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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Tip
01 Jun 2023
Manage complexity in Kubernetes with AI and machine learning
Learn how DevOps teams can enhance performance and observability in Kubernetes with AI and machine learning techniques. Evaluate pros, cons and use cases. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 May 2023
Manage IT infrastructure with NSX's multi-tenant features
VMware NSX now supports multi-tenancy, which can help admins manage complex IT environments. Explore what's new and get started with this step-by-step walkthrough. 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
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News
07 Feb 2022
WebAssembly tech infiltrates the cloud via edge computing
WebAssembly's first beachhead in its mission to break out beyond the web browser has been in edge computing, where it offers efficient support for bespoke serverless workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2022
Choose the best Docker image for the job at hand
There are a lot of varied options for container images. And although that freedom of choice breeds flexibility, it can also make it easy to choose the wrong one. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2022
How to reduce the cost of Kubernetes
Is your Kubernetes bill getting out of hand? Luckily, there are ways to reduce costs. Take these five steps to lower costs without losing functionality. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2022
VMware Tanzu GA gives Cloud Foundry pros a Kubernetes leg up
VMware Tanzu Cloud Foundry users plan to move forward with the TAP Kubernetes platform, but VMware will be challenged to unseat Red Hat, SUSE and other competitors. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Dec 2021
Build on the Anywhere Operations trend with composability
The ability to access infrastructure remotely is crucial for IT organizations to meet business initiatives. Composable infrastructure is one way to support this model. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2021
Fintech startup passes SOC 2 audits with serverless security
Undertaking SOC 2 audits in a serverless security environment came with up-front challenges, but the company's former chief security architect predicts long-term advantages. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Dec 2021
How to build a Kubernetes operator
Operators unleash the full power of developing complicated offerings or abstractions on Kubernetes. And, while they have a lot of potential, there is a steep learning curve. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2021
Learn how to install MicroK8s for Kubernetes
MicroK8s enables admins to deploy and destroy Kubernetes in a flash. Follow this tutorial to learn how to install MicroK8s and combine with Multipass. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2021
How to tackle container orchestration challenges
Container orchestration brings many benefits, like improved productivity and security, but before those advantages can be realized, IT teams must overcome several hurdles. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2021
Find the right service mesh tool for Kubernetes environments
Kubernetes is an industry must-have, but still lacks in certain areas -- that's where service mesh comes in. Discover four service mesh tools to use with your Kubernetes platform. Continue Reading
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Quiz
08 Dec 2021
How well do you know container basics?
As containers continue to evolve with IT operations, it's important to have a good grasp of the basics. Test your knowledge and understanding with this container quiz. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2021
AWS Kubernetes roadmap includes Flux for GitOps
Amazon EKS will include a Flux-based GitOps add-on, while ECS Anywhere seems destined for a niche in edge computing, per roadmap plans unveiled by AWS execs this week. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2021
Google changes tune on Knative, applies to CNCF
Google's decision to submit Knative to the CNCF for incubation prompts speculation about its future: a budding industry standard or a project not worth keeping to itself? Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2021
Learn to use Kubernetes CRDs in this tutorial example
Custom resource definitions enable IT organizations to create objects Kubernetes doesn't offer by default. Learn how to use them here. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2021
How viable is open source service mesh?
The open source vs. proprietary service mesh debate has a lot of gray area, and the best fit for an org might fall into that spectrum. Here's what to consider before you decide. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2021
Why you should use a service mesh with microservices
Still on the fence about service mesh? See how it supports a microservices architecture and application deployments, along with the other benefits it brings to an organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2021
6 use cases for Docker containers -- and when to pass
From app testing to reducing infrastructure costs and beyond, Docker has many great use cases. But developers should remember that, like any technology, Docker has limitations. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2021
Cisco emerging tech VP plans for API security, observability
Vijoy Pandey, head of Cisco's emerging technology and incubation group, charts a long-term roadmap for application-level networking from cloud to the edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2021
Compare 3 managed Kubernetes service providers
Kubernetes can be difficult for an enterprise to handle on its own. However, there are a slew of managed service options -- but which one to choose? Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Nov 2021
Your starter guide to Docker troubleshooting
Though containers bring a lot of benefits, no container engine is perfect. Get an idea of what Docker troubleshooting involves, available tools and helpful commands for analysis. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2021
DevOps platform operators hone support for GitOps
GitOps practitioners at companies such as State Farm and Intuit have begun to fill in the details of observability, security and other 'day 2' practices for the maturing paradigm. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2021
Crossplane project could disrupt infrastructure as code
An emerging CNCF project extends Kubernetes orchestration to non-container resources, displacing infrastructure-as-code tools in some early-adopter environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2021
A breakdown of container runtimes for Kubernetes and Docker
For a container ecosystem to work, it needs a container runtime. Brush up on Kubernetes and Docker containers, then compare runtime options such as runC, CRI-O and containerd. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2021
VMware Tanzu super users mull Cloud Foundry-Kubernetes meld
Users of VMware Tanzu Application Service, formerly Pivotal Cloud Foundry, hope VMware preserves their developer experience as it shifts its focus toward Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2021
VMware Tanzu roadmap targets multi-cloud, vSphere pros
VMware shops say the Tanzu platform's integration with familiar tools is a big draw as they move toward Kubernetes, but much of that integration is still in progress. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2021
Kubernetes cost management approaches to save money
Kubernetes and container costs continue to rise as services move off-site. Learn how to manage the costs with limited resources, autoscaling and the right cloud instances. Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2021
Kong tightens links between API gateway, service mesh
Kong adds support for Istio and Envoy integration with its API gateway to consolidate network management between traditional and cloud-native apps. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2021
Learn the basics of virtual server security software selection
There are multiple factors in choosing the right security software for VMs and virtual infrastructure. Get familiar with potential threats, features to have and market offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2021
Boost Docker API security to protect ports
Unguarded Docker APIs can let in unwanted visitors and expose data to hackers. To shield your Docker environment, follow these best practices -- and avoid common pitfalls. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Sep 2021
Get familiar with storage virtualization software options
Virtual storage offerings are not one size fits all. Factors in virtualized storage software selection include storage type, current infrastructure and management tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Sep 2021
What to know for your virtualized storage selection process
Not all storage virtualization is created equal. Get familiar with the types, methods and implementation considerations before you buy hardware or software for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Sep 2021
Follow 6 key steps to deploy microservices in production
To succeed with microservices, IT organizations need to rethink the way they design and deploy applications -- and not all the necessary changes are technical ones. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Sep 2021
Why and how to use eBPF for Kubernetes scaling
Scaling Kubernetes clusters has always been a challenge -- but eBPF makes the process smoother with service-specific monitors and a lack of special instrumentation. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2021
Working with Docker Compose? Use environment variables
Docker Compose streamlines container application deployments. Dig into the tool and see how the use of environment variables can hone the process further. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2021
When to use Kubernetes operators vs. Helm charts
Not sure whether to use Helm charts or Kubernetes operators? Walk through examples to learn when to use each one, looking at factors like application complexity and team maturity. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2021
VMware Tanzu Application Platform reflects PaaS shifts
VMware plans a developer on-ramp to Kubernetes with Tanzu Application Platform, a more flexible take on PaaS than Cloud Foundry that could heighten competition with OpenShift. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Aug 2021
Set up a rock-solid virtualized storage management strategy
An effective deployment and oversight strategy is essential to get the most out of your virtual storage. Find out what software, hardware and tools can ensure it all runs smoothly. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2021
Solo.io folds API gateway in with Istio service mesh
Solo.io is among the service mesh vendors aligning the emerging tech with existing network management as enterprise adoption expands. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2021
Compare API keys vs. tokens for access management
Not a fan of security breach alerts? Learn more about the different types of access management tokens and how they can elevate application and data security. Continue Reading
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News
19 Aug 2021
KEDA project adds finesse to Kubernetes autoscaling
As enterprise Kubernetes deployments expand in production, an incubating CNCF project injects nuance into the way the container platform responds to applications' resource needs. Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2021
CNCF policy-as-code project bridges Kubernetes security gaps
Kyverno, a CNCF policy-as-code sandbox project, can help platform engineers navigate the transition toward the successor to Kubernetes pod security policies. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2021
Why use containers vs. VMs in a modern enterprise?
Thinking about making the switch from VMs to containers? Compare container features against VMs to determine whether you should change where you host your applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2021
An introduction to eBPF and where it shines
With eBPF, developers can customize Linux OS software without changing the kernel. Discover the utility's basics and how it can be used for networking, monitoring and security. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Aug 2021
How to use Azure Arc-enabled Kubernetes, step by step
As the use of the cloud expands and becomes more complex, Azure Arc offers a way to manage resources. Learn how to set it up for Kubernetes with this tutorial. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2021
How to keep Docker secrets secret
Secrets greatly increase an environment's security but can take some trial and error to implement correctly. Learn the basics, and then follow this tutorial to create a secret. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2021
Oracle WebLogic users get a bridge to Kubernetes deployment
Java developers in Oracle shops can use the new Verrazzano container platform to deploy apps to Kubernetes without a ground-up rewrite. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2021
Linkerd service mesh plans expansion post-graduation
Linkerd joins the likes of Kubernetes, Prometheus and Envoy as a graduated project within CNCF and lays out a fresh roadmap for the coming year. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2021
Cloud Foundry Kubernetes integration hits snags
Cloud Foundry platform users want an on-ramp to Kubernetes, but the community is still sorting through how to create a unified developer experience. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2021
Differences between Kubernetes Ingress vs. load balancer
To manage Kubernetes cluster traffic, admins have a few choices. Compare Kubernetes Ingress vs. load balancers, as well as the NodePort and ClusterIP service types. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2021
Sysdig deal reflects infrastructure-as-code security buzz
Enterprise Kubernetes maturity has pushed infrastructure deployments into DevOps pipelines, prompting container security vendors to support infrastructure-as-code scans. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2021
How to harden Docker images to enhance security
Strong Docker image security is paramount to fighting off breaches. Watch this video to learn multiple ways you can harden deployments and deter attackers. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jun 2021
Set up Docker host hardening to improve container security
Harden the Docker host OS into a shield no security breach can crack. Get started with these key security measures built into the containerization platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2021
Get the right components for your home lab VM
Home lab VM setups are helpful to test technology and build VM management skills. Be sure to evaluate RAM, CPU, network speeds and management software for a successful deployment. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2021
Kubernetes security automation saves SecOps sanity
As Kubernetes clusters grow and multiply, IT pros rethink their security automation approach to keep SecOps functions manageable while maintaining flexibility for developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2021
A beginner's guide to a multistage Docker build
Multistage builds help you manage Dockerfile size during container proliferation. Get the process right with the necessary guidelines and ideal use cases. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2021
OpenShift Virtualization gives KubeVirt enterprise foothold
Industry experts are wary of OpenShift Virtualization, but some Red Hat users favor it to help with application modernization and, in one case, nested Kubernetes clusters. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2021
HashiCorp Consul pricing adjusts to SaaS
Some users balked at HCP Consul pricing when it first became available, prompting HashiCorp to add a Starter SKU, though it has yet to release specifics on cost. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2021
5 ways SDDCs, virtualization management change business ops
The use of software-defined data centers alters business buying criteria, removes traditional IT team silos and requires organizational investment in admin skill sets. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2021
New Relic streamlines DevOps monitoring tools amid upheavals
Amid price reductions, executive changes and layoffs, New Relic hones ease of use for its DevOps monitoring tools in a bid to boost its cachet among software engineers. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2021
How cloud-native principles affect IT operations
Cloud-native technologies have revolutionized application delivery, but their shifting impact on IT and network architecture must be examined closely to maximize effectiveness. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2021
Learn Docker best practices with this interactive book
The author of The Docker Workshop, Vincent Sesto, discusses Docker's ingenuity and gives tips to IT admins on the leading container creation technology in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 May 2021
How to auto scale Kubernetes pods for microservices
In Kubernetes, autoscaling prevents over provisioning resources for microservices running in a cluster. Follow this tutorial to set up horizontal and vertical scaling. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2021
VMware Tanzu service mesh tie-in syncs multi-cloud networks
Newly tightened integration between VMware's Tanzu service mesh and Avi load balancer is meant to simplify provisioning, facilitate multi-cloud failover and automate cloud bursting. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 May 2021
Fortify Docker image security with these 5 tips
Docker images are complex by many measures, but strengthened security alleviates plenty of worry during runtime. Implement these best practices to fortify images. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2021
CNCF projects hone multi-cluster Kubernetes management
Cluster API is considered production-ready by early adopters of multi-cluster Kubernetes, while a new multi-cluster API and control plane prototypes take shape. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 May 2021
Combine PowerShell and Docker to simplify testing across OSes
Run PowerShell scripts in Docker containers to manage multiple environments from the same system. Follow this tutorial to see how to test Linux environments with a Windows host OS. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2021
Prometheus Q&A: How the Kubernetes monitoring tool is evolving
Prometheus has a reputation for being hard to work with. Richard Hartmann, a member of the Prometheus team and community director at Grafana Labs, talks about how that might be changing. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2021
IDC analyst: Serverless tech will change the future of IT ops
IDC's Mary Johnston Turner discusses how the development and increasing maturity of serverless technology and AI will upend how IT operates. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2021
Red Hat refocuses on IT operations as cloud use expands
Red Hat renews its focus on IT operations, which have become both more complex and more crucial amid the rise of DevOps and cloud-native applications. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2021
Red Hat OpenShift lays foundation for hybrid cloud services
Amid a post-pandemic cloud shift, Red Hat looks to meet customer needs and beat out competitors with new OpenShift-based managed services for distributed applications. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Apr 2021
Be selective with Kubernetes RBAC permissions
Kubernetes RBAC has some vital best practices that save IT teams frustration and consternation. This brief tutorial takes you through new role creation to permissions management. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
09 Apr 2021
Kubernetes basics: A step-by-step implementation tutorial
This Kubernetes implementation example demonstrates how to create a single-node cluster on Windows 10 to get a containerized application up and running. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Apr 2021
Try out this GitOps tutorial with Flux and Kubernetes
Learn how to implement GitOps with Kubernetes workloads. See the benefits of this approach and follow this Flux tutorial to get started. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2021
Sysdig adds cloud security to container observability mix
Some IT experts believe Sysdig could appeal to enterprises by combining cloud and application security data in one interface, within a broader DevOps observability tool set. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2021
Cisco Intersight folds in Terraform Cloud amid SaaS revamp
Cisco has expanded its partnership with HashiCorp and readied a SaaS-managed Kubernetes service as it vies for a share of the software-centric market for cloud-native apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2021
Manage a multi-cluster Kubernetes deployment effectively
To reap the benefits of a multi-cluster Kubernetes deployment, IT admins need to understand its intricate levels of management and if their deployments warrant the strategy. Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2021
Kong service mesh paid version eases policy management pain
IT pros could cobble together an open source service mesh with Open Policy Agent on their own, but Kong Mesh will let them skip that struggle for a price. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2021
Nvidia launches integrated AI platform for VMware vSphere 7
Making good on their promise last fall, Nvidia and VMware have delivered a platform allowing vSphere 7 users to run the next generation of AI-based applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2021
Top 10 disadvantages of server virtualization
Server virtualization is lauded for its flexibility, improved productivity and more efficient resource provisioning, but the technology is not without its drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2021
Prepare for successful container adoption with these tips
Enterprises all over the world are making containerized applications a central focus. Learn why your IT organization should be next, and how to prepare. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Mar 2021
Containers vs. VMs: What are the key differences?
Containers have rapidly come into focus as a popular option for deploying applications, but they have limitations and are fundamentally different than VMs. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2021
Learn the differences between VM snapshot vs. backup
When admins build their VM management and DR strategy, they must understand the differences between backups and snapshots to ensure they don't lose valuable VM data. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2021
10 benefits of server virtualization for businesses
Server virtualization has come a long way since the early 2000s. It's not only good for large enterprise data centers; smaller IT shops can also realize its many benefits. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2021
After Istio architecture upheaval, leaders pledge stability
The Istio service mesh went through major disruptions in 2020, from technical redesign to governance shifts. Now, project leaders vow to tackle lingering IT ops issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Feb 2021
Virtual servers vs. physical servers: What are the differences?
Virtualization has cemented itself in the enterprise data center, but that doesn't mean physical servers are obsolete. They each have their benefits and uses. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2021
How to find the best server virtualization management software
Choosing the right server virtualization management software is critical to meeting your organization's current and future needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2021
5 types of server virtualization explained
Hypervisor-based might be the most common form of server virtualization in organizations, but there are other options to consider, including hardware-assisted and OS-level. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Feb 2021
Docker security checklists mitigate container cyberthreats
To improve container security, admins can use a Docker security checklist and combat common vulnerabilities, such as gain privileges and corrupt Docker images. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2021
NIST drafts service mesh guidance for DevSecOps
A new NIST special publication shows how a service mesh can enhance access control for DevSecOps shops, but the network architecture hasn't gained widespread deployment. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jan 2021
Kubernetes deployments vs. pods: What's the difference?
Pods and deployments are both important to using Kubernetes in production, but they're not the same. Learn the role each one plays in building and managing containerized applications. Continue Reading