windows task manager: Viewing Windows 7 processes and applications
If applications or processes in a customer's Windows 7 operating system aren't responding, you can use the task manager to view, end and restart them. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2010
How to save Perfmon data using Windows 7 performance monitor
There is a great deal of performance data to sort through in Windows 7, but the performance monitor uses data collector sets to allow you to view and analyze collected data. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2010
Using system properties to configure Windows 7 options
The system properties dialogue box in Windows 7 is split up into five tabs that let you change your customer's computer name or dual-boot settings. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Jul 2010
Snort Tutorial: How to use Snort intrusion detection resources
In this Snort Tutorial, you will receive advice from the experts on Snort rules, installation best practices and unified output. You will learn how to use Snort, how to test Snort and how to upgrade to different versions of the intrusion detection tool, like Snort 3.0. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jul 2010
Windows 7 administrative tools: Creating shortcuts
Windows 7 administrative tools such as the iSCSI Initiator may be under your radar, but you can use them to help customers more easily manage everyday tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jul 2010
Using Microsoft Cluster Services for virtual machine clustering
Microsoft Cluster Services are useful for the different virtual machine (VM) clustering scenarios that are available, such as cluster in a box, and help with cluster node creation. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2010
Windows 7 compatibility: Solving Hardware, software issues
Windows 7 compatibility has improved over previous Windows versions, especially when it comes to finding and installing hardware easily, and overcoming software incompatibilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jun 2010
VCenter Server installation requirements
Properly preparing for a vCenter Server installation involves identifying hardware, operating system, database and networking requirements before implementation. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 May 2010
The director switch: Basic SAN switch, plus scalability and high availability
One director-class switch can supplant multiple SAN switches and deliver scalability, high availability and a number of advanced features for Fibre Channel SANs. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2010
Open source Xen vs. Citrix XenServer
Our expert compares the three major open source Xen contenders with Citrix XenServer to help you determine which Xen management product is best for your customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2010
Exchange Server 2010 requirements: Hardware, Active Directory
You should know the hardware and Active Directory requirements for Exchange Server 2010 before deployment, including the memory needed and global catalog server placement. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2010
Remote Desktop Services: Server and client requirements
In this article, you'll learn about Remote Desktop Services server and client requirements and how to retrieve information on the RDS server using the Performance Monitor tool. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2010
New virtual machine management using VMM, PowerShell
Use this chapter excerpt to get tips for new virtual machine management, including how to add a managed host to Virtual Machine Manager by using PowerShell scripts. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2010
Using Windows PowerShell scripts for task automation
Solutions providers will find that executing Windows PowerShell scripts for task automation will make jobs, such as creating virtual machines or consolidating old servers, easier. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2010
Resolving a Windows 7 crash or freeze
This FAQ helps solutions providers give users the best assistance when Windows 7 issues arise, such as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), crashes and random freezes. Continue Reading
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News
28 Dec 2009
Steps to building a cloud storage services business
Hosting your own cloud storage services holds the promise of a greater reward than simply reselling another provider's services. Learn the steps for putting together a cloud storage services business. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2009
Monitoring vSphere performance with command-line tools
Use this chapter excerpt to learn about VMware's command-line utilities that can help solutions providers with monitoring customers' performance and resource usage. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2009
Monitoring vSphere performance with vCenter Server performance graphs
vCenter Server's performance graphs provide solutions providers with detailed information on vSphere performance, including CPU, memory, disk, network and system data. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2009
Monitoring VMware vSphere performance using alarms
Find out how to create and manage alarms using vCenter Server and learn the steps to configuring vCenter Server for email and notifications. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2009
Monitoring vSphere CPU and memory usage
Use this chapter excerpt to learn how to create real-time graphs for virtual machines, CPU consumption and memory usage. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2009
Windows 7 command-line tools and programs
Learning how to use Windows 7 command-line tools and programs can help solutions providers perform maintenance, configuration and diagnostic tasks for customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2009
Setting Windows 7 environment variables
This chapter excerpt can teach you how to use Windows 7 environmental variables to locate your customers' system files and folders. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2009
Installing and managing Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core
Follow the necessary steps to install Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core and learn how to remotely manage your customers' Hyper-V environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2009
Monitoring Hyper-V performance and utilizing System Center VMM
See the benefits of monitoring Hyper-V performance and utilizing System Center Virtual Machine Manager, including centralized management and organized placement of virtual machines. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2009
FAQ: Windows 7 hardware requirements and compatibility
Use this FAQ to learn about Windows 7 hardware requirements and notebook compatibility factors, and find out when you should recommend 32-bit vs. 64-bit architecture. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2009
WIndows 7 dual monitor not working? Read these tips
Use this chapter excerpt to get rules, tips and troubleshooting advice for setting up dual monitors in Windows 7 and adding a secondary display adapter. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2009
Adding and removing Windows 7 hardware
Use this chapter excerpt to become an expert on adding PnP and non-PnP hardware. You'll also get tips on providing drivers for hardware, troubleshooting and removing hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2009
Installing, configuring and testing a UPS for Windows 7
This chapter excerpt teaches you how to choose a UPS for multiple Windows 7 workstations and provides step-by-step processes for UPS installation, configuration and testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2009
Key concepts for server, storage and client virtualization
This chapter excerpt explores the different aspects of IT virtualization, such as server, storage and client virtualization, and covers virtual servers and virtual data storage. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2009
Windows 7 virtual memory performance optimization
In order to ensure virtual memory performance optimization in Win 7, you need to consider page file customization techniques, location, size, how to split a page file and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2009
Windows 7 performance monitoring tools
Use updated tools such as Performance Monitor, Resource Monitor or Task Manager to focus on specific performance aspects and capabilities while enhancing and measuring system performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jul 2009
Configuring virtual networking for Microsoft Hyper-V
In this chapter excerpt from "MCTS: Windows Server Virtualization Configuration Study Guide: (Exam 70-652)," you'll learn about the various tools that can help with virtual networking configuration tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Dec 2008
VMware ESX essentials: Fibre Channel and iSCSI
This section of our chapter excerpt on storage from the book "VMware ESX Essentials in the Virtual Data Center" explains the differences between Fibre Channel and iSCSI as well as the configurations a client is able to use when working with VMware ESX. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2008
Network virtualization explained
Virtualization has moved beyond just server and storage capacities and now encompasses the network as well. Learn about network virtualization considerations to understand before deployment, some major opportunities in network virtualization for solution providers and how to take advantage of these opportunities. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Dec 2008
Implement access control systems successfully in your organization
Access control is an important step toward mitigating an organization's security risks. Learn the importance of an access control system and how to implement it successfully. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2008
Network design documentation
Inadequate network documentation can lead to a multitude of problems for solution providers. Learn the importance of network documentation and what network design documentation a solution provider needs from customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2008
Network design considerations checklist for providers
There are many network design considerations that every solution provider should take into account before embarking on a network design project. Knowing these trends and caveats will help you make the best network design planning and network design choices for your customer. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Oct 2008
Configuring privilege levels
This section of the chapter excerpt focuses on supporting multiple administrative levels of router configuration. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2008
Channel Explained: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
VoIP has emerged as a convenient, reliable and cost-effective network option for businesses of all sizes. In this Channel Explained you'll learn how VoIP works, what to consider before deploying it in a company, and how to take advantage of the multitude of channel opportunities available for this technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Aug 2008
Securing Windows Server 2008: Installing and turning on BitLocker
Aaron Tiensivu covers steps for installing and turning on BitLocker in Windows Server 2008 in this chapter excerpt. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2008
Network IDS/IPS vendors
Before deciding on a network intrusion detection or intrusion prevention system (IDS/IPS), check out this Partner Program Directory. Use these checklists to compare partner programs of network IDS/IPS vendors. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Jun 2008
How to install a certificate on a Windows Vista client
Learn how to install a certificate onto a Windows Vista client after downloading the certificate from the enterprise certificate authority. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2008
Cisco Unified Communications Manager licensing
This section of the chapter excerpt focuses on the certification and licensing opportunities of Cisco Unified Communications Manager. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2008
Cisco Unified Communications Manager - Hardware, Software and Clustering
This chapter excerpt covers the compatible hardware and software for Cisco Unified Communications Manager, as well as its clustering capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2008
Predicting data storage growth
If your customers have deep pockets, predicting data storage growth is a relatively easy chore using storage resource management (SRM) tools. But for smaller companies with equally small budgets, you'll need to be more creative. Learn the techniques for assessing historical growth to help customers get optimum use out of their storage resources. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Apr 2008
How to configure wireless access points
A crucial part of any WLAN installation is configuring wireless access points. Learn which configuration options -- such as IP address, transmit power and beacon interval -- are best for your customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2008
Network session data analysis with Snort and Argus
This edition of Snort Report departs from the standard format to introduce Argus, a session data collecting tool that can work alongside Snort. Learn how session data can complement Snort's alert data for network session analysis Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2008
Business impact analysis for business continuity: BIA for small business
Read this example of business impact analysis (BIA) for a small business from "Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals" to make the process more tangible. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2008
Business impact analysis for business continuity: Recovery time requirements
Use business impact analysis (BIA) to define recovery time requirement terms and looks at how those elements interact. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2008
Snort frequently asked questions
Snort users are asking about its capabilities. These frequently asked questions about Snort discuss what the open source security tool can do and the right ways to use Snort. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2007
Use Netstat to determine which ports to open on a Windows firewall
When troubleshooting a Windows XP firewall, the solution is often simply opening the right firewall port. But what port should you open? This tip walks you through using Netstat to identify which firewall port an application uses. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2007
What are the network security risks of streaming video?
Streaming video and audio sites are frequently visited on both home computers and work computers. Learn about streaming video security risks and what to do to protect your client's network. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2007
Verify the CEF Forwarding Information Base table
Learn how to take a stepwise approach to troubleshooting the Cisco Express Forwarding FIB table, a critical part of any methodology for resolving Cisco IP connectivity issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 May 2007
Snort.conf output options
Snort offers functional equivalents for FAST, FULL and SYSLOG command line output modes, as shown here. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 May 2007
CDMA and gold code
Gold code sequences used in CDMA allow callers to better use available bandwidth with less interference. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2007
ILM vs. DLM: The importance of data management
Knowing the differences between information lifecycle management (ILM) and data lifecycle management (DLM) will ultimately determine which storage offerings you bring to a client's table. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2007
Storage area network (SAN) risks
Storage area network (SAN) security risks manifest as easily infiltrated gaps in your customers' storage; learn where weaknesses lie in a SAN architecture as outlined in this book excerpt from "Securing Storage:A Practical Guide to SAN and NAS Security." Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2007
Scripting creation of virtual machines in ESX shell
Scripting the creation of virtual machines using VMware power tools is simpler that you might think. This book excerpt tells you how. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2007
Creation of virtual machines utilizing command-line tools
Creating virtual machines for your customers is useful for them and lucrative for you. This excerpt outlines VMware ESX Server's creation and cloning tools. Continue Reading
- Answer 31 Jan 2007
- Tutorial 29 Jan 2007