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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Feature
25 May 2023
Now a DevOps platform, OpenShift ups value -- and complexity
Red Hat raises OpenShift's profile as a DevOps platform with software supply chain security but faces questions about networking strategy and observability staff departures. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2023
Evaluate Google Anthos for Kubernetes management
Discover the benefits and drawbacks of the Google Anthos platform, and compare it to other options for managing Kubernetes deployments in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2021
Manage cluster resources with Kubernetes requests and limits
Proper Kubernetes cluster management starts at the pod level. Learn about Kubernetes limits and requests, and how Resource Quotas and Limit Ranges work to control resource consumption. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2021
What's the difference between Type 1 vs. Type 2 hypervisor?
Choosing between the two hypervisor types largely depends on whether IT administrators oversee an enterprise data center or client-facing, end-user systems. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
Red Hat buys Kubernetes security player StackRox
Red Hat will donate StackRox Kubernetes security software to open source and build it into its OpenShift platform, while preserving support for cloud Kubernetes platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2020
Understand the differences between VPS vs. VPC
Both a VPS and a VPC distributes resources and hosts applications, but a VPS is, essentially, a VM used as a server, whereas a VPC is a full private cloud environment. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2020
Enterprises reckon with Kubernetes cluster scale
Kubernetes has landed in enterprise production -- the next task is for it to expand to accommodate very large clusters, as well as many small clusters for multi-cloud and edge computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2020
4 Docker security best practices to minimize container risks
Without the right tools and processes in place, Docker security can feel like a moving target. Use these four practices -- related to container images, hosts and more -- to keep deployments safe. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2020
Run Kubernetes at the edge with these K8s distributions
The idea of edge computing is not as far off as it once was. Evaluate several ways to bring Kubernetes to the edge, and when an organization should use each approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2020
Network consolidation and virtualization solve management issues
Consolidating networks can help organizations reduce costs and improve data center efficiency -- as long as they focus on security. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2020
Kubernetes security project faces reckoning over beta status
Kubernetes Pod Security Policies could be marked for deprecation as soon as the next Kubernetes release, in the wake of new limits on the beta phase for components of the platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2020
Containers bring cloud-agnostic workloads closer to reality
Cloud-agnostic workloads have been a largely elusive goal in enterprise IT. But has containerization -- and, particularly, Kubernetes -- made agnosticism feasible? Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2020
Linkerd service mesh's steady updates outlast Istio's flash
As service mesh adoption goes mainstream, early adopters of Linkerd say it allowed them to start small and grow in scale and sophistication as needed. Continue Reading
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Video
08 Dec 2020
Check out this Docker Compose tutorial for beginners
IT admins tasked with running multi-container applications can use this Docker Compose tutorial -- which also features Redis -- to get started. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
04 Dec 2020
2 ways to craft a server consolidation project plan
Server consolidation enables admins to boost server utilization and decrease power consumption, which can also reduce costs and improve performance. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2020
SUSE fuels Rancher's mission to ease Kubernetes deployment
'It's still way too hard for people to consume Kubernetes.' How Rancher co-founder Sheng Liang, now a SUSE exec, plans to take on that problem, along with Red Hat and VMware. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2020
Amazon EKS, ECS Anywhere broaden hybrid container management
Amazon EKS users with hybrid cloud infrastructure may see cost savings from a new AWS Kubernetes distro and forthcoming software-only on-premises container services. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Dec 2020
What are the differences between OpenShift and Kubernetes?
Red Hat OpenShift and Kubernetes share a lot of similarities -- including the same underlying container orchestration technology. So how are they different, exactly? Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Dec 2020
VMware NSX vs. Microsoft Hyper-V network virtualization
When comparing VMware NSX to Microsoft Hyper-V network virtualization, it's important to examine the software-defined networking features these two hypervisor platforms offer. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2020
Explore the benefits of containers on bare metal vs. on VMs
Advances in container and cloud technologies have morphed the debate over container deployment on bare-metal servers vs. VMs, with strong pros and cons for each. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2020
Use virtual clusters to avoid container sprawl
Virtual clusters enable admins to deploy, track and manage containers across various systems to ensure performance, security and governance, and low costs. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Oct 2020
How do I audit a Kubernetes environment?
IT teams should audit their Kubernetes configuration files to uncover -- and address -- coding mishaps and vulnerabilities. Fortunately, third-party and native Kubernetes tools automate the process. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Oct 2020
Use Docker and Alpine Linux to build lightweight containers
Alpine Linux won't always be the right OS choice for IT teams, but it's an option worth consideration when lightweight container images are the goal. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2020
Mini PCs for business offer improved performance, reduced costs
Mini PCs are a low-cost hardware alternative to servers that enable organizations to maintain maximum data center features and capabilities in remote office locations. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2020
KubeCon 2020 preview: Session guide for fine-tuning Kubernetes
Hosted as a low-cost virtual event, KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America 2020 offers a broad array of technical sessions that can help you scale and improve Kubernetes deployments. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2020
KubeCon 2020 preview: Session guide for Kubernetes professionals
The virtual format of KubeCon 2020 means Kubernetes adopters can learn from their peers and take in expert presentations on Kubernetes and related technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2020
KubeCon 2020 preview: Session guide for Kubernetes beginners
Want expert advice to kick off a container and Kubernetes implementation at your company? Many of the sessions at KubeCon North America are made for you. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2020
Manage Kubernetes pods and nodes with these native features
In Kubernetes, pod management requires familiarity with the platform's native features. From Services and Jobs to taints and tolerations, learn how they help direct deployments. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2020
Red Hat bolsters Ansible-Kubernetes bond via OpenShift ACM
Red Hat previewed new ties between its Ansible Automation Platform and OpenShift Kubernetes within its Advanced Cluster Management tool, as container platform competition intensifies. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2020
HashiCorp launches Boundary for cloud security
HashiCorp revealed its first new open source project in five years this week: a cloud security framework for access control called Boundary. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Oct 2020
How to evaluate VDI hardware requirements
VDI has specific hardware needs that servers hosting other virtualized workloads may not meet. Learn how to gauge VDI hardware requirements for servers, storage and more. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2020
Service mesh upstarts challenge Istio, Linkerd
Istio seemed destined for Kubernetes-like dominance in the service mesh market, but recent open source governance drama created an opening for competition from networking vendors. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2020
Rancher Kubernetes bolsters security, multi-cloud management
Rancher Kubernetes stays ahead of competitors in multi-cloud management with version 2.5, but will its innovation and SUSE's backing be enough to fend off Red Hat and VMware? Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Oct 2020
Build and deploy a microservice with Kubernetes
Ready to run microservices in production? Follow along to create a containerized microservice and deploy it on Kubernetes in this step-by-step tutorial. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2020
Manage containerized microservices with a service registry
It's easier than ever to spin up a containerized app, but that ease has created a problem: How to keep track of containerized microservices. Turn to service registries and orchestrators. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
VMware, Nvidia team up to extend IT infrastructure for AI
VMware and Nvidia signed a partnership to create a new architecture for hybrid clouds and to democratize AI by making it available more broadly across enterprises. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2020
Kubernetes on Windows matures, but networking snags remain
Kubernetes on Windows is viable in production for some users via cloud providers' managed services, but IT pros need more networking and storage maturity for on-prem apps. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2020
Mirantis rethinks Docker Swarm vs. Kubernetes
Docker Enterprise users say plans to allow Docker Swarm to run on a Kubernetes back end could provide both ease of use for developers and granular infrastructure control for ops. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2020
Mirantis rejuvenates Docker Enterprise cloud tools, support
Docker Enterprise Container Cloud keeps pace with recent trends in Kubernetes management, such as multicluster and multi-cloud support but faces stiff competition. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Sep 2020
Get started with Docker Bench for Security
Common vulnerabilities in OSes and configuration files can plague Docker hosts. Learn how to set up Docker Bench for Security and use the open source tool to fortify hosts against threats. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Aug 2020
Kubernetes performance testing tutorial: Load test a cluster
Follow along step by step to run Kubernetes performance tests with Metrics Server and Horizontal Pod Autoscaler. This tutorial works for cloud-, data center- or locally hosted clusters. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2020
A beginner's guide to hosted and bare-metal virtualization
Choosing a virtualization approach isn't a matter of competition. Admins must consider their personal use cases to determine which hypervisor type suits their needs. Continue Reading
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News
21 Aug 2020
Kubernetes security defaults prompt upstream dilemma
As Kubernetes matures, community maintainers weigh enterprise demand for secure upstream defaults against concerns about sprawl and customizability. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2020
Understand the pros and cons of the IBM PowerVM
IBM's enterprise virtualization product, PowerVM, offers a host of benefits, but it also comes with challenges that admins should familiarize themselves with prior to implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Aug 2020
5 leading data virtualization tools offer integration strategy
Learn which features and capabilities your organization should consider in order to select the data virtualization platform that will best fits its needs. Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2020
Infrastructure-as-code upstart boosts Kubernetes deployment
Pulumi has expanded its integrations with Kubernetes deployment tools including OPA, Helm v3 and Kustomize, offering a central collaboration point for DevOps container management. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2020
Microsoft unveils Open Service Mesh, vows donation to CNCF
Microsoft pledged to donate its service mesh to the CNCF in a stab at Istio, setting the stage for potential vendor collaboration around multi-cloud interoperability standards. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Aug 2020
What is a Docker container vs. an image?
Docker images, Dockerfiles and containers are all instrumental in a Docker setup. Learn what tasks each component completes and how they interact with each other to run applications. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jul 2020
How to make the right HCI deployment decisions
Hyper-converged infrastructures pose different challenges depending on the deployment method. Software might not offer as much support, while choosing hardware risks vendor lock-in. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2020
How persistent container storage works -- and why it matters
Persistent storage retains data when a device is shut off. And for containers -- inherently stateless and ephemeral -- this type of storage is critical for deployments. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jul 2020
Google's OUC play muddies Istio service mesh outlook
Google surprised even major partners with the transfer of Istio's trademark to a new organization it launched last week, leaving some key governance details undefined. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2020
Essential serverless concepts to master before deployment
Serverless computing can be incredibly beneficial -- but easily misunderstood. Before adoption, have a clear understanding of proper use cases and app design principles. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2020
An overview of Knative use cases, benefits and challenges
Knative might be more complex than a serverless platform in the public cloud, but for IT shops already committed to Kubernetes and microservices, it could be worth the leap. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2020
Enable AMD-V in BIOS to remediate error codes
If admins are experiencing error codes due to AMD-V being disabled, they can easily remediate this issue by entering BIOS and reenabling the virtualization extension. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2020
Kubernetes complicates Cloud Foundry platform development
The Cloud Foundry community has begun to port its developer interface onto Kubernetes infrastructure, but there are multiple approaches to sort out amid the transition. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2020
CPU vs. microprocessor: What are the differences?
CPUs and microprocessors can execute many of the same tasks, such as arithmetic and I/O processing. However, there are some tasks CPUs can't execute effectively. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2020
4 FAQs to better understand a paravirtualization interface
Admins are using paravirtualization because of its ability to improve system performance and reduce virtualization overhead, but its challenges can cause issues for some. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2020
HashiCorp Consul 1.8 aims to smooth service mesh transition
HashiCorp Consul users are mulling how to extend service discovery into service mesh. The vendor has added gateway support to ease this transition. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2020
Why -- and how -- to use Docker image tags
Version control is a critical part of software development and deployment. IT teams can use Docker tags to better manage and organize container images. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2020
Compare Nutanix AHV vs. VMware ESXi in the hypervisor battle
Though Nutanix AHV and VMware ESXi offer similar feature sets, admins' decisions will depend on several factors, such as virtualizations needs and workload size. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Jun 2020
How to use Clair to scan Docker images
Container vulnerabilities open the door to security issues and cascading failures across an IT environment. Use this Clair tutorial to scan for compromised Docker container images. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 May 2020
Learn Kubernetes step by step with this interactive book
SearchITOperations spoke with author Zach Arnold about what IT pros can expect from The Kubernetes Workshop, an interactive book that progressively builds readers' knowledge of container orchestration. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2020
IT pros clamor for Kubernetes multi-cloud deployment API
Enterprise IT pros who want a standard approach to Kubernetes multi-cloud deployment say the Cluster API project shows promise, but it needs work to be production-ready. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2020
Linux kernel utility could solve Kubernetes networking woes
Linux kernel utility eBPF gets new life as a more effective means to scale Kubernetes networking than native Kubernetes tools, and in some cases, service mesh. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2020
Fintech firms prove IT compliance via security automation
Security automation tools proved useful for two highly regulated fintech firms, that use them to protect cloud-native infrastructure and demonstrate their security to auditors. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2020
Container auditing best practices for large-scale deployments
Container auditing and reporting are essential security and compliance measures in a production environment. Apply these practices to uncover abnormalities, control user access and choose the right tool. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2020
Optimize Kubernetes cluster management with these 5 tips
Effective Kubernetes cluster management requires operations teams to balance pod and node deployments with performance and availability needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2020
3 options to use Kubernetes and containers for edge computing
While every deployment is unique, these general guidelines can help IT teams determine whether -- and how -- to incorporate Kubernetes and containers into an edge computing strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 May 2020
Use a zero-trust model for container security in the cloud
Traditional firewalls just won't cut it when it comes to container security in the public cloud. Zero-trust models are a better approach, but they demand some careful upfront work. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2020
Understand the differences in VM vs. container vs. serverless
VMs, containers and serverless computing provide organizations with application development flexibility, but they add management complexity. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2020
VMware Tanzu beta project melds Cloud Foundry, Kubernetes
VMware Tanzu Application Service for Kubernetes, now in public beta, intrigues PKS users by combining Kubernetes infrastructure components behind a Cloud Foundry developer interface. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Apr 2020
How many Kubernetes nodes should be in a cluster?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer in terms of how many nodes should make up a Kubernetes cluster. Instead, that number varies based on specific workload requirements. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2020
Red Hat OpenShift to inject IBM Kubernetes management IP
IBM and Red Hat have begun to blend both business priorities and software code, including a forthcoming multi-cluster Kubernetes management tool for OpenShift users. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2020
Top Docker best practices for container management
Many admins use Docker for container management, so they should explore best practices such as container backup procedures and exploring Dockerfile commands. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2020
5 free virtual appliances for data analysis, app creation
Virtual appliances can execute specific IT tasks, such as data analysis and application creation. There are several free offerings available, but admins must be wary of risks. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2020
IT compliance-as-code tool makes Kubernetes security inroads
Open Policy Agent has turned heads among IT shops for Kubernetes compliance as code, and its commercial backer looks to capitalize on that momentum with new enterprise features. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2020
5 container security tools to safeguard apps, environments
Learn how five container security vendors monitor and protect container delivery and implementation, regardless of where the container sits in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2020
HashiCorp Consul service leads off post-funding roadmap
HashiCorp CEO David McJannet discusses the company's future, including a Consul managed service headed for public beta this week, overlap with Kubernetes and building a sustainable open source business. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Apr 2020
Kubernetes vs. VMware: Drive the choice with IT architecture
It isn't easy to classify Kubernetes as the superior product for managing VMs and containers compared to vSphere 7. The decision depends on how widely admins use containers. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Apr 2020
Evaluate 3 ways to run Kubernetes locally
A local Kubernetes deployment -- enabled by Minikube, MicroK8s or K3s -- is a great option to test code or simply learn the container orchestration technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2020
Improve container monitoring with these strategies and tools
Containerized infrastructure significantly expands the number of available metrics within an IT environment. Take a layered approach to container monitoring and lean heavily on automation. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2020
HashiCorp Vault secrets manager ups Enterprise edition value
HashiCorp Vault 1.4 sweetens the deal for users of the paid Enterprise version, which had been subject to questions about differentiation from the free version in the past. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2020
Foundation exec seeks Cloud Foundry vs. Kubernetes detente
New Cloud Foundry Foundation Executive Director Chip Childers plans to steer the community into the next phase of cooperation with Kubernetes, Knative, Istio and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2020
Consider the pros, cons of AI-based log analysis tools
Machine learning can help IT teams uncover new insights in system log files. But these advanced analytics capabilities, especially when achieved through on-premises tools, can be costly. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2020
Rancher plots enterprise Kubernetes management takeover
Flush with funding, Rancher hopes to win deals away from major IT software vendors such as VMware as enterprises seek help with Kubernetes management. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2020
Kubectl commands and best practices for new Kubernetes users
Kubectl is a simple and powerful means to control containers in Kubernetes. But as with any CLI, it demands familiarity with available operations, resource types and associated syntax. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2020
VM networking best practices to boost network performance
Admins who familiarize themselves with VM network switches and activity can better understand issues and employ best practices to mitigate lackluster network performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2020
Micro VM vendors to evaluate for your isolation, security needs
Amazon, HP, Qubes OS and Authentic8 provide micro VM-based technologies that help increase VM security through isolation techniques, but use varying hypervisors and OSes. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2020
AWS Bottlerocket container OS locks down hosts
AWS Bottlerocket puts the cloud giant's spin on the container OS, and container host security, but the company will have to overcome a generally poor reputation in the open source world. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Mar 2020
Dig into Kubernetes pod deployment for optimal container use
Improve your Kubernetes deployment strategy with balanced application hosting and sound pod-to-nodes mapping. Learn the ins and outs of resource pools and Kubernetes communication. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2020
Container training can help admins stay relevant
IT admins might be good at managing IT systems -- until those systems are replaced with newer technologies. One way to keep pace with the changes is to learn container skills. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2020
Master these 3 common Kubernetes troubleshooting tasks
Not enough nodes? Have some noisy neighbors? Plenty of things can cause containers to underperform. Here's how to chase down and resolve three common Kubernetes problems. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2020
How to approach Kubernetes multi-tenancy for resource isolation
Multi-tenancy in Kubernetes can partition IT resources and operations, but it can be tricky to determine just how much isolation is necessary. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2020
Top 5 container software trends to watch in 2020
Container software, namely Kubernetes, has become a staple of modern enterprise IT infrastructure -- here's what's coming next for the technology in 2020 and beyond. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2020
Kubernetes edge computing takes shape on container frontier
Kubernetes at the edge has emerged as an early stage trend among enterprises that want to push the boundaries of software automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2020
Optimize Docker images for improved efficiency and security
There are several ways -- ranging from Dockerfile adjustments to vulnerability scans -- that IT teams can ensure their Docker images are both efficient and secure. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2020
VMware security for Cloud Foundation ties to Carbon Black
The new VMware Advanced Security for Cloud Foundation binds the company's security offerings with other key VMware offerings such as Carbon Black and NSX. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2020
GPU virtualization eases system workloads, boosts efficiency
Virtual GPUs help boost data center efficiency and provide a better user experience, but admins must determine whether their workloads justify implementing the technology. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2020
Mirantis marshals reinforcements for Kubernetes management
Mirantis adds engineering staff and revives Docker Swarm as it plans to do battle in container orchestration against Red Hat, Pivotal and Docker itself. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2020
Cloud, Linux vendors cash in on KVM-based virtualization
Vendors such as Red Hat and Google provide products that rely on KVM technology, but picking the right vendor depends on admins' choice of OSes and cloud providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2020
Nvidia helps conceptualize VMware GPU virtualization
Nvidia and VMware announced a plan to bring vGPUs to VMware Cloud on AWS, which will provide customers with more options for implementing GPU-accelerated workloads. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2020
Ad firm gets Kubernetes management boost from Agile Stacks
With a small staff of engineers responsible for all of IT, a digital advertising firm needed help to smooth out the learning curve as it migrated from Mesosphere to Kubernetes. Continue Reading