Features

Features

• Advisory board: Learn from these top data center challenges

  For many, time is the ultimate teacher. Explore the top data center challenges and lessons learned from our advisory board members in 2016, and how they plan to move forward.  Continue Reading

• Update your data backup policy with new options

  The server backup market first evolved to protect VMs, but now it's undergoing another transformation. Find out how it's evolved and what you need to know for the future.  Continue Reading

• To reap the benefits of hyper-convergence, manage it right

  Use a policy-based approach to manage hyper-converged infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Develop an IT budget plan to maximize lifespan and not break the bank

  Proper IT budget planning and cost optimization can extend the life of your infrastructure, help guide refresh decisions and prepare you for software-defined architectures.  Continue Reading

• Compare the best Linux distros for enterprise servers

  Any of the popular Linux distributions can run on enterprise servers, but here's how to decide which is best for you. Compare SUSE, Red Hat, Oracle and Ubuntu Linux OSes.  Continue Reading

• Five tips for more effective data center network management

  To effectively manage a data center network, IT teams need to start with a smart topology, brush up on the latest standards and weigh the impact of technologies like SDN.  Continue Reading

• Brush up your data center facilities management strategy

  An inefficient data center can break the bank. Prevent cooling failures and update battery technology to remain efficient and keep your data center cost-effective.  Continue Reading

• Top data center market news stories of 2016

  Outages, acquisitions and server innovations piqued the interest of enterprise IT shops in 2016. Here's a look back at five of the biggest data center news stories from this year.  Continue Reading

• Examine data collection problems with big data, IoT in mind

  Networking challenges and data collection problems can occur when IT tries to deploy IoT and big data into a data center. Understand how to move data without limiting security.  Continue Reading

• Challenges of IoT include big data, data analysis for enterprise

  Implementing big data and IoT is difficult for enterprise IT teams due to major challenges on the network. Here's how IT can understand the relationship and prepare for the change.  Continue Reading

• A hyper-converged data center offers SDDC opportunity, IT scalability

  Hyper-convergence can increase scalability and pave the way toward software-defined infrastructure. Use these five tips to learn how and to see if the technology is right for you.  Continue Reading

• Navigate recent changes to data center networking architecture

  Thanks to hybrid cloud and containers, data center networks are tougher to crack than ever. But IT can succeed if it follows a simple path.  Continue Reading

• How a transition to the cloud reshapes capacity planning, DR and more

  Before transitioning to the cloud, admins often need to address many questions related to everything from SaaS apps to DR and capacity planning. Here are some tips to get started.  Continue Reading

• In a colocation provider, look for security, a solid SLA

  As colocation providers expand their services, look for companies that offer features you need not just for today, but years down the road. Then, get ready for the big move.  Continue Reading

• Advisory Board Q&A: Three edge data center predictions

  With the rise of IoT, more organizations are considering an edge data center. The SearchDataCenter Advisory Board predicts the biggest benefits and challenges IT teams will face.  Continue Reading

• IT career advice to wow future employers

  There are many ways to land your dream IT job, but knowing what interviewers are going to ask, what new roles are emerging and how to talk business are especially important.  Continue Reading

• Stand-alone servers on treacherous ground in data center

  Stand-alone servers are getting phased out of data centers in favor of converged and hyper-converged systems. But not all legacy IT infrastructure is on its way out the door.  Continue Reading

• Shutterstock CIO shares SDDC architecture lessons learned

  David Giambruno is leading his team toward an SDDC architecture -- for the second time. In this Q&A, Shutterstock's new CIO shares his greatest challenges and lessons learned.  Continue Reading

• Open source technology gains steam in data center, but challenges loom

  Despite new developments with the Open Compute Project and other groups, challenges remain when it comes to open source implementation in the data center. Explore them with these FAQs.  Continue Reading

• Words to go: SDDC planning

  Administrators are pursuing software-defined data centers to take their IT strategy to new heights. But before getting started, learn these 10 essential terms.  Continue Reading

• Data center monitoring tools and tips to keep IT in the know

  It's important to monitor your data center to ensure the highest security, performance and scalability. Learn how to make the process as efficient as possible with these five tips.  Continue Reading

• IoT projects and other data center capacity planning tips

  Whether you use mainframes or the cloud, data center capacity planning remains critical to ensure you have the IT resources you need down the road.  Continue Reading

• Full SDDC architecture adoption remains in the distant future

  Why are most organizations not adopting full SDDCs yet? Find out what's blocking their road to an SDDC architecture and how some companies are overcoming those challenges.  Continue Reading

• New DBMS products open the door for a once dormant market

  Start-ups are breathing new life into the DBMS market, as organizations look to manage unstructured data from social media, big data and the internet of things.  Continue Reading

• A big data, IoT project brings unique storage demands

  With the proliferation of IoT and big data, the amount of data in the enterprise increases every day. Find out how to meet storage demands for these new IT initiatives.  Continue Reading

• Data center strategies to extend your facility's life span

  When a data center is running at its limits, an organization has tough calls to make. To buy time and plan what's next, consider some modest upgrades to cooling, power and more.  Continue Reading

• Lack of open source support continues to pose IT challenge

  Open source software and hardware continue to infiltrate the data center, but the lack of professional support remains a top business and IT concern.  Continue Reading

• Consider these SD-WAN architecture pitfalls before adoption

  The return on investment for SD-WAN can be high, but there are a range of factors to consider, including optimization and existing SLAs, before implementation.  Continue Reading

• Five IT troubleshooting tips to beat storage, network bottlenecks

  When something goes wrong in the data center, there are many possible culprits, ranging from the network to storage. Here are some tips to identify and solve common bottlenecks.  Continue Reading

• Don't overlook these crucial enterprise CPU updates

  Despite its critical role in cloud application performance, the enterprise CPU is often overlooked. Learn about next generation hardware, and why it's important to cloud.  Continue Reading

• Open Compute servers bring innovation to everyday IT

  Lower prices and increased efficiency are driving Open Compute servers toward more mainstream IT adoption.  Continue Reading

• Settle unanswered questions about your DCIM system

  Researching DCIM can trigger a lot of questions. Here's how to evaluate DCIM tools to avoid post-purchase remorse.  Continue Reading

• CI and disaggregated server tech can converge after all

  Converged IT and disaggregated servers are trends that work together. Learn how you can use both to optimize the performance and cost-efficiency of data center infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Falling back on bad habits in a DevOps organization

  In a DevOps organization, can you still set boundaries? How do you pick the right tools? Learn from these experiences before you make the switch.  Continue Reading

• Read this before attempting network microsegmentation

  Microsegmentation makes network security more flexible with software-defined policies rather than manual configuration work, if implemented with forethought and the right tools.  Continue Reading

• Microsegmentation lets software define network security

  Microsegmentation enables software-defined network security at a granular level, simplifying data center networks and traffic without risking breaches.  Continue Reading

• Curiosity didn't kill the mainframe systems programmer

  Mainframe systems programmer Robert Crawford explains the lasting relevance of mainframes, his mixed feelings on certifications and how curiosity continues to help him.  Continue Reading

• Server SSDs open up storage possibilities in data centers

  We've reached a point where it's easy to justify equipping servers with SSDs: the performance gains they offer enable new workloads, and improve end-user satisfaction with response time and run time. In many cases, SSDs pay for themselves by ...  Continue Reading

• The 10 biggest data center news stories of 2015

  Data center teams modernized and adapted throughout 2015, with help -- and hindrance -- from major changes in the IT industry, which ranged from new job demands to transitions among providers.  Continue Reading

• The best server hardware to maximize IT performance

  Get the latest tips on compute, networking and storage to choose the best server hardware to tackle IT workloads.  Continue Reading

• Six steps to better data center skills

  Head into 2016 with a positive outlook, a plan for new projects, and a well-rounded set of data center skills.  Continue Reading

• Simpler management motivates Ethernet SAN investments

  Blending LAN and SAN networks cuts a lot of management headaches -- and miles of cable -- out of the data center.  Continue Reading

• IT pros react to Dell's EMC acquisition plan

  The Twitterverse chimes in on the mega Dell-EMC deal, as three major traditional IT vendors -- Dell, EMC and VMware -- plan their futures.  Continue Reading

• A who's who of white box switch vendors

  White box networking gives IT organizations more freedom of choice for network hardware and OSes. It's a young and changing market, with a mix of vendor involvement.  Continue Reading

• Can your cluster management tools pass muster?

  The right designs and cluster management tools ensure your clusters don't become a cluster, er, failure.  Continue Reading

• Switch to white box networking brings choice, disruption

  White box switches separate two long-intertwined data center components: Networking hardware and the network operating system that runs on it. With such a marked change, it's no wonder open networking isn't for everyone.  Continue Reading

• Server energy efficiency benchmark takes holistic view

  Benchmarks from the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation show your server energy efficiency.  Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery cost savings trump efficiency

  IT organizations face an impasse, requiring fast RTOs and high efficiency but balking at the high disaster recovery cost.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged vs. converged IT infrastructures explained

  More integration means less work for data center IT administrators, but is integration, convergence or hyper-convergence the right path for your IT systems?  Continue Reading

• Data storage companies add intelligence to on-site arrays

  Data-aware storage yields new insights and management capabilities. But challenges include meeting IT organization's needs, tying in with existing systems and the cloud alternative.  Continue Reading

• Data awareness gives storage pros new insights

  Early adopters of data-aware storage arrays see better management and analytics, as well as compliance assurance from the technology.  Continue Reading

• Impact Awards: Vote for the best Software-Defined Infrastructure Product

  Vote here for the best Software-Defined Infrastructure Product in the 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards.  Continue Reading

• Impact Awards: Vote for the best Converged/Hyper-Converged Product

  Vote for the best Converged/Hyper-Converged Product in the 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards.  Continue Reading

• Five ways to beef up your Internet of Things infrastructure

  How are IoT trends affecting data centers? From security and storage to data management and even physical location, Internet of Things infrastructure is changing data centers for good.  Continue Reading

• Memristor technology brings about an analog revolution

  Are we ready for memristor-based artificially intelligent infrastructure in the enterprise data center?  Continue Reading

• Who controls big data implementation?

  In the rush to capitalize on big data, enterprises can pitch a battle against their own IT departments. In these conflicts, no one comes out the winner.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises have options for big data infrastructure

  Many in the IT industry remain wary of big data's effect on infrastructure. Here's why.  Continue Reading

• Data center water usage whets appetite for change

  Will drought dry up the digital economy? With water scarcity a pressing concern, major data centers are re-examining water use for cooling.  Continue Reading

• Stop being IT heroes and take the low-key approach

  It's fun for IT to save the day, but a low-key approach is the most effective way to get things done.  Continue Reading

• Modern Infrastructure 2016 Impact Award Categories

  Here are the categories for the 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards.  Continue Reading

• 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards nomination form

  Nominate technology products here for the 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards.  Continue Reading

• Big data projects geared toward higher profitability

  Learn how organizations make big data decisions, and if their loyalty lies with the same vendor.  Continue Reading

• Improve data center energy management with this guide

  The revised 2015 version of the E.U.'s best practices guide for data centers provides up-to-date tips on data center energy management for everyone.  Continue Reading

• Early days for WAN virtualization vendors, adoption

  It's too soon to tell how the WAN virtualization market will shake out, but that's not stopping enterprises from embracing vWAN for remote offices.  Continue Reading

• Connectivity to remote offices drives vWAN development

  Remote offices demand connectivity with the central data center, data-rich services, and cost-effective IT deployments. Enter the vWAN.  Continue Reading

• Virtualization's random I/O rewrites the data center storage script

  Should data center managers pine for the good old days of direct-attached storage? Or is adding a little flash the way to counter-act the fundamental storage changes wrought by virtualization?  Continue Reading

• Red Hat support evolves with new Access Insights services

  Good vendor support must be predictive, agile, interactive and dynamic. Red Hat claims its support is all of that, but not everyone agrees.  Continue Reading

• Five quick data center best practices

  Some controversial topics leave data center managers with lingering questions, but DCIM and power and cooling queries were met with best practice tips at AFCOM.  Continue Reading

• Hyperconverged storage challenges the SAN paradigm

  HCI makes local storage cool again -- and it keeps pace with how VMs access and store data better than some traditional storage architectures.  Continue Reading

• Hyperconverged systems prove viable SAN alternative

  Why are IT pros looking to hyperconverged offerings? The architecture and skills required for SANs are some reasons.  Continue Reading

• Intro to machine learning algorithms for IT professionals

  Machine learning -- supervised and unsupervised -- tracks data patterns that help businesses build improved predictive models and make smarter IT decisions.  Continue Reading

• Reasons to upgrade a data center network architecture

  The TechTarget Networking Survey reveals which motivating factors cause data centers to upgrade their networks.  Continue Reading

• Fidelity's data center operation adds hidden value

  Data center managers look to save money in any way possible. But initiatives -- like workplace satisfaction and efficiency -- add extra, unseen value.  Continue Reading

• Data center design best practices from a pro

  From Colorado to Illinois, Tehran to New York, Robert McFarlane has innovated in data center design, power and cooling. Here are his tips for data center operators.  Continue Reading

• Ethernet connections rely on new cabling, chip technology

  Advances in Ethernet cabling -- along with smart Ethernet controller silicon -- will enable more bandwidth choices and faster networks in the near future.  Continue Reading

• Understanding tomorrow's Ethernet speeds

  New standards mean more bandwidth and versatility for tomorrow's Ethernet networks, whether in 25, 40, 50 or 100 GigE deployments.  Continue Reading

• Words to go: Colocation options

  If you're deciding between cloud, colo or managed services options, study this reference sheet of terms to know before migrating workloads.  Continue Reading

• Colo in the age of cloud

  Colocation and managed services serve as a transitional space for production workloads that don't fit in the cloud or in a legacy data center.  Continue Reading

• Intel E7 v3 designed for scale-up BI workloads

  The Intel E7 v3 processor entered the ring against IBM Power and other systems. But will the new BI features be enough to take over scale-up workloads?  Continue Reading

• Data aware storage yields insights into business info

  Storage isn't just a bunch of dumb disks anymore. In fact, storage infrastructure is smarter than ever.  Continue Reading

• How SDN in the data center shapes Ethernet's future

  Ethernet's future lies in smarter software working alongside new materials and silicon advances. SDN and NFV promise exceptional flexibility and management.  Continue Reading

• Data center components that deserve an upgrade this year

  In the next 12 months, consider making a few component upgrades to the data center. Our advisory board explains which ones are the most important.  Continue Reading

• Why big data servers stay on-premises in data centers

  Compute- and I/O-intensive big data workloads won't stray to the cloud yet as security and existing infrastructure keep analytics in the data center.  Continue Reading

• The data center SSD takeover is well underway

  The future of hard disks grows bleaker by the day, with giant SSD storage densities, outdated RAID algorithms and faster interconnects ushering in flash domination.  Continue Reading

• Vendors race to provide big data infrastructure

  Enterprise big data workloads demand a lot from storage and network bandwidth. Storage, cloud and as-a-service vendors are developing the infrastructure to support them.  Continue Reading

• Quick guide to what's inside new hyper-converged systems

  A spate of new converged and hyper-converged systems give IT shops a potent combination of flash storage and pre-integration.  Continue Reading

• Data center dunces cause operations, security failures

  Data center security is paramount to ensuring the safety of your employees and data. But what happens when you let a fool into your facility?  Continue Reading

• Rethinking data center components as commodities

  Labeling servers and hypervisors as commodities like corn and cattle may be overly simplistic. It's time to reconsider what constitutes a commodity.  Continue Reading

• Are all software-defined storage vendors the same?

  What does software-defined storage mean? How is it implemented? And why does it matter for data center managers?  Continue Reading

• New approaches to scalable storage

  With all these scalable storage approaches, IT organizations must evaluate the options against their data storage and analytics needs, as well as future architectures.  Continue Reading

• Blade server cost, performance guide purchasing decision

  The TechTarget Server Hardware Survey reveals how data center pros buy blade servers, and what they plan to purchase in the next year.  Continue Reading

• Nano server innovation extends beyond the data center

  What's the difference between a nano server and a PC? Timing.  Continue Reading

• Words to go: Data center design standards bodies

  Need a handy reference sheet of the various data center standards organizations? Keep this list by your desk as a reference.  Continue Reading

• What NFV vendors are currently on the market?

  Many data centers are on the path to NFV. How are the NFV standards and vendor offerings guiding -- or challenging -- implementation?  Continue Reading

• Network function virtualization unifies the data center

  Network function virtualization is shaking up the networking status quo in large data center environments.  Continue Reading

• Explore information technology budget plans for 2015

  The TechTarget IT Priorities Survey asked how companies plan to spend 2015 IT budgets, and if IT teams expect more money allocated to technology this year.  Continue Reading

• Ten ways to optimize IT team structure

  The data center teems with unpredictable equipment -- about 42U tall and prone to failure -- but is also loaded with on-board intelligence: its IT team.  Continue Reading

• Tips to standardize your next data center move

  With colocation and centralization on the rise, you're likely to take on multiple data center moves in your career. It's time to standardize your process.  Continue Reading

• A disaggregated server proves breaking up can be a good thing

  Split up and go your separate ways for cost efficiency. With disaggregation, systems separate CPU, memory and I/O for more flexibility, no hard feelings.  Continue Reading

• Big data and analytics advice from an operations pro

  You don't need to employ special IT personnel for big data analytics. One company uses big data for developers to modify ads and find and adjust pain-points in a game application.  Continue Reading