Distributed Application Architecture (Scale-Out Architecture) for IT
The distributed application architecture topic center offers advice and tips for IT operations professionals handling new application types and the methods by which distributed, scale-out applications are deployed. These include virtualization containers and microservices, event-driven computing, and cloud application management.
Top Stories
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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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Tip
07 Mar 2022
Micro apps vs. microservices: What developers should know
On the surface, the contrast between micro apps and microservices simply seems a matter of front-end vs. back-end concerns. But this isn't the only difference worth knowing. 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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Tutorial
02 Nov 2021
Try this AWS Proton tutorial to build templates quickly
AWS Proton enables IT admins to create templates for environments and the services that live in them. Follow this tutorial and learn to do both. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2021
Dark data discovery: How and where to find it
Before an organization can use dark data, it must find it. Here's how an enterprise can build a plan to locate, use and manage dark data and overcome its challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2021
Managed DevOps services or in-house DevOps: Which is best?
A successful DevOps adoption requires significant time and resources. That is why organizations use managed DevOps services to streamline the process -- but is it still DevOps? Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Oct 2021
Connect data with PowerShell's Join-Object module
In PowerShell, connect different data sources and sets with the community module Join-Object. Examine different examples and use cases to relate your data. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2021
HashiCorp cozies up to Azure AD for zero-trust security
HashiCorp's Boundary access control utility will sync automatically with Microsoft Azure's Active Directory identity management service, the vendors said this week. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2021
Splunk SOAR low-code tool bridges IT automation gaps
Splunk's security orchestration tool bolstered low-code integration features this week, which in the case of Lockheed Martin eased self-healing IT infrastructure tasks as well. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2021
Splunk pricing, observability updates push cloud shift
Some Splunk customers are newly receptive to the vendor's cloud push in a pandemic-stricken economy, and it's piled on further pricing incentives to sweeten the deal. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2021
5 nontechnical metrics to measure DevOps success
There are a lot of specific, technical KPIs for IT admins to track, but what are the nontechnical signs that your organization's DevOps transformation is going well? Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2021
Consider Grafana vs. Prometheus for your time-series tools
Grafana and Prometheus both monitor logs, manage reports and store time-series data -- but differ significantly. Discover their pros and cons with these examples and use cases. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2021
OpenSSF adds $10M to software supply chain security effort
IT pros hope for improved software supply chain security standards from OpenSSF, a Linux Foundation group that gained momentum with new funding this week. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2021
GitOps practitioners address configuration management issues
IT pros shared workflow patterns and tool updates they say have helped them overcome one of the most common problems with performing GitOps at scale. 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
14 Oct 2021
What to know about dark data management
With machine learning, dark data has many use cases. But before organizations can even think to use it, they must tackle several management tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2021
How machine learning strengthens incident management
As systems failures pile up, machine learning stands as an alternative to improve response quality and save money. Learn the benefits and drawbacks to the approach. 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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Tip
07 Oct 2021
Choosing between ITIL vs. IT4IT for a best practices model
ITIL and IT4IT offer companies insider knowledge to help achieve IT success. Learn about each model and how they compare and evaluate your organization's best fit. 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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Feature
04 Oct 2021
Adopt GitOps best practices and tools for your organization
In his book 'Repeatability, Reliability, Scalability through GitOps,' Bryan Feuling provides an in-depth analysis of GitOps to help companies find best practices and tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2021
When to use the Windows command prompt vs. PowerShell
The Windows command prompt and PowerShell can accomplish similar tasks, but how they do so might push users toward one option over the other. Check out these examples to see why. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2021
Ansible overhaul promotes IT automation expansion
Ansible Automation Platform 2 makes it easier to centrally manage IT automation at scale, but enterprises must also contend with technical debt as they grow. 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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News
29 Sep 2021
CloudBees refocuses with IT compliance automation buy
CloudBees previews the fruits of a quietly acquired stealth IT compliance automation startup and modifies its platform plans under new executive leadership. 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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News
23 Sep 2021
Logistics firm refreshes SecOps, replaces EDR with XDR
A refresh of SecOps tools led Flexport to Uptycs, enabling the firm to centralize security monitoring and incident response for endpoints and cloud resources. Continue Reading
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News
23 Sep 2021
Google, VMware surveys raise DevSecOps red flags
Market research reveals stubborn gaps between DevOps and IT security teams, as IT experts warn against an over-reliance on short-term measures of effectiveness. 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
21 Sep 2021
How to mine dark data with machine learning and AI
Machine learning and AI can transform unstructured dark data into valuable business insights. Learn how to process dark data and use the information to your advantage. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2021
ServiceNow platform updates target hybrid team workflows
The latest version of ServiceNow's Now Platform aims to improve remote employees' workflows and broaden its developer ecosystem with a new mobile app builder. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Sep 2021
VMware DevOps platforms evolve without full-stack developers
Full-stack developers are rare in large enterprise companies, prompting VMware to realign its DevOps platforms to better accommodate ops specialists. 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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News
14 Sep 2021
Progress steers Chef InSpec toward CSPM
After a rocky first year, Progress Software has tightened Chef product integrations and solidified roadmap plans that focus on InSpec and CSPM. 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
13 Sep 2021
Is Anywhere Operations the right path for your organization?
Transitioning to remote access has become a necessary reality. And while there are benefits to the Anywhere Operations model, organizations must be wary of its challenges, too. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2021
Blockchain: An immutable ledger to replace the database
Blockchains create a secure encryption beneficial to many businesses. This article offers use cases, benefits and limitations of the electronic database. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Sep 2021
An eBPF tutorial to try out the bpftrace framework
You know what eBPF is, but can you run it? This article offers a brief tutorial to demonstrate the bpftrace framework and how to install a simple eBPF program. 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
26 Aug 2021
Observability vendors push further into SecOps territory
Cybersecurity market consolidation continues, as observability players push beyond security monitoring and into enforcement via XDR and SOAR products. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2021
Take advantage of eBPF's monitoring capabilities on Linux
The benefits of an eBPF program extend wide, including into monitoring and observability. See how the Linux kernel utility increases how much of a system an admin can monitor. 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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News
12 Aug 2021
DevSecOps acquisitions follow enterprise IT shift
As IT roles converge under DevSecOps, enterprise IT vendors are consolidating as well, blending security features with developer appeal in a string of mergers and acquisitions. 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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Tip
09 Aug 2021
3 FAQs to improve your Hyper-V basic knowledge
It is critical to develop a foundation of Hyper-V knowledge for successful management. These three FAQs can broaden your Hyper-V expertise prior to installation and deployment. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Aug 2021
PowerShell looping examples for the 4 key commands
There are many instances where looping is a valuable tool in your PowerShell script. Knowing how to use them will serve you well. Evaluate these four loop commands. 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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News
05 Aug 2021
DevSecOps suffers from a lack of specifics, IT leaders say
Cybersecurity won't improve without clearer guidance from regulators and industry experts about how to implement DevSecOps, according to discussions at a virtual event this week. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2021
DevOps security pros share steps for success
DevOps security isn't a technical problem -- it's a people and process problem, experts say. Enterprise IT pros offer their advice on how to solve it. 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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Tip
02 Aug 2021
Disperse documentation in DevOps processes, top to bottom
Your IT organization's pre-DevOps documentation practices aren't cutting it. Improve speed, accuracy and quality -- and don't leave it for last. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2021
11 job interview questions for virtualization engineers
Interviews are your chance to showcase your overall knowledge -- and technical expertise -- of virtualization. Prepare for your next job interview and review typical questions. 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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Tutorial
27 Jul 2021
Try PSScriptAnalyzer to check PowerShell code best practices
Meeting best practices can be a tough feat. Thankfully, PowerShell Script Analyzer checks the code for you. Follow these examples to learn how it works and get started. 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
22 Jul 2021
DevOps platforms seen as key to enterprise evolution
Ten years into the DevOps movement, an industry report finds DevOps is still rarely done well at scale, and says centralized platforms hold the key to further progress. Continue Reading
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Quiz
22 Jul 2021
Take this quick DevOps quiz to test your expertise
DevOps as a methodology and cultural movement has been around for years -- but how well do you know its concepts and best practices? Find out here. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2021
Get familiar with the basics of vMotion live migration
VMware's vMotion simplifies the process of VM live migration. To use it properly, familiarize yourself with requirements for network bandwidth, host sizes and how it works. 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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Tip
20 Jul 2021
How and when to use Nexthink remote actions
Data can tell admins a lot about what happens in an environment -- if they can collect it. See how the Nexthink platform and PowerShell scripts can gather end-user data. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2021
Terraform cheat sheet: Notable commands, HCL and more
Terraform has a lot going on. This cheat sheet rounds up the essentials, from configuration settings to the key commands for managing the Terraform directory. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jul 2021
Navigate hybrid cloud observability with 3 techniques
Observability isn't just monitoring, and hybrid cloud environments have unique management demands. Use these techniques to get the best out of your organization's ecosystem. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2021
Hyper-V vs. KVM: Select the right hypervisor for your IT needs
Hyper-V and KVM are common hypervisor options. Before you commit to one, evaluate which OS type, available features and memory requirements work for your infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2021
Aqua adds free infrastructure-as-code security for Terraform
Infrastructure-as-code security scans appeal to enterprises as they shift cloud-native security left; Aqua's tfsec buy adds to its free offerings amid broad competition. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Jul 2021
Get around the biggest disadvantage of DevOps: Cost
DevOps is expensive -- maybe too expensive. So, how can you slash the price tag? Instead of diving into a full culture shift, adopt only the processes that benefit your business. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Jul 2021
Battle of the buzzwords: AIOps vs. MLOps square up
Another -Ops has entered the arena: MLOps. Is it just another buzzword, or does the term hold its own weight? Learn more about it and how it compares to AIOps. 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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News
30 Jun 2021
IT pros work out the nuances of GitOps security, maturity
GitOps is catching on among enterprises, especially as edge workloads increase, but the industry must strike a time-honored balance between security and flexibility as it matures. Continue Reading
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Quiz
30 Jun 2021
Quiz yourself on the latest IT trends from 2021 so far
From a string of acquisitions to companies embracing DevSecOps, 2021's news cycle hasn't slowed down. Do you know the top stories? Find out with this quiz. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2021
JFrog to acquire Vdoo, take 'shift right' view of DevSecOps
The combined companies will expand JFrog's Xray tool to embed security throughout its DevSecOps pipeline products, with a focus on application artifacts, rather than source code. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2021
Familiarize yourself with these 7 key SRE terms
Want to understand site reliability engineering? Check out this primer of SRE terminology that explains some of its fundamentals, from the job role to SLAs and issue resolution. 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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Tip
28 Jun 2021
Compare ARM templates vs. Terraform for infrastructure as code
ARM templates and Terraform are popular infrastructure-as-code options. Check out an Ubuntu Server VM example in each approach and learn the pros and cons of these tools. 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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Feature
23 Jun 2021
7 infrastructure as code books for IT pros to dig into
Need some reading material? Check out these books on infrastructure as code -- and popular IaC tools -- to pick up some new skills on the IT management practice. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2021
DOD enlists IT vendors for new DevSecOps missions
In the second year of its DevSecOps project, the Department of Defense is fielding bids to resell its DevSecOps platform and is funding research into software supply chain security. 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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Tip
22 Jun 2021
Tips to launch VirtualBox nested virtualization
Nested VMs make it easy to expand VM capacity without additional hardware. Take a look at the process to avoid any major issues and get these VMs up and running. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Jun 2021
Will DevOps spell the death of the CMDB?
While CMDBs still have value, they no longer dominate IT management. See what CMDB integration options remain and why IT admins should look beyond the repository software. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2021
6 steps to reduce SRE toil
All organizations suffer from toil -- even if they don't call it that. And while SRE is not a single product, there are many ways to instill its concepts into IT environments. 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
16 Jun 2021
Harness baits CI/CD set with feature flags, cloud auto-stop
New modules from Harness may entice customers to buy more of its CI/CD software, but unseating DevOps pipeline tools from larger vendors remains a daunting challenge. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jun 2021
Evaluate 3 application performance monitoring strategies
There is more than one approach to performance monitoring, and each comes with its own advantages. Compare these three strategies to find the right fit for your organization. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Jun 2021
Don't limit observability to 3 pillars
Logs, metrics and tracing are the pillars of observability but fall short in system health comprehension. Learn why data source tracking gives better insight into your environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jun 2021
Easily transfer VMs to the cloud with Microsoft Azure Migrate
It takes time to plan, assess and set up a VM migration. Microsoft's Azure Migrate gives you a central dashboard to efficiently get your VMware and Hyper-V VMs into the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2021
Prisma Cloud CSPM looks to mitigate DevSecOps conflicts
Palo Alto Networks' CSPM product uses machine learning to tackle a point of DevSecOps friction -- too many security alerts that aren't tied to imminent threats. Continue Reading