IT applications, infrastructure and operations
IT infrastructure and operations management excellence has become essential to maintain quality control over technology-related policies, processes and equipment. Read news and tips to assist modern IT operations and infrastructure management, including strategies to ensure the proper flow of data throughout enterprise applications and other information systems.
Top Stories
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Tip
19 Nov 2024
Best project portfolio management software and tools in 2025
Project portfolio management software and tools in 2025 promote strategic management of projects and agile tactics. Read our PPM list for guidance on which tools do what. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2024
Why is cryptocurrency rising and bitcoin at an all-time high?
Bitcoin was worth $45,000 USD at the beginning of 2024. But in Nov. 2024, it reached an all-time high of $90,000 USD. Keep reading to see what is driving cryptocurrency optimism. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Nov 2024
How to run a successful IT pilot program
IT pilot programs are a crucial yet frequently overlooked step in internal tech procurement. Learn how to maximize these programs to gain a competitive edge. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2024
Microsoft halts 2 zero-days on November Patch Tuesday
The company addressed 88 vulnerabilities, including an Exchange Server spoofing flaw and a significant number of SQL Server bugs, this month. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2024
CHIPS Act expected to survive, change under Trump
Changes to the Biden administration's application guidelines for the CHIPS Act, some of which Republicans fought against, are likely. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Nov 2024
What is qualitative data?
Qualitative data is descriptive information that focuses on concepts and characteristics, rather than numbers and statistics. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2024
Measuring AI becomes key pursuit as enterprises seek ROI
Grammarly and Kroger identify impactful and extensible AI use cases amid a broader struggle among enterprises to find a way out of 'pilot purgatory' on AI initiatives. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Nov 2024
What is AI art and how is it created?
Artificial intelligence art (AI art) is any form of art that has been created or enhanced with AI tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2024
What is SAP Sales and Distribution (SAP SD)?
SAP Sales and Distribution (SAP SD) is an SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) core functional module that helps organizations store and manage customer- and product-related data. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2024
Top 12 cloud computing careers of 2025 and how to get started
Cloud computing touches many aspects of modern life, and cloud professionals are in demand. See the many positions, salaries and skills needed to launch a cloud computing career. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Oct 2024
What is AIOps (artificial intelligence for IT operations)?
Artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) is an umbrella term for the use of big data analytics, machine learning (ML) and other AI technologies to automate and enhance IT operations. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Oct 2024
How to use Ansible with Windows for server management
Initially made for Linux, Ansible also manages Windows systems through playbooks that use declarative syntax. Learn how to set up a control node and add roles to Windows Server. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Oct 2024
What is a MAC address and how do I find it?
A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2024
Growing AI energy use, tech workloads constrain IT
Speakers at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2024 warned of rising energy use and cost. Workarounds include acceleration; microgrids; and, eventually, emerging technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Oct 2024
What is Microsoft Visual FoxPro (VFP)?
Microsoft Visual FoxPro (VFP) is an object-oriented programming (OOP) environment with a built-in relational database engine. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2024
Agentic AI sparks need for more orchestration, oversight
Orchestration all the way down: Experts say multiple levels of autonomous coordination and oversight will guide the near- and mid-term evolution of AI and computing. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2024
What is mixed reality?
Mixed reality refers to advanced technology that combines both virtual reality (VR), a fully immersive computer-generated experience, and augmented reality (AR), which integrates digital elements into the physical world. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is a learning management system (LMS)?
A learning management system (LMS) is a software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement and assess a specific learning process. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2024
What is SAP Production Planning?
SAP Production Planning (SAP PP) is the component of ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) that helps businesses plan the manufacturing, sale and distribution of goods. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2024
What is SAP Basis?
SAP Basis is the technical foundation that enables SAP applications to function. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Oct 2024
What is monolithic architecture in software?
Monolithic architecture is the traditional unified model for the design of a software program. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is contract lifecycle management?
Contract lifecycle management (CLM) is a systematic approach to managing a business contract at each stage. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is a command prompt?
A command prompt is the input field in a text-based user interface screen for an operating system (OS) or program. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2024
How to evaluate AI for Windows Server environments
Organizations tasked with assessing AI workloads on Windows Server must weigh all the variables to determine the best approach to adopt this budding technology. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2024
What are AI hallucinations and why are they a problem?
An AI hallucination is when a large language model (LLM) powering an artificial intelligence (AI) system generates false information or misleading results, often leading to incorrect human decision-making. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2024
For Sharp HealthCare, cloud technology comes with autonomy
Sharp HealthCare's cloud strategy spans public, private and SaaS platforms to reduce vendor dependency and emphasizes knowledge transfer with its deployment partner. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Oct 2024
What is Oracle?
Oracle is one of the largest vendors in the enterprise IT market and the shorthand name of its flagship product, a relational database management system (RDBMS) that's formally called Oracle Database. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2024
Government use of AI by key U.S. military branches
The Air Force and Army are exploring applications of GenAI including using their own large language models. While some use cases are successful, others are not. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Oct 2024
What is a PMO (project management office)?
A project management office (PMO) is a group, agency or department that defines and maintains the standards of project management for a company. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2024
Microsoft repairs 2 zero-days on October Patch Tuesday
Administrators will have to tackle 117 new vulnerabilities, including three rated critical, in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2024
What's new in System Center 2025?
The key management tool for enterprises with a heavy investment in on-premises infrastructure is set for its next major release to coincide with the arrival of Windows Server 2025. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2024
Key technical debt reduction strategies
Suboptimal software fixes cost time and money as well as strain departments throughout the organization. Here's how to develop software the right way. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2024
What is an ODM (original design manufacturer)?
An ODM (original design manufacturer) is a company that takes the original specifications of another company or individual and builds the design to the product specifications. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2024
Generative AI energy consumption grows, but ROI role unclear
The energy costs of generative AI aren't front and center in enterprises' financial calculations. But industry consultants believe IT leaders should consider the power aspect. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2024
8 KPIs to reduce technical debt
To ensure an IT project's long-term success, stakeholders should keep track of certain KPIs to ensure technical debt is as low as possible. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2024
Will Windows Server 2025 release spark VMware migrations?
Can Microsoft capitalize on VMware customer concerns by touting enhancements to its next version of Windows Server along with its cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure options? Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Sep 2024
What is a decision support system (DSS)?
A decision support system (DSS) is a computer program used to improve a company's decision-making capabilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Sep 2024
What is Change Healthcare?
Change Healthcare is a healthcare technology provider specializing in revenue cycle management, payment management and health information exchange solutions. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Sep 2024
Learn to use PowerShell Invoke-RestMethod for API calls
Admins who work with the cloud, from Azure hybrid services to Microsoft 365, should understand how REST APIs work in conjunction with PowerShell for their automation needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2024
What is an entrepreneur (entrepreneurship)?
An entrepreneur is an individual who identifies a need in the marketplace and works to fulfill it. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Sep 2024
What are the types of requirements in software engineering?
Requirements fall into three categories: business, user and software. See examples of each one, as well as what constitutes functional and nonfunctional software requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Sep 2024
What is an IT service catalog?
An IT service catalog is a list of information technology resources and offerings available from the IT service provider within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2024
What is Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Software)?
Blue Yonder, formerly JDA Software, is a software and consultancy company that specializes in selling supply chain management products and services to businesses. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Sep 2024
What is impedance?
Impedance, denoted with Z, is an expression of the opposition that an electronic component, circuit or system offers to alternating or direct electric current. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2024
AT&T sues Broadcom over VMware support licensing
AT&T claims its negotiated contract with VMware pre-Broadcom acquisition is not being honored, casting light on recent product and purchasing changes Broadcom has instituted. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is a software license?
A software license is a document that provides legally binding guidelines for the use and distribution of software. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is Salesforce Platform (formerly Force.com)?
Salesforce Platform (formerly known as Force.com) is a platform as a service (PaaS) product that simplifies the development and deployment of cloud-based applications and websites. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Sep 2024
What is digital health (digital healthcare)?
Digital health, also known as digital healthcare, is the use of digital technologies in healthcare. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2024
Four zero-days fixed for September Patch Tuesday
Most corrections this month focus on the Windows OS, but enterprises that rely on SQL Server or SharePoint should prioritize deploying the security updates for those platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2024
What is a sprint (software development)?
In Agile product development and software project management, a sprint is a set period of time during which specific work has to be completed and made ready for review. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2024
6 FinOps KPIs and metrics to optimize cloud expenditures
IT leaders who adopt FinOps metrics can identify underutilized resources, improve cost allocation and build a tighter connection between cloud investment and business value. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Sep 2024
What is data storytelling?
Data storytelling is the process of translating complex data analyses into understandable terms to inform a business decision or action. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Sep 2024
What is Robotics?
Robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
Microsoft Purview Audit helps IT flush out bad behavior
The auditing tool gives enterprises a way to find problems by examining logs from Microsoft 365 cloud services, such as Exchange Online, to see what actions were taken and where. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2024
IBM's latest Z mainframe offers lessons in building AI systems
Studying the engineering behind IBM's mainframe architecture could help enterprises build higher reliability into the GPU clusters used to run AI applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2024
What is demand shaping?
Demand shaping is an operational supply chain management (SCM) strategy where a company uses tactics such as price incentives, cost modifications and product substitutions to entice customers to purchase specific items. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2024
Stop phishing with help from updated DMARC policy handling
Exchange admins got a boost from Microsoft when it improved how it handles DMARC authentication failures to help organizations fight back from email-based attacks on their users. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2024
JPMorgan Chase technology goal: Innovation with cost control
Financial services firm JPMorgan Chase seeks to balance technology modernization and cost optimization as it pursues initiatives like cloud migration, AI and machine learning. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2024
What is value-sensitive design?
Value-sensitive design is a concept that advocates the consideration of human principles and standards when planning technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2024
Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V updates promise speed boost
Will the new and improved features in the upcoming Hyper-V release come at the perfect time for Microsoft to capitalize on a series of unpopular changes from VMware? Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2024
What is AWS Serverless Application Model?
AWS Serverless Application Model (AWS SAM) is an open source framework that helps developers create and deploy serverless applications for the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is an AWS landing zone?
An AWS landing zone is a scalable, secure Amazon Web Services environment that enables AWS users and organizations to launch and deploy workloads and applications in the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is supervised learning?
Supervised learning is a subcategory of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) where a computer algorithm is trained on input data that has been labeled for a particular output. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Aug 2024
What is AWS Lambda?
AWS Lambda is an event-driven cloud computing service from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows developers to run code without having to provision, administer, or manage compute resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is AWS Migration Hub?
AWS Migration Hub is a service from Amazon Web Services that enables AWS users to simplify migration to the AWS public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is EM shielding (electromagnetic shielding)?
EM shielding (electromagnetic shielding) is the practice of surrounding electronics and cables with conductive or magnetic materials to guard against incoming or outgoing emissions of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF). Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is LXD (Linux container hypervisor)?
LXD, pronounced 'lex-dee,' is a unified platform for managing system containers and virtual machines (VMs). Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Aug 2024
Using PowerShell for monitoring SharePoint Online
The scale and complexity of some SharePoint Online environments can make maintenance difficult. Learn to use automation scripts to keep tabs on the collaboration platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Aug 2024
What is Microsoft Azure File Service?
Microsoft Azure Files -- sometimes known as Microsoft Azure File Service -- is a simple, secure, serverless, fully managed and cloud-based file sharing service for enterprise users. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2024
Learn about the negative impacts of technical debt
Key leadership decisions like poor architecture to rushed processes can lead to technical debt that will affect a company long-term. Learn more about these effects. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2024
Microsoft corrects six zero-days for August Patch Tuesday
Admins can address most of the zero-days with a cumulative update. But of more concern is the lack of patches for two vulnerabilities demonstrated at the Black Hat conference. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Aug 2024
What is transfer learning?
Transfer learning is a machine learning (ML) technique where an already developed ML model is reused in another task. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2024
What is a microcontroller (MCU)?
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. Continue Reading
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Video
07 Aug 2024
Causes of IT outages explained
IT outages can be caused by utility disruptions, hardware faults, configuration errors and software faults. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2024
9 AI-proof IT jobs, plus how to be irreplaceable
As automation and artificial intelligence tools do more work in more organizations, some technologists are worried AI will take their job. Learn which jobs are safest and why. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Aug 2024
What is a data flow diagram (DDF)?
A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical or visual representation that uses a standardized set of symbols and notations to describe a business's operations through data movement. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2024
GenAI strategy dictates ROI challenges for IT leaders
Enterprises can scale generative AI deployments in different ways. Each alternative comes with its own set of cost considerations and optimization approaches. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2024
13 key ESG and sustainability trends, ideas for companies
From consumers to employees to investors, more people are choosing companies that prioritize environmental, social and governance concerns. Here are 13 ESG trends that matter. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2024
What is green computing?
Green computing, also known as sustainable computing, is the use of computers and other computing devices and equipment in energy-efficient and eco-friendly ways. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is AWS PrivateLink?
AWS PrivateLink is a networking feature from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that eases and secures connectivity between AWS Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and other services while protecting data from exposure to the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is VMware Aria Suite (formerly vRealize Suite)?
VMware Aria Suite, formerly called vRealize Suite, is a software platform designed to help IT administrators build and manage heterogeneous, hybrid cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is VMware Certified Professional (VCP)?
VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification level designed to demonstrate technical competency with VMware vSphere and related technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is digital labor?
Digital labor is work that's performed by robotic process automation (RPA) systems and interactive applications, including chatbots and digital assistants. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What are systems of engagement?
Systems of engagement are decentralized IT components that incorporate technologies such as social media and the cloud to encourage and enable peer interaction. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2024
What is VMware vSphere?
VMware vSphere is a virtualization platform that includes a suite of products for deploying and managing virtual environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is VMware Cloud Director (VCD)?
VMware Cloud Director (VCD), formerly vCloud Director (vCD), is a cloud services delivery platform that helps cloud service providers offer secure cloud resources to their enterprise customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What are availability zones?
Availability zones (AZs) are isolated or separated data centers located within specific regions in which public cloud services originate and operate. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is VMware vCenter Server?
VMware vCenter Server is a centralized management platform for configuring, controlling and monitoring VMware vSphere virtual environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is SIP trunking (Session Initiation Protocol trunking)?
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking is a service a communications service provider offers that uses the protocol to provision voice over IP (VoIP) and multimedia connectivity between an on-premises phone system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is a software-defined data center (SDDC)?
A software-defined data center (SDDC) is a server management concept in which all infrastructure elements -- networking, storage and compute -- are virtualized and delivered as a service. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is a bitwise operator?
A bitwise operator is a character that represents an action taken on data at the bit level, as opposed to bytes or larger units of data. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is an API endpoint?
An API endpoint is a point at which an application programming interface -- the code that enables two software programs to communicate with each other -- connects with the software program. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is bit rot?
Bit rot is the slow deterioration in the performance and integrity of data stored on storage media. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is Ceph?
Ceph is an open source software solution that provides a unified system for enterprise-level object, block- and file-based storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is the law of diminishing returns?
The law of diminishing returns is an economic principle stating that as investment in a particular area increases, the rate of profit from that investment, after a certain point, can't continue to increase if other variables remain at a constant. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA)?
The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) allows United States government agencies and non-government entities to share information with each other as they investigate cyberattacks. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is a CEO (chief executive officer)?
A chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking position in an organization and responsible for implementing plans and policies related to a company's financial strength, operational efficiency and strategic management. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is Dell EMC?
Dell EMC is an American multinational technology company that offers products and services across all areas of computing, networking and storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is labor arbitrage?
Labor arbitrage is the practice of searching for and then using the lowest-cost workforce to produce products or goods. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2024
Enterprises chasing AI confront a harsh reality
Recent reports from KPMG, McKinsey & Co. and Goldman Sachs indicate that generative AI is immature and carries a high price tag, with no clear path to ROI. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2024
CIOs weigh generative AI costs as ROI comes into focus
GenAI deployment expenses defy conventional wisdom. IT leaders must consider the potential for higher-than-expected change management and model run costs when calculating ROI. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is employee monitoring?
Employee monitoring is when businesses monitor employees to improve productivity and protect corporate resources. Continue Reading