IT Operations: Page

Evaluate ChatOps tools and bots for the right fit

ChatOps is still a niche in IT operations and DevOps shops, but organizations that have set it up love it. That means you should join the fun and give it a try. Here's what you need to know about ChatOps tools.

By Kurt Marko • Jan. 2, 2018

Microsoft Windows Server OS (operating system)

Microsoft Windows Server OS (operating system) is a series of enterprise-class server operating systems designed to share services with multiple users and provide extensive administrative control of data storage, applications and corporate networks.

By Tom Walat • Dec. 28, 2017

Know when to implement serverless vs. containers

Containers save resources and reduce deploy times. So does serverless. Containers are a great host for microservices. So is serverless. But the deployment options are more different than they are alike.

By Tom Nolle • Dec. 27, 2017

Set Office 365 group limits to avoid administrative hassles

With help from PowerShell, administrators can tailor Office 365 Groups to develop common-sense restrictions on the tools and other components in the collaboration service.

By Steve Goodman • Dec. 21, 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.

By Stuart Burns • Dec. 19, 2017

Use virsh commands to manage KVM networking

Virsh commands enable you to manage network properties and can be used alongside brctl commands to help you create additional virtual bridges in your KVM environment.

By Sander van Vugt • Dec. 14, 2017

Why you need to think carefully about DevOps certification training

A certificate can be a career blessing, but the wrong one can be a curse. Expert Bob Reselman explains how to make the right choices for DevOps and other areas.

By Bob Reselman • Dec. 12, 2017

Monitor Active Directory replication via PowerShell

Most enterprises rely on Active Directory to control access to resources on the network. Here's how admins can use PowerShell to check the health of the replication process.

By Nirmal Sharma • Dec. 8, 2017

Two Ansible playbook examples illustrate config management

Configuration management enables automation for many operations tasks. Ansible uses a simple structure and a dynamic language to enable admins to easily complete jobs, once they get the hang of a playbook.

By Sander van Vugt • Dec. 6, 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.

By Stuart Burns • Dec. 5, 2017

Abstract thinkers have the most vital nontechnical DevOps skill

Take a close look at a Picasso, and explore how those abstract shapes form a complete picture. You'll be flexing an important DevOps skill: abstract thinking.

By Bob Reselman • Dec. 4, 2017

Get serious about patch validation and deployment -- fast

Zero-day exploits are more dangerous than ever, but so is applying an untested patch to live systems. Without a strategy to quickly validate patches -- outside of production -- you're playing with fire.

By Tim Warner • Nov. 27, 2017

Set up remote domains to control Exchange messaging

Administrators can configure a remote domain to perform particular tasks, such as converting certain email formats and stopping users from forwarding messages to another domain.

By Brien Posey • Nov. 21, 2017

With continuous security, SecDevOps deconstructs CI/CD

Nothing is set in stone when an organization follows a DevOps methodology -- a DevOps security model pushes developers and ops to constantly retune, slow down and speed up.

By Alan Earls • Nov. 16, 2017

Enterprise shops look to AIOps for IT root cause analysis

IT ops pros look to AIOps tools to help find the smoking gun in failing IT stacks, but some call automated root cause analysis more dream than reality.

By Beth Pariseau • Nov. 10, 2017

Follow a PXE boot tutorial to increase OS configuration automation

PXE boot servers are simple to set up and can aid in IT operations' goals toward high-level efficiency and automation. This tutorial runs through setup and optimal settings.

By Stuart Burns • Nov. 8, 2017

Use eseutil for Exchange database repair with care

If Exchange crashes and you lack valid backups, just stay cool. The eseutil tool can be powerful, but if used improperly, it can do more harm than good.

By Nathan O'Bryan • Nov. 7, 2017

IT capacity planning takes new shape in the cloud

Migrating applications off premises to the cloud requires a new capacity planning approach: Develop a detailed cloud strategy, and carefully track upgrade schedules.

By Brian Kirsch • Nov. 6, 2017

Systems thinking principles: Building a DevOps support model

It's time to embrace a DevOps support model. Everything we do has consequences, good or bad. We're interdependent. That's why no team should work in isolation.

By Theresa Neate • Nov. 6, 2017

Infrastructure as code benefits range from audits to ops

When an auditor asks to see how the entire application stack is configured, you'll recognize the benefits of an infrastructure-as-code implementation.

By Adam Bertram • Nov. 2, 2017

The application runtime environment is as important as the app

To avoid cascading failures and never-ending troubleshooting, take the time to understand the software and hardware -- the runtime environment -- that keeps an app ticking.

By Stephen Bigelow • Nov. 1, 2017

To build or to buy? That is the DevOps toolchain question

An organization should assess its strengths and weaknesses before choosing a DevOps toolchain. A pre-made pipeline is simpler than individually collected tools, but it sacrifices flexibility.

By Kurt Marko • Oct. 27, 2017

Container OS options abound: Make the right selection

There is an assortment of OSes that support containerized applications, so go into the decision with a set of wants, needs and must-avoids.

By Tom Nolle • Oct. 23, 2017

Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS)

The Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) is a feature that handles mailbox import, export, migration and restoration requests on Exchange Server.

By Stephen Bigelow • Oct. 20, 2017

A Red Hat Satellite tutorial to install an update server

With Red Hat Satellite, IT ops can deploy an update server to simplify patching. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to install the server, attach subscriptions and devise a sync plan.

By Stuart Burns • Oct. 19, 2017