Features

Features

• Linux pro imparts how to get ahead in IT careers

  According to longtime Linux pro Sander van Vugt, RHEL skills will take you furthest. Follow van Vugt's 10-year plan to a successful IT career.  Continue Reading

• Three novel approaches to building a data center

  Factors from PUE and build time, to accessibility and amenities, will influence your data center design and construction decisions. Here are three routes to consider.  Continue Reading

• TIA standards, new ideas shape data center cabling

  TIA data center standards address cabling systems with performance, budget and future plans in mind. New concepts bear consideration as well.  Continue Reading

• How do you define data center size, density?

  With shifts in the scale and density of data centers, one industry organization is drawing up ways to standardize how we talk about data center size and power needs.  Continue Reading

• Brush up on COBOL basics

  COBOL might be one of the oldest programming languages, but that doesn't mean developers know all there is to know. We have expert insights on COBOL basics.  Continue Reading

• Liquid immersion cooling relief for ultra-dense data centers

  Direct liquid immersion cools servers and paves the way for the next generation of ultra-dense systems. It's not air, and it's not water -- the future is oil.  Continue Reading

• The case for a leaf-spine data center topology

  Three-layer network designs are last season's topology. The leaf-spine model is coming in hot, but can the advantages made data center designers forget about the weaknesses?  Continue Reading

• Business application hosting on-premises vs. cloud options

  Is it better to look for a SaaS version of an app, put it in your own data center on existing equipment, or host it at a cloud provider for a mix of flexible scaling and IT ownership?  Continue Reading

• Denser is better: Increased storage and server density

  For storage and servers, being dense is good. Careful planning can maximize the benefits of greater computing densities while minimizing potential risks.  Continue Reading

• 'Kip and Gary' brings data center jokes, stories to life

  No such thing as a funny data center? One comic artist created 'Kip and Gary,' a cartoon duo who make data center horror stories hilarious.  Continue Reading

• Controversial hot aisle containment practices

  Is your hot aisle too hot for OSHA? New data center trends are causing concern. You might need to adapt to adhere to the law.  Continue Reading

• Controversial data center building and operation practices

  Is key-swipe entry monitored by anyone? Do your retrofit plans include an economizer? See why many facility trends -- and laws -- are causing concern.  Continue Reading

• Why Facebook and the NSA love graph databases

  Graph databases play six degrees of separation to find real connections. See how IT teams can use the database approach for businesses.  Continue Reading

• How many VMs per host is too many?

  The ultimate host server welcomes hundreds of virtual machines. But that doesn't mean consolidation should outrank performance.  Continue Reading

• What's happening in data center energy management

  Smart PDUs and DCIM turn on data center energy management, but that's the short-term stuff. A strong strategy will energize a data center perennially.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell tutorial for Windows server admins

  A lot has changed with PowerShell 4.0. Whether you're new to the CLI or want new tricks in your server administrating bag, now's the time to bone up.  Continue Reading

• Turn to in-memory processing when performance matters

  In-memory processing is faster, and vendors are innovating to make in-memory database technology cheaper and better.  Continue Reading

• A software-defined networking reality check for potential adopters

  Software-defined environments moved from concept to shipping products recently, so it's time to learn about SDN vendor offerings and their roadmaps.  Continue Reading

• Hyperconvergence tackles storage and server strain

  Hyperconverged systems are succeeding converged infrastructure products as the latest in all-in-one data center offerings.  Continue Reading

• Get comfortable with an adiabatic cooling system in the data center

  Is your data center in a hot climate? Rather than fight the environment with CRACs, take advantage of it with an adiabatic cooling system.  Continue Reading

• Can an eco-friendly colo data center really save you some green?

  Many companies want greener IT operations, whether to save money or help the environment. But where do colo data centers fit in?  Continue Reading

• What colocation customers should know about data center tiers

  Colo providers use data center tiers as a quick, recognizable way to market their facilities' reliability and uptime, but that isn't the whole story.  Continue Reading

• Attention IT shoppers: How to find the right colocation provider

  Many businesses turn to colocation providers when they need flexible IT facility space and services. But what should you look for in a provider?  Continue Reading

• TechWatch: Why your data center might need a fuel cell generator

  You may know fuel cell technology from following NASA space missions, but that same clean, quiet generator could help your data center's power demand.  Continue Reading

• IT pros suffer OpenLDAP configuration headaches

  Between the frustrations of installing OpenLDAP and annoyances with configuration problems, some IT pros are questioning its merit.  Continue Reading

• Tenets of modern server uptime and data center availability

  Server uptime and downtime can't be pinned to just automation, just application modularity or just redundancy. In a modern data center, availability relies on comprehensive uptime awareness.  Continue Reading

• What should you do with old servers and outdated data center equipment?

  Complications arise when replacing nonfunctional data center equipment. Decide what to do with the old equipment and how to handle retrofits.  Continue Reading

• Getting Windows admins started with Linux server distros

  Windows administrators often find themselves with a few Linux servers to manage. Learning the basics of Linux distributions will make it easier.  Continue Reading

• SUSE's SLES 12 OS and computing roadmap

  With SLES 12, some changes are in store for Linux admins, including a new default file system and bootloader. Here's the lowdown on SUSE's OS roadmap.  Continue Reading

• Must-read information technology books for the IT strategist and admin

  Whether you're a CIO or a system administrator, a good IT book will help your career. The SearchDataCenter Advisory Board shares their favorites.  Continue Reading

• Data center network design moves from tree to leaf

  Leaf-spine designs are pushing out the hierarchical tree data center networking model, thanks to the popularity of Ethernet fabric networks.  Continue Reading

• Reintroducing the RISC processor for data center servers

  Will energy and processing efficiencies in RISC processors be enough to oust x86 chips from servers, or will RISC stay stuck in a niche?  Continue Reading

• Modern processor design means integration, efficiency

  The quest for improved integration, energy efficiency and performance is taking processor designs in new directions.  Continue Reading

• From the ToR switch to data center containers: Design and layout fads

  Of all the hot trends in IT, changes to data center design and layout run the gamut from small to revolutionary. And some are here to stay.  Continue Reading

• Trends in data centers: Adiabatic cooling, DP humidity control and more

  Could your data center benefit from free cooling or intelligent power strips, LED lighting or SSD storage? Let's parse the latest data center trends.  Continue Reading

• Modern data center cooling systems: No muss, no fuss, no waste

  If old school data center cooling strategies leave your energy bill sky high, try more modern systems and bring it back down to earth.  Continue Reading

• On-premises build offers better data center costs, security and control

  When it came time for a new data center, VSE decided -- after much research -- to build rather than outsource, and repurpose its old equipment for DR.  Continue Reading

• How the colocation data center stacks up to cloud, on-premises builds

  Colocation data centers used to be about proximity. Not anymore. C7 CEO Wes Swenson says colo is about the best location and infrastructure options.  Continue Reading

• Data center size, infrastructure determined by type of enterprise

  Cloud apps and virtualization are pushing traditional data center size and infrastructure to a new norm in favor of more tailored hardware solutions.  Continue Reading

• Hyperscale data center means different hardware needs, roles for IT

  The complexity of new workloads and increasing demand from consumers means different server, network and IT needs in today's hyperscale data center.  Continue Reading

• Understanding silicon photonics technology

  Silicon photonics technology sounds like something from Star Trek. In reality, it involves lasers, semiconductors and just a bit of biology.  Continue Reading

• Comparing popular converged infrastructure products

  Several big-name vendors have converged infrastructure products, but which one fits best in your data center?  Continue Reading

• Big data projects require big changes in hardware and software

  Spreading out storage and compute may ease the burden of big data projects on data center staff and infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• How streamlined IT service operations are doing more with less

  Today's IT service operations teams have adapted management techniques and employed new technology to meet budget challenges head-on.  Continue Reading

• 40 GbE technology: Hurry up and wait

  Despite the enterprise need for high-speed networks, the advent of 40 GbE has been met with low adoption rates. Where will the hardware find a niche?  Continue Reading

• What will the next big data center transformation look like?

  No one can see the future, but take a look at what we might see in an upcoming data center transformation.  Continue Reading

• Employment survey says IT job satisfaction is all about the work

  Despite long hours, tight budgets and steep technology learning curves, our employment survey shows it's the work challenges that keep IT pros happy.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking could drastically change today's network infrastructure

  There's plenty of talk in IT circles about using SDN to change network infrastructures—and catch up with servers and storage. As the hype for SDN spins up, what can you actually accomplish today?  Continue Reading

• Misconceptions about DevOps can impede progress

  A DevOps expert talks about some of the incorrect notions some clients have about the accelerated application development process  Continue Reading

• Five questions on Linux and z/VM OS for mainframes

  Mainframe expert and z/VM systems programmer sees continued growth for Linux in evolving mainframe environments.  Continue Reading

• Approaches to data center capacity planning: Advisory Board Q&A

  Solid technical knowledge, comprehensive tools and a keen business sense are all needed for solid data center capacity planning.  Continue Reading

• Choosing UPS systems for the data center

  Selecting the right UPS for data centers is complex. This buying guide can help you sort through the features offered by today's UPS systems.  Continue Reading

• OSCON 2011 on SearchEnterpriseLinux.com

  SearchEnterpriseLinux's coverage of the 2011 O'Reilly Open Source Convention, set to run July 25-29 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.  Continue Reading

• State of virtualization and cloud computing: 2011

  IT professionals demand the increasing utilization and flexibility that virtualization and cloud technologies provide.  Continue Reading

• Case studies show the benefits of virtualization

  These case studies demonstrate how businesses have deployed virtual machines to improve efficiency and add computing power, while also saving money.  Continue Reading

• The causes and costs of data center system downtime: Advisory Board Q&A

  System downtime may be unavoidable, but planning and training can help restore operations sooner and mitigate the impact on most organizations.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for accurately measuring data center power consumption

  Knowing when and where to measure data center power consumption is important for calculating power use effectiveness and improving efficiency.  Continue Reading

• Data center security concerns with contractors: Advisory Board Q&A

  Maintaining physical data center security when allowing outside contractors into a facility takes caution and common sense.  Continue Reading

• The future of mainframe systems and the x86 platform

  X86 server virtualization is developing features similar to traditional mainframe systems, and while the two are drawing closer together, there are important differences.  Continue Reading

• The power of traditional mainframe technology

  Mainframes are still much more powerful than virtualized distributed systems clusters.  Continue Reading

• Traditional mainframe systems vs. x86 'software mainframe'

  X86 server virtualization is developing features similar to traditional mainframe systems, and while the two are drawing closer together, there are still key differences.  Continue Reading

• The resiliency of mainframe systems

  Traditional mainframe systems continue to outperform, and are more secure, than even the most bleeding-edge x86 virtualization software.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing technology enables the 'software mainframe'

  Virtual machines alone also do not constitute a software mainframe. Cloud computing technology makes the idea of a "software mainframe" a possibility.  Continue Reading

• X86-based private clouds offer cost savings

  x86-based private clouds offer cost savings when compared to traditional mainframe systems.  Continue Reading

• Data center construction alternatives

  Data center construction can be a huge expense, but with today’s colocation alternatives, a new facility isn't always the best answer to the needs of growing enterprises.  Continue Reading

• A server refresh guide

  When it’s time for a server refresh in your data center, our guide will give you everything you need to know – from selecting the right hardware to capacity planning advice.  Continue Reading

• Mainframe problem analysis: What's the worst that could happen?

  In this mainframe humor observation, an overconfident programmer gets more than he bargained for when he takes his shot at analyzing a TSO problem.  Continue Reading

• Getting the IT and facilities relationship on track

  Expert advice on bringing together the IT and facilities departments can improve efficiency and save the company money.  Continue Reading

• OSU Open Source Lab leader looks to further FOSS community outreach

  A former Google exec and new Open Source Outreach Manager of Oregon State's Open Source Lab talks building FOSS community relationships and teaching future leaders of open source.  Continue Reading

• Virtual Data Center E-zine

  Virtual Data Center E-zine is a monthly guide that explores crucial challenges and benefits of virtual environments in enterprise data centers.  Continue Reading

• Containerized data centers: Is a box a good fit?

  Data centers in shipping containers caught on as Microsoft deployed a data center in the equivalent of a parking garage. But should you be considering this option in your future data center design? Learn what two experts think about data center ...  Continue Reading

• Weird Data Center Locations

  In this slideshow on weird data center locations, see some of the unusual spots where some companies are deciding to house theirs.  Continue Reading

• Weird data center locations: Google's floating data center

  This sixth weird data location is the ocean. Google's patent calls for floating data centers that would sit 3 to 7 miles offshore.  Continue Reading

• Weird data center locations: Supercomputer in a chapel

  This fifth weird data center location is a former chapel in Barcelona, which houses Barcelona Supercomputing Center's supercomputer, MareNostrum.  Continue Reading

• Weird data center locations: Ozarks' hidden gem

  This third weird data center location is located in the carved out side of a mountain in the Ozarks, right outside of Branson, Mo.  Continue Reading

• Weird data center locations: Bahnhof's underground bunker

  This first weird data center location houses Bahnhof's network operations, and is a former underground bunker in Sweden.  Continue Reading

• Top 20 universal truths in the data center

  In this column, Mark Holt lists the top 20 truisms gleaned from his years working in IT.  Continue Reading

• Making ITIL processes work for your data center

  In this guide to ITIL processes, you'll learn about the benefits of the ITIL framework and how to make it work for your organization. You'll find advice on CMDBs and ITIL, change management and ITSM best practices, and the benefits of ITIL ...  Continue Reading

• DC power in the data center: A viable option?

  DC power is being actively investigated for use in the data center, but the alternative to the ubiquitous AC power platform hasn't yet been proven more effective for the data center. Learn the advantages to DC power as well as the drawbacks from two...  Continue Reading

• APC's data center hot-aisle containment

  APC, meanwhile, sells a prepackaged hot-aisle containment product. Recently, officials from both Liebert and APC duked it out over which is better: hot-aisle containment or cold-aisle containment.  Continue Reading

• Modernizing mainframe applications: Why and how

  Learn how a mainframe application modernization strategy lowers costs and adds flexibility that can put your organization at a competitive advantage.  Continue Reading

• The Green Data Center: Energy-Efficient Computing in the 21st Century

  SearchDataCenter.com wants to help you build the business case for energy efficiency in your data center. This e-book explains the forces driving IT energy consumption, why you should care and how you can mitigate the problem. Each month we will ...  Continue Reading

• Data Center Facilities Design for IT E-book

  The Data Center Facilities Design for IT E-book gives data center facilities staff and IT professionals the guidance they need to bridge the communication gap in order to maintain a productive and efficient data center. This e-book serves as a guide...  Continue Reading

• Chiller optimization for data center infrastructure

  Maximizing chilled water plant efficiency and cooling production is crucial in today's energy-efficient data center. Expert Mike Flaherty discusses cooling production basics, maximizing cooling capacity in existing data centers and how to achieve ...  Continue Reading

• Override a SYSIN DD DSN in the proc from the JCL?

  Override the SYSIN DD Domain Name Source (DNS) in proc using the Job Control Language (JCL) this code syntax.  Continue Reading

• COBOL, VS-COBOL-II and MFCOBOL: What's the difference?

  The original COBOL compiler grew into greater addressability with VS- COBOL-II MFCOBOL and increased functionality in MFCOBOL.  Continue Reading

• How to solve abend code 4038

  A user faces the abnormal ending abend code 4038 in the process of migrating from VS COBOL runtimes to LE.  Continue Reading

• ASHRAE data center infrastructure book eases bad vibrations

  The fifth book in ASHRAE's datacom series, Structural and Vibration Guidelines for Datacom Equipment Centers, offers guidelines for easing the effects of shock and vibration on data center physical infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Mastering MySQL: Ten essential tips

  We've put together our most-read tips on MySQL to help get you started on using this open source relational database management system.  Continue Reading

• How can I avoid overheating a 42-unit rack that's full of 1-unit servers?

  Expert Robert Macfarlane discusses strategies for dealing with overheating servers in a 42U rack.  Continue Reading

• Do dual-corded servers connected to separate uninterruptible power supplies draw power from both?

  Dual-corded servers are intended to share the load from UPS systems for overload protection. But do they really work? Expert Robert Macfarlane discusses dual-corded equipment and why data center managers need to be careful when shopping for them.  Continue Reading

• How do I measure the cooling consumption of my data center?

  Measuring cooling consumption in the data center is an approximate science. Here are a few strategies to help you get the information you need to determine cooling in your data center.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between modular and centralized uninterruptible power supplies?

  When considering what kind of UPS to implement, it helps to have all the facts. Expert Robert Macfarlane discusses the differences, advantages and disadvantages of modular versus centralized UPS systems.  Continue Reading

• Do I need isolated grounds in my data center?

  Isolated grounds were developed for early computers. But are they still necessary for today's data center? Read what expert Robert Macfarlane has to say.  Continue Reading

• How should I use vapor barriers in the data center?

  Whether to use vapor barriers in the data center is debatable. Expert Robert Macfarlane discusses how, why, and if they should be used.  Continue Reading

• What is the minimum ceiling height in a data center?

  Assessing appropriate ceiling height in the data center can be tricky. It depends on, obviously, how much space you have to work with and factors such as your fire suppression system and cabling. Expert Robert Macfarlane offers some advice.  Continue Reading

• How do I implement an access control system in the data center?

  Implementing an access control system improves data center security. Expert JP Callahan discusses how.  Continue Reading

• How do I cool high-density racks?

  High-density heat in the data center got your uptime low? Data center cooling expert Steve Madara offers advice for cooling your high-density racks.  Continue Reading

• What strategies will help organize a messy data center?

  Data center design and physical infrastructure expert Carrie Higbie offers some simple, but often neglected, strategies for organizing a messy data center.  Continue Reading

• Migrating from Unix-Linux in 7 steps

  Make sure you've got all your bases covered with this checklist on the process of migrating from Unix to Linux.  Continue Reading