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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News
22 May 2023
Startup partnerships play bigger role in challenging market
Channel allies become more valuable as startups look for cost-efficient routes to market and vie to stand out in crowded sectors such as cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2023
Acronis adds EDR to endpoint security
Acronis EDR uses Intel threat detection technology to uncover sophisticated attacks, such as fileless malware, but it also has to compete in a crowded market. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Jan 2018
Cisco HyperFlex update may open partner opportunities
Cisco HyperFlex gets an upgrade that the company said offers multi-cloud integration and a sales opportunity for channel partner companies. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jan 2018
Primary and secondary storage combos attract channel partners
Nontraditional storage vendors, such as ClearSky Data and Reduxio, are attracting resellers and managed service providers with technology, simplicity and business partnerships. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2018
Partners plan for AWS Solution Provider Program launch
Channel partners look forward to differentiating through new AWS competencies around IoT, containers, machine learning and blockchain. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jan 2018
OpenStack private cloud deployments spell channel opportunity
Customers across a broad range of industries are growing increasingly interested in deploying OpenStack private cloud technology but often lack the in-house expertise required. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Jan 2018
Hyper-converged infrastructure solutions to set 2018 pace
In 2018, channel partners can expect to see continued demand for hyper-converged infrastructure solutions and greater traction in the flash storage market. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Dec 2017
Container consulting: Channel can help deploy technology
Channel partners may find new business opportunities in container consulting as customers grapple with container adoption and how to achieve competitive advantage. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Nov 2017
Three takeaways from Cisco Partner Summit 2017
Cisco Partner Summit 2017 is over, but the event's messages regarding software and multi-cloud will influence partners in the coming months. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2017
Riverbed SteelCentral update bodes well for partner Teneo
Riverbed unveiled enhancements to its SteelCentral technology, which forms the basis of partner Teneo's managed visibility-as-a-service offering; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2017
Cisco Partner Summit 2017: Vendor highlights Google pact
Cisco and Google Cloud executives took the stage at Cisco Partner Summit to talk about the companies' collaboration on hybrid clouds, containers and Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2017
New P.180 connectivity service not a Panasonic partner play
Panasonic introduced a global connectivity service, while Cisco unveiled Business Critical Services and High-Value Services, and other news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2017
Aruba security fabric signals new partner strategy
Through Aruba 360 Secure Fabric, partners can tap into the network security capabilities of the vendor's portfolio, which features IntroSpect UEBA and ClearPass technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Sep 2017
Google cloud migration: Agosto helps e-commerce firm retool
A Google channel partner's cloud adoption project used migration as a springboard to modernize a customer's core application via multi-tenancy and containerization. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2017
Azure Stack hardware bundles emerge for channel
Microsoft Azure Stack, the company's hybrid cloud platform, could provide channel partner opportunities among customers who need an on-premises instance of the Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Apr 2017
Software-defined storage solutions: A channel primer
Channel companies have an opportunity to help their customers deploy emerging software-defined storage technology, a pursuit that may also boost a partner's consulting revenue. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2017
Panasas, Promark pursue scale-out NAS storage market
In the scale-out NAS market, Panasas is partnering with Ingram Micro's Promark value-added distributor subsidiary to boost government and commercial channel sales. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Feb 2017
Partners: Citrix hyper-converged tech opens VDI to midrange clients
The Citrix Ready HCI Workspace Appliance Program, coupled with the company's Citrix Cloud, will open VDI opportunities among midmarket customers, Citrix channel partners said. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Feb 2017
Unclouding projects: Service providers weigh in on reverse migrations
The rise of cloud computing adoption has given way to a countertrend: reverse cloud migrations. Service providers discuss the factors driving their customers' unclouding projects. Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2016
BlackBerry partners tapped for role in new mobile security platform
BlackBerry is enabling channel partners to play a consulting and integration role with its newly announced BlackBerry Secure mobile security platform; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Nov 2016
HPE Aruba ups investment in the IoT market
Enhancements to Aruba's IoT-focused portfolio look to help customers identify, profile and secure IoT devices. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2016
Managed mobility services market: Complexity fuels channel growth
The complex nature of enterprise mobility opens service opportunities for channel companies, but also makes for a challenging and competitive environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2016
SD-WAN: Providers could see strong growth, but face hurdles
The SD-WAN market beckons with high-growth potential, but channel partners must confront incomplete feature sets, training requirements and market consolidation. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2016
SonicWall partner strategy: Respect the past, but don't be burdened by it
SonicWall reflects on the benefits of spinning out of Dell and how it's reengineering its channel focus and product roadmap to match the speed of the security market. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2016
Cisco collaboration tools: Partners can offer clients new pricing
Cisco discussed a new per-user, per-month pricing approach for its cloud-based and on-premises collaboration services and products at the company's partner summit. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2016
Armor cloud partnership highlights compliance opportunity for MSPs
A new alliance between Armor cloud security and Cogent Co. speaks to channel opportunities around compliance, according to Armor's chief of operations and security. 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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Blog Post
15 Aug 2016
Softchoice: Windows 10 adoption elusive among customers
With Windows 10 having celebrated in July its first year on the market, service provider Softchoice has found a scant presence of the OS within its client base. Softchoice's recent study of its ... Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2016
ZeroStack taps channel partners to host private cloud appliances
ZeroStack has entered partnerships with T5 Data Centers and Colovore, which will host the company's cloud appliance technology in their colocation facilities. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2016
Why VMware partner program chief Frank Rauch chose Cohesity
VMware partner program executive Frank Rauch said he will lend his expertise to secondary storage vendor Cohesity as it reshapes its channel strategy. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jun 2016
Barracuda's Intronis brand launches firewall for MSPs
Managed service providers can now sell a channel-oriented firewall from Intronis MSP Solutions by Barracuda, Barracuda Networks' MSP brand. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Apr 2016
Brocade/Ruckus buyout: No impact on partners for now
Today’s news that Brocade Communications Systems Inc. has made a $1.2 billion bid for Ruckus Wireless will impact channel partners of both companies, but don’t expect details until the deal closes ... Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2016
Veeam partner chief: We want to be more relevant to partners
The Veeam partner community will see more enablement and support resources, a new emphasis on the enterprise market, and further expansion into the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2016
Watson IoT platform at center of Avnet-IBM alliance
At the IBM PartnerWorld Leadership Conference, distributor Avnet and IBM announced partnerships focused on the Internet of Things and security as a service. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2016
Brocade partner chief looks to capitalize on SDN, 'new IP'
Pete Peterson, Brocade's global channel vice president, plans to grow the company's partner roster, while planning new features such as a partner relationship management system. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Feb 2016
Benefits of cloud: Channel partners should note the changing patterns
A new Clutch report shows that IT professionals view efficiency and security as the top cloud computing benefits, a marked departure from years ago when security was a barrier. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2016
Dell One Identity password management targets channel
Password management appears to be gaining momentum, as Dell launches an offering the company said is designed for the IT channel, with security partners a particular focus. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Dec 2015
VMware's NSX: Integrator deploys SDN tech at CBOSS
CBOSS, a payment processing service provider, hired integrator AdvizeX to deploy NSX, the VMware network virtualization platform, as part of a software-defined networking project. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2015
The tradeoffs of partnering with managed mobility services providers
The increasingly complicated world of enterprise mobility spells opportunity for channel partners, and partnering with a large managed mobility services provider may be the best way to overcome the high barrier of entry. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2013
Cloud demands new IT organizational structure: How providers can help
Enterprises don't build true private clouds because most IT organizations aren't structured for them. Cloud providers can help customers get there. 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
06 Nov 2012
The risk of using Windows kernel-mode drivers in systems management
Windows kernel-mode drivers can pose risks if used in IT efficiency systems management tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2012
Guiding customers through cloud automation platform selection
Cloud-shopping customers need help with cloud selection, and IT solution providers can guide them in the selection of a cloud automation platform. 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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Tip
07 Dec 2011
Virtual storage appliance vs. traditional shared storage
A virtual storage appliance can be a viable way to allocate storage for their virtual server infrastructure; it offers cost and complexity benefits compared with traditional shared storage. 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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Tip
29 Jul 2011
Seven questions for backup and disaster recovery customers
To determine whether your customers need to outsource their backup and disaster recovery services, they need to answer these questions, such as when was their most recent backup test, and allow you to explain the value you can provide in each area. 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
09 Feb 2011
Setting up and installing applications in Windows XP Mode
After installing Windows XP Mode on Windows 7, you will need to set it up properly. Follow the steps in this chapter excerpt to perform tasks such as installing applications. 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
29 Nov 2010
Windows Server 2008 R2 editions and Hyper-V licensing FAQ
Knowing the capabilities of all Windows Server 2008 R2 editions and how they pertain to Hyper-V licensing will prevent issues from popping up when selling Windows Server 2008 R2. 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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Quiz
02 Nov 2010
Cloud computing networks: True or false?
A basic understanding of the cloud computing model ensures that the cloud computing services you offer will be top notch. Test your knowledge of cloud computing networks in this true or false quiz. 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
Hardware devices for Windows 7: Installation, management
Ease Windows 7 management by knowing the different types of hardware devices, such as internal drives, that can be installed, and how to use Windows Update for driver downloads. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Oct 2010
Using the Disk Management MMC to manage Windows 7 disks
The Disk Management MMC snap-in can simplify Windows 7 management by helping with tasks, such as converting disks from basic to dynamic or creating a new striped volume. 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
22 Sep 2010
Choosing between Red Hat Enterprise Linux backup utilities
Determining a backup schedule and which Linux utilities, such as tar or dump/restore, to use in your customer's environment can be crucial decisions in case of a disaster. 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
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
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
HA cluster configuration: Requirements and steps
Consider these requirements and settings, such as admission control, prior to a HA cluster configuration and use the HA restart priority and isolation response post-configuration. 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
22 Jun 2010
SAS-2: Benefits and drawbacks of the newest Serial Attached SCSI version
Learn about the latest version of Serial Attached SCSI, SAS-2, including which segment of the market it holds advantages for, how it compares with Fibre Channel and SATA, and its key drawbacks. 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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Tip
06 May 2010
Hypervisor comparison: Weighing hybrid environments
Last year, a hypervisor comparison meant choosing one hypervisor to suit a particular environment. Now, solutions providers must consider the hybrid approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2010
Exchange Server 2010 server roles, prerequisites, high availability
When installing Exchange Server 2010, you need to have an understanding of server roles, prerequisites and high availability, which are all key topics in this chapter excerpt. 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
Virtual machine migration via Windows PowerShell scripts
These Windows PowerShell scripts will help solutions providers to ensure that the process for both single and multiple virtual machine migrations will be completed quickly. 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
22 Mar 2010
VSphere virtual machine migration tools: vCenter converter
Using virtual machine migration tools such as vCenter Converter will make converting customers' virtual machines to vSphere a smooth process for solutions providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2010
Troubleshooting Windows 7 errors
Use this FAQ when troubleshooting Windows 7 to get answers to commonly asked questions on Windows 7 errors and dealing with hardware problems. 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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Feature
15 Feb 2010
Choosing between kernel virtualization methods
Take a look at the different kernel virtualization methods presented in this chapter, including the pros and cons of shared kernel virtualization and the OpenVZ kernel. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2010
Traffic Talk: Testing Snort with Metasploit
Are your customers' network security solutions working as expected? Learn about testing Snort with Metasploit in this detailed tip from Richard Bejtlich, complete with code examples and step-by-step instructions. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jan 2010
FAQ: Windows 7 system maintenance tools
Our expert answers commonly asked questions about maintaining Windows 7 using Remote Assistance, determining which maintenance tools are most useful and how often they should run. 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 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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Optimizing Windows 7 application performance
Reading these application performance optimization tips will help you launch and install applications efficiently while optimizing Windows 7 to run programs more effectively. Continue Reading