Configuration Management and DevOps
The configuration management resource center provides IT professionals with information about how configuration management tools work, how to deploy them for more IT automation, and how to assess IT infrastructure needs and changes in a rapidly moving DevOps environment.
Top Stories
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Tip
03 Mar 2022
Business benefits of an Agile networking approach
Enterprises that embed an Agile approach in their networking strategies could see benefits like better network performance, enhanced data security and faster rollouts of network services. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2022
Develop an interactive DevOps runbook
Runbooks are important for DevOps processes -- simple or complex -- but they can be a beast to write. Use this expansive guide for best practices and arrangement. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2019
What are Ansible roles and when and how should I use them?
Roles are one of several functions in Ansible that simplify and streamline IT automation processes. Dig into this quick overview to learn the basics of roles and potential use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jul 2019
Use Puppet Bolt to simplify configuration management
Bolt, Puppet's cross-platform automation tool, is designed to minimize the learning curve for ops teams, but users still need to grasp its primary commands and elements. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jun 2019
How do I get started with an Ansible playbook?
An Ansible playbook boosts admin productivity when they manage configurations across machines. Learn how playbooks work and how to avoid live errors. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Jun 2019
Perform this infrastructure as code tutorial with Pulumi and AWS
Learn the basics of an infrastructure as code deployment with this tutorial, which features the open source tool Pulumi, along with Python and AWS. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2019
How to cautiously reap the benefits of DevOps as a service
Outsourcing the operation of DevOps tools has its perks, but be sure to carefully position that move to in-house development and ops teams first. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2019
AIOps monitoring arms IT staff with broader, deeper insights
Conventional monitoring gives ops teams critical visibility into the health of their IT systems, but with limited scope. Through an AIOps tool, they can significantly broaden their view. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2019
5 critical features that put the 'AI' in AIOps tools
Don't fall victim to AI-washing in the IT systems management market. Instead, know what to look for in a truly 'intelligent' operations platform -- starting with these 5 capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jun 2019
Automate declarative configuration management for IT ops success
AWS CloudFormation is one of the top options for configuration management -- but it isn't without flaws. Compare AWS to other tools to pick the best option for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
03 Jun 2019
Build a successful Apache Mesos installation on Linux servers
As Apache Mesos gains traction for container orchestration, admins should try it out and evaluate its capabilities. Use this tutorial to set up the necessary software and avoid the pitfalls that plague the process. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 May 2019
3 AWS infrastructure management tools to expedite DevOps adoption
Make the switch to a declarative infrastructure management model on AWS. Deploy tools such as CloudFormation and CodeCommit to boost your DevOps approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2019
Artificial intelligence for IT operations pays off -- with time
IT professionals say AIOps holds great potential to optimize day-to-day operations tasks. First, though, teams must lay a foundation of data, consistency and trust. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2019
Enterprises anticipate IT ops benefits from GitOps
Infrastructure as code, configuration as code, security as code -- enterprise SREs set their sights on everything as code in pursuit of GitOps efficiency. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2019
Former Chef Software CTO talks IT automation, open source
Chef Software's founder, Adam Jacob, built widely used IT automation software for the enterprise. Now that he's no longer CTO, he's taking a break and pondering what comes next. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2019
OpenShift shops chart a course for advanced IT automation
IT teams tackled containerization, developer self-service platforms and infrastructure provisioning automation in 2018. So, what's next? Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2019
Ansible roadmap offers open source automation with assurances
Ansible users can expect some key updates around the tool's certified content program, along with more options to assess the performance of their automated infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Apr 2019
Why is composable infrastructure important and what are its uses?
The ideal function of composability is to make IT infrastructure more flexible, manageable and scalable than ever. It isn't for everyone, however; at least, not yet. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
11 Apr 2019
Automate Windows configurations with Boxstarter and Chocolatey
Follow this Boxstarter tutorial to install the open source tool, and use it alongside PowerShell, Chocolatey and GitHub gists for streamlined and repeatable Windows configurations. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2019
How DevOps teams use a CMS for documentation, collaboration
DevOps teams should choose a CMS that enables continuous, integrated content management, and select tools for internal document sharing that build an easily searched and categorized knowledge base. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2019
Chef licensing changes prompt debate among IT pros
IT pros who use Chef automation software have mixed reactions to the company's plan to revamp its software licensing strategy. Continue Reading
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Guide
01 Apr 2019
Bookmark this expansive guide to DevOps for Windows
Native Windows DevOps tools and Azure DevOps services enable Microsoft shops to keep pace with Linux setups. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2019
F5 Cloud Services aims ADC features at DevOps
Initially, F5 Cloud Services will provide only load balancing for DNS servers. Later in the year, F5 plans to add security features for DevOps teams building cloud applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2019
Learn how to use Salt orchestration with an example
Admins can use orchestration features in Salt to centrally control a group of minions and machines. Follow this example, which features Orchestrate Runner, to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2019
GitOps provides an answer for complicated IT deployments
Version control isn't a new concept in IT, but ops pros are applying it to distributed environments for declarative configuration management. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2019
Hammerspace adds Kubernetes CSI driver for containers
Startup Hammerspace updates product with Kubernetes Container Storage Interface driver and multisite global namespace to facilitate data access in container environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2019
Grasp these basic Salt configuration management concepts
Not sure how Salt conveys configuration instructions to systems? Wonder if your programming skills will carry over to the tool? Use these best practices and tips to assess Salt. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2019
Use Packer for Windows to enhance machine image automation
Packer can curtail time sinks for administrators, especially those dealing with rapid OS releases. But the DevOps tool can require additional effort to work for Windows. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2019
Determine the cost of app customization in the cloud
Cloud applications are like icebergs: There's a lot users don't see below the surface. One apparently small change could have a massive ripple effect on operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Feb 2019
Non-IT software vendors stir up IT tool selection process
Many non-IT vendors now offer homegrown software -- a model that carries benefits and risks. Weigh the pros and cons around support, availability and other factors before making a decision. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2019
Cisco earnings, revenue show strength of product roadmap
Cisco earnings and revenue show customers are putting aside global uncertainties and buying into the company's shift toward a more software-centric form of networking. Continue Reading
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Infographic
12 Feb 2019
What is intent-based networking and how does it work?
Intent-based networking might be the future of networking, but it needs to be more than just another networking strategy that offers advanced automation and simplified provisioning. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2019
Evaluate the Mesos architecture for massive container deployments
In addition to supporting large-scale IT deployments, Mesos takes a unique approach to data center and cloud resource pools that can benefit both containerized and noncontainerized apps. Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2019
New Commvault CEO Mirchandani: We're ready for the next wave
The new Commvault boss says it's time for well-funded data management upstarts to 'take the training wheels off' if they want to compete in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2019
Network configuration basics: Focus on users and software tools
When configuring a network, keep a detailed and updated document to track user needs and network changes. And, of course, take advantage of network configuration software. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2019
How the SaltStack architecture enables config management at scale
SaltStack's one-to-many communication model enables it to manage configurations in massive IT deployments without network strain. To get the most out of SaltStack, understand ZeroMQ. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2019
Cisco launches AppDynamics integration with ACI
Cisco has provided AppDynamics integration with ACI, the company's software-defined networking architecture. Cisco expects the integration to help DevOps teams. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Jan 2019
How to update configurations via the Salt state file
Salt users must grasp the concepts around state files for configuration changes and updates. Follow along with this tutorial, which also features Cassandra, to get started. Continue Reading
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Quiz
21 Jan 2019
Pop quiz: Can you identify these top IT trends of 2019?
From serverless and AIOps to a widening tech skills gap, numerous IT trends bring momentum into 2019. See how ready you are for new opportunities and hurdles in IT with this quiz. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jan 2019
HashiCorp
HashiCorp is a software company that provides a suite of modular DevOps infrastructure provisioning and management products. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2018
Bookmark 10 popular tips on containers and Kubernetes
Should we go with an open source or commercial option? What about DevOps? These 10 essential tips explain how containers fit into complex modern IT environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2018
Top 10 IT tutorials of 2018 for professional development in 2019
Most IT admins take control of their education via home labs and tutorials. Refresh skills in PowerShell or Python -- or learn new ones like Kubernetes -- with these popular walkthroughs. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2018
Establish a configuration management strategy to guide transition
Humans are notoriously averse to change in routine -- even when it makes their jobs easier. Encourage innovation and be flexible: Strategy is a journey, not a destination. Continue Reading
- 18 Dec 2018
- E-Zine 18 Dec 2018
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Tutorial
12 Dec 2018
Manage Salt minions in large environments in symphony
IT organizations must create, enforce and update configurations in a standardized manner. Learn how to direct Salt minions to install software without repetitive manual work. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2018
Use Puppet for Windows ops automation with dsc_lite
With DSC and dsc_lite, as well as a native option, users operate in Puppet within the familiarity of PowerShell settings. Here's how each approach works. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Nov 2018
As-a-service at your service: Cloud tools simplify DevOps automation
AWS offers the widest range of cloud-integrated DevOps tools. But Google Cloud has a strategy with more focus on integration, and Azure closely ties in with other Microsoft products. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Nov 2018
Try this Chocolatey tutorial to pick up Vagrant provisioning for Windows
To install a Linux-based tool on a non-Linux machine, at least one intermediary tool is necessary. On Windows, use the Chocolatey package manager for a smooth process. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2018
Why teams create DevOps platforms to match projects
Prebuilt platforms offer a wealth of capabilities without the hassle to integrate everything. But cherry-picking for exact needs yields tighter resource management. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Nov 2018
Boost DevOps cred with script management in Git version control
DevOps teams use configuration management to automate patches and provisioning. They use version control to increase collaboration and change control. Learn how to combine the two. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2018
Use Active Directory for testing environments in DevOps shops
AD enables admins to create testing environments almost identical to production environments through duplicated trees, interconnected forests and authentication best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2018
Compliance automation prevents regulation audit snafus
Many IT organizations address compliance issues manually, even though Puppet, Fugue and other tools can enforce configurations that comply with regulations and even provide an audit trail. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2018
Chef InSpec 3.0 horns in on Terraform territory
Chef InSpec 3.0 can scan Terraform infrastructure-as-code files for security and compliance gaps, which knocked HashiCorp Sentinel off the evaluation list at Chef customer Pacific Life. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2018
Puppet Enterprise updates give IT ops pros a leg up on DevOps
Puppet Enterprise 2019, Puppet Bolt 1.0 and Puppet Insights broaden enterprise IT ops pros' options for DevOps support and infrastructure automation tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2018
Tap the Chocolatey package manager to usher in Windows DevOps
Create a Chocolatey package with this tutorial on DevOps for Windows. Simplify package management and installation, and swap the GUI for a CLI client. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2018
Make IT infrastructure documentation a regular task
Even though documenting IT processes might not be at the top of an admin's to-do list, they should not let it fall by the wayside. Learn documentation best practices here. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2018
Users mull Ansible Tower features' config management controls
Ansible users know their way around a CLI, but some envision an all-inclusive IT automation platform based on the Ansible Tower management console UI and features. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2018
Ansible roadmap steers toward network, security via integrations
Through simply written automation and granular access control, Ansible will attempt to put networking and security teams in step with IT infrastructure and DevOps counterparts. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Oct 2018
Compare Go vs. Python for infrastructure programming
Both code languages get the infrastructure-as-code job done, but each from a different angle. This comparison tutorial puts their similarities and differences center stage. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2018
A fine-tuned change request template minimizes user discontent
Change management is an essential ITSM practice, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of end users. Use templates to clarify expectations and set changes in motion without disruption. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2018
The future of composable infrastructure and virtualization
Composable infrastructures -- frameworks of compute, storage and network resource services -- will still make use of virtualization to run applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Aug 2018
Benefits of infrastructure as code range from speed to scaling
Provisioning large numbers of servers takes time. One of infrastructure as code's benefits is that once you declare a desired state, code maintains that environment with ease. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Aug 2018
How a domain-specific language affects configuration management
Learn a domain-specific language -- it's easier than French! A DSL's programming style enables administrators to operate with more precision and flexibility, but don't write off YAML yet. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Aug 2018
Write cloud-config automation scripts into the configuration file
Bypass the need for excess infrastructure, and put off the automation languages seminar -- you need to configure the cloud now. Fortunately, you can still do that. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 Jul 2018
Follow a Kubernetes and Go tutorial in your home lab
Learn how to use the Kubernetes Go client, dep for dependency management and other capabilities for Kubernetes and Go in this home lab exercise on Minikube. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2018
Heuristic automation prevents unmitigated IT disasters
IT automation isn't about doing everything faster -- although that's how it started. Heuristics make automation smarter and responsive to changes in the IT environment. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Jul 2018
Modern service management, DevOps streamline app administration
DevOps and service management are synonymous in modern IT, insofar as their guidelines match. Regardless of the term, ensure organizational practices are built for today's reqs. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2018
How infrastructure as code benefits and eases provisioning
Being able to provision services with code means a simplification to sometimes complicated processes. Plus, you won't need to worry about the platform that service will run on. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jun 2018
Use HashiCorp's Terraform tool and companions for production IaC
Developers want isolated systems for prototyping. Testers want mimicry of production. And IT operations wants to configure this infrastructure for them without reinventing the wheel. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2018
Docker pledges Kubernetes for Windows support in Docker EE
Docker Enterprise Edition will add Kubernetes for Windows features in the coming months, but Microsoft shops haven't decided on a container orchestration strategy. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2018
Reflect adds color to Puppet DevOps tools
Puppet plans to add data visualization and analysis to spruce up its DevOps tools now that it has acquired Reflect, but it's still playing catch-up in a crowded, noisy market. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jun 2018
What is the best DevOps tool for my career?
I have no prior knowledge on DevOps. I'm doing an online course and understand Unix. I get the concepts, so what tool should I concentrate on learning to advance my DevOps career? Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2018
Chef InSpec users wrestle with compliance as code
Learning the ins and outs of the Chef InSpec product is only half the battle for compliance as code. The thornier task for some enterprises is to bridge the gap between compliance expertise and DevOps execution. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2018
Get started with AIOps tools
Instead of admins doing all the tedious work to resolve issues reactively, AIOps tools promise predictive analytics, health assessments and preventative action suggestions. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Apr 2018
Is IT workload management easier on software-defined infrastructure?
Our IT organization uses deployment automation, monitoring tools and virtualized resources. What do we need to do to manage IT workloads? Continue Reading
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E-Zine
19 Apr 2018
Who put the AI in software?
With artificial intelligence, anything seems possible. And that leaves a whole lot of room for the imagination to wonder about how the use of AI in software tools can change how the work gets done -- and who does it.
The anxiety is understandable. The hyperbole is harder to sort out because, well, when it comes to AI, no one knows quite where to put the line between rational and irrational worries. Will AI at some point control every aspect of your life? Probably not. Will AI push you out of a job? Quite possibly.
Using AI in software development is one way to make your IT resources more intelligent and more automated. If AI can test software faster and better, shouldn't you be doing it that way? That's a question we take up in this first issue of Modern Stack. Also included are articles and columns delving into multi-cloud management, serverless computing and how operations teams can hold up their end of the DevOps bargain.
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Tutorial
12 Apr 2018
Try these Salt commands to master the config management tool
The command line is an IT administrator's best friend. Salt users should try these commands to understand how the configuration management tool works. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2018
SaltStack Enterprise GUI features outreach Salt Open territory
For enterprise IT shops that require a mix of reports on systems, and audit compliance, SaltStack Enterprise offers more than the pure open source version of Salt. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2018
Three steps to plan a self-service IT portal that actually works
There's no point to a self-service IT portal if the offerings are out of touch with how its users conduct business or the instant builds are on hold while additional capacity spins up. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Mar 2018
Assess Salt configuration management's capabilities and limitations
Salt's benefits for IT operations include fast configuration and flexible, responsive functioning. Get a handle on the basics of Salt, then install it to explore the tool's capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2018
Chef InSpec widens the compliance-as-code possibilities with v2.0
Chef InSpec 2.0 adds infrastructure tests for compliance policy enforcement, and the tool's expansion into more areas of the DevOps workflow won't stop there. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2018
Enterprises identify 10 essential DevOps tools
Products branded with DevOps are everywhere, and the list of options grows every day, but the best DevOps tools are already well-known among enterprise IT pros. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2018
Cloud ops doesn't solve your problems, it creates new ones
There are many reasons to consider a cloud migration, but if you expect to cut costs or dramatically ease management, you'll be disappointed. Continue Reading
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Guide
07 Feb 2018
Explore Ansible for DevOps configuration management
The configuration management tool is adept at managing workloads across different infrastructure environments. This Ansible overview preps admins to automate apps and infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2018
Unikernels vs. containers: See the lightweight championship fight
The drive to minimize app hosting resources yielded unikernels and containers, the IT equivalent of a tiny house and apartment. Containing only the barest essentials, unikernels pose unique benefits and challenges. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2018
Kubernetes storage projects dominate CNCF docket
The Cloud Native Computing Foundation will host the Rook distributed container storage project -- the first move in a pivotal year for Kubernetes stateful app support. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2018
Chef (software)
Chef is an open source systems management and cloud infrastructure automation platform. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Jan 2018
An IT automation strategy wilts under cloud's shadow
Organizations have been striving to keep abreast of IT automation trends, but with the ongoing cloud takeover, operations must consider new skill requirements instead. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2018
Learn YAML through a personal example
Some code languages take countless hours of formal training and practice. YAML strikes out in the opposite direction. To comprehend its hierarchical format, follow this coding example. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2018
SaltStack
SaltStack, often referred to as simply "Salt," is an open source configuration management and orchestration tool for automating repeated system administrative and code deployment tasks. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Jan 2018
App development teams brace for big change in 2018
Multi-cloud, blockchain and more sophisticated PaaS tools are three trends expected to reshape app development practices in 2018. Is your team ready for the change? Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Jan 2018
The ITIL 2018 update better catch up to modern IT
When ITIL last updated, DevOps was in its infancy. In the face of rapidly evolving IT practices and technologies, ITIL 2018 must be powerful and usable for diverse IT organizations. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2018
IT ops pros predict routes to DevOps efficiency in 2018
Operations admins have a lot on their plates already, and they'll pile on more in 2018. These IT pros and analysts share what's coming and how to handle it. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2018
Master the basics of Azure Automation
Automation offers a more efficient, hands-off approach to public cloud management. Explore the basics of Azure's automation service and the role of runbooks. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2018
Embark upon ITSM asset management with systematic tagging
The journey to an organized data center begins with a single tag. Start using IT tags today to apply updates, control access and help automate management. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2017
Two Ansible playbook examples illustrate config management
Configuration management enables automation for many operations tasks. Ansible uses a simple structure and a dynamic language to enable admins to easily complete jobs, once they get the hang of a playbook. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2017
Centralize Ubuntu server management on Landscape
Canonical Landscape brings centralized server management to Ubuntu on physical and virtual machines, as well as cloud systems. See how it works, and explore features such as tagging. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
16 Nov 2017
What you'll build with software-defined architecture
It's been two years since Gartner declared that the future of the data center was software-defined. And while we're still a ways from that reality, there's plenty of reason to think IT is indeed moving toward the software-defined architecture.
The ability to compose your infrastructure puts components where they're needed -- but only for as long as they're needed there. Then those resources become available again for another task. IT professionals aren't crazy to look at the speed and efficiency advantages of that type of software-defined architecture and think, "We need that."
To reap those rewards, however, means orienting the data center around software. That's a big shift both in strategy and execution. And it's not easily achievable.
The cover story of this issue of Modern Infrastructure digs into these possibilities and challenges. TechTarget's Erica Mixon talks with experts about the software-defined architecture, what it can achieve and what an organization will want to take into account before heading down that road.
With a truly composable infrastructure and products with cloud-like capabilities, an organization can pool its data center resources and put them to work with utmost efficiency. If that's the future, maybe it's time to start figuring out how you'll get there.
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Feature
10 Nov 2017
Enterprise shops look to AIOps for IT root cause analysis
IT ops pros look to AIOps tools to help find the smoking gun in failing IT stacks, but some call automated root cause analysis more dream than reality. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Nov 2017
Follow a PXE boot tutorial to increase OS configuration automation
PXE boot servers are simple to set up and can aid in IT operations' goals toward high-level efficiency and automation. This tutorial runs through setup and optimal settings. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2017
IT capacity planning takes new shape in the cloud
Migrating applications off premises to the cloud requires a new capacity planning approach: Develop a detailed cloud strategy, and carefully track upgrade schedules. Continue Reading