Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• Pick the right colocation site for your organization

  Colocation is more than signing a contract and installing hardware. Evaluate redundancy, rack space real estate and distance to ensure a successful colo partnership. Continue Reading

• 4 PowerShell modules every IT pro should know

  Find out how to use four of the most popular PowerShell community modules in the PowerShell Gallery to help better manage your data center and automate certain tasks. Continue Reading

• Is HCI but a stop on the road to composable architecture?

  Find out if composable infrastructure is the next step in the evolution of HCI, if it is a completely different type of IT infrastructure or if the truth is somewhere in between. Continue Reading

• Get started with PowerShell Core on Linux

  PowerShell Core lets you configure and manage Windows, Linux and Mac-based servers in the data center. Learn how to install and navigate the command-line shell in this tip. Continue Reading

• Essential hyper-converged cloud questions answered

  Hyper-convergence can help make taking a cloud or multi-cloud approach to your architecture easier to implement, manage and scale. Read on to find out how and why. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • Spine-leaf (spine-leaf architecture)
  • computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit
  • data center management
  • economizer

  • z/OS
  • GNU/Linux
  • ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
  • green data center

  View All Definitions

• continuous modeling (data center continuous modeling)

  Continuous modeling is an approach to data center management that supplements infrastructure management (DCIM) tools with engineering simulation tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of cloud computing types

  Not all cloud architectures are created equal. Complete this quiz to learn about which cloud models, management tools and features are helpful to data center admins.Continue Reading

• network convergence

  Network convergence is the efficient coexistence of telephone, video and data communication within a single network.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged integrated systems crucial to long-term HCI success

  No HCI platform exists in a silo. Learn why hyper-converged systems must communicate, interact and integrate with third-party management tools and the wider IT infrastructure.Continue Reading

• A data center planning and design guide for IT pros

  Data center design and management now goes beyond servers and networking cables. Defining budget and IT goals helps set an effective roadmap for data center architecture.Continue Reading

• The hyper-converged network benefits from commingling HCI, SDN

  Merging software-defined networking with hyper-converged infrastructure platforms should simplify and ease the deployment, scaling and management of hyper-converged networks.Continue Reading

• data center administrator (DCA)

  A data center administrator monitors systems, installs equipment and cabling, and participates in change processes and everyday procedures that support information technology.Continue Reading

• How to prepare your data center for an HCI appliance

  Vendors tout hyper-converged infrastructure as a plug-and-play offering, but before you install anything in your data center, be sure your network supports the hardware.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged cloud key to private cloud success

  Granular scaling and rapid deployment help make hyper-converged infrastructure the ideal platform for building out, deploying and scaling out a private cloud.Continue Reading

• Hone these top 5 data center skills in 2019

  As data centers become more software-based, admins should prepare themselves by learning about the cloud, containers, DevOps and artificial intelligence.Continue Reading

• Considerations for a successful DCIM implementation

  Selecting the right DCIM software is a complicated process. Make sure you have executive buy-in, vendor support and defined goals to get the best return on investment.Continue Reading

• single pane of glass

  A single pane of glass is a management console that presents data from multiple sources in a unified display. The glass, in this case, is a computer monitor or mobile device screen.Continue Reading

• 10 top tips to maximize hyper-converged infrastructure benefits

  The most-read hyper-converged tips of the past year represent a range of best practices for procuring and implementing HCI as all or part of your overall data center architecture.Continue Reading

• Top five data center trends to watch in 2019

  In 2019, data center admins should research how technologies such as AIOps, chatbots and GPUs can help them with their management, help desk and processing needs.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure vendors adapt to AI workloads

  Hyper-converged infrastructure evolves to accommodate the increasing demands of resource-hungry AI workloads. AI, in turn, promises to improve management of HCI and non-HCI resources.Continue Reading

• HCI, acquisitions led 2018 data center news

  In 2018, major data center vendors expanded portfolios with acquisitions for HCI and software-defined data center tech -- bolstering admin tool sets for cloud, containers and VMs.Continue Reading

• What containerization technology do I need for my data center?

  Containers in the data center can help maximize server capacity, but there are a few things to consider before a Docker or Kubernetes implementation.Continue Reading

• Edge computing architecture helps IT support augmented reality

  Augmented reality benefits greatly from reduced latency, which makes edge computing a perfect partner in the data center.Continue Reading

• How to install ZFS on Linux

  ZFS on Linux lets admins error correct in real time and use solid-state disks for data caching. With the command-line interface, they can install it for these benefits.Continue Reading

• What can admins use as a data center GPU?

  There is no formal standard to differentiate consumer and data center GPUs. Still, you should evaluate processing speeds and hardware requirements before GPU installation.Continue Reading

• Navigate DCIM software selection, security and support

  To properly evaluate DCIM software, pinpoint where you can benefit from more operational data and work with vendors. Then, ensure your selection fits your data center needs.Continue Reading

• How to successfully perform a data center upgrade

  When data center hardware becomes outdated, there are a few options. Here are ways that admins can ensure that a migration is efficient and downtime is minimized.Continue Reading

• What does GPU hardware do in the data center?

  Once part of the gaming industry, GPUs are gaining traction in data center infrastructures. Learn why the power of GPUs makes them fit virtualization and data-heavy applications.Continue Reading

• How to realize server virtualization energy savings

  Virtualizing servers is one of the most effective steps to reduce energy consumption, especially when the hypervisor and VM placement are taken into account.Continue Reading

• Research advances data center liquid cooling tech

  You might want to investigate alternatives to water and fans to keep your data center cool. Still, there are costs and environmental concerns facing researchers and IT administrators.Continue Reading

• Top 7 system administrator interview questions and answers

  To land any IT job, you need to master the interview. Here are seven questions to expect in your next sysadmin interview and how to ace the answers.Continue Reading

• Can I use server automation for remote management?

  Depending on your server management workflow, you might want to consider automation and orchestration. Before going forward, you should figure out what scripts are necessary.Continue Reading

• Discovery functions, FIPS compliance increase DCIM security

  Data center infrastructure management is one way to track security patches and unauthorized hardware access. There are a few features you can use to increase security.Continue Reading

• Data center admins gain the benefits of microservices

  Microservices bring perks to data center infrastructures, especially when it comes to long-term maintenance. But admins need to properly evaluate it before implementation.Continue Reading

• Definition of hyper-converged infrastructure evolves, as do products

  Defining hyper-convergence can be a challenge. Focus instead on learning about hyper-converged infrastructure product options and how they fit your data center and cloud plans.Continue Reading

• How can I build AI capabilities for the data center?

  IT departments can integrate AI capabilities with their data center management workflows using machine learning algorithms that enable admins to automate functions over time.Continue Reading

• Getting started with Linux containers

  Linux-based containers allow you to run applications in the data center without modifying OSes. If you're not sure how to get started, options such as Docker and CoreOS can help.Continue Reading

• How to keep your data center skills up to date

  It can be tough to pick the skills to develop when there are so many certifications to choose from. Data center industry trends can give you insight into what skills to pursue.Continue Reading

• kernel

  The kernel is the essential center of a computer operating system (OS).Continue Reading

• Choose the cloud computing deployment model that fits your data center needs

  Organizations looking to the cloud to update their data center should consider the future development of systems management providers when selecting a cloud computing deployment model.Continue Reading

• SDDC architecture basics and deployment considerations

  Software-defined data centers accelerate hardware provisioning and maintenance. These benefits are reason enough for admins to familiarize themselves with SDDC components.Continue Reading

• NetApp FlexPod

  NetApp FlexPod is a reference architecture for server, storage and networking components that are pretested and validated to work together as an integrated infrastructure stack.Continue Reading

• Test your hyper-converged networking knowledge

  Network hyper-convergence is racing to catch up to the level of virtualization of compute and storage. Test yourself on your HCI networking knowledge.Continue Reading

• Test your Cohesity storage systems knowledge

  Taking the principles of hyper-convergence and applying them to secondary storage systems enabled Cohesity to create a hyper-converged platform for data recovery and backup.Continue Reading

• SIEM software basics and use cases for IT administrators

  Security information and event management products use algorithms to stop cyberattacks in their tracks, but they also offer other workflow benefits for admins.Continue Reading

• Open source log management options for Linux distributions

  Open source log management tools provide a variety of options and capabilities for admins who want customizable Linux log management functions in a server or cloud environment.Continue Reading

• Evaluate converged vs. hyper-converged infrastructure benefits

  Many IT admins wonder if their data center can benefit from hyper-converged or converged infrastructure. To choose the right one, evaluate uses and scalability.Continue Reading

• Do I need converged or hyper-converged infrastructure appliances?

  Scalability, risk tolerance and cost all factor into the decision between converged and hyper-converged infrastructure. The two technologies have very different use cases.Continue Reading

• Work a command-line interface in Linux with these permissions and prompts

  The command-line interface is an integral part of the Linux management environment. With sudo permissions and remote connectivity, working with a command line is easy.Continue Reading

• How is RHEL in the cloud different than in the data center?

  Implementing RHEL in the cloud isn't exactly the same as using cloud technology in the data center, especially when addressing swap and support concerns.Continue Reading

• HPE OneView (formerly HP OneView)

  HPE OneView, formerly known as HP OneView, is a converged infrastructure management platform that provides a unified interface for the administration of software-defined systems in a data center.Continue Reading

• What are the top SIEM use cases?

  SIEM tools help organizations detect and mitigate malware and viruses, but they also allow administrators to offload traffic when an attack hampers performance.Continue Reading

• Guide to buying server performance monitor software

  Integration, storage and vendor support all affect whether a performance monitoring tool is right for an organization. Mull over these ten factors to choose the right one.Continue Reading

• IBM blockchain technology spotlights mainframes

  IBM's blockchain offerings aim to ease enterprise IT concerns by combining Z system mainframe hardware with industry-specific open source applications.Continue Reading

• Do I need an information systems management degree?

  IS management degrees are table stakes for many IT job seekers. Hands-on experience and specific certifications make applicants more desirable.Continue Reading

• Pin down these hardware service contract details

  A server warranty won't do much good when every second of downtime counts. Here's how to hammer out a support agreement that addresses the particular needs of your company.Continue Reading

• Organizations don't have to pick private or public cloud

  Organizations don't necessarily have to decide between using a public or private cloud. For some companies, the answer is both. For others, it's neither.Continue Reading

• Take the open source hyper-converged knowledge challenge

  If you are considering an open source HCI implementation, this quiz can help you further refine your knowledge and better prepare you for the final decision.Continue Reading

• Ten hyper-converged infrastructure architecture buying mistakes

  Buying hyper-converged infrastructure systems can be less stressful if you learn about and avoid these 10 common mistakes that trip up some HCI buyers.Continue Reading

• Hitachi Vantara (formerly Hitachi Data Systems or HDS)

  Hitachi Vantara is a data storage systems provider, previously known as Hitachi Data Systems (HDS).Continue Reading

• Nutanix

  Nutanix is a hyper-converged infrastructure pioneer that markets its technology as a building block for private clouds.Continue Reading

• Three requirements for a hybrid cloud computing deployment

  As the hybrid cloud computing approach gains steam, organizations will need to pay close attention to cross-cloud connectivity and management, plus microservices.Continue Reading

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)

  SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a Linux-based server operating system created and maintained by the German-based organization, SUSE.Continue Reading

• converged infrastructure

  Converged infrastructure is an approach to data center management that packages compute, networking, servers, storage and virtualization tools on a prequalified turnkey appliance.Continue Reading

• What's the best Linux distribution for Docker in your business?

  To find the best Linux distro for Docker, compare options from Red Hat, Ubuntu, VMware and more to make a match and smoothly run containers in your enterprise.Continue Reading

• SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux)

  SELinux, or Security-Enhanced Linux, is a part of the Linux security kernel that acts as a protective agent on servers.Continue Reading

• Install Ubuntu Core successfully with these steps

  An Ubuntu Core installation can often prove tricky for IT teams. Use these step-by-step instructions to properly install the platform for a more secure Docker environment.Continue Reading

• Emergency Power Off (EPO) button

  The Emergency Power Off (EPO) button -- sometimes called an EPO switch -- is a large red device in data centers that kills power to a particular piece of equipment, or to an entire facility, in the event of an emergency.Continue Reading

• SUSE Manager

  SUSE Manager is an open source infrastructure management tool for Linux systems.Continue Reading

• Reference architecture vs. converged infrastructure: Know the difference

  The terms converged infrastructure and reference architecture frequently appear together, but they're not interchangeable. One is the blueprint and the other is a structure.Continue Reading

• Paris Agreement

  The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that seeks to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. The agreement is sponsored by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and seeks to limit temperature increases in the ...Continue Reading

• Red Hat Satellite

  Red Hat Satellite is an IT infrastructure management tool primarily used to monitor and manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.Continue Reading

• Linux distros (Linux distribution)

  A Linux distribution -- often shortened to "Linux distro" -- is a version of the open source Linux operating system that is packaged with other components, such as an installation programs, management tools and additional software such as the KVM ...Continue Reading

• SDDC (software-defined data center)

  An SDDC (software-defined data center) is a data storage facility in which networking, storage, CPU and security are virtualized and delivered as a service.Continue Reading

• automatic transfer switch (ATS)

  An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source.Continue Reading

• power cycling

  Power cycling is the process of turning hardware off and then turning it on again. In the data center, technicians use power cycling to test the durability and reliability of network components.Continue Reading

• Test yourself on modern data center networking architecture

  Evolving business needs demand a new approach to data center networking. Keep yourself updated on SDN, VXLAN and other technologies with this quiz.Continue Reading

• VSPEX

  VSPEX is a platform specification from Dell EMC to guide the building of systems for converged and hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI).Continue Reading

• Supermicro

  Supermicro is a company that specializes in x86-64 server technology. The company targets consumer and enterprise markets and maintains a focus on power efficiency and green technology.Continue Reading

• Unisys

  Unisys is an American multinational information technology company that provides hardware, software, IT services and consulting.Continue Reading

• ScaleIO

  ScaleIO is a software-defined storage software product from Dell EMC that uses existing hardware or EMC servers to turn direct-attached storage (DAS) into shared block storage.Continue Reading

• Lustre

  Lustre is an open source parallel distributed file system (DFS) specialized for large-scale cluster computing. The name is a portmanteau of Linux and cluster.Continue Reading

• the Open19 project

  The Open19 project is aimed at standardizing servers, storage and networking components into a common set of form factors for any Electronic Industries Association (EIA) 19-inch data center rack. The initiative was launched by LinkedIn Corp. in 2016.Continue Reading

• Huawei Technologies

  Huawei is a Chinese information and communications technology (ICT) company that specializes in telecommunications equipment.Continue Reading

• Cisco HyperFlex

  HyperFlex systems combine software-defined storage and data services software with Cisco UCS (unified computing system), a converged infrastructure system that integrates computing, networking and storage resources to increase efficiency and enable ...Continue Reading

• HyperGrid

  HyperGrid is a cloud computing provider that offers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and application management services. To support the DevOps movement which breaks down the silos between software development and ...Continue Reading

• Fujitsu Ltd.

  Fujitsu Ltd. is a Japanese technology company that specializes in consumer and industrial electronics. Fujitsu’s products include servers, PCs, laptops, media centers, tablets, storage hardware, displays, air conditioning and heat pump units.Continue Reading

• The Green Grid Performance Indicator (PI)

  The Green Grid Performance Indicator (PI) is a set of metrics designed to help information technology (IT) teams assess current and future data center cooling performance. PI was developed by The Green Grid in 2016.Continue Reading

• data center bridging (DCB)

  DCB is a suite of IEEE standards designed to enable lossless transport over Ethernet and a converged network for all data center applications.Continue Reading

• computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)

  A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is software that helps operations and maintenance staff identify and track the status of maintenance tasks and availability of replacement parts.Continue Reading

• New IT roles to put on your hiring radar

  The shifting nature of the IT industry doesn't just influence new technology; it's spawning some noteworthy changes in IT staffing, especially around big data and cloud.Continue Reading

• Nutanix Prism

  Users manage Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure technology through Prism -- software that provides management of clusters, virtual machines and networking through a single interface.Continue Reading

• Tips to ace tough IT operations interview questions

  Few things career-wise are as nerve-wracking as job interviews. Knowing what to expect going into that first meeting for a Web or app administrator role can quell some uneasiness.Continue Reading

• Software-defined applications and infrastructure explained

  The inner mechanics of today's software-defined applications and infrastructure reveal an interconnected web of isolated components and scalable resources, supervised by automated management.Continue Reading

• load shedding

  Load shedding is a reduction of power demand by a utility provider during peak or stressed times. Participants voluntarily reduce demand for utility power and rely on secondary sources for uninterrupted operation, or lower or lose power supply in an...Continue Reading

• software-defined everything (SDE)

  Software-defined everything (SDE) is an umbrella term that describes how virtualization and abstracting workloads from the underlying hardware can be used to make information technology (IT) infrastructures more flexible and agile.Continue Reading

• Nutanix Acropolis

  Acropolis is a free server virtualization hypervisor developed by vendor Nutanix that is packaged on hyper-converged appliances, and can be used alongside competing hypervisors.Continue Reading

• Should I make a storage LUN for each server?

  In some scenarios, more than one LUN per server makes sense. In others, it's better to maintain a one-to-one ratio. So which is better?Continue Reading

• converged data center

  A converged data center pre-integrates server, storage and networking hardware with management, hypervisor and operating system platforms, as well as applications and services.Continue Reading

• IBM Pureflex

  IBM PureFlex is a combined hardware and software system for data centers that delivers infrastructure as a system (IaaS) optimized for scalable cloud computing.Continue Reading