Scripting, Scheduling and IT Orchestration
The IT orchestration and workflow scripting topic center offers resources for SysOps and IT professionals to automate IT processes and create intelligent workflows for tasks in cloud or data center resources. It covers how to replace ad hoc tasks with standardized scripted steps and tools to facilitate the process.
Top Stories
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News
10 Feb 2022
As DevSecOps tools coalesce, IT pros ponder role overlaps
Dynatrace is among a slew of DevSecOps vendors touting a one-stop shop for observability and security automation, but IT pros say it's unlikely to displace existing tools for now. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2022
Enterprise AIOps quietly gets real
Machine learning algorithms are being used to automate some aspects of enterprise IT operations, but the original goal of advanced self-healing systems is still a long way off. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jan 2019
HashiCorp
HashiCorp is a software company that provides a suite of modular DevOps infrastructure provisioning and management products. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
Database DevOps tools ease app deployment at insurance firm
Colonial Life brought its SQL-based enrollment app into the DevOps fold with a tool from Datical to replace its faulty manual update process. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Dec 2018
Major acquisitions, Kubernetes evolution top IT news in 2018
In the second half of 2018, IT industry vendors and their users worked to tame Kubernetes and containers, and inject open source innovation into tried-and-true enterprise IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2018
Top 10 IT tutorials of 2018 for professional development in 2019
Most IT admins take control of their education via home labs and tutorials. Refresh skills in PowerShell or Python -- or learn new ones like Kubernetes -- with these popular walkthroughs. Continue Reading
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Infographic
18 Dec 2018
IT automation tops list of best uses of AI, survey shows
Early adopters of AI say they see promise in the technology, and most plan to boost their AI investment. Still, they have concerns about security risks and data availability. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2018
IT industry trends home in on containers, AIOps and CI/CD
IT ops pros should be on the lookout for enterprise-wide production container deployments, real-world AIOps usage and new approaches to CI/CD in 2019. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Dec 2018
AI for IT operations means smarter, safer deployments
Anticipate developments in AIOps and IT automation in 2019, particularly in major spaces such as IT security. Help your organization look forward and adopt smarter automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
Discover the top Windows Server and PowerShell tutorials of 2018
Administrators can level up their management game with these Windows Server tips and PowerShell tutorials that got the most attention on the SearchWindowsServer site in 2018. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2018
Knative project stokes interest in event-driven IT ops
The Knative project is nascent, but Kubernetes users said they believe it could facilitate the next generation of IT infrastructure management. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2018
Use Puppet for Windows ops automation with dsc_lite
With DSC and dsc_lite, as well as a native option, users operate in Puppet within the familiarity of PowerShell settings. Here's how each approach works. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
Istio service mesh vies for lead in microservices market
Istio's integration into Google Cloud will give it momentum, but service mesh competition remains fierce, as HashiCorp Consul makes strong inroads with early adopters. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2018
Simple-to-automate IT tasks: Stop doing these 3 things
There are certain tasks that no IT ops administrator should still do manually. No more excuses -- take these easy operations processes off your plate, and let scripts or tools take over. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Nov 2018
As-a-service at your service: Cloud tools simplify DevOps automation
AWS offers the widest range of cloud-integrated DevOps tools. But Google Cloud has a strategy with more focus on integration, and Azure closely ties in with other Microsoft products. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2018
When a NoOps implementation is -- and when it isn't -- the right choice
NoOps skills and tools are highly useful regardless of the IT environment, but site reliability engineering brings operations admins into development when an organization can't afford to lose them. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Nov 2018
Boost DevOps cred with script management in Git version control
DevOps teams use configuration management to automate patches and provisioning. They use version control to increase collaboration and change control. Learn how to combine the two. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
Terraform orchestration matures as multi-cloud lingua franca
Terraform offers cloud-agnostic infrastructure as code to highly skilled DevOps pros, and its latest release looks to extend its appeal beyond early adopters. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2018
Kubernetes on VMware gains a lifeline with Heptio acquisition
VMware's Heptio buy brings it Kubernetes chops that will help it make a multi-cloud bid, but it will struggle to raise its profile in open source container management, industry watchers predict. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
HashiCorp Vault maturity prompts strategy speculation
HashiCorp is valued at $1.9 billion for its IT management software, such as Vault 1.0, and the IBM-Red Hat merger has set off speculation about the firm's future. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2018
Grow rapidly into a continuous delivery pipeline
IT organizations that undertake continuous delivery and deployment initiatives must find strategies to enable that nonstop rush into production without any space for massive or prolonged user-facing problems. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Oct 2018
It's time to automate the help desk ticketing system
The help desk is no admin's favorite job -- and no user's favorite place. But with a little automation and AI, the help desk can become a more palatable experience for both parties. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
Nomad vs. Kubernetes talk prompts HashiCorp managed service plan
HashiCorp's founders say Nomad and Kubernetes are not mutually exclusive, but the company will launch a Nomad managed service to match cloud providers' turnkey Kubernetes services. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2018
PowerShell Core 6.1 offers many small improvements
New PowerShell Core functionality includes the addition of Windows PowerShell 5.1 modules, making this version worth a closer look for administrators. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2018
Why do admins need both powershell.exe and pwsh.exe?
While the PowerShell development team wants IT to move on to the newer PowerShell version, the powershell.exe executable will remain to avoid breaking changes. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 Oct 2018
How to use PowerShell JEA for task delegation
System administrators don't have to do every mundane task themselves anymore with help from Just Enough Administration. Get started with these instructions using PowerShell. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2018
Chef InSpec 3.0 horns in on Terraform territory
Chef InSpec 3.0 can scan Terraform infrastructure-as-code files for security and compliance gaps, which knocked HashiCorp Sentinel off the evaluation list at Chef customer Pacific Life. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2018
SRE model requires technical, organizational optimization skills
Practitioners categorize SRE job descriptions two ways -- by distributed systems architecture design that evolves rapidly, and also by the ability to optimize human workflows. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2018
Strive for real-world technical debt management in DevOps orgs
Technical debt is a bit like the kitchen junk drawer: It's cobbled-together, useful stuff that just needed to go somewhere. But the longer you wait to sort it out, the worse it gets. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2018
Puppet Enterprise updates give IT ops pros a leg up on DevOps
Puppet Enterprise 2019, Puppet Bolt 1.0 and Puppet Insights broaden enterprise IT ops pros' options for DevOps support and infrastructure automation tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2018
Tap the Chocolatey package manager to usher in Windows DevOps
Create a Chocolatey package with this tutorial on DevOps for Windows. Simplify package management and installation, and swap the GUI for a CLI client. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
04 Oct 2018
Getting started with AWS Tools for PowerShell
Want to make a move from on-premises systems? The AWS Tools for PowerShell module builds on your knowledge of handling Windows machines and carries it into the Amazon cloud. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Oct 2018
Compare Go vs. Python for infrastructure programming
Both code languages get the infrastructure-as-code job done, but each from a different angle. This comparison tutorial puts their similarities and differences center stage. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2018
Jenkins on Kubernetes is promising, but integration needs work
Jenkins and Kubernetes are a natural fit for automated application development and delivery, and the open source community has plans to improve how Jenkins runs on containers. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2018
CloudBees Core sets its sights beyond enterprise Jenkins
CloudBees and its competitors vie to offer the visibility and data-driven performance measurement into CI/CD processes that enterprises need to strive for better DevOps governance. Continue Reading
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Guide
05 Sep 2018
Rev up IT with continuous delivery and DevOps
IT operations is on the software team with continuous delivery, continuous deployment and DevOps. Done right, the collaboration in tools and culture produces better software faster than previous methodologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
Continuous delivery pipeline tools build IT efficiency
The range of CD tools available is as varied as the organizations that need them. Choose between three primary tool set constructions to suit your organization's structure. Continue Reading
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Quiz
17 Aug 2018
Identify mutable and immutable infrastructures in action
Change is constant in app code, server configuration and VM security policies alike. IT orgs enforce consistency while embracing change with immutable infrastructure. So what does it look like? Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2018
Find the ideal incident management automation tool or tools
Unless the data center floods or a digger cuts a network cable, incident management takes place via software tools. The quality of these tools determines how quickly work can resume. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2018
Atlassian HipChat shutdown surprises enterprise IT pros
IT pros had been skeptical about Atlassian's Stride, but HipChat's disappearance leaves them with lingering questions about licensing and support. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
12 Jul 2018
Perform this Octopus Deploy tutorial in under 60 minutes
Octopus Deploy extends a variety of agents called Tentacles that manage a wide swath of tasks. In just one hour, create an Octopus Deploy instance in a simple home lab. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Jul 2018
Modern service management, DevOps streamline app administration
DevOps and service management are synonymous in modern IT, insofar as their guidelines match. Regardless of the term, ensure organizational practices are built for today's reqs. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jul 2018
IT pursues zero-touch automation for application support
The best and most efficient approach to IT automation features as little human intervention and interaction as possible. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
Taking stock of Windows Server management tools
Microsoft provides a mix of server management tools that administrators can choose from to control the machines that run the business. This comparison can help steer your decision. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2018
Embrace automation in a hybrid cloud deployment: Free chapter
Hybrid cloud is complex, and while automation helps, it also presents new risks. This book by Clive Longbottom dives into the details cloud adopters should know. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2018
IT infrastructure management software learns analytics tricks
Not every enterprise IT shop is ready to take the AIOps plunge, but IT ops automation is increasingly data-driven -- even at mainstream companies. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Jun 2018
How is the future of PowerShell shaping up?
Microsoft no longer develops PowerShell behind closed doors. While there are perks to the tool's move to open source, users must cope with the consequences of the shift. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Jun 2018
These Go code examples showcase its main features
Google's golang uses many of the same functions as older code languages, such as key-value pairs and compiling, but is better fitted to modern systems development requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2018
How to build a Packer image for Azure
Packer is an open source tool that automates the Windows Server image building process to give administrators a consistent approach to create new VMs. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jun 2018
What is the best DevOps tool for my career?
I have no prior knowledge on DevOps. I'm doing an online course and understand Unix. I get the concepts, so what tool should I concentrate on learning to advance my DevOps career? Continue Reading
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Tip
30 May 2018
Mind the feature gaps in the PowerShell open source project
Administrators who switch to the cross-platform version of PowerShell might find it challenging to use, but there are several ways to cope with a transition from Windows PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2018
How can learning scripting languages help junior testers?
As a junior tester, I think learning scripting languages could make me more valuable to my team and enhance my career. But how do I pick the scripting language to learn? Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2018
Chef Automate 2.0 renews appeal to DevOps shops
Chef Automate 2.0 lays the groundwork for tighter integration between the IT automation software and third-party tools, as Chef stakes its claim in the DevOps gold rush. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2018
Self-service automation gives WLA maximum power
Users don't want to wait for an admin to run a report. Admins don't want to drop their work to do it. Set parameters on self-service options and let workers help themselves. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2018
How to protect PowerShell credentials in task automation
When administrators use unencrypted credentials in PowerShell scripts, they expose sensitive information. Find out the ways to secure credential use with automated tasks. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 May 2018
How do the benefits of SDN improve network automation?
The ability to automate networks isn't new, and while the benefits of SDN reach out to encompass aspects of automation, SDN and network automation don't mean the same thing. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Apr 2018
Is IT workload management easier on software-defined infrastructure?
Our IT organization uses deployment automation, monitoring tools and virtualized resources. What do we need to do to manage IT workloads? Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Apr 2018
Resolve issues between Python and Linux with virtualenv
While Linux OSes favor Python 2, Python 3 is the widely preferred version. Install virtualenv to isolate Python 2 and 3 and prevent IT issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2018
PowerShell 6 expands reach but lags behind Windows version
Cross-platform PowerShell arrived without all the functionality that's available in Windows PowerShell -- but it brings the ability to manage Linux and macOS systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2018
Creating PowerShell scripts for task automation
At a certain point, administrators who run PowerShell commands from the console will find it more efficient to develop a script that does not require manual intervention. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2018
Automated continuous deployment tools produce successful code
Continuous deployment skips the operations oversight step in software production. So, automated tools must ensure code success in administrators' stead -- before mistakes go live. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2018
These PowerShell script examples help tidy up code
Even the most grizzled scripting veterans might learn some new PowerShell tips and tricks to tighten their automation code or produce clearer error messages. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
01 Mar 2018
IBM roadmap of cloud, AI-enabled IT drives Think conference
IT operations must absorb automation, AI, machine learning and cloud trends, which result in a more data-driven, predictive and responsive department -- if everything goes right. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
22 Feb 2018
Impact Awards honor the best cloud and data center tools
Each year, the Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards program salutes the data center tools and cloud management technologies that stand out from the crowd. The winners are the products that prove particularly useful and draw raves from users. These technologies act as catalysts for innovation in the cloud environments and data centers that modern businesses rely on to keep moving forward.
More than ever, the right technologies can make the difference between a business strategy that succeeds and one that disappoints. It's one thing for cloud services or data center tools to make it easier for IT professionals to carry out their day-to-day duties, but it takes something special for a product or service to help drive real organizational success. We're pleased to honor that excellence with this special edition of Modern Infrastructure.
Also, be sure to check this issue for articles and columns that delve into the complications that accompany the benefits of using multiple cloud providers, the applicability of serverless computing and the scenarios that might give pause to even the biggest IoT proponents.
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Photo Story
22 Feb 2018
Data center and cloud computing products that make an impact
The Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards recognize the best IT infrastructure and cloud computing products in seven categories, from cloud to DevOps to converged infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2018
Five system administrator skills Windows admins should hone
IT workers need to learn how to ride the wave of innovation and master these five technologies related to Windows Server that can ease their workload and help the business. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2018
Learn Ruby language skills with these online resources
Systems administrators spend more time programming than ever before. To excel in your current role or find a new, DevOps-heavy one, invest the time to learn a new language. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2018
Enterprises identify 10 essential DevOps tools
Products branded with DevOps are everywhere, and the list of options grows every day, but the best DevOps tools are already well-known among enterprise IT pros. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2018
Automation and orchestration elevate scripts from helpful to essential
Did you automate a server update, only to realize another script for configuration compliance has to run first? Orchestration tidies up the messy piles of automation that grow out of IT scripting. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Feb 2018
Create a self-signed certificate to control PowerShell scripts
Signing code ensures that every change is official and approved. This helps to prevent errors and security breaches. Write a PowerShell self-signed certificate for code testing. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2018
Kubernetes hybrid cloud emerges from Google-Cisco partnership
A Kubernetes partnership from Cisco and Google widens IT pros' container orchestration options in hybrid cloud deployments, but its advantages depend on future software integrations. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2018
CoreOS acquisition burnishes Red Hat containers profile
Most IT shops don't deploy containers in production, but more might be enticed by the addition of CoreOS tools to Red Hat's OpenShift. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2018
ServiceNow Kingston troubleshoots IT tasks with AI, machine learning
ServiceNow delivers AI and machine learning capabilities to its core platform to eliminate time-consuming manual help desk tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2018
Learn YAML through a personal example
Some code languages take countless hours of formal training and practice. YAML strikes out in the opposite direction. To comprehend its hierarchical format, follow this coding example. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2018
Catch the IT automation technology wave
IT automation is taking over in operations as tasks get bigger and more complex, handling distributed systems. Stay current with these five big trends. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2018
Master the basics of Azure Automation
Automation offers a more efficient, hands-off approach to public cloud management. Explore the basics of Azure's automation service and the role of runbooks. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2017
A good IT orchestration system saves time for users and admins
Rather than fight with business workers about runaway IT resource consumption and complex demands on tight deadlines, let an orchestration platform control the process. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2017
Centralize Ubuntu server management on Landscape
Canonical Landscape brings centralized server management to Ubuntu on physical and virtual machines, as well as cloud systems. See how it works, and explore features such as tagging. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Sep 2017
PowerShell scripts enable automated cloud deployments
This step-by-step tutorial walks through the process to automate an Azure deployment; start with launching the virtual server, and finish with the deletion process. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2017
A deployment pipeline keeps infrastructure ducks in their rows
IT infrastructure is difficult to get right. Whether to stand up a test/dev server or deploy a new app to production, infrastructure developers turn to a deployment pipeline to build IT. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2017
Come to grips with immutable infrastructure in production
Immutable infrastructure is a developer approach to application hosting that's made its way into the IT ops lexicon. It's time to understand the changes it brings to application support. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Aug 2017
IT automation software: Top five common mistakes
IT automation software projects can involve a great deal of risk, but avoid these common mistakes and it will increase the chances for automation success. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2017
Automate Active Directory jobs with PowerShell scripts
Much of what admins do in Active Directory is not exactly cutting-edge, and they don't want to waste time on mundane tasks. A dash of PowerShell can speed things along. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2017
Learn shell scripts: A sys admin's guide to automation
Shell scripts and sys admins should be best friends. A day rarely goes by without using some form of shell script or another. Learn how those scripts work and start writing them. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2017
Advanced shell scripting for IT ops professionals: Free chapter
Shell scripts can improve speed and automation for sys admins beyond what's possible with graphical user interfaces. Dana French's books cover advanced shell scripting for experienced users. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2017
Tap PowerShell DSC resources to automate web server construction
Administrators will create numerous IIS web servers during their IT careers. With Desired State Configuration, admins can automate this task with cleaner results. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2017
Shipyard floats a Docker GUI for easier container management
Deploying new Docker images is the easy part; managing and reporting on those instances is tricky. IT teams can use the Shipyard GUI to stop, start, orchestrate and manage Docker. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
10 Feb 2017
Orchestration software: The functions and vendors to watch
Enterprises must keep their IT processes on track to stay ahead in the DevOps era. Solid orchestration software will pull automation tasks together and accelerate workflows. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
19 Jan 2017
Top cloud and data center technologies win Impact Awards
Plenty of data center technologies enter the market, aiming to solve this problem or that problem. (Or every problem, if the hype is to be believed.) But which products really hit the mark? Which ones stand out, coming along at just the right moment to address just the right need? Those are the kinds of products that garner attention in the annual Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards, and now is the time to name names. This issue unveils the 2017 Impact Award winners for the top cloud computing and data center technologies and services as selected by editors, independent experts and Modern Infrastructure readers. These participants assessed the tools they found worthy of recognition in categories ranging from best converged and hyper-converged product to best cloud migration and optimization offering to top systems management tool. To be eligible, a product needed to be either new to the market or substantially upgraded within the past year. And when the best of them distinguish themselves, that's when they warrant attention from the Modern Infrastructure awards. This issue of Modern Infrastructure also looks at artificial intelligence -- past the lofty speculation and into its possible real-world implications -- as well as the transformation going on in the server backup market. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
19 Jan 2017
2017 Impact Awards honor the best IT products and services
The votes are in. From AWS partners to system management, Modern Infrastructure readers recognize the best IT products in the 2017 Impact Awards. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2017
Automated deployment tools mitigate the risk of human error in DevOps
There are dozens of application and infrastructure automation tools for IT shops. Choosing the right one requires project and feature evaluation. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2016
Set up a virtual home lab to learn OpenStack and more on your own time
There are many reasons to set up a virtual home lab, not least of all for career advancement and learning. Occasionally, it can be fun too. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2016
Simplify your platform with IT systems management tools
So much effort goes into simply keeping an IT infrastructure up and running. Imagine what more could be accomplished once you automate some of those tasks with IT systems management tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2016
A SaltStack tutorial to start mastering data center minions
With a basic understanding of SaltStack minions, modules, grains and other concepts, IT administrators have the power to scale up configurations. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Nov 2016
Why orchestration services are important in the DevOps age
Automation and orchestration services are critical for modern IT systems to function well. Learn more about how these functions facilitate IT processes and workflows. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2016
CFEngine configuration management tool up close and in-depth
CFEngine is a widely known and used configuration management tool. Learn about its primary features and functions and if and how your organization could benefit from it. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Sep 2016
Inside Docker configuration management functions
Docker may not be a standard configuration management tool, but it possesses a set of capabilities that have made it a growing player in the CM market. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Sep 2016
The Cobbler configuration management tool's ins and outs
Cobbler is a configuration management tool best suited for Linux-based IT environments. Learn more about this tool and if it can benefit your enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2016
SaltStack configuration management tools and their many functions
SaltStack is a relatively new tool in the configuration management market with powerful capabilities and an active user community. Read more about this emerging product here. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2016
What Chef configuration management can do for your IT systems
Chef configuration management tools possess a huge community of users. Learn more about product versions, capabilities, user resources and what Chef can offer an enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Sep 2016
Select the best configuration management tools for your company
What characterizes the best configuration management tools for your company? Read about the different tools available and which ones would address your company needs the best. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2016
Script management technology adds safety to scripting's power
Script management is a necessity to maintain an IT deployment. The canny organization will choose the right tools that give power to the sys admin, while protecting against accidents. Continue Reading