Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Evaluating the uses for converged infrastructure

  Now that we have significant exposure to converged infrastructure and hyper-converged products, more is known about how -- and where -- these products work best. This three-part guide looks at potential uses for converged infrastructure (CI) and ... Continue Reading

• Innovation, automation keep down outsourced data center bills

  Renewals for data center outsourcing deals during the past year reveal a drop in prices, thanks to increases in automation, and server and storage demand. Continue Reading

• IBM's zEDC brings hardware compression to z systems

  Hardware compression is still vital to many enterprises with mainframes. IBM's zEDC hardware data compression feature enables compression for mainframe workloads at potential cost savings. Continue Reading

• Trip back to earth solves a cloud vs. data center debate

  When the leader in online deals started to hit the big time, the company realized cloud computing was no longer its best option and began to move into its own data center space. Continue Reading

• Containers transform steel mill into modular data center

  Stacking containers inside a former steel mill creates a new modularly designed data center with abundant power. 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

• Explore data center procurement decisions

  IT buyers know that other IT pros often are the best sources for data center procurement advice. Survey results suggest what's important in server, storage and other important requisitions.Continue Reading

• New data storage methods broaden IT horizons

  Data center managers have more choice than ever with SSDs, object storage and more, which means evolving ideas about the best methods of data storage.Continue Reading

• Budgets prompt data center vs. colocation discussion

  Rather than spending another budget cycle struggling to fund the data center, start outsourcing selectively -- and improve at the same time.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

• The new IT security threat coming to your data center

  The latest and greatest in technology opens new opportunities for hackers to penetrate sensitive corporate data.Continue Reading

• A data center design guide to get it right the first time

  Corporate moves, rapid IT refreshes, virtualization initiatives and other factors affect your data center design. Use this data center planning guide for a facility that lasts.Continue Reading

• Dell Quest, SonicWall users face another acquisition deal

  SonicWall and Quest Software users, who endured Dell's acquisition three years ago, face more uncertainty, as Dell reportedly considers the sale of those companies to reduce debt.Continue Reading

• IT cost management shaped by data center spending

  Reduce server costs and data center operations expenditures by investing in the right areas, such as networking and storage.Continue Reading

• Enterprise server architectures headed for a shake up

  After a few humdrum years, server architectures are in for big changes to close out the decade.Continue Reading

• Try a hyper-converged infrastructure setup alongside servers

  Introducing a hyper-converged infrastructure setup in your data center doesn't have to be an all-in endeavor.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

• Hidden colocation cost drivers that add up

  These unexpected charges and fees can balloon colocation costs for enterprise IT organizations.Continue Reading

• A clear vision of the future data center in 2020

  By 2020, what will the future data center look like? Take a peek at how networking, servers and storage will evolve in the next five years.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

• Essential Linux server software for enterprises

  Businesses can deploy a mix of Linux server software offerings to take advantage of the cost and flexibility benefits of open source.Continue Reading

• Cost-cutting tricks for your data center labs

  These IT cost-cutting tricks applied in data center labs can result in big savings.Continue Reading

• What is the best SSD for server storage improvement?

  Should data centers use SAS- or PCIe-based on-server flash devices? What options are out there for SSDs on servers?Continue Reading

• After a long slump, IT certification pay bounces back

  Largely vendor-driven IT certifications decreased in value for a seven-year stretch, until a recent turnaround, with security getting a renewed focus.Continue Reading

• SUSE makes Btrfs stable, flexible SLES file system of choice

  Btrfs proves a viable and more flexible file system for production Linux servers, with proper configuration and setup.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

• IT benchmarking incorporates more than server performance

  While a server performance test is a key IT benchmarking metric, it coexists with prices and the target workloads to yield a true IT performance benchmark.Continue Reading

• TSA packs bags tight with data center consolidation initiative

  The TSA is overhauling its IT infrastructure with equipment upgrades, virtualization and cloud as part of a major data center consolidation initiative.Continue Reading

• Should I use a battery cooling system in the data center?

  Do battery cooling cabinets save money over cooling batteries within the whole data center?Continue Reading

• 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

• Get the best mix of servers and storage in the data center

  A fleet of servers is only as good as its connected storage. The right storage design for your data center depends on cost, simplicity and performance requirements.Continue Reading

• Compare HCI from SimpliVity vs. Nutanix vs. VMware

  Before you buy SimpliVity, Nutanix or VMware's EVO:RAIL hyper-converged infrastructure, learn what resources and scalability each line offers.Continue Reading

• IBM delivers Linux mainframes to the open source world

  IBM opens the doors of its proprietary mainframes, delivering two Linux-only boxes and significant code contributions to the open source world.Continue Reading

• Expect big changes from Red Hat Satellite 6

  Red Hat overhauled its Satellite server management tool in version 6, which means a lot more functionality and features but a complex adjustment period for server admins.Continue Reading

• Stonebraker: IT pros fall for big data hype

  Big data marketing hype has included a constantly evolving message, and IT pros keep falling for it, said 2014 Turing Award-winner Michael Stonebraker.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

• Rank colocation companies with this checklist

  Use this checklist to make fair and comprehensive comparisons between colocation data center providers.Continue Reading

• Tighter security tops RHEL 6.7 updates

  New security features and predictive analysis of performance issues are two of the new features users will find in RHEL 6.7.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

• Moving out to a colocation provider

  Colocation has solidified itself as an attractive outlet for IT, and, unlike the cloud, allows admins to continue to manage their own systems. Colo customers can also take advantage of services that mimic outsourcing, from basic offerings to full-on...Continue Reading

• Uptime certification misuse leads to big changes

  The Uptime Institute's tier-level certification will now only be handed out to constructed projects that meet the standards, not for designs.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

• 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

• 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

• RHEL developer preview moves ARM servers closer to reality

  RHEL on ARM servers has developers envisioning new apps, but the hardware and software ecosystem for 64-bit ARM is still just a vision.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 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

• Server performance and benchmark testing guide

  The right back-end servers, tuned for maximum efficacy, make the difference in business-critical applications and services.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

• Matching applications to the right converged technologies

  Users in the data center share how the converged technology they chose -- from hyper-converged infrastructure to appliance -- meets the needs of a given application.Continue Reading

• Purging zombie servers saves AOL money, energy

  AOL shares the lessons it learned from a project to rid its data centers of 14,805 zombie servers that saved the company about $10 million.Continue Reading

• Bright data center ideas that lacked staying power

  The data center has seen its fair share of failed attempts to uproot traditional thinking. New ideas for power, cooling and maintenance top the list.Continue Reading

• HP's Machine has a long road from hype to reality

  HP promises a prototype for its memory-driven computing architecture 'The Machine' next year as enterprise IT questions how it will be put to use.Continue Reading

• Are you prepared for the future of data centers?

  Data center managers can expect major changes in the future, whether they run an in-house facility, outsource or do a mix of both.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

• 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

• 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 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

• What's the best flash storage choice for your data center?

  All-flash data centers are futuristic concepts, but there are many ways to implement server-side or array-based flash storage in a data center today.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

• Pop quiz: Know the ABCs of data center spending

  There are a lot of acronyms that define data center spending, but which letters will save you money? See how well you know IT budget vocab.Continue Reading

• The FPGA server promises flexible app acceleration

  FPGAs offload tasks from server processors more flexibly than other accelerator options. Hyperscale data centers are keen to deploy the technology.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

• 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

• Is geothermal cooling a viable data center option?

  We are looking at a building surrounded by several acres of land for a new data center. Should we consider geothermal horizontal loops for cooling?Continue Reading

• The ARM-based server vies for first in your data center

  Are the alluring functions of ARM servers enough to cause a reshaping of data center operations? Or will the x86 server continue its domination?Continue Reading

• What kind of VM management tools help plan growth?

  What tools can I use to manage capacity to accommodate further VM growth in a complex IT environment?Continue Reading

• How to tell if OpenStack infrastructure is right for you

  Your data center may -- or may not -- need a flexible open-source cloud. Is your facility ready to handle the infrastructure overhaul of storage and hardware?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

• Address common problems in mainframe testing concepts

  Accurate mainframe testing data is hard to obtain. This overview covers testing concepts, problems and tool options for improving test data management.Continue Reading

• Master Red Hat, Debian approaches to Linux package management

  Whether you use Red Hat or Debian package manager, get informed on the repositories and commands for easier Linux management.Continue Reading

• What advice would you offer on Linux for newbies?

  I am just starting out with Linux and hoping to get a job working with it in the near future. What should I do now to get ahead?Continue Reading

• Outsource IT support without losing control

  Secure a highly available IT platform by ensuring you have the best data center support. Without precautions, you may suffer from greedy resellers and vendors.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

• Modern data center cooling systems cut out energy waste

  Better data center cooling techniques and technologies exist, so it's up to IT to identify the correct approach for their organization.Continue Reading

• What HTTP/2 means to the data center and its security

  A new hypertext protocol promises better performance for complex and demanding websites.Continue Reading

• How do I size the physical server to host virtual machines?

  I want to convert a physical machine to a virtual machine. How can I select and size the right server infrastructure to host VMs?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

• What's the best way to get a server benchmark?

  What is the best way to access large multicore servers for benchmarking? How do I know what needs to be benchmarked?Continue Reading

• Can I use a transformer that doesn't match my high-voltage server?

  The specs of the 480-V power equipment are all the same as a 400-V step-up transformer. The only difference is voltage. Can we use the 480-V transformer with 400-V servers?Continue Reading

• What to expect from application performance monitoring tools

  Performance monitoring tools preemptively thwart run-the-business application problems, but only when you have the right APM tool for the job.Continue Reading

• Find the right data center support for any IT organization

  Most of the IT budget goes to maintaining the data center hardware and software. Consider outsourcing for better support.Continue Reading

• Nano server innovation extends beyond the data center

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

• Identify risky data center providers before it's too late

  These tips from a data center design expert will keep you from partnering with an inadequate cloud hosting or colocation provider.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

• How to choose between cloud computing and virtualization

  When it comes to cloud and virtualization, asking the right questions will help your IT org choose between the two or support a combination.Continue Reading

• Data center companies to watch in 2015

  Put these data center suppliers, from virtualization leaders to management software startups, on your watch list in 2015 for product innovations and potential blockbuster partnerships.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

• Power and cooling checklist for a better data center PUE

  Data center power consumption eats up a large portion of operating costs. These cooling and power changes can help cut back energy use without lessening IT performance.Continue Reading

• Sourcing the modern data center

  Significant IT expenditures can represent a make-or-break moment for the department, especially in this economic climate. In terms of selecting data center hardware, planning can go a long way, and selecting the right mix helps to minimize waste and...Continue Reading

• Multi-vendor data center

  There are a number of ways for IT to ease the process of managing a multi-vendor data center. This e-book series examines the best practices for vetting vendors, integrating new technology into the data center and training personnel effectively on ...Continue Reading

• Micro data centers keep businesses competitive from next door

  A fleet of micro data centers can conquer the latency and resiliency of one centralized data center. Is the edge model right for your enterprise?Continue Reading

• Can you virtualize a NetBackup master server?

  I have only seen companies deploy a NetBackup master server on a physical server. Are there any drawbacks to using a VM as a NetBackup master server?Continue Reading

• Data center economizer quiz tests how cool you are

  Using an economizer in your data center could improve operations. Take this quiz to see how much you know about the technology and how it cools a hot data center.Continue Reading

• Five career-advancing information technology skills

  IT pros want to advance their careers. See which IT skills will enhance your worth this year, and the training and certifications that will propel you forward.Continue Reading