Tips
Tips
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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
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Top 5 data center technology trends to watch in 2021
2020 changed how IT pros managed and provisioned infrastructure. In 2021, organizations must find ways to support automation, AI and data analysis in the data center. Continue Reading
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Smart UPS features for better backup power
Vendors now offer UPSes with functions that help regulate voltage and maintain battery health. Before you upgrade, evaluate costs and confirm infrastructure compatibility. 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
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4 data center UPS vendors to evaluate
UPSes are crucial components to any backup power system. Use power ratings, infrastructure voltage requirements and the UPS type to guide the selection process. Continue Reading
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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
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Avoid colocation and cloud noisy neighbor issues
In any multi-tenant IT environment, noisy neighbors can be an issue. Here's a closer look at how the challenges differ in the public cloud versus colocation. Continue Reading
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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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Retail colocation vs. wholesale data centers: How to choose
One offers more control, while the other offers more flexible space. If you're considering a colocation facility, how do you decide between wholesale and retail? Continue Reading
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7 benefits of colocation for your business and 4 challenges
Colocation is not a silver-bullet solution for everyone. Discover the benefits and drawbacks that come with allowing a third-party to manage your IT equipment. Continue Reading
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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
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Hidden colocation cost drivers to look out for in 2021
These unexpected charges and fees can balloon colocation costs for enterprise IT organizations. Continue Reading
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5 ways a remote hands data center ensures colocation success
Off-site hardware upkeep can be tricky and time-consuming. With remote hands options, your admins can delegate routine maintenance and monitoring to trained, on-site service staff. Continue Reading
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Your guide to avoiding server rack setup issues
Not all data center servers are created equal. Before you attempt a server racking project, double-check size specifications and account for fastening hardware and cabling needs. Continue Reading
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Extend your power lifecycle with Li-ion data center batteries
Backup system batteries are critical in any infrastructure. Developments in Li-ion technology can bring more power, lower TCO and a longer component lifespan. Continue Reading
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Transform your infrastructure to support parallel processing
Quick, real-time data analysis is a boost to any organization's operations. With the right hardware and software, you can support parallelization in your data center. Continue Reading
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Red Hat vs. SUSE: How do these Linux distributions stack up?
See how two leading Linux open source software products -- RHEL and SLES -- compare when it comes to supported architectures, ease of use, support and pricing. Continue Reading
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Top 4 ways to reduce data center power consumption
Infrastructure power requirements can drive up operating costs. Data center managers can cut their utility bills if they address power needs for CPUs, storage and cooling systems. Continue Reading
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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
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Learn SELinux commands for management and troubleshooting
SELinux provides a more secure way to run Linux servers. Key commands for status, file management and troubleshooting can help you run SELinux smoothly on your infrastructure. Continue Reading
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The value of an IoT implementation in the data center
IoT can help with data center management and optimization. Before you embark on an implementation, evaluate use cases, software options and security concerns. Continue Reading
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A look at the main differences of Bourne shell vs. Bash
Shells help admins run commands from the keyboard to the OS. Though Bourne shell and Bash are similar, there are differences in layout and code compatibility. Continue Reading
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6 tools to know for private cloud monitoring and reporting
Cloud reporting helps admins address capacity issues and reduce outages. Effective tools should include role-based dashboards and track virtual and physical hardware. Continue Reading
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Discover the main differences between COTS vs. GOTS
When admins compare government versus commercial software options, they must consider cost, use cases and available support as part of the selection process. Continue Reading
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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
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Tips to get colocation contract renewal right
During your team's colocation contract renewal process, be sure to reevaluate power requirements, spending flexibility and one-time cross-connect fees to gain better services. Continue Reading
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Data center backup power systems, standards to address downtime
Backup power is essential to reduce -- or eliminate -- downtime. Admins can refer to industry standards, UPSes and generators to build out systems that support critical components. Continue Reading
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Adjust these 4 server BIOS settings to improve performance
You can configure BIOS settings to get more productivity out of servers, but some high-performance settings could increase power consumption or put reliability at risk. Continue Reading
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Single-socket servers offer cost, utilization benefits to admins
Different server types bring advantages in processing speed, memory availability and overall cost. See what single- and dual-socket servers can add to your infrastructure. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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4 disadvantages of hyper-converged infrastructure systems
Problems with scalability and cloud compatibility can create major issues for organizations that want to deploy hyper-converged infrastructure systems. Continue Reading
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The basics and benefits of lights-out management
For remote IT capabilities, lights-out management tools enable admins to power servers off and on, monitor temperatures and remediate potential operational issues. Continue Reading
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IT asset retirement in the data center
Is your data center equipment starting to show signs of aging? These performance metrics can evaluate hardware health and help you decide if assets should be maintained or retired. Continue Reading
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Troubleshoot Linux kernel panic with the kdump crash tool
Kernel panic renders your system useless. With an NFS server and kdump crash tool, you can easily perform a root cause analysis and figure out how to bring a system back online. Continue Reading
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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
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Get the right SLA for enterprise liquid cooling services
If you're interested in data center liquid cooling, investigate the technology types, available service providers and outline an effective agreement for successful system use. Continue Reading
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5 common server issues and their effects on operations
Server problems can spring from inside and outside hardware. Delve into these common issues and learn about the policies to have in place for regular maintenance and prevention. Continue Reading
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An in-depth look at calculating server hardware costs for SMBs
Servers can be expensive, but there's more to the purchase than just the price of the hardware. Learn what additional items an SMB must factor into the overall cost. Continue Reading
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How to prevent and recover from server failure
Hardware, software and facility issues can lead to server failure. With the right protocol and preventive maintenance, you can reduce failure amount and troubleshoot time. Continue Reading
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Pick a data center layout: Raised floors vs. overhead cabling
There's no definitive design when it comes to data center infrastructure. Cost, manageability and cooling effectiveness are all factors during the selection process. Continue Reading
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Considerations for SIEM logging software and storage
SIEM systems aggregate a lot of data across all types of infrastructure. For regular audits, admins should address notification settings, analysis protocols and storage locations. Continue Reading
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SIEM vs. SOAR: Key considerations for software evaluation
SIEM and SOAR tools are now seen as complementary to each other, but key differences in purpose and features may determine which one you decide to use in your data center. Continue Reading
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Tools and tips to track server power consumption
Server power requirements differ for each organization, but it's still essential to monitor peak loads and track how much power your servers consume to avoid outages. Continue Reading
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7 top open source network monitoring tools
Network is an essential part of infrastructure health and requires constant monitoring. To meet specific OS and hardware requirements, open source tools can be the best fit. Continue Reading
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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
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Essential components and tools of server monitoring
Server capacity management requires a list of infrastructure components to watch and the right tools. A workflow with these concepts ensures uptime and helps usage predictions. Continue Reading
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Improvements in CPU features help shape selection
CPUs have evolved to meet ever-increasing technology demands. We look at the way performance and power characteristics have shifted in recent years. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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5 considerations for proper mainframe decommissioning
As organizations decide to retire mainframe systems, admins should develop a plan that addresses application migration, program replatforming, data security and hardware removal. Continue Reading
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A look at software-defined networking upgrade guidelines
SDN brings the benefit of a mostly software-based update process. However, admins still must consider which updates are necessary and if a hardware refresh is required. Continue Reading
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Initiative aims to improve data center incident reporting
The Data Center Incident Reporting Network hopes to pull back the smoke screen on software and hardware issues to improve operations and reduce downtime risks -- with admins help. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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A guide to data center maintenance outsourcing
Data centers have a lot of moving mechanical parts to maintain. It's beneficial to leave electrical and fire system upkeep to the professionals instead of doing it all in-house. Continue Reading
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Top data center skills admins can use in 2020
The 2019 tech job sector saw consistent growth and job availability. In 2020, admins should develop expertise on cloud architectures, edge computing deployments and automation. Continue Reading
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Improve efficiency with server energy consumption tools
Deciding what servers are most efficient for your infrastructure requires research. Hardware-level certifications and web-based tools can help you select the right option. Continue Reading
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Use GRUB to fix Linux boot problems
GRUB is a handy tool to help admins solve any Linux booting issues. Reinstalling or manually implementing GRUB are two main approaches to getting your system back up and running. Continue Reading
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Get eco-friendly with LEED data center certification
The U.S. Green Building Council helps companies make existing and new data centers eco-friendly. HVAC, lighting and monitoring technology help increase infrastructure efficiency. Continue Reading
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Top 4 open source automation tools for admins
Open source offerings are an easy way to bring automation into your organization. When selecting software, evaluate the user experience, main features offered and Linux support. Continue Reading
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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
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Develop a 7-step server maintenance checklist
For effective server maintenance, admins must perform proactive hardware and software checks. Any list must include dusting, log review and software patch tests. Continue Reading
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Understand top public cloud repatriation use cases
Cloud technology can pose billing, management and compliance issues. Here are five reasons why repatriating cloud workloads back on premises might be a better option. Continue Reading
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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
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Top guidelines for edge computing software selection
Finding edge software that meets all your organization's needs requires help from both the business and IT sides. Get the right fit with use case information and developer input. Continue Reading
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A look at HCI hardware maintenance
Resource forecasting, capacity planning and upgrade compatibility are essential components of hyper-converged infrastructure maintenance. Learn why admins must implement them. Continue Reading
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Learn the basics of ACI network technology
Application-centric infrastructure is one way to support an SDN setup. By learning the basics, admins can manage networks with automation and data abstraction. Continue Reading
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Continuous HCI platform maintenance ensures system health
These best practices will help data center managers keep their hyper-converged platform in tip-top shape and make the process of deploying future updates simpler. Continue Reading
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Improve server rack physical security with ISO standards
Safeguarding information access is essential to data center operations. With ISO Standard 27001 and the right locking mechanisms, you can prevent a security breach at the server hardware level. Continue Reading
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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
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Addendum sets ASHRAE 90.4 as energy-efficiency standard
The publication of ASHRAE 90.4 in 2016 brought a new set of energy guidelines, but the industry still used Standard 90.1. A new addendum has changed protocol and best practices. Continue Reading
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4 essential components to edge data center maintenance
Security, connectivity and remote management are integral parts of any edge architecture. Here's how to include them in your infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Decrease legacy hardware security gaps
Dated infrastructure poses security threats to organizations -- especially with the amount of sensitive data used today. Address these concerns with active inventory audits. Continue Reading
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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
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3 ways to approach legacy hardware maintenance
Budget, maintenance cycles and specialized use cases are all reasons to keep legacy hardware. Minimize costs and outages with service contracts and emulation options. Continue Reading
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How to get out of a bad colocation contract
Renegotiation, legal action and cancellation are all options if your colocation service agreement isn't up to par. But each option requires research to avoid big fees or downtime. Continue Reading
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5 steps to include on your software update checklist
Training, testing and automation are all essential components to software updates. Implementing these concepts makes version maintenance a less herculean task. Continue Reading
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Flexible consumption models lower IT overhead, help investments
Flexible consumption lets you track infrastructure usage and decrease tech investment overhead. It may seem similar to the as-a-service model, but there are differences between the two. Continue Reading
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Prepare your organization for 100G data center Ethernet
Leaf-spine topologies, Ethernet and optics research are driving the next generation of data center networking infrastructure. Stay ahead of the curve with these technologies. Continue Reading
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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
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How machine learning in data centers optimizes operations
Machine learning can help manage your data center more efficiently and address power consumption concerns and hardware maintenance. Today's tools make implementation easy and effective. Continue Reading
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3 ways to benefit from open source infrastructure
Using open source infrastructure can reduce operating costs and streamline upgrades, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before you jump on the bandwagon. Continue Reading
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Use ASHRAE guidelines to get server temperature right
The main factors that affect server efficiency are inlet air temperature, humidity and contaminants. Follow these ASHRAE guidelines to set up the right facility for your hardware and save energy. Continue Reading
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3 vendors to consider for an HCI appliance
HCI isn't just a software product; market vendors such as Nutanix, HPE and Pivot3 also have specific appliances for admins that want features for network and storage management. Continue Reading
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How to cultivate the ideal IaaS agreement
As you expand your infrastructure, you might use service providers for certain components. Make sure you get a comprehensive SLA that addresses responsibilities, costs and security. Continue Reading
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Data center cooling systems advance, incorporate natural sources
Despite concerns around water-based cooling technology, organizations are developing new hardware setups that rely on fjords and oceans to effectively cool dense server racks. Continue Reading
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A 6-step guide for hardware disposal
Asset tracking, information logging and security measures should all be a part of hardware decommissioning. Don't miss a step with these considerations. Continue Reading
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4 essential KPIs for edge computing management
If you want to track edge deployment activity, look at storage, network and processing resources to guide workload configuration and maintenance needs. Continue Reading
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A guide to IaaS provider selection
Adding a cloud infrastructure service requires proper evaluation procedures and research. For a smooth transition, assess VM shapes, developer skill sets, licensing and security. Continue Reading
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How to enhance FTP server security
If you still use FTP servers in your organization, use IP address whitelists, login restrictions and data encryption -- and just a few command prompts -- to keep them secure. Continue Reading
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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
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Build up your SDDC security with 3 components
If you want to build a foundation for secure operations in your SDDC, software patches, account privileges and encryption should all be part of your security framework. Continue Reading
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Guarantee HCI software compatibility with cloud apps
IT execs must evaluate an organization's current on-prem and cloud setup before selecting a hyper-converged offering to avoid security holes, disjointed workflows and poor user experience. Continue Reading
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Micro data centers build edge computing opportunities
Organizations can use micro data center deployments to increase on-site data processing. Admins can get their setups right with options from Dell and HPE. Continue Reading
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Build a comprehensive outline for your data center budget
Including all necessary data center expenses during budget planning can be daunting. IT managers can start with costs for software licenses, hardware upgrades and cloud migration. Continue Reading
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Open source virtualization expands VM hardware and OS options
Dive into open source virtualization software with VirtualBox, KVM or QEMU. Each offers customizable VM management capabilities and legacy hardware support. Continue Reading
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4 considerations for choosing a private cloud provider
Key features to look for from a private cloud provider include interoperability, scalability and how familiar admins are with the provider's technology. Continue Reading
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Top 5 Linux performance commands for system administrators
Figuring out Linux host performance issues is time-consuming without the right tools. The top, vmstat, iostat, free and sar commands can help get CPU, device and memory data. Continue Reading
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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