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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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
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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
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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
Linux certification training videos earn extra credit
A new video training series gives Linux administrators the classroom experience they need while training for the RHCE and RHCSA certifications.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
Leaf-spine networks take the lead
Leaf-spine networks are replacing traditional three-layer designs. Get the basics explained here.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
IBM System z Application Assist Processor (zAAP)
The IBM System z Application Assist Processor (zAAP) is a specialty engine that provides a performance environment for Web-based apps and service-oriented architecture-based technologies, e.g. XML and Java.Continue Reading
It's time for a software-defined networking architecture
How do you prepare IT personnel and infrastructure for network virtualization? How do you ensure implementing SDN will pay off in saved time and effort? Start today.Continue Reading
wetware
Wetware refers to programmers, developers, systems administrators, cloud and IT architects and other employees that directly affect how servers, applications, networks and the rest of an IT system functions.Continue Reading
Facebook servers and cold storage in action
Facebook opened up its hyperscale data center in North Carolina for a look at its Open Compute Project servers, cold storage facility and floral conservation area.Continue Reading
A mainframe refresher quiz
Make sure you know what is significant about the mainframe. Take this quiz to find out what you should brush up on.Continue Reading
IBM Integrated Facility for Linux (IFL)
The Integrated Facility for Linux (IFL) is a specialty engine processor on IBM System z mainframe servers that is dedicated to Linux workloads. Operational efforts, software costs, energy use and hardware footprint are reduced when Linux is deployed...Continue Reading
IBM System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP)
IBM's System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP) is a specialty offload engine that helps improve computing performance for a subset of mainframe workloads.Continue Reading
A flexible data center layout made for the new standard
Data centers aren't the center of the IT universe anymore. With plenty of resources for hosting dynamic workloads -- cloud, colocation, as a service, or data center -- the on-premises facility layout must become equally flexible.Continue Reading
How to stop an SSH server from kicking you off the connection
SSH connection inconveniences can make remote server management a pain. Here's what do when your SSH server frequently disconnects.Continue Reading
Uptime's guide to data center assessment and optimization
Even the best data center design drifts from its opening day to the present. Uptime shares its recommendations to map cooling power to today's IT load.Continue Reading
access layer
The access layer is where host computers and end users connect to the network.Continue Reading
Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL)
The Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) is a grade assigned to an IT product or system after completing a Common Criteria security evaluation.Continue Reading
A few ways to configure Linux firewalld
The method for configuring Linux servers' firewalls changed with RHEL 7 and other new distributions. Learn how to set up firewalld, and what to avoid.Continue Reading
Why Facebook and the NSA love graph databases
Graph databases play six degrees of separation to find real connections. See how IT teams can use the database approach for businesses.Continue Reading
Net-SNMP (Net Simple Network Management Protocol)
Net-SNMP is a set of tools and libraries for implementing the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) on enterprise networks.Continue Reading
What's the best Linux OS for your enterprise data center?
With several updates to supported Linux OSes, how do you know which to run in your data center? This guide will help you make an informed decision.Continue Reading
Hyperconvergence tackles storage and server strain
Hyperconverged systems are succeeding converged infrastructure products as the latest in all-in-one data center offerings.Continue Reading
Get comfortable with an adiabatic cooling system in the data center
Is your data center in a hot climate? Rather than fight the environment with CRACs, take advantage of it with an adiabatic cooling system.Continue Reading
How to choose a micro data center in rugged locations
Rather than a big container setup, the micro data center fits a whole compute system onto 23U, with fire and climate protection built in.Continue Reading
Colocated data centers uncut: Avoid these costly errors
Is a colocated data center in your future? When a rip-and-replace is out of the question, prepare for colocation, but plan accordingly.Continue Reading
Companies that outsource find they need to keep some IT work in-house
Geography and jurisdiction, rather than technology, complicate IT outsourcing considerations for businesses.Continue Reading
building management system
Building management system (BMS) is a computer system that tracks power used by IT equipment and air conditioning systems in the data center.Continue Reading
New administrators' primer: Linux vi commands
New Linux administrators will need to master a core cadre of vi (or vim) text editor commands. Start with the basics, then explore other vi commands.Continue Reading
How silicon photonics is helping to reshape servers and racks
Optical interconnects turn server designs inside out. The use of silicon photonics will send optical signals on a long-distance journey without loss.Continue Reading
Linux stream
A Linux stream is information traveling in a Linux shell from one process to another via a pipe, or from one file to another via a redirect.Continue Reading
Unix command line quiz
Do you know how to move a file or get a list of current users from your Unix servers? Take our Unix quiz on essential commands for system admins.Continue Reading
TechWatch: Why your data center might need a fuel cell generator
You may know fuel cell technology from following NASA space missions, but that same clean, quiet generator could help your data center's power demand.Continue Reading
Management and Operations (M&O) Stamp of Approval
The Management and Operations (M&O) Stamp of Approval from the Uptime Institute is a certification of the critical facilities and management operations procedures of a data center.Continue Reading
Basic Linux commands for new Linux server administrators
To manage Linux servers, administrators need a set of basic commands to view and start processes, as well as utilities that make life a little easier.Continue Reading