IT Operations: Page

Site reliability engineer shift creates IT ops dilemma

Aspiring SREs find it hard to move away from tactical tasks to focus on strategic projects. Veteran SREs say the path to less toil begins with prioritization and automation.

By Beth Pariseau • March 26, 2019

Understand Azure Update Management basics

Microsoft provides a variety of tools that IT administrators can use to simplify update deployment, including Azure Update Management. Find out if the service will work with your systems.

By Kristen Gloss • March 26, 2019

Kubernetes for Windows hits GA, with limitations

Kubernetes support for Windows nodes was declared stable in Kubernetes 1.14, but extensive fine print remains.

By Beth Pariseau • March 25, 2019

SRE software refines DevOps incident response for enterprise

SRE workflows often emerge organically within enterprise IT teams, but software tools add measurability and automation for incident response and review in one DevOps shop.

By Beth Pariseau • March 25, 2019

Build Terraform modules to make IT components into code

Modules enable reusability of infrastructure-as-code deployments with Terraform. Follow this example, which also features AWS for the hosting environment, to learn module structure.

By Prateek Singh • March 25, 2019

Start using Terraform variables for IT resource deployment flexibility

Infrastructure-as-code adopters should try Terraform input and output variables as a more flexible way to define and save values for deployment configurations.

By Prateek Singh • March 25, 2019

Kubernetes management for ‘Minecraft’ has enterprise IT traits

What do 'Minecraft' servers and enterprise databases have in common? In the realm of Kubernetes management, more than you might think.

By Beth Pariseau • March 22, 2019

Improve help desk management for smooth IT operations

A streamlined help desk benefits both IT ops teams and end users. Learn how to improve your organization's help desk with these expert tips on templates, automation and AI.

By Alyssa Fallon • March 22, 2019

5 Windows network drivers supported by containers

NAT is the default network for container applications, but there are four other available drivers. Each container network driver poses some limitations and must be used carefully.

By Nirmal Sharma • March 22, 2019

Multi-hypervisor environments provide cost savings, flexibility

Adopting multiple hypervisors might make more sense than going with a single vendor, depending on cost, the types of workloads you run, and your performance and reliability needs.

By Brian Kirsch • March 21, 2019

Can you accurately measure SLA expectations and results?

Realistic SLA expectations rely on accurately defined criteria, properly set. Test your knowledge of SLA measurements and learn to tailor contracts that avoid costly consequences with this quiz.

By Meredith Courtemanche • March 21, 2019

What are some potential Windows Server cluster set snags?

Windows Server 2019 cluster sets bring some Azure-like capabilities into the data center, but new features also bring new challenges for administrators.

By Stephen Bigelow • March 21, 2019

IT security monitoring at golf club lets IT ops play through

ClubCorp took stock of its IT security strategy last year, which led to freedom from grunt work and renewed focus for the IT ops team.

By Beth Pariseau • March 21, 2019

What are some Microsoft SDDC integration challenges?

Microsoft added a number of new software-defined features in Windows Server 2019, but deploying a fully virtualized data center remains a challenge for several reasons.

By Stephen Bigelow • March 21, 2019

Bare-metal vs. VM container deployment considerations

Consider your performance requirements, portability needs and what level of isolation and security you want when deploying containers in your environment.

By Brian Kirsch • March 19, 2019

How is the Microsoft SDDC concept becoming a reality?

The promise of a software-defined infrastructure and its ability to pool resources require the right administrative tool to keep the virtualized fabric from fraying.

By Stephen Bigelow • March 19, 2019

4 branch office server management best practices

Setting up a ROBO server involves specific hardware and software configuration considerations, such as ensuring redundancy and connectivity for remote management.

By Brien Posey • March 19, 2019

Evaluate on-premises vs. SaaS tools for IT systems management

While there are a lot of factors for enterprises to consider when choosing an IT management tool, the on-premises vs. SaaS decision can be a particularly tricky one.

By Alastair Cooke • March 18, 2019

DevSecOps shift begins, but remains a work in progress

DevOps security has shifted left, but IT pros disagree on just how far into application design and away from infrastructure security practices will go.

By Beth Pariseau • March 15, 2019

DevOps security tools ‘shift left’ into CI/CD pipelines

DevOps security remains a work in progress, but many enterprise IT shops already plug collaboration points for IT security and operations pros directly into the app development pipeline.

By Beth Pariseau • March 15, 2019

Learn how to use Salt orchestration with an example

Admins can use orchestration features in Salt to centrally control a group of minions and machines. Follow this example, which features Orchestrate Runner, to get started.

By Walker Rowe • March 15, 2019

How do you build Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?

Microsoft debuted cluster sets in its Windows Server 2019 release. Here's a rundown on how to deploy this high availability feature in your organization.

By Stephen Bigelow • March 15, 2019

Use PowerShell Docker to manage Windows container components

Take advantage of the PowerShell for Docker module to easily create and manage Windows containers in your environment with this step-by-step installation guide.

By Nirmal Sharma • March 14, 2019

Market evolves to address container security issues

Container use is gaining traction in virtual environments, but containers present unique security challenges that vendors and organizations must overcome.

By Paul Korzeniowski • March 14, 2019

F5-Nginx deal reflects mainstream trend toward microservices

F5 snaps up Nginx for cloud-native app support, and analysts predict a microservices gold rush as modern application architectures catch on in enterprise IT shops.

By Beth Pariseau • March 13, 2019