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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Ten reasons to consider a hyper-converged data center
Adopting hyper-convergence seems like all the rage among enterprise IT. But not everyone is jumping on board -- and neither should you, unless these 10 reasons fit your needs. 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
Read this before attempting network microsegmentation
Microsegmentation makes network security more flexible with software-defined policies rather than manual configuration work, if implemented with forethought and the right tools. Continue Reading
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As turnkey data center options grow, so do deployment challenges
Businesses need to deploy new IT systems quickly. Gradually, vendors have found ways to integrate IT and energy components in the pursuit of a truly turnkey data center option. Continue Reading
Allocate IT resources for big data and IoT-based projects
Companies embarking on new big data and IoT-based projects would do well to critically examine the necessary processing power, memory, storage and networking resources involved, and how to best make use of the required capacity. Continue Reading
What is the difference between hosted colocation and DRaaS?
Enterprise IT organizations know the importance of disaster recovery. But which fits the budget, in-house expertise and testing requirements: hosted colocation or DRaaS?Continue Reading
The right infrastructure for fast and big data architectures
Learn the differences between fast and big data architectures before buying new software and hardware for the data center.Continue Reading
Curiosity didn't kill the mainframe systems programmer
Mainframe systems programmer Robert Crawford explains the lasting relevance of mainframes, his mixed feelings on certifications and how curiosity continues to help him.Continue Reading
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
Two key disaster recovery colocation questions to ask
Choosing a disaster recovery colocation provider may seem daunting. However, knowing what to look for beforehand can help you make the right choice.Continue Reading
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What to know about selecting a colocation provider
Selecting a colocation provider is about more than finding one with a low price. The quality of service and conditions spelled out in a colo service-level agreement, or SLA, will be important -- especially if something goes wrong. This handbook ...Continue Reading
These IaaS examples show data centers can share the load
Not every IT workload belongs directly under your control in the data center. Consider these IaaS pros and cons for example workloads.Continue Reading
In IT hardware selection, the first choice is one vendor or many
From a data center perspective, choosing hardware from multiple vendors remains a sticking point. This guide looks at the ongoing debate about using a single vendor versus multiple vendors in IT hardware selection. Working with a single vendor may ...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
The top Linux commands for server administrators
Managing Linux servers requires command line skills. Keep a list of the top Linux commands to schedule tasks, check statuses and see open files.Continue Reading
Analyze Linux network connectivity issues with the ping utility
Linux administrators can narrow down network connectivity problems by deploying the ping utility.Continue Reading
The best server hardware to maximize IT performance
Get the latest tips on compute, networking and storage to choose the best server hardware to tackle IT workloads.Continue Reading
Data center experts predict 2016 IT trends
Software-defined everything, security, IoT, APIs and other technologies top our experts' predictions for 2016 data center trends.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
Eight emerging data center trends to follow in 2016
Data center facilities are undergoing tremendous change, with trends such as open standards and DCIM catching on, and emerging technologies pushing the limits of density and power.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
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
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
SUSE Manager handles more than just SLES
SUSE Manager maintains control over server patching on SUSE and Red Hat OSes, but what happens with Red Hat's shift away from Spacewalk?Continue Reading
Today's top IT skills extend far beyond the data center
Microservices, virtualization, cloud, and other shifts in IT mean traditional deep technical skills are fading from importance. Broad expertise and communication are now the top IT skills.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
twin server (0.5 U server)
A twin server has two compute nodes housed side-by-side in 1U of data center rack space. Because each server node fills half of 1U, a twin server may also be referred to as a 0.5U server.Continue Reading
Data center metrics and standards guide
From energy use to server performance, data center metrics form a foundation for improving IT operations.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
'Rolling data center' inspires GE Industrial Internet
General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt is taking on his biggest challenge yet to reinvent the company on the idea that its new platform will unite the Industrial Internet of Things.Continue Reading
Data center terminology that will get you hired
To land a job in a modern, adaptable data center, you have to speak the lingo. These visualizations of data center terminology will help you communicate about DevOps, scalability and other important concepts.Continue Reading
Data center infrastructure that supports big data
Many data centers aren't built to handle the type of resource-intensive tasks that a big data project requires. The old tools and technologies simply won't get the job done when you're talking about sophisticated data collection and predictive ...Continue Reading
Automated infrastructure management untangles cabling
Cable management typically requires cumbersome manual approaches. As the pace of data center operations accelerates, automation must infiltrate the cable infrastructure.Continue Reading
What principles form the COBIT framework?
Can my company implement the COBIT framework for compliance? What does it entail?Continue Reading
Linux mount command reveals storage device access path
New Linux server administrators will find mounting storage devices very different than they have seen on Windows servers.Continue Reading
logical volume management (LVM)
Logical volume management (LVM), a form of storage virtualization, offers system administrators a more flexible approach to managing disk storage space than traditional partitioning.Continue Reading
Five ways to beef up your Internet of Things infrastructure
How are IoT trends affecting data centers? From security and storage to data management and even physical location, Internet of Things infrastructure is changing data centers for good.Continue Reading
Iceland's data center opportunities and challenges
Data centers in Iceland access a stable power grid and free cooling. But questions still loom about Iceland's available capital and global connectivity.Continue Reading
How learning Linux jumpstarted my career
Choosing an alternative to Windows 98 and learning Linux -- back in the 90s -- led Jack Wallen to his current career. How did you get started with Linux?Continue Reading
A cloud migration plan for conservative data centers
Enterprises migrating to the cloud prefer a slow and considered approach that protects sensitive data and ensures performance levels.Continue Reading
Shape mobility plans with the COBIT 5 framework
The COBIT 5 framework helps IT organizations bring online new enterprise platforms like mobility without compromising data security and control.Continue Reading
Integrated systems test prevents data center downtime
Some colocation providers say the best way to prevent data center downtime is to regularly pull the plug and see what happens. (Hopefully, nothing.)Continue Reading
What can I do to gain Java skills and leave mainframe programming?
I have two years of experience in mainframe technology, currently working as a mainframe developer. I want to change to Java technology.Continue Reading
How expandable or configurable is a white box server?
A white box server typically comprises standardized parts in a no-frills system configuration. Will they work with GPUs or handle upgrades well?Continue Reading
runlevel
A runlevel is a Linux operating state that determines which programs can execute when the operating system restarts.Continue Reading
OpenPower Foundation
The OpenPower Foundation is an organization in which IBM shares its Power microprocessor technology with licensed members.Continue Reading
Big data projects go beyond IT infrastructure
Big data creates a big test for enterprises: finding the right employees who can meld the technology and business needs in a way to make the data useful.Continue Reading
Let's get white box servers straight
What's the difference between white box servers and Open Compute servers? What's the risk involved without brand-name server features?Continue Reading
CEEDA (Certified Energy-Efficient Datacenter Award)
CEEDA is a data center certification for the efficient use of energy.Continue Reading
ISO 50001 (International Organization for Standardization 50001)
ISO 50001 is a standard for designing, implementing and maintaining an energy management system.Continue Reading
brownfield (brownfield deployment, brownfield site)
A brownfield deployment, in information technology, is the installation and configuration of new hardware or software that must coexist with legacy IT systems.Continue Reading
What should an IT systems analyst learn about big data?
I am an IT systems analyst working on a big data project. What should I know before I dive into the project?Continue Reading
Learn mainframe SIMD instructions for the IBM z13's processor
SIMD instructions in the z13 vector extension facility accelerate processing of social media and big data workloads.Continue Reading
Create an efficient data management process in the enterprise
Big data can lead to bigger problems, as enterprises struggle to process, store and organize information of varying levels of importance and ownership.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
Use cases for implementing a converged infrastructure product
An organization can dramatically upgrade its data center by taking the converged infrastructure (CI) path. Working with a CI vendor eliminates significant hassles by bundling compute, storage and networking technologies into a single purchase. This ...Continue Reading
Build Linux from scratch to improve admin skills
There's a sure-fire way to increase your knowledge about the Linux kernel and how to troubleshoot Linux servers: Build one yourself.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
Five COBOL interview questions to land a new job
Time for a new job on the mainframe? Brush up on your COBOL basics and prepare for these strategic interview questions.Continue Reading
total benefit of ownership (TBO)
Total benefit of ownership is the sum of measurable and intangible returns that a company receives from investing in assets and/or personnel.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
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe, PCI-E)
PCIe is a high-speed serial interconnection standard for connecting peripheral devices to a computer's motherboard.Continue Reading
TCO (total cost of ownership)
Total cost of ownership is a calculation to assess direct and indirect expenses and benefits related to the purchase of a product or infrastructure component.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
New eco UPS systems save energy, minimize operational risks
Eco UPS installations promise higher energy efficiency in the data center, with new designs that respond quickly to an outage.Continue Reading
What are the best ways to prep for CompTIA exams?
I took the CompTIA Security+ online exam once and wasn't able to clear it. How can I prepare to pass the test next time?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
Small updates meet big data center requirements
Not all IT infrastructure projects require a large budget and lengthy schedule. These relatively inexpensive updates boost performance and reliability.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
grid computing
Grid computing uses small, distributed resources from servers and PCs to solve big problems. But will this architecture survive the cloud era?Continue Reading
What's yours is mine: Sharing DCIM
It's hard to avoid the growing importance of data center infrastructure management technology (DCIM) within the world of IT. Data center managers are increasingly looking to merge the management of servers and facilities, and DCIM generates a number...Continue Reading
How do I configure vSphere HA for automatic failover?
I want to install a virtualization environment with physical servers for failover and a storage server to boot up some virtual servers in our network. How can I do this?Continue Reading
Rethinking data center components as commodities
Labeling servers and hypervisors as commodities like corn and cattle may be overly simplistic. It's time to reconsider what constitutes a commodity.Continue Reading
Are all software-defined storage vendors the same?
What does software-defined storage mean? How is it implemented? And why does it matter for data center managers?Continue Reading
Can I configure DB2 replication from the mainframe to AIX?
I want to replicate DB2 from the mainframe to an AIX box since it's cheaper and the copy can be used for testing. Is this possible?Continue Reading
Resolve a network bottleneck with these techniques
Data center network performance problems will disappear with fixes from a simple reorganization through a strategic overhaul.Continue Reading
Wasted energy = wasted money
Smart IT teams are continually looking for more ways to eliminate energy waste in their data centers. A well-run data center is one that uses only the energy it absolutely requires. Because of what they do, data centers require significant ...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
Make the mainframe system part of your business continuity process
Mainframe systems need comprehensive preparations to maintain business continuity during a disaster. Unfortunately, there's no easy way to accommodate the mainframe in BC.Continue Reading
Virtualized firewall servers and other bad ideas
Virtualization is a great idea, but not for everything in the data center. Even if your goal is 100% virtualization, leave these servers off the list.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
ducting (data center cooling)
Ducting is the use of a metal or plastic pipe to carry air from one place to another.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
What is the result of a CPU bottleneck on the I/O process?
What's the impact on I/O when you run in a CPU-constrained mainframe environment?Continue Reading
Words to go: Data center design standards bodies
Need a handy reference sheet of the various data center standards organizations? Keep this list by your desk as a reference.Continue Reading
moves, adds and changes (MAC)
Moves, adds and changes (MAC) keep computing equipment in line with user needs and up-to-date, with disciplined process management.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
Take data center efficiency to the max on three-phase power
Three-phase circuits provide considerably more power efficiency to data center equipment, but phase balancing can trip up deployments.Continue Reading
Master Linux service management on System V and systemd
Managing services on Linux is an essential task for administrators. Learn to work with either System V or systemd.Continue Reading
baffle (data center hot aisle containment)
Baffle paneling covers unwanted space between racks, under the raised floor and above dropped ceilings in the data center, reducing energy consumption and power use.Continue Reading
Pair up NFV and SDN with physical networking for standardization
For an adaptable, modern network, combine SDN and NFV to tackle traditional flaws. Together, they fully integrate network components.Continue Reading
Must-know x86 processor features of 2015
Processor design philosophies are changing, and new instruction sets are adding speed and security so long as the software on top knows to take advantage.Continue Reading
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) clean agent
Data centers and telecom rooms use hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) clean agent systems for fire protection to avoid damaging electrical and electronic equipment.Continue Reading
Eight data center technologies to test in the new year
As the hype from 2014 dissipates, the new year rings in hot new technologies. IoE, hybrid clouds and other tech innovations make the data center run more efficiently.Continue Reading
This data center cost calculator keeps you on budget
Calculating every data center expense can be challenging, but with the right spreadsheet -- and formulas -- you will accurately assess the total cost.Continue Reading