Tips

Tips

• Vendor lock-in still issue in new data center servers

  With converged infrastructure, data center servers are stepping back to the mainframe ideals of self-contained computing -- with a few differences.  Continue Reading

• Comparing vendors' chassis server architecture scalability

  The Cisco UCS and IBM/ Lenovo Flex System approach network architecture in significantly different ways. What do you need from a chassis server?  Continue Reading

• SLES 12 anchored in enterprise Linux server availability

  SUSE's latest version of its enterprise Linux server OS defaults to Btrfs, with several features targeting always-on service.  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

• How does an Open-IX data center cert stack up to Uptime Tiers?

  The Open-IX data center certification aims at resiliency through self-declared certification and an annual renewal process, rather than proprietary oversight.  Continue Reading

• COTS servers signal better TCO than converged systems

  Enterprise IT shops have new choices: Converged systems simplify management and scaling, while commercial off-the-shelf servers tailor resources without vendor lock-in.  Continue Reading

• DAS vs. SAN cost debate revised with new cloud options

  DAS is cheap, SAN is expensive, and neither quite meets the needs of most enterprise data centers. Storage admins can look to cloud and virtualization for a little relief.  Continue Reading

• MLAG installs flatten network without a forklift upgrade

  Hierarchical networks cause undue latency as well as bandwidth and port loss. MLAG removes potential STP problems and gives you a flatter pre-fabric network.  Continue Reading

• Five new IT metrics fill the gaps in data center tracking

  Traditional data center metrics don't follow the "no man left behind" rule. Gaps in IT metrics let some costs fall by the wayside.  Continue Reading

• The virtual GPU offloads intense processing to the data center

  Whether adding virtual GPU is going to be an expensive nicety or a core support pillar for the business comes down to the applications using it.  Continue Reading

• FC over Ethernet lowers costs by merging SAN/LAN data centers

  Fibre Channel over Ethernet simplifies the data center and lowers costs by merging storage and data networks. And it doesn't take an all-or-nothing upgrade strategy.  Continue Reading

• IBM mainframe pricing gets a mobile discount

  IBM offers a 60% discount on mainframe transactions from mobile devices. Here's how to segregate mobile CPU usage and get into the program.  Continue Reading

• Meet the application-minded IT infrastructure architecture

  A core-and-pod architecture segments the data center's resources by application. Could your IT organization benefit from the scalability and automation that pods promise?  Continue Reading

• Are you getting swindled on the price of storage arrays?

  At some point, you will need to carry out a forklift upgrade, but a little scrutiny during purchasing can ensure that this is the exception, not the rule.  Continue Reading

• A data center checklist for facility design and IT ops

  Choose the right data center provider or facility now, and prevent costly errors and inadequate services later.  Continue Reading