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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Feature
25 Apr 2025
Guide to building and executing an MSP business model
This managed service guide provides an overview of the business model, covers the basics of building a service provider business and discusses how to manage a maturing operation. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2025
Partner's Apple Watch referee app lets NHL stripes keep focus
Presidio designed the NHL Watch Comms App to sync with a hockey arena's game and penalty clocks and use haptic notifications to help officials keep their eyes on the game. 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
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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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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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
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Feature
10 Sep 2009
Improving Windows 7 performance by optimizing the hard disk
Examining hard disk specifications, including speed and seek time, or learning to enable write caching or disable compression can help you achieve optimal Windows 7 performance. 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
24 Aug 2009
Common SaaS problems that occur after implementation
There are still a few problems you can run into after implementing Software as a Service and this list can help you prepare clients for connection or software application issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2009
Top 10 SaaS implementation considerations
Once you go through this list of the top 10 considerations for implementing Software as a Service (SaaS), you will be ready to tackle SaaS implementation head on. These tasks are meant to ensure that there are no surprises in the implementation process. 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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Tip
19 Apr 2009
Network security monitoring using transaction data
Using transaction data -- or application-specific traffic data -- in network security monitoring can give you a new line of defense. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2009
Virtual desktop infrastructure: Five tips for improving virtual desktop performance
Implementing virtual desktop infrastructure means that you have to switch emphasis from a client's local processing power to server processing power and network connectivity. Learn how to improve desktop performance and prevent errors before they occur. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Feb 2009
Thin clients vs. thick clients for desktop virtualization
Find out when you should recommend thin clients or PCs (aka thick clients) to your desktop virtualization customers. 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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Tip
01 Dec 2008
VMware ESX essentials: Virtual Machine File System
This section of our chapter excerpt on storage from the book "VMware ESX Essentials in the Virtual Data Center" explains the difference between direct- and network-attached storage and how to configure a client's network file system devices. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Dec 2008
Key considerations in developing a storage area network design
The best storage area network design for your customers will take into consideration a number of critical issues: uptime needs, scalability, security and disaster recovery. Find out how each of these factors will influence storage area network design choices. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Nov 2008
Best practices for securing domain controllers at the branch office
Companies that implement domain controllers at branch offices face a number of challenges, security-related and otherwise. Follow these best practices to keep branch-office domain controllers secure and effective. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Nov 2008
Strategies for disaster recovery contingency planning
Create strategic disaster recovery plans for your clients and protect them from data loss if a disaster should strike. This feature article introduces the second installment of our Disaster Recovery Hot Spot Tutorial 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
30 Aug 2008
Top 5 data migration tools
Today's unprecedented rate of data growth means there's big opportunity for integrators around data migration services. Learn which tools are the best in five different categories. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Aug 2008
Validated firewalls
Firewalls need to be checked and validated to ensure proper function before they are put into production. This section of the chapter excerpt will deal with validating and maintaining firewalls. 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
17 Jul 2008
System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: Vista Recovery: Advanced Boot Options, WinRE and WinPE
Vista's Advanced Boot Options, the Windows Recovery Environment Platform, WinRE and WinPE are all covered in this chapter excerpt from "Tricks of the Microsoft Windows Vista Masters." Learn about these options before choosing CompletePC backup. 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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Tip
23 Jun 2008
Troubleshooting 802.1x missing supplicant problems, part 1
Learn how to diagnose and solve 802.1x missing supplicant problems. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2008
Cisco Unified Communications Manager review quiz
This section provides review questions on the material covered in the previous sections of the chapter excerpt. 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
29 May 2008
Five questions to ask in a data deduplication project
When scoping out a customer's data deduplication project, there are five key questions to explore with your customers to determine the best approach to take. Learn what questions you should ask and why they're important. Continue Reading