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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Why and how to adopt a data-centric architecture
Data has become one of the most valuable assets in the enterprise. IT teams must make changes -- both culturally and technically -- to ensure their strategy reflects that. Continue Reading
Get a template to estimate server power consumption per rack
Admins can struggle with power consumption estimation as infrastructure gets more complex. The kW-per-rack metric can help provide an accurate calculation of server power use. Continue Reading
statistical mean, median, mode and range
The terms mean, median, mode, and range describe properties of statistical distributions. Continue Reading
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Main factors that can guide your UPS selection process
To choose the right UPS, be sure to figure out business needs, power supply size requirements and how long your backup systems must last during downtime. Continue Reading
workload
In computing, a workload, typically, is any program or application that runs on any computer. Continue Reading
Your primer to colocation pricing and rack space rightsizing
Even with structured pricing methods, there's a lot to consider when making colocation infrastructure purchases. Account for future hardware needs and spend flexibility.Continue Reading
remote hands
Remote hands is the general name for a service offered by colocation providers that enables customers to delegate IT management and maintenance tasks in a colocation facility to technicians hired by the provider.Continue Reading
colocation (colo)
A colocation facility, or colo, is a data center facility in which a business can rent space for servers and other computing hardware.Continue Reading
Colocation pricing guide: Understanding data center costs
Colocation facility costs can include anything from power fees and bandwidth service charges to connectivity expenses, change fees and support costs.Continue Reading
9 considerations for a colocation data center selection checklist
Use this data center selection checklist to make fair and comprehensive comparisons between colocation data center providers before making a decision.Continue Reading
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What is database refreshing?
IT testing and software development constantly requires fresh data. It's easy to run a database refresh and generate new data for sandbox or production tasks.Continue Reading
data center services
Data center services is a collective term for all the supporting components necessary to the proper operation of data center. This includes all the implementation, maintenance and operation of a data center.Continue Reading
Avoid server overheating with ASHRAE data center guidelines
Finding the right server operating temperature can be tricky. ASHRAE standards provide guidance for all server classes and what factors can play into temperature readings.Continue Reading
data center capacity planning
Data center capacity planning ensures that an IT organization has enough facility space, power and computing resources to support average and peak workloads.Continue Reading
7-step pandemic return-to-work IT infrastructure checklist
As employees return on site, ensure your HCI can handle the changes. Follow these steps for checking system hardware and storage, as well as securing software and firmware.Continue Reading
CMDB (configuration management database)
A configuration management database (CMDB) is a file -- usually, in the form of a standardized database -- that contains all relevant information about the hardware and software components used in an organization's IT (information technology) ...Continue Reading
infrastructure (IT infrastructure)
Infrastructure is the foundation or framework that supports a system or organization.Continue Reading
Do you know how HPE GreenLake services work?
IT infrastructure hardware and services delivered through HPE GreenLake takes the cloud Opex spending model and brings it on premises. Test your GreenLake acumen with this quiz.Continue Reading
edge data center
Edge data centers are small data centers that are located close to the edge of a network.Continue Reading
Figure out the differences of asset management vs. CMDB
There is no shortage of software options for change management tools. Operational goals can help IT teams decide if ITAM or CMDB is the right choice for the organization.Continue Reading
Hybrid cloud vs. hyper-converged: Hybrid wins hands down
When everything goes to cloud, why do you even need HCI? Who cares where server, storage, virtualization and networking are when IT adopts a 'run any app from anyplace' strategy?Continue Reading
9 steps to better IBM ELA negotiation results
Get a leg up on your next IBM enterprise licensing agreement or renewal. Following these nine steps will help prepare you to meet Big Blue across the negotiation table.Continue Reading
6 steps for effective real-time monitoring across hybrid IT
Infrastructure monitoring can span multiple stakeholders, data center sites and metrics. Use the five W's to establish a comprehensive monitoring strategy.Continue Reading
Ubuntu Core tutorial: Run IoT devices on Linux
Linux OSes offer flexible IoT device management and have no upfront costs. Get Ubuntu Core up and connect your devices with the steps in this video tutorial.Continue Reading
Is third-party threat a viable server maintenance contract tactic?
When negotiating server hardware and maintenance agreements with vendors, server customers can threaten to go elsewhere. But how effective is that tactic?Continue Reading
Best practices for better server lifecycle management deals
A buyer's playbook with granular forecasts of server refresh, upgrade, maintenance and precedent discount details strengthens your negotiation position with your server supplier.Continue Reading
Actual sales tactics vendors use during server refresh lifecycle
See specific examples of the strategies server vendors use in order to better prepare for sales pitches throughout the five stages of the server renewal and refresh lifecycle.Continue Reading
What is hyper-converged infrastructure? Guide to HCI
Hyper-converged infrastructure is a software-centric architecture that tightly integrates compute, storage and virtualization resources in a single system that usually consists of x86 hardware.Continue Reading
How 5 stages of server lifecycle influence vendor sales tactics
Learn about sales tactics that server suppliers like Dell EMC, HPE, Lenovo, IBM and Cisco use to try to win back market share from white box suppliers and how those affect you.Continue Reading
A quick primer on the ANSI/TIA-942 standard
Industry standards help organizations minimize downtime and ensure operational quality. With ANSI/TIA-942, IT teams can certify their infrastructure for mission-critical sites.Continue Reading
The case against data center consolidation
Having one centralized data center can bring IT benefits. Use cases such as IoT, edge computing and cloud don't necessarily work with consolidated infrastructure.Continue Reading
Examining hyper-converged infrastructure costs and savings
There are several factors to consider when calculating HCI costs, including licensing, storage, networking and CPU types. In addition, costs might include support contracts.Continue Reading
hyper-converged appliance
A hyper-converged appliance is a hardware device that provides multiple data center management technologies within a single box.Continue Reading
hyper-converged storage
Hyper-converged storage is a software-defined approach to storage management that combines storage, compute, virtualization and sometimes networking technologies in one physical unit that is managed as a single system.Continue Reading
A mechanical refrigeration system primer for admins
Mechanical cooling is a necessity to keep data centers efficient year-round. The system type you use depends on the refrigerant, number of heat exchanges and airflow requirements.Continue Reading
Data center power terms to give your vocab a jolt
No matter the data center setup, there are standardized power components and protocols you should know. Build your understanding -- or refresh your knowledge -- with these terms.Continue Reading
An intro to Nutanix Flow software-defined networking for HCI
Learn how Flow SDN brings network policy and management services to Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure through the automation and streamlining of common networking operations.Continue Reading
IoT data center tech aims to improve operational efficiency
IoT tech can make data center operations data-driven and automated. For a successful implementation, IT managers should evaluate upgrade costs and infrastructure resiliency.Continue Reading
An introduction to DCIM software metrics and terms
Infrastructure management is no easy task. The right software can help admins track how efficient their server racks and facilities are and pinpoint where to make improvements.Continue Reading
6 steps to prep your organization for ISO 9001 certification
ISO 9001 is a quality management standard. Before your team decides to become certified with an official audit, you should have all the gap analyses, documentation and fixes in place.Continue Reading
Understanding VMware Cloud Foundation components, features
VMware Cloud Foundation enables users to implement an integrated software-defined data center. Version 4 represents a major architectural upgrade integrating Kubernetes in vSphere.Continue Reading
Controlling IBM licensing agreement narrative key to success
Take control of the information narrative and unify your messaging strategy through a cross-functional negotiation team for best-in-class enterprise license agreement renewals.Continue Reading
How should I choose a new server hardware configuration?
It's important to consider current and future business needs when choosing a server to ensure you'll have adequate CPU, memory, storage and network resources.Continue Reading
Assess risk, forecast for IBM software licensing agreement success
When it's license renewal time, ClearEdge Partners recommends taking stock of the licenses you already have and determining how to allocate spending across your IBM ELA.Continue Reading
Traditional vs. converged vs. hyper-converged infrastructure setups
HCI clusters, converged infrastructure and rack servers all offer benefits for a data center. Still, figuring out which is easier to set up requires evaluation and planning.Continue Reading
Easily spin up a Docker Ubuntu container
Docker and Ubuntu make it possible for admins to use containers for Windows applications in the data center. Watch what's involved to get started with containerization.Continue Reading
Insight into Big Blue key to better IBM ELA renewals
Before negotiating a renewal of your IBM enterprise license agreement, get to know Big Blue's sales strategy and which factors influence its deal-making process.Continue Reading
Successful IBM ELA renewal negotiations require preparation
Start planning early, follow a realistic timeline and know your enterprise license agreement options inside and out as you gear up for ELA negotiations with IBM.Continue Reading
How sharp is your hyper-converged edge computing acumen?
It isn't uncommon for hyper-convergence and the edge to intersect nowadays. How much do you know about why hyper-converged deployment at the network periphery is growing?Continue Reading
Safeguard data center power with regular UPS maintenance
There are several levels of testing to address when developing a UPS maintenance checklist. Be sure to conduct visual, thermal and load tests to verify UPS health.Continue Reading
What's involved in cloud repatriation cost calculation?
The costs associated with cloud repatriation go beyond the migration itself. IT managers must account for any new hardware, backup requirements and available skilled personnel.Continue Reading
Advances in server hardware components speed up data centers
Server hardware has consistently evolved since the 1980s. Now, IT professionals can implement the latest in CPU and GPU technology in their ever-growing data centers.Continue Reading
Dive into the quantum computing qubit with IBM's Bob Sutor
The quantum computing industry is entering a new era. IBM's Bob Sutor discusses the technology's importance and how his latest book can help readers better understand the qubit.Continue Reading
Build a migration plan for enterprise edge infrastructure
Micro data centers are essential to edge computing use cases. Build an effective migration plan through site selection, application inventory and post-move monitoring tools.Continue Reading
Top vendor SDDC certification programs for admins
If you decide to grow your knowledge of software-defined data center technologies, VMware, Nuage Networks and Microsoft offer courses and certifications to get you up to speed.Continue Reading
Build up your knowledge of leaf-spine network technology
As organizations deal with challenges of single tree path networks, many admins are considering leaf-spine architectures. Learn the ways its topology helps latency and data flow.Continue Reading
HPC services bring computational power to more organizations
Navigating HPC colocation requires knowledge of power, uptime and security demands. Deploying such services can bring innovative opportunities for organizations.Continue Reading
Plan a successful migration to HPC colocation
If your organization decides to host its HPC hardware in a colocated data center, ensure a smooth migration with proper location selection, security measures and application testing.Continue Reading
What's behind today's IT infrastructure modernization strategies?
See how businesses have altered operating environments, applications and processes to meet IT infrastructure modernization goals, their budgets and how far along they've gotten.Continue Reading
screen scraping
Screen scraping is the act of copying information that shows on a digital display so it can be used for another purpose.Continue Reading
Learn the main Linux OS components
Linux is one operating choice to run on your infrastructure. Get started with these terms to discover how the OS works and how it differs from Microsoft and Apple offerings.Continue Reading
A guide to GPU implementation and activation
Data center GPU usage goes beyond hardware. Admins must work with vendors and developers to have the right software architecture and code to benefit from GPUs.Continue Reading
Key components for negotiating an HPC colocation contract
When it comes to HPC colocation, there are specialized areas to cover in a service-level agreement. Review provider protocols for power, security and network connectivity.Continue Reading
Make the case for a technology refresh strategy
A good portion of IT budgets are spent maintaining aging hardware. Energy efficiency, failure rates and potential downtime costs are all ways to justify regular hardware updates.Continue Reading
Illustrated guide to hyper-converged edge computing
Hyper-converged systems can help reduce network strain by making it possible to send only the most valuable and relevant data to centralized remote data centers or the cloud.Continue Reading
Test your Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure knowledge
Do you know what it takes to deploy, maintain and secure Nutanix hyper-converged hardware and software? Take our quiz to see how deep your Nutanix knowledge and expertise runs.Continue Reading
Refresh your data center cooling lexicon
As the data center industry moves to improve energy efficiency, refresh your knowledge on the available cooling technology and methodologies.Continue Reading
Increase efficiency with data center temperature monitoring
Data centers must track multiple temperature components. Organizations can use ASHRAE standards and on-premises hardware for easier monitoring.Continue Reading
Top 5 options for Linux certifications
Are you ready to expand your Linux knowledge? Here's a look at the latest courses, training content and exams available from professional groups and vendors.Continue Reading
Which converged infrastructure vendors are businesses considering?
Today's fast-paced business landscape has led enterprises to increasingly turn to convergence vendors. See why, which they are choosing and who leads the market.Continue Reading
Put your VMware vSAN HCI knowledge to the test
Do you know what it takes to deploy, maintain and secure a VMware vSAN-based hyper-converged infrastructure? Take our quiz to see how deep your vSAN knowledge and expertise runs.Continue Reading
Essential private cloud migration steps
Executive buy-in, application evaluation and tool configuration are all important parts of cloud selection. With these steps, admins can ensure a smooth move to private cloud.Continue Reading
Composable infrastructure platform flexes converged muscles
Composability tailors resources as unified services to specific workloads. Find out how it works and compares to converged and hyper-converged infrastructures.Continue Reading
parallel processing
Parallel processing is a method in computing of running two or more processors (CPUs) to handle separate parts of an overall task.Continue Reading
Elevate software-defined technology's role in the data center
SDS and SDN aren't a cure-all for infrastructure management ails. Proper implementation requires research and a suitable hardware setup. Here's a look at what this tech can do.Continue Reading
Put your composable infrastructure knowledge to the test
Are you up to speed on composable disaggregated infrastructure and technology? Take our quiz to find out if you know how composability works and how it can benefit you.Continue Reading
blade server
A blade server, sometimes referred to as a high-density server, is a compact device containing a computer used to manage and distribute data in a collection of computers and systems, called a network.Continue Reading
shell script
A shell script is a text file that contains a sequence of commands for a UNIX-based operating system.Continue Reading
4 steps for a smooth SDN installation
Software-defined infrastructure can be tricky to implement. Automation, vendor-supported hardware and skilled developers are essential for smooth updates.Continue Reading
ambient temperature
Ambient temperature is the air temperature of any object or environment where equipment is stored.Continue Reading
What hyper-converged network details should I consider?
No longer a second-class citizen to compute and storage, networking is now integral to most HCIs. Keep in mind certain networking facts when adopting hyper-convergence, however.Continue Reading
Should admins learn about serverless computing?
Serverless architecture is beneficial to organizations that use virtualization and function-as-a-service models. Here's what admins should know about it.Continue Reading
3 elements to consider for a hybrid cloud deployment
Hybrid cloud uptake is increasing, as organizations demand greater infrastructure freedom across on- and off-premises environments and more control over the application layer.Continue Reading
How composable disaggregated infrastructure works
Familiarize yourself with how composable infrastructure works, core characteristics and benefits, and what enterprises hope to gain from this infrastructure-as-code delivery model.Continue Reading
Expand your edge data center vocabulary
Data, devices and distributed computing are all important parts of edge setups. Learn about edge computing components and how you might see them in your organization.Continue Reading
How do I measure overall TCO when comparing HCI vendors?
Comparing the TCO of deploying different HCI vendors' platforms makes it likelier you'll pick the right one for your organization. Start the process with our checklist.Continue Reading
Put your hyper-converged cloud knowledge to the test
Are you up to speed on clouds built on hyper-converged infrastructure platforms and technology? Take our quiz to find out if you know how they work and their benefits.Continue Reading
A quick guide to data center commissioning
Service provider selection, design documentation and thorough testing are all necessary for commissioning. Learn the process's nuances to get your facilities online.Continue Reading
Words to go: Composable disaggregated infrastructure glossary
Dig into these terms to get a sense of composable infrastructure and what its disaggregated server capabilities can bring to your IT environment and application workloads.Continue Reading
3 ways to deploy hyper-converged infrastructure
An HCI deployment can be done in one of three ways -- full replacement, side-by-side or per application -- each with pluses and minus, depending on requirements and resources.Continue Reading
free cooling
Free cooling is an approach to lowering the air temperature in a building or data center by using naturally cool air or water instead of mechanical refrigeration.Continue Reading
Essential hyper-converged backup, data protection questions to ask
Procure a hyper-converged infrastructure, and you'll need to protect the data residing in that environment. Ask and answer these questions to determine the best HCI backup approach for your organization.Continue Reading
The vSAN stretched cluster type spreads HCI love for HA, DR
VMware vSAN stretched clusters enable admins to spread hyper-converged infrastructures across two physical locations. Learn more about them and their benefits.Continue Reading
Colocation vs. cloud: Quiz yourself on these workload expansion options
Colocation or cloud? Data centers have plenty of expansion options beyond building a new facility. Learn about each option -- and test your knowledge -- with this quiz.Continue Reading
3 ways to approach cloud bursting
With different cloud bursting techniques and tools from Amazon, Zerto, VMware and Oracle, admins can bolster cloud connections and efficiently move data in and out of on-prem facilities.Continue Reading
data center as a service (DCaaS)
A data center as a service (DCaaS) provider will supply turnkey physical data center facilities and computing infrastructure (e.g., servers, networking, storage, and so on) to clients in the form of a service.Continue Reading
How to build a successful colocation strategy
Proper evaluation of a colocation data center means reviewing geographic location, cost structure and accessibility to ensure the facility is right for their organization.Continue Reading
5 quick quantum computing terms to learn
Quantum computers use atomic physics to complete extensive calculations in one minute, but you might not be familiar with some quantum computing terms. This guide offers a primer.Continue Reading
What's the difference between Open19 and the Open Compute Project?
Though the Open19 initiative and Open Compute Project seem to have a similar goal, they do differ in type of support, hardware requirements and licensing practices.Continue Reading
What hardware can I use in an Open19 rack?
Open19 is a partnership that guides organizations to use open source rack servers. The organization's cages, power shelves and network switches make upgrades easy.Continue Reading