Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Do I need another VM host server?

  Operations manager Adam Fowler explains the many factors that determine a VM host server's ability to increase its workload and whether you need to buy additional equipment for your VMs.  Continue Reading

• How expandable or configurable is a white box server?

  A white box server typically comprises standardized parts in a no-frills system configuration. Will they work with GPUs or handle upgrades well?  Continue Reading

• Can I use Mikrotik vs. Cisco switches in a data center?

  I'm purchasing rack-level access switches for an enterprise data center, and weighing Cisco vs. Mikrotik, which is less expensive.  Continue Reading

• How should I spec our new server hardware configuration?

  We are a SaaS Web provider and operate a private cloud in a colo. We are slowly switching from VMs to containers. How do we spec the best hardware for this private cloud?  Continue Reading

• What factors should I consider when buying server networking gear?

  We're looking to expand our 10 Gb Ethernet networks on servers, and I'm trying to figure out which way to go. What are people deploying?  Continue Reading

• Is CEEDA a better energy-efficiency certification than ISO 50001?

  Are there reasons that I would select CEEDA certification versus ISO 50001 certification to show that the data center is energy efficient?  Continue Reading

• Help! I deleted a Linux boot partition

  I deleted a partition on my Linux system, but I still see a boot menu. How do I re-install GRUB2 and not lose data?  Continue Reading

• What should an IT systems analyst learn about big data?

  I am an IT systems analyst working on a big data project. What should I know before I dive into the project?  Continue Reading

• What can I expect from data center infrastructure management tools?

  Should facilities and IT teams agree on one cohesive DCIM tool for everything in the data center? Are DCIM vendors offering that?  Continue Reading

• How do I avert database security issues in match/merge?

  Our IT organization needs to secure customer names, but also needs to conduct searches on the entire customer database to match and merge records.  Continue Reading

• Should I automate critical application failover on nodes?

  Is it a best practice to automate the startup process after critical application failover from one node to another?  Continue Reading

• How do I estimate server power consumption per rack?

  We're setting up a 3,700-square-foot server area with 175 server racks and in-row cooling. It's a greenfield project. How do we estimate power consumption and weight per rack?  Continue Reading

• What are the best ways to prep for CompTIA exams?

  I took the CompTIA Security+ online exam once and wasn't able to clear it. How can I prepare to pass the test next time?  Continue Reading

• How can I keep cable patching projects on track?

  What are some best practices for cleaning up a data center with over 100 patch cords to change? Everything must go back the same way -- patch panel port to switch port.  Continue Reading

• Do individual VMs bring virtualization security issues?

  Don't treat physical and virtual machines' security differently. Since VM security issues threaten the whole infrastructure, here's how to stop spreading malware.  Continue Reading