Network management and monitoring
Network management and monitoring are vital components of modern IT operations that help businesses run effectively and efficiently. Network observability also provides added visibility into the end-user experience. Find out how innovations such as AI, machine learning, network analytics and network automation are shaping the future of network management and monitoring.
Top Stories
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Feature
17 Apr 2024
Is network automation adoption necessary?
Automation is not a one-size-fits-all strategy for every network problem. Enterprises must examine their network's needs to determine if automation is a worthwhile investment. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2024
The role of generative AI in networking
As networks grow more complex, generative AI emerges as a tool that can help network teams with a wide range of tasks, such as writing scripts, documentation and incident response. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Analyst balks at blockchain distributed ledger in networking
Blockchain distributed ledger technology is untested, unproven and overly complex, making it unsuitable for networking, GlobalData analyst Mike Fratto argued. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2018
Blockchain technology use in networking? Not so fast
Blockchain technology use has little value in networking, according to one IT analyst. Analysts also examine IoT security and what might happen to AI if disasters occur. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2018
Cisco DNA Center gets access to more IoT devices
Cisco DNA Center can now access an additional 620 IoT device profiles. Cisco also introduced this week a couple of Catalyst 9500 switches, including one with 100 GbE ports. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2018
Cisco advances Network Assurance Engine, network verification tech
The Cisco Network Assurance Engine, a network verification tool, will add support for more third-party devices and platforms. Cisco's Sundar Iyer shares plans. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2018
Pay as you go with new Cisco Tetration analytics SaaS
The latest versions of Cisco Tetration analytics include a software-as-a-service offering with pay-as-you-go pricing. Cisco is also offering a software-only version. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2018
Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation
Consolidation is a driving force among networking vendors, but network professionals have to actively consider how those changes affect enterprise network management. Continue Reading
- 03 Apr 2018
- 03 Apr 2018
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E-Zine
03 Apr 2018
Big data network analytics: The next big thing
Networking managers are trying to keep track of an ever-increasing number of moving pieces. To do so, they are turning to a new class of big data network analytics that applies machine learning and artificial intelligence to help improve performance of growing networks.
While network professionals can look at various components of their networks and see what's happening on them now, the need to create more meaningful, actionable information is leading to increased demand for more sophisticated big data network analytics. As enterprises continue to use cloud services and advanced networking technologies like software-defined WAN, this need will only grow.
In this issue of Network Evolution, read insights from network professionals who are beginning to apply big data network analytics, machine learning and AI and what enterprises expect from these tools as the industry develops them.
Also in this issue, vendor consolidation in the last several years has wrought changes to what products and services are supported. Traditional networking vendors like Cisco and Juniper have jumped into the software-defined networking space through acquisitions, and several other vendors have merged to streamline products and diversify offerings. Read how the evolving vendor landscape is impacting the way enterprises interact with their suppliers.
In addition, as more workloads are placed in the cloud, enterprises have more options for deploying unified communications. Read best practices and considerations for on-premises or cloud UC or a mix of both to decide which deployment works best.
Finally, read about one organization's mission to improve healthcare through better wireless connectivity in this issue's Subnet.
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Opinion
03 Apr 2018
Network data analytics must work alongside human ingenuity
Network data analytics offer a key tool in the arsenal of monitoring and understanding network behavior. But network professionals can't forget another crucial element -- themselves. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2018
Network analytics tools deepen with machine learning and AI
Network analytics tools that utilize machine learning and AI can help IT pros with monitoring and performance evaluation, and provide business insight. But a holistic view of the network using analytics is still on the horizon. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2018
Gluware launches Config Modeling network automation tool
Gluware launches Config Modeling, a new network automation tool intended to help customers overcome the hurdles of CLI as they manage multivendor legacy networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2018
Network data analysis driving business intelligence
According to a study from Enterprise Management Associates, network data analysis tools are now being used by enterprises to deliver valuable information to business units. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Mar 2018
Which is better for WLAN support: Mac or Windows?
Choosing the right laptop for WLAN support usually boils down to Macintosh versus Windows. But of the two, there is only one OS clearly up to the task, our expert maintains. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2018
Network device monitoring beyond NETCONF
This week, bloggers look at alternative methods in network device monitoring, Europe's GDPR legislation and the integration of low-code platforms within cloud offerings. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2018
What exactly is a digital business transformation strategy?
What do you need for a digital business transformation strategy that will actually work to boost business value and change the enterprise operations model? Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Yahoo Japan deploys intent-based network with Apstra AOS
Yahoo Japan deploys an Apstra intent-based network to oversee multiple vendors. Cisco touts Los Angeles Hospital, as well as the benefits it's getting from its DNA strategy. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2018
Is it best to buy or build a network automation system?
Bloggers explore the question of buying versus building a network automation system, the challenges of hyper-converged infrastructure and the integration of AI into enterprise IT. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2018
The benefits of machine learning in network management
Enterprises and vendors alike are now undertaking machine learning deployment strategies. What are the benefits of machine learning in networking related to analysis and management tools? Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2018
How network automation scripts will affect veteran engineers
This week, bloggers look at how engineers will need to adapt to changes such as network automation scripts, offer projections for RSA 2018 and debate network transformation. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2018
Cisco adds predictive analytics to Viptela SD-WAN
Cisco's new cloud-based service, called vAnalytics, helps companies prepare for changes within the Viptela SD-WAN by giving answers to what-if questions. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2018
Overcoming the hype with advanced network analytics software
Bloggers explore the capabilities of network analytics software, assess the coming impact of GDPR regulations and look into the use of Ethernet VPN with an MPLS data plane in data centers. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Feb 2018
How can IT asset management tools aid in virtualization era?
IT asset management tools allow businesses to track resources effectively. Platform organization is increasingly necessary in a virtualized enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2018
PV buy takes Accedian network monitoring to the enterprise
Carrier supplier Accedian heads to the enterprise market with the acquisition of French company Performance Vision. Accedian network monitoring tools complement PV's NPM software. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2018
DNS functions remain vital, but must adapt as demands shift
The domain name system's tasks are simple, but essential, and the service faces challenges with the proliferation of devices that operate within IPv6 networks. Continue Reading
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Guide
15 Feb 2018
Meet network management goals with new tech and techniques
Get up to speed on the new technological advances, improved products and advanced techniques that make enterprise network monitoring and management a bit less daunting. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2018
Is machine learning needed for network traffic routing?
This week, bloggers assess the role of machine learning for network traffic routing, new hurdles for identity management due to the cloud and what to ask AI vendors. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Feb 2018
What's automation's role in network provisioning resources?
IT is embracing network automation, but complications with integration disrupt the process. Using automation for provisioning resources can improve efficiency, but reduce the need for IT personnel. Continue Reading
- 01 Feb 2018
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Feature
01 Feb 2018
Engineer uses Cisco DNA Center to combat network challenges
Durham County hopes Cisco DNA Center and network automation create efficient, seamless experiences for IT managers and users, after redesigning its data center with Cisco's ACI. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2018
New 5G wireless technology trials spark enterprise interest
New 5G wireless technology promises super-fast network speeds and massive capacity. Businesses that require low latency and high throughput could see the advantages first. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2018
Cisco Assurance services verify intent-based networking
Cisco has advanced its intent-based networking plans with a layer of analytics that verify compliance with policies. The new Cisco Assurance is tied to the company's SDN platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2018
Network configuration tools: A primer
Script management, intent-based systems and new strategies with network configuration tools are propelling a paradigm shift in the way that networks are managed. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2018
Selecting network configuration software for automation
This week, bloggers look into choosing the right network configuration software for an automation project, endpoint security and the future of SD-WAN as a stand-alone service. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2018
Apstra bolsters IBN with customizable analytics
Startup Apstra has introduced customizable analytics in its network operating system. The latest AOS upgrade bolsters Apstra's intent-based networking capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2018
ThousandEyes-Juniper pact focuses on hybrid WANs
ThousandEyes and Juniper boost visibility for hybrid WANs; IDC records sharp rise in cloud spending; and a vendor group issues specifications for optical 100 Gbps interoperability. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2018
Take network configuration management tools to the next level
Script management systems and intent-based networking are driving the future of network configuration management tools, shifting the paradigm of how networking systems are managed. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jan 2018
IBN: Enablement for a configuration management process?
How realistic are claims about intent-based networking helping organizations to enhance the network configuration management process? Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2018
Managing first-hop router complexity with an IPv6 prefix
This week, bloggers explore IPv6 prefix complexities, the reasons behind high turnover among CISOs and whether the adage 'just reboot it' holds true with advanced wireless LANs. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2017
Automated networks mean clearing some key hurdles first
Obstacles facing IT adoption of automation in the network including training and trust. Now's the time to clear these hurdles and reap the benefits of an automated future. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Dec 2017
How can network management systems boost troubleshooting?
What can IT teams do to combine network management systems and application performance management tools to boost troubleshooting in enterprise infrastructure? Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2017
Hyper-convergence gives new choice in network system management
Hyper-convergence is driving network evolution, but engineers need to consider the flexibility of network system management software and performance to ensure best results. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Dec 2017
The future of networking technology is playing out right now
To prepare for the future of networking technology, IT managers must understand evolving concepts like hyper-convergence, SD-WAN and intent-based networking. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Nov 2017
How to select the best network monitoring tool
Learn the criteria for choosing the best network monitoring tool for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2017
Why device upgrade strategies fail
The industry is built on 30-year-old code, writes one analyst, and that is one reason why device upgrade strategies often fall short. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2017
LiveAction software focuses on provisioning resources
Bloggers look into LiveAction software aimed at provisioning resources, the threat posed by the cybersecurity skills shortage and using Linux for data center switches. Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2017
Remediation engine to improve Nyansa Voyance network monitoring
New remediation engine in Nyansa Voyance flags the cause of network troubles and recommends changes to correct it. Other improvements include more syslog data for better analytics. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2017
Network validation a first step to intent-based architecture
Network validation is an important first step for enterprises evaluating intent-based networking. Unless you know how things really work, you won't succeed. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Sep 2017
How to use traceroute to troubleshoot network problems
Traceroute is a tool that can provide more insight than you might think. Learn how to use traceroute to troubleshoot network issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Aug 2017
How should IT manage connected devices?
As IT teams become tasked to manage connected devices more often, what steps need to be taken to avoid performance and security-related problems? Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2017
ManageEngine launches OpManager Plus deep packet inspection tool
ManageEngine launches OpManager Plus, a new deep packet inspection tool; Nyansa broadens analytics for Voyance; and Aerohive premieres a new combined switch-access point. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2017
Update expands Mist Wi-Fi management platform use cases
The latest update to the Mist Wi-Fi management platform makes it more useful for divvying up network access in hotels, college dormitories and apartment buildings. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2017
SaaS SIEM offers enterprise networks refined analytics
This week, bloggers explore SaaS SIEM, applications as drivers of hybrid cloud, and the benefits and drawbacks of integrated systems. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2017
Enterprises seek operational insight from network analytics
This week, bloggers look into operational insight from network analytics, vulnerabilities in the wake of WannaCry and slow 25 GbE switch adoption. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2017
Chef gets compliments for network automation tool features
Networking industry pros discuss the Chef automation tool and how it can be used as a network automation tool. They also examine the evolution of AI and talk about a controller upgrade gone bad. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2017
Why SDN, DevOps don't share automated network missions
SDN and DevOps may both have a role in automated network device management, but compared to SDN, DevOps has a completely different mission, our expert explains. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2017
Nyansa premieres new Voyance network analytics tools
This week, Nyansa premieres new Voyance network analytics tools, espionage takes off as a security threat and the midmarket struggles with cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Apr 2017
Managing wireless networks: How to address the key challenges
One challenge in managing wireless networks is that the tools and tech are changing rapidly. Here’s what network pros need to know now. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Apr 2017
Cloud visibility goal of Ixia CloudLens software update
Ixia takes aim at cloud visibility with its new CloudLens Public for tracking cloud performance. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Mar 2017
Customer-focused strategy more key than digital transformation hype
The tech industry's chatter about digital transformation and disruption are scare tactics that shouldn't distract companies from making purchases based on a customer-focused strategy. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2017
Will automation define the future of network technology?
This week, bloggers look at automation as the future of network technology, weigh in on Cumulus' EVPN features and examine ExtraHop's Addy machine learning analytics. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2017
SN blogs: Are dropped packets better than delayed packets?
This week, bloggers look into whether dropped packets are better than delayed packets, discuss cloud-based shadow IT and clarify the meaning of microservices. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2017
Trigger gets props among hot next-gen network automation tools
This week, bloggers look into network automation tools, incident response, and the new reality of MPLS and SD-WAN. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2017
Nyansa user experience tools platform garners Network Innovation Award
Nyansa uses a blend of cloud-based analytics, real-time DPI and an easy-to-understand console for its user experience tools platform. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2016
Why 2017 promises to bring more network automation systems
Arista, Cisco and Juniper took steps this year toward providing better network automation systems. Next year, companies can expect to see technology from other vendors. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2016
Identifying the IT operations analytics product your enterprise needs
This guide to IT operations analytics tools explains how ITOA works so networking pros can determine the most important features and assess vendor offerings. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2016
Startups launch verification technology to help manage networks
Forward Networks and Veriflow Systems have introduced verification technology to help engineers manage corporate networks. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2016
Nyansa adds app monitoring to network traffic analytics
Nyansa has widened the capabilities of its network traffic analytics system with the addition of application monitoring. The latest capabilities are packaged as Voyance+. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2016
Cisco pledges a quicker rollout of network automation tools
Cisco tells Partner Summit attendees it will move faster to deliver the network automation tools the vendor has been slow to provide. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2016
Is API adoption necessary for successful network automation?
This week, bloggers explore API adoption for network automation, Igneous Systems' hyperconverged cloud management and NetBeez's troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2016
Riverbed software update boosts performance monitoring
A Riverbed software update blends SteelCentral; Gigamon intros a security appliance; Check Point warns of 2017 ransomware threats. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2016
Intent-driven networking reshaping network service delivery
When configuring a network, engineers often focus on individual tasks to enable network service delivery. Intent-driven networking transfers the focus to the overall network. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2016
Mist introduces new analytics capabilities for wireless
ICYMI: Mist premieres new analytics capabilities on its Wi-Fi platform, while Broadcom targets large data centers with its new switches and IDC sees more security spending. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Oct 2016
Amidst complex infrastructures, network visualization is needed
Today's networks are increasingly complex. An overhaul in network visualization is needed to help parse and diagnose modern networks. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2016
ExtraHop 6.0 adds new packet search to IT analytics platform
ExtraHop introduces a new IT analytics appliance that lets IT search and download packets associated with a particular transaction. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2016
Automation key element in network monitoring best practices
The fundamentals underpinning network monitoring might be simple, but it doesn't mean keeping tabs on your network is easy. What can you do to improve your monitoring tool framework? Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Aug 2016
Infinite options tempt, but cutting proprietary management even better
Are the bad old days of control interface proliferation back again? Patrick Hubbard says it's time for network administrators to put their foot down. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2016
ScienceLogic EM7: Network performance monitor overview
ScienceLogic EM7 is still a newcomer to the network performance monitoring market, but it offers flexible deployment options, including VMs and software-as-a-service installations. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jun 2016
IT professionals consider network uptime
This week, bloggers weigh network uptime, workloads in the public cloud and Dell OS10. Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 May 2016
Wireless management in the cloud heralds transformation
Placing wireless management in the cloud is gaining traction among enterprises as companies examine more efficient ways to oversee their networks. It's part of a shift that's affecting network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2016
Nyansa rethinks network performance monitor space
Cloud-based analytics, real-time DPI and an easy-to-digest console anchor Nyansa's network performance monitor for wired and wireless networks. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2016
Cancer Center gets help from AT&T Network on Demand
Austin, Texas, Cancer Center uses AT&T's Network on Demand to get tumor diagnoses to patients faster. Continue Reading
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Podcast
06 Apr 2016
Managing apps requires holistic, reactive approach
Managing apps' performance must be planned holistically with an eye to reactive management and proactive management. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Apr 2016
Network automation scripts: Separating myth from reality
Network automation can make work easier, but be careful which processes you automate. Done wrong, automation can break more things than it fixes. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2016
ONUG hosts SDN hackathon to jump-start network automation
The Open Networking User Group is hosting the first ONUG Grand Challenge Hackathon, with the goal of encouraging the development of new automation applications. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2016
Ansible update gets net automation for Cisco, Arista, HPE
The latest Ansible release brings net automation to infrastructure devices from Cisco, Arista Networks, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2016
Cisco targets shadow IT with online cloud security broker
Cisco has launched a cloud security broker that finds, monitors and analyzes employee use of online services. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2015
Taking a look at network automation tools to ease oversight
This week, bloggers explore network automation tools, how vendors must promote disaggregated switching and if it's time for a networking version of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2015
System management vendors target full-stack oversight
This week, bloggers explore a new breed of system management vendors, networking takeaways from the VTech breach, and endpoint detection and response. Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2015
Cisco seeks to please customers in SDN framework update
Cisco has launched an update of its SDN framework. The latest features stem from customer demands for broader support for non-Cisco technologies. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2015
Making packet editing effective
In this week's blog roundup, networking analysts explore effective packet editing, cite some significant trends in networking and discuss the evolution of BYOD policies. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2015
When to use a packet capture appliance
This week, analysts explore best cases for packet capture appliance use, network automation and "worst practices" in network security. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2015
ExtraHop 5.0 bolsters IT operations analytics
The latest iteration of ExtraHop's IT operations analytics platform makes search easier and adds historical data. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2015
Intel NFV: Company eyes virtualized networking market
In our latest roundup of SDN blogs, analysts explore Intel's expansion into networking, visibility in virtualized environments and the cost benefits of deploying SD-WAN. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Sep 2015
Time to erase IT friction between InfoSec, NetOps
IT friction between your security and network operations personnel sap productivity. Maybe it's time for everyone to work together. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2015
SDN blogs: How white box networking saves money
In this week's blogs, experts explain why white box networking costs less, and the differences between SD-WAN and WAN optimization. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2015
VMware NSX sales a positive sign for SDN market
VMware has reported growing NSX sales, the latest indicator that the SDN market has momentum. Rival Cisco has also reported rising SDN platform sales. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2015
SDN blogs: SD-WAN may be the answer to your problems
This week, experts discuss software-defined WANs as an alternative to traditional wide area networks. And one startup is looking to make data centers more efficient. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2015
ICYMI: International carriers deploying SDN technologies
In this week's SDN news, international telecom and Internet providers are deploying SDN technologies, while AT&T is testing a new software-defined storage platform. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2015
Can a piece of software really determine if you’re ready to quit your job?
The evolution of predictive analytics technology continues to be something to keep an eye on in 2015. Although the technique is nothing new to the average consumer – we see it every time Netflix ... Continue Reading