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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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • hardware clustering
  • JCL (job control language)
  • supervisor call (SVC)
  • job

  • plenum
  • MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage)
  • RPM Package Manager (Red-hat Package Manager)
  • field-replaceable unit (FRU)

  View All Definitions

• Analyze Linux network connectivity issues with the ping utility

  Linux administrators can narrow down network connectivity problems by deploying the ping utility.Continue Reading

• white box server

  A white box server is a generic server made from commercially available retail computer parts. The phrase "white box" merely indicates that the equipment is generic or brand-agnostic -- the server can be any color.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

• Vulnerability scanner tools in the data center

  If you're wondering whether to use a software- or hardware-based network vulnerability scanner, take a look at your budget and network deployment.Continue Reading

• Yet another Setup Tool (YaST)

  YaST handles much of the administration load, offers a simple graphical interface and sets up setting system parameters easily.Continue Reading

• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

  Following specific standards, EDI is a way for businesses to securely transfer important data, such as invoices and purchase orders, via the Internet.Continue Reading

• Top technological trends hitting the data center soon

  Gartner experts predict this list of hot technological trends for 2015 and beyond will get data center managers into strategic planning huddles.Continue Reading

• Server form factors: A guide to rackmount, blade servers and more

  Which type of server is right for you? The data center's budget, technology and reliability will steer you toward rackmount or blade servers.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

• Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE)

  Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center. The metric, which is expressed as a percentage, is calculated by dividing IT equipment power by total facility power.Continue Reading

• What's the best data center network topology?

  You need to know these most common data center network topologies, and check out a host of alternative topologies waiting in the wings.Continue Reading

• load bank

  A load bank is a device that generates a prescribed amount of electricity draw to test the reliability of electrical switching, generator output, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems and cooling in a data center.Continue Reading