Data Center Strategies for the CIO
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Migrating off the mainframe; part 3: Tuning your apps
After migrating off the mainframe, applications don't always run the same on Linux, Unix or Windows as they did on z/OS. In this tip, an expert talks about how to tune migrated apps for performance...
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Data center pros must prepare for more space weather
NASA predicts increased solar activity in 2012, which could lead to severe space weather that would wreak havoc on data center systems, and pretty much everything else.
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Mainframe migration, part 2: Segmenting the job
If you're considering a mainframe migration, this second tip in our series will show you how to segment mainframe applications to rehost on the new system in order of difficulty. Organizing your mi...
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How will KVM virtualization affect RHEL Xen users?
What does Red Hat's commitment to Kernel Virtual Machine (KVM) virtualization mean for Red Hat Enterprise Linux users that have already deployed Xen-based virtualization? Migrating from Xen to KVM ...
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Developing a successful mainframe migration strategy
A successful mainframe migration strategy requires careful planning to avoid disruption to end users. This tip discusses best practices for migrating, regenerating or replacing mainframe applications.
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Data center consolidation can benefit from ITIL
Data center consolidation projects can be complex and risky, but if IT organizations use the ITIL lifecycle to document the process, it can help smooth the transition.
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Coding a simple mainframe cryptography program
How do you code a System z cryptography program? Mainframe expert Robert Crawford takes you through the process of using the Integrated Cryptographic Service Facility.
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Hardware cost comparison: Is virtualization cheaper?
Server virtualization's popularity is on the rise, but the cost of hardware for virtualization can be surprisingly high. In this tip, an expert compares the costs of eight small physical servers ve...
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Sizing CRACs for data center energy efficiency
Choosing a right-sized computer room air conditioner (CRAC) is crucial to data center energy efficiency, but there are many variables to consider. Learn more about data center air conditioning desi...
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Check server specs before upgrading your OS
Operating system upgrades can be tricky with the number of variables involved. Users need to research server hardware specifications and OS requirements before upgrading.
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How is CICS prepared for future IT market demands?
In honor of the 40th anniversary of CICS, mainframe expert Robert Crawford discusses the CICS features he believes position it to handle the future demands of mainframe computing and the IT market.
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Novell Mono could put Windows on mainframe, in cloud
The Mono Extension in Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) enables Windows apps on the mainframe without code change or language conversion. This could open the door for cloud providers run c...
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Bring in facilities, finance for data center projects
With today's financial obstacles, important IT initiatives may be cut because the business doesn't understand their potential to save costs or generate profits. By working closely with the finance ...
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How Sun customers should read Oracle's latest rumblings
An EU probe has quieted discussion of Oracle's plans for Sun, but Oracle has released the Exadata v2 database appliance based on Sun hardware and has attempted to reassure uneasy Sun customers. How...
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Why IBM should listen to Neon Software, customers on zP
With high mainframe costs and the failure of mainframe specialty engines to deliver as promised, one expert thinks IBM and independent software vendors have a lot to learn from Neon Software and it...
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Should you comply with Article 645 of the National Elec
By complying with Article 645 in the National Electrical Code (NEC), data centers can bypass the most stringent requirements of Chapters 1 through 4 of the NEC. But compliance with Article 645 isn'...
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Reduce failures with preventive server maintenance
Data center hardware failure may occur on occasion, but proper preventive maintenance on your servers can minimize the likelihood of failure.
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Best practices for data center cabling selection
What are the primary data center cabling selection considerations? How do you choose between the many options? This tip will help you match up data center cabling to your application and budget needs.
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Turning your config files and scripts into products
Systems administrators often need to write scripts to fill the gaps in systems management tools. But often those scripts are just hacks -- "one off" pieces of code that don't scale or have a future...
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Using cryptography on the mainframe: An amateur's guide
Cryptography on the mainframe protects sensitive data and aids organizations' compliance to security regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This tip discusses the har...
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New technology, trends to cool off the data center
Stagnant strategies for data center cooling will keep energy bills climbing ever higher, but a more modern approach can bring them back down to earth.
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Can one converged system rule them all?
The rise of converged systems has brought a new level of manageability to the data center, but these integrated offerings have a few drawbacks.
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Sizing up the best data center Linux distribution
There are many flavors of Linux, making the selection process for the best Linux distribution for your business difficult to whittle down.
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Do you have the skillset for these hot IT jobs?
With technologies such as cloud computing in the limelight, data center pros need to upgrade their skillsets to catch the latest wave of innovation.