Data Center: Page

Work from the ground up with a data center raised floor

A raised-floor design is costly, so proper planning and installation is the key to maximize your investment.

By Robert McFarlane • April 3, 2012

Setting up a mirrored Linux DRBD configuration over the network

Administrators can use the distributed replicated block device (DRBD) in Linux to set up basic data redundancy to connect the storage of multiple servers.

By Sander van Vugt • March 22, 2012

FM-200 systems: What data center managers need to know

Get the lowdown on using FM-200 systems for data center fire suppression, and whether or not they're a good choice for your company.

By Staff • Feb. 23, 2012

Five questions on data center environmental monitoring

Our expert explains how to maintain ideal conditions for your server room using data center environmental monitoring tools and techniques.

By Bill Kleyman • Feb. 21, 2012

Storage Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS)

VMware DRS (Distributed Resource Scheduler) is a load balancing utility that assigns and moves computing workloads to available hardware resources in a virtualized environment. 

By Francesca Sales • Nov. 28, 2011

Avoiding single point of failure design flaws

Redundancy can help a data center avoid downtime, but sometimes hidden flaws in the electrical design can still create a single point of failure.

By Robert McFarlane • Nov. 11, 2011

Changing vendors: Avoiding pitfalls, IT vendor contract negotiations

Negotiating IT vendor contract terms is crucial for protecting business continuity, physical property and intellectual assets when contracts end.

By Stephen Bigelow • Oct. 19, 2011

Advanced ESXi troubleshooting with Tech Support Mode

With Tech Support Mode enabled, you can use advanced VMware troubleshooting commands to diagnose and resolve ESXi host problems when the vSphere Client won’t do.

By Sander van Vugt • Oct. 11, 2011

ESXi console tech support mode: When the vSphere Client isn’t enough

The ESXi console and its tech support mode can solve many issues that the vSphere Client can’t. Once enabled, you have the power of the Linux command line at your disposal.

By Sander van Vugt • Sept. 27, 2011

Best practices for maintaining a data center CRAC unit

A CRAC unit failure could often have been avoided through preventive maintenance and correctly sizing cooling infrastructure.

By Robert McFarlane • Sept. 26, 2011

Implementing SBD STONITH in Linux HA clusters

An SBD STONITH approach is simple to set up and is a reliable way to ensure data integrity in a Linux HA cluster.

Sept. 23, 2011

Basic disassembly: Decoding the opcode

Programmers can find benefit from disassembling object code–a lost art that begins with understanding the opcode.

By Robert Crawford • Sept. 12, 2011

Securing an Apache Web server with SELinux

Learn how to keep your Apache Web server secure by applying basic SELinux settings, including adjusting SELinux so Apache uses nondefault settings.

By Sander van Vugt • Sept. 12, 2011

Best of VMworld 2011 Awards

Check out the winners of the Best of VMworld Awards from TechTarget to see which vendors delivered the best virtualization technologies this year.

By Bridget Botelho • Sept. 1, 2011

Considering a raised floor in the data center

Tile material, strength and durability are important factors to consider when selecting and installing a raised floor in a data center.

By Robert McFarlane • Aug. 2, 2011

Selecting raised floors, panels for the data center

Choosing raised floor panels capable of supporting the weight of data center equipment cabinets requires taking a close look at strength ratings and manufacturers’ claims.

By Robert McFarlane • Aug. 2, 2011

Server refresh options: When to rent a server vs. when to buy

Companies looking to replace old hardware must consider long-term goals and evaluate financing options when deciding whether to buy or rent a server.

By Bill Kleyman • Aug. 1, 2011

When is server hardware too old?

Modern server hardware is allowing systems to handle more jobs and last longer, easing capital expenses for many data centers.

By Stephen Bigelow • July 28, 2011

Transaction and database management on z/OS mainframe systems

Transaction and database management tools for mainframe systems, such as CICS, IMS and DB2, have been around for decades, but have evolved over the years to fit the needs of enterprise customers.

By Robert Crawford • July 19, 2011

Case studies show the benefits of virtualization

These case studies demonstrate how businesses have deployed virtual machines to improve efficiency and add computing power, while also saving money.

By Editors, SearchDataCenter.com • July 18, 2011

Configuring the ESXi firewall in VMware vSphere 5

The ESXi 5 hypervisor has a new firewall, similar to the ESX firewall of yore. You can configure it through the vSphere Client or command line, depending on your preference.

By David Davis • July 12, 2011

Data center design standards for cabinet and floor loading

The weight of today’s racks and equipment cabinets can stress floor structures, making it crucial to consider floor loading requirements in your data center design.

By Robert McFarlane • June 29, 2011

What to look for when conducting benchmark tests with PerfMon

Microsoft's PerfMon benchmark tests measure a wide range of processes and server aspects, but it can be difficult for IT professionals to understand the numbers and interpret the results.

By Bill Kleyman • June 28, 2011

Deleting virtual machine snapshots without wasting disk space

You can avoid wasting disk space and performance problems when deleting, or committing, virtual machine snapshots.

By Eric Siebert • May 11, 2011

Creating RPM packages in Linux

RPM software management on Linux systems truly has an advantage when you create your own RPM packages. Learn how to use the enhanced vim option to automatically generate a template file after creating a new RPM file with the .spec extension.

By Sander van Vugt • April 26, 2011