Containers and virtualization
Containerization software is taking over across the IT industry as the new favored IT infrastructure, as it enables high-speed and high-efficiency platform and software performance. Learn about the technology, its leading tools and how to use it from experts.
Top Stories
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Conference Coverage
29 Mar 2023
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon 2023 news coverage
Trying to keep up with the latest news out of KubeCon + CloudNativeCon? Use this comprehensive guide to stay updated and informed on both the European and North American events. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2023
Oracle OKE takes on Azure, AWS with serverless Kubernetes
Oracle added serverless Kubernetes and a financially backed SLA to its OKE managed service, playing catch-up with AWS, Google and Azure and taking a swipe at them on pricing. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
09 Mar 2023
Step-by-step guide: Get started with Weave for Kubernetes
Looking to streamline network management for Kubernetes clusters? Learn when and how to use CNI plugins, then walk through the steps of a Weave installation for Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Feb 2023
How to set and manage environment variables in Kubernetes
In this tutorial, learn when to use -- or not use -- environment variables in Kubernetes, and compare methods for setting and updating their values with example code. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2023
Strategies for Kubernetes multi-cluster management
Running multiple Kubernetes clusters has numerous advantages, but it also introduces technical complexity. Keeping these tips in mind can simplify multi-cluster management. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2023
How much does a VM cost? A guide for IT ops
VM prices can vary widely depending on factors such as resources and use, making it challenging to predict spending. Use this VM cost guide to estimate pricing for your organization. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2023
Kubernetes platforms and the hazy fate of cloud portability
Whatever happened to Kubernetes for cloud portability? Some market research suggests the dream still lives, but platform engineering further complicates matters. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2023
What to keep in mind when securing virtual environments
Virtual environments can contain numerous vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit -- with potentially devastating results. Use these tips to select security tools and strategies. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jan 2023
The evolution of containers: Docker, Kubernetes and the future
Container technology is almost as old as VMs, although IT wasn't talking about the topic until Docker, Kubernetes and other tech made waves that caused a frenzy of activity. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 Jan 2023
How to set up autoscaling in Azure Kubernetes Service
Explore scaling options in AKS, such as the horizontal pod and the cluster autoscaler. Then, follow a step-by-step tutorial on how to manually and automatically scale resources. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
18 Jan 2023
Map physical GPUs to VMs with this GPU passthrough guide
Learn how to set up GPU passthrough -- a useful technique to support graphically intensive apps and machine learning models -- with a step-by-step tutorial for VMware environments. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2023
Startup's eBPF APM tools turn up heat on Datadog
Lemonade plans to put tools from eBPF startup Groundcover in production this year in a bid to reduce instrumentation work and other overhead for its small DevOps team. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2022
Rightsize cluster workloads with Kubernetes capacity planning
Rightsizing Kubernetes workloads requires maintenance to be effective, so set up a Kubernetes capacity plan to prepare and monitor the process. Follow these tips to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2022
When not to use Docker and how to choose an alternative
Docker might be the default for container orchestration, but what if it doesn't meet your needs? Explore why Docker might not be the right fit and what might be. Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2022
GitOps hits stride as CNCF graduates Flux CD and Argo CD
Flux and Argo CD earned graduated status within CNCF after a year in which platform engineering adoption and DevOps advances put both in the enterprise spotlight. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2022
Manage application storage with Kubernetes and CSI drivers
Container Storage Interface drivers offer IT ops teams increased autonomy and flexibility in deploying and managing persistent storage on Kubernetes clusters. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2022
Explore network plugins for Kubernetes: CNI explained
With Container Network Interface plugins, IT teams can create and deploy network options for diverse Kubernetes environments. Learn how CNI works and compare top network plugins. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2022
How does Kubernetes use etcd?
Etcd is a lightweight, highly available key-value store accessible to each node in a Kubernetes cluster. Find out how etcd works and learn how to use it inside Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2022
Compare Kubernetes StatefulSet vs. deployment vs. DaemonSet
Kubernetes has several ways to deploy applications, including deployments, DaemonSets and StatefulSets. But each resource type has unique benefits, drawbacks and use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2022
Make a business case for VMware training
You can outsource infrastructure management to a third party or you can get IT admins the VMware training they need to install, manage and troubleshoot your environment. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Nov 2022
Manage Kubernetes clusters with PowerShell and kubectl
Learn how to use the Kubernetes tool kubectl in PowerShell, including setting up aliasing and tab-completion, parsing JSON output and searching logs with the Select-String cmdlet. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Nov 2022
Looking back on KubeCon + CloudNativeCon 2022
With this year's KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America over, review vendor updates on topics ranging from cloud-native adoption to AIOps approaches and ease-of-use offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2022
Why and how to use container malware scanning software
Malware is on the rise, and containers are potential attack vectors. Learn why it's crucial to check containers for vulnerabilities and compare container malware scanning tools. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2022
Sidecarless service mesh: Fad or the future?
Istio's experimental Ambient Mesh is gathering buzz with the promise of simpler operations, but Linkerd loyalists contend that the sidecar itself isn't the real problem. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2022
Kubernetes data protection heavy on automation, integration
Kasten, CloudCasa, Portworx and Trilio launched updates to their Kubernetes data protection and management platforms. Backup is critical for Kubernetes workloads in production. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2022
OpenShift roadmap preps for Kubernetes multi-cluster sprawl
OpenShift now supports Kubernetes deployments from data centers to edge devices, which calls for fresh ways to scale out multi-cluster control planes. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2022
Learn how to bootstrap Kubernetes clusters with kubeadm
In this guide, learn to create, configure and run a Kubernetes cluster from scratch with kubeadm, a command-line tool that simplifies and automates cluster setup and management. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Oct 2022
Streamline Kubernetes deployments by using a service mesh
Implementing a service mesh could be well worth the time and effort for organizations looking for ways to manage their Kubernetes and cloud-native application deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2022
How to integrate and monitor Kubernetes with New Relic
New Relic might be best known as a DevOps monitoring tool, but it can also help improve observability into your Kubernetes clusters. Follow this tutorial to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2022
Compare container orchestrators Apache Mesos vs. Kubernetes
Exploring options for container orchestration? Kubernetes' popularity doesn't mean it's always the best choice. Discover the tradeoffs and use cases of Mesos vs. Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2022
Terraform Cloud continuous validation inches toward GitOps
Terraform is already part of the GitOps workflow for some enterprises, but a new continuous validation feature could increase its overlap with tools such as Argo CD and Flux. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Oct 2022
How to manage stateful containers with Kubernetes
Organizations can reap the benefits of containers for stateful applications by using Kubernetes to maintain state in application processes and components. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
05 Oct 2022
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon 2022 news coverage
Trying to keep up with the latest news out of KubeCon + CloudNativeCon? Use this comprehensive guide to stay updated and informed on both the North American and European events. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Sep 2022
How do I maintain an Azure VM static IP during a reboot?
Microsoft Azure users can assign static IP addresses to VMs, but doing so has notable downsides as well as benefits. Learn how and why to assign static IPs to Azure VMs. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2022
5 vSphere 8 features to know about
The latest vSphere release offers expanded lifecycle management features, data processing unit hardware support and management dashboards for admins to track deployment metrics. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2022
Aqua adds software supply chain security to DevSecOps mix
A new software supply chain security module for Aqua's platform correlates runtime security monitoring with pre-deployment scans as IT pros look to merge disparate tools. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Sep 2022
Learn to manage Kubernetes costs with this Kubecost tutorial
Managing Kubernetes environments can be complex -- and expensive. Find out how to get started with Kubecost, a tool to monitor costs and capacity in Kubernetes clusters. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2022
Dell Apex joins with OpenShift, deepens VMware uncertainty
Dell jumps on the Red Hat OpenShift bandwagon with its Apex container management products, intensifying uncertainty about the future of VMware Tanzu under Broadcom. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2022
How to use Kubernetes' self-healing capability
Self-healing is a quality that enables software to autonomously resolve issues based on a desired state. Kubernetes' self-healing is built in, but it demands observation. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
14 Sep 2022
Kubernetes clusters multiply like Tribbles -- but why?
Like the U.S.S. Enterprise faced a rapidly compounding Tribble problem, Kubernetes admins find themselves in a similar situation with clusters. What do you do now? Continue Reading
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Tutorial
12 Sep 2022
How to set up external authentication in Rancher with GitHub
Local authentication is the default, but configuring Rancher to use external authentication services makes it easier to manage large, complex Kubernetes environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
What is K3OS and how does it relate to K3s?
Discover the potential benefits of adopting K3OS, a lightweight Linux distribution developed to run Kubernetes workloads in low-resource environments. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2022
VMware Tanzu sets up edge computing showdown with OpenShift
Enterprise edge computing is still at a nascent stage, but a battle is brewing between Kubernetes platforms such as VMware Tanzu and OpenShift to support the emerging trend. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2022
VMware Tanzu teases vSphere, PaaS tie-ins -- but doubts linger
VMware said enhanced Kubernetes integrations for vSphere and Cloud Foundry, some in the works for years, will ship soon, but the pending Broadcom deal gives some observers pause. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2022
Kubernetes security reaches maturity milestone with v1.25
Kubernetes Pod Security Admission has reached stable status, replacing Pod Security Policies, as the core Kubernetes framework delegates advanced features to the wider community. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2022
Compare running Kubernetes on VMs vs. bare-metal servers
Planning to run a cloud-native application with Kubernetes? Compare the advantages and drawbacks of deployments on VMs and physical servers. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2022
How to establish a Kubernetes governance strategy
Because Kubernetes is a large, complex tool that touches so much of the IT ecosystem, governance policies are important to meet both internal and external standards. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2022
What to do when a VM is compromised
When security incidents arise -- and they will -- IT administrators can restore, reset or completely wipe VMs to return them to health and get them back into production. Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2022
Sigstore co-creator talks GitHub, Kubernetes and next steps
Dan Lorenc reflects on a whirlwind year for his open source project, now officially incorporated into Kubernetes and GitHub's npm registry, and his plans for the year to come. Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2022
Researchers reveal Kubernetes security holes, prevention
Researchers with Palo Alto Networks took the stage at Black Hat to explain how configurations and system privileges in Kubernetes clusters can allow container escape and takeover. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2022
Docker's rootless mode a welcome security update
Docker containers have root privileges by default -- a known security issue for several years. Now Docker's rootless mode separates containers from underlying infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jul 2022
Is Kubernetes a hypervisor? How do they differ?
Kubernetes, on the surface, appears to perform the same task as a hypervisor. Does that make Kubernetes a hypervisor? The short answer: No. Let's clarify why it's not. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2022
Mirantis Kubernetes deployment buy ups DevOps platform ante
The Mirantis Lens IDE will integrate the Lagoon Kubernetes deployment project to provide a self-service DevOps platform alternative with no developer Kubernetes training required. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2022
Compare Docker vs. Podman for container management
Docker and Podman offer similar capabilities to manage containers, but Docker's security vulnerabilities might make Podman more appealing for some admins. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2022
New Red Hat CEO faces hybrid cloud challenges
Matt Hicks, now Red Hat CEO, and newly appointed Chairman Paul Cormier discuss the links between open source security and sustainability and Red Hat's hybrid cloud mission. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jul 2022
Secure your infrastructure against VM ransomware
More hackers are using VMs as an access point to install and deploy encrypted ransomware. Make sure your security strategy includes prevention, response and analysis. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2022
Podman: A worthy alternative to Docker for containers
Podman has long stood in Docker's shadow, but 'Podman in Action' author Daniel Walsh hopes to shine a light on Podman within the container market. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Jun 2022
Do hypervisors limit vertical scalability?
Knowing hardware maximums and VM limits ensures you don't overload the system. Learn hypervisor scalability limits for Hyper-V, vSphere, ESXi and Red Hat Virtualization. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2022
An introduction to VMware KVM mode
VM management often requires multiple monitors. KVM mode lets you set hot keys to navigate between VMs and the OS, so no task -- or workflow -- is lost among application windows. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2022
An overview of hardware support for virtualization
Intel, AMD and Arm processors optimize virtualization in multiple ways. Read up on the features for Intel VT, AMD-V, Armv9, Intel APICv, and AMD AVIC tech, as well as how they support VMs. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2022
Tanzu vs. OpenShift vs. Ezmeral: 3 rivals' Kubernetes offerings
Learn how container management products from VMware, Red Hat and Hewlett Packard Enterprise compare when it comes to their overall Kubernetes strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2022
Address Hyper-V VM network issues for peak performance
Microsoft Hyper-V can sometimes experience poor network performance or connectivity problems. When that happens, there are several things you can do to resolve the problem. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2022
Kubernetes multi-cluster users tap service mesh alternatives
Istio service mesh is back in the spotlight since joining the CNCF, but the foundation's existing projects are preferred by IT pros focused on multi-cluster Kubernetes resiliency. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Jun 2022
How to set up a K3s cluster
Admins have choices when it comes to selecting a Kubernetes distribution. One such option is K3s, which can be used for development or production. Here's how to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2022
A beginner's guide to Hyper-V checkpoints
Hyper-V checkpoints help mitigate problems with upgrade rollouts. They can pile up, so they require some storage space and management. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2022
5 best practices for VM patch management
'Patching is my favorite!' said no IT admin, ever. Reduce the headache by patching everything -- even the hard-to-reach components -- and testing patches before rollout. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 May 2022
Highlights from KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2022
Now that KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe has come to a close, check out these updates from vendors across the conference floor. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2022
How to run Docker on an Azure VM
Microsoft Azure offers a lot of container management services for enterprises to choose from. One of those options is Azure Container Instances. Here's how to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 May 2022
9 managed Kubernetes services to consider
To counter the complexity and stress of running, deploying and managing Kubernetes, turn to a managed Kubernetes service. Compare and contrast nine popular tools. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 May 2022
Use Dapr on Kubernetes to build microservices in production
Dapr is an application runtime that targets cloud-native application development. Developers can use it to streamline their workflows. Here's how. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2022
Citi gives software supply chain security kit to OpenSSF
The financial services company's prototype system based on CNCF's software supply chain security guidelines joins OpenSSF's $150 million open source standards campaign. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2022
Embattled New Relic cuts Kubernetes observability overhead
New Relic made its Kubernetes observability agent more efficient and added vulnerability management to its APM tool but is struggling financially as open source tools proliferate. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2022
Kasten backup adds Kubernetes ransomware detection, security
As ransomware becomes a bigger concern for container admins, updates to the Kasten backup and disaster recovery platform for Kubernetes take a proactive security stance. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2022
Red Hat CEO: We're going SaaS-first with OpenShift
Red Hat President and CEO Paul Cormier offers a glimpse into the OpenShift roadmap as IT reckons with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and hybrid work. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2022
Red Hat CEO on IBM, VMware and hybrid cloud coopetition
Two years into his tenure as Red Hat CEO, Paul Cormier discusses his company's relationship with IBM and how it's competing with its own partners in hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
12 May 2022
Red Hat Summit 2022 news and conference guide
Use this Red Hat conference guide to get the latest information from keynote speakers and industry experts on current trends and emerging technologies. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2022
OpenShift boosts DevSecOps with VMware Tanzu in its rear view
Red Hat expands OpenShift, with VMware Tanzu poised to capture at least some of its vast vSphere install base as enterprises get serious about container-based DevOps platforms. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
Upstream Istio service mesh hones IT ops user experience
The Istio service mesh community has revealed further plans to simplify the project's notoriously difficult 'Day 2' management, which can't all be addressed by downstream vendors. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2022
Future of containers faces tools surplus, skills shortage
Container adoption seems inevitable, but it's not going to be smooth sailing. Experts weigh in on the state of container management -- and where it needs to go. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2022
How to compare Docker images with container-diff
You could pay for a vendor to analyze container images for you, or you could use container-diff for free. Compare container images before deployment to avoid unfortunate mishaps. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2022
Software supply chain security risks surround Kubernetes
Securing Kubernetes is complex enough, but its associations with the wider open source ecosystem and automated deployments add supply chain security concerns to the equation. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2022
Kubernetes security targeted by perfect storm of threats
As Kubernetes prepares to phase out Docker upstream, attackers shift their focus to the container orchestration platform, where complexity creates its own vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2022
How to build a virtual router with VMware Workstation
Virtual networks in testing and development setups require virtual routers. In this step-by-step tutorial, use VMware and Windows tools to set up a virtual router. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2022
IT pros hail Google's Istio service mesh donation to CNCF
Google's decision to donate Istio service mesh to the CNCF isn't a shocking one, but proponents of the project said it could broaden its adoption in a competitive market. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Apr 2022
How to choose the best CPU for virtualization
Selecting the right CPU for virtual infrastructures depends on many factors, including feature sets and hardware specs. Proper configuration of processor resources is also crucial. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2022
Key Amazon EKS monitoring best practices
Learn how to monitor Amazon EKS resources through tools such as CloudWatch and Prometheus, as well as worker node and infrastructure monitoring tips to maintain application efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Apr 2022
How to secure Kubernetes clusters in 7 steps
Kubernetes security is critical for an enterprise's welfare. To protect Kubernetes clusters, create a plan to implement security protocols and control access. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2022
Compare KubeVirt vs. Virtlet for container, VM management
KubeVirt and Virtlet unite VM and container management into one stack, but KubeVirt has more flexibility to tune VMs, whereas Virtlet boasts better integration with Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2022
Follow this 10-point virtualization security checklist
Failover clustering, encryption and prompt patching practices can help admins shore up their VMs in the face of online security threats from sources such as malware and bad actors. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2022
Avoid VM latency issues with VMware NUMA Observer
NUMA Observer from VMware Labs helps admins identify VMs that have overlapping NUMA nodes and storage problems. Learn how the setup process can identify VM issues. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2022
Docker drops Desktop roadmap hints after cash infusion
The roadmap for Docker Desktop will include security updates and serverless support, as industry watchers speculate about potential acquisition interest from Atlassian. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2022
The role of sidecars in microservices architecture
Sidecars can do a lot for microservices when it comes to communication with distributed application components, though they also present some precarious management challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2022
Is Kubernetes free as open source software?
Kubernetes is available open source, but also from IT vendors. A complex tool, it enables container orchestration at scale. Which version will pay off for enterprise adopters? Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Mar 2022
Need a replacement? Try these 5 Docker alternatives
Docker might be the authoritative choice for containers, but with the way the market is changing, it might not always be. Here are five other options that have merit. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2022
DevOps teams seek service mesh help from network platform
Service mesh users including T-Mobile and Constant Contact have deployed Solo.io's application networking platform to cope with overwhelming operational complexity. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2022
Red Hat cloud leader defects to service mesh upstart
Brian Gracely, now vice president of product strategy at Solo.io after six years at Red Hat, sees service mesh platforms beginning to edge Kubernetes out of the industry spotlight. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2022
Virtualization trends in 2022 highlight flexibility, app delivery
Organizations require virtualization systems that not only support different types of applications but also simplify IT administration, forcing vendors to adapt accordingly. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2022
Virtual network load balancing tools and tips
There are many virtual load balancer options for IT teams to choose from, and each offers something a little different. Compare four of these tools here. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2022
Deploy microservices with serverless functions
Microservices enable IT teams to create flexible, uniform systems -- but what happens when IT teams use serverless functions for microservices? Discover the benefits and drawbacks. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2022
F5 distributed cloud security services strike a trendy chord
As talk of multi-cloud management gives way to distributed cloud, which also ties in edge computing, F5 bundles application security services to expand its appeal to enterprises. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
09 Feb 2022
How to install and deploy Quay on Red Hat OpenShift
Quay enables Red Hat OpenShift users to store and manage container images -- with added advantages. Follow this tutorial to install and deploy the container registry. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2022
CNCF hosts WebAssembly server-side projects
Once strictly a web browser utility, WebAssembly may soon be coming to a server near you and bringing with it a new level of computing abstraction to contend with. Continue Reading