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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Feature
19 Dec 2024
5 steps to design an effective AI pilot project
Getting employee feedback on new technology can help mitigate risks before deployment. Learn key steps to follow when implementing an AI pilot project. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2024
See what's new in Desired State Configuration v3
Avoid unexpected surprises, and learn how to bring consistency to your on-premises infrastructure and cloud resources with the overhauled configuration management tool. 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 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 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 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
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is Infor?
Infor is a New York-based vendor of ERP and other enterprise business software. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is a headless server?
A headless server is a computer without a local interface to interact with. Headless means that it does not have a monitor or other peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2024
healthcare CIO (healthcare chief information officer)
A healthcare CIO (healthcare chief information officer) is an executive at a healthcare organization that oversees the operation of the information technology department and consults with other C-level personnel on technology-related needs and purchasing decisions. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2024
WebSocket
WebSocket is a communications protocol that enables two endpoints -- typically a client and a server -- to establish a persistent, bidirectional, full duplex TCP connection between them. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
automatic transfer switch (ATS)
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)
Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is one of the servicing options available for users of the Windows Server operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is an electronic interface that enables PCs and servers to communicate with peripheral hardware, such as storage devices, printers and scanners, faster and more flexibly than previous parallel data transfer interfaces. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Jul 2024
Follow these steps to optimize Hyper-V performance
Follow these best practices for Microsoft's virtualization platform to prevent unnecessary slowdowns with your VMs. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jul 2024
product development (new product development)
Product development -- also called new product management -- is a series of steps that includes the conceptualization, design, development and marketing of newly created or rebranded goods and services. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2024
technology addiction
Technology addiction is an impulse control disorder that involves the obsessive use of mobile devices, the internet or video games, despite the negative consequences to the technology user. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jun 2024
6 steps toward more sustainable supply chain practices
In the quest toward greater supply chain sustainability, leaders must get strategic about operations and take the long view. Here's what to do. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jun 2024
What is synthetic data? Examples, use cases and benefits
Synthetic data is information that's artificially manufactured rather than generated by real-world events. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2024
second-level address translation (SLAT)
Second-level address translation (SLAT) is a hardware virtualization technology that reduces hypervisor overhead. SLAT is now available in many kinds of processors, including those from Intel and AMD. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2024
Type 2 hypervisor (hosted hypervisor)
A Type 2 hypervisor is a virtual machine (VM) manager that is installed as a software application on an existing operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2024
Virtual Machine Management Service
The Virtual Machine Management service, also known as VMMS or vmms.exe, is the main module in the Microsoft Windows operating system for controlling the virtual machines (VMs) on a Hyper-V server. Continue Reading
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Video
24 Jun 2024
An explanation of ICT
ICT is an umbrella term for all digital interaction technologies that, when combined, help people and organizations interact in the digital world. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2024
subnet (subnetwork)
A subnet, or subnetwork, is a segmented piece of a larger network. More specifically, subnets are a logical partition of an IP network broken into multiple, smaller network segments. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
packet coalescing
Packet coalescing involves using a computer's network interface card (NIC) to reduce the number of generated receive interrupts the adapter issues. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2024
DNS attack
A DNS attack is an exploit in which an attacker takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the domain name system. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2024
8 machine learning benefits for businesses
For business leaders, machine learning's predictive capabilities can forecast product demand, reduce equipment downtime and retain customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2024
AI, economy affect 2024 tech workforce trends, survey shows
AI adoption is reshaping technology skill sets in enterprises, while lingering economic uncertainty dampens some forms of compensation, according to a TechTarget survey. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jun 2024
data collection
Data collection is the process of gathering data for use in business decision-making, strategic planning, research and other purposes. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2024
green IT (green information technology)
Green IT (green information technology) is the practice of creating and using environmentally sustainable computing resources. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2024
8 green computing best practices
As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, these sustainability best practices can help your data center go greener, which benefits both your business and the environment. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2024
Microsoft delivers 51 fixes for June Patch Tuesday
A critical remote-code execution flaw in Windows and a DoS vulnerability affecting DNS in Windows Server top the list of patching priorities for admins. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jun 2024
clinical documentation
Clinical documentation (CD) is the creation of a digital or analog record detailing a medical treatment, medical trial or clinical test. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jun 2024
smartphone addiction (cellphone addiction)
Smartphone addiction (cellphone addiction) is a disorder involving compulsive overuse of mobile devices, usually quantified as the number of times users access their devices and/or the total amount of time they are online over a specified period. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
scope creep
Scope creep in project management is the gradual expansion of functions or adding features, functions or other deliverables beyond a project's original parameters. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)
The Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is an open and extendable part of the Internet Protocol Suite, commonly known as TCP/IP, used in the IEEE 802.1AB standard to advertise a device's identity and abilities to other connected devices within the same network. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
artificial neuron
An artificial neuron is a connection point in an artificial neural network. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
G-code
G-code (also known as geometric code or RS-274) is the most prevalent programming language for computer numerical control (CNC) machines used in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2024
log file
A log file, or simply a log, in a computing context is the automatically produced and timestamped documentation of events relevant to a particular system. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Jun 2024
Find and fix server problems with Best Practices Analyzer
Admins need all the help they can get, and this Microsoft utility shows IT how to correct security issues and optimize performance in key infrastructure workloads. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2024
SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux)
SELinux, or Security-Enhanced Linux, is a part of the Linux kernel that acts as a protective agent to the operating system. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2024
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a Linux-based server operating system created and maintained by the German-based organization, SUSE. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2024
NBASE-T Ethernet
NBASE-T Ethernet is an IEEE standard and Ethernet-signaling technology that enables existing twisted-pair copper cabling to exceed the cable's specified limit of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) for distances of up to 100 meters. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2024
consignment inventory
Consignment inventory is a supply chain model where the supplier retains ownership of the products until they are sold by the retailer, reducing the financial risk for retailers and allowing suppliers to access broader markets. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2024
CQRS (command query responsibility segregation)
CQRS (command query responsibility segregation) is a programming design and architectural pattern that treats retrieving data and changing data differently. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2024
8 benefits of using big data for businesses
Big data is a great resource for driving smart business decisions and changes. Here are eight ways that the use of big data is improving how business gets done. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 May 2024
Streamline Microsoft 365 onboarding with PowerShell
Learn how to simplify user provisioning in the cloud collaboration platform with faster results by seeing examples of scripts that work with Microsoft Graph. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2024
data plan (mobile data plan)
A data plan is an agreement between a mobile carrier and a customer that specifies how much mobile data the user can access, usually per month, for a specific fee on a carrier network. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2024
telepresence robot
A telepresence robot is a robotic device that enables a user to maintain a virtual presence in a remote location. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2024
remote office/branch office (ROBO)
A remote office/branch office (ROBO) is a corporate business site located at some distance from the organization's headquarters or main office. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 May 2024
Automate Microsoft 365 user offboarding with PowerShell
Automation is a good way for admins to handle all the tasks associated with removing a user from the organization's tenant in Microsoft's cloud-based productivity platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 May 2024
web analytics
Web analytics is the process of analyzing the behavior of visitors to a website by tracking, reviewing and reporting the data generated by their use of the site and its components, such as its webpages, images and videos. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
20 May 2024
Red Hat Summit 2024 news and conference guide
Use this Red Hat Summit conference guide to stay up to date on current trends, emerging technologies and information from keynote speakers and industry experts. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2024
Windows Server Client Access License (CAL)
A Windows Server Client Access License (CAL) is a license that gives a user or device the right to access services, such as printing or access to a file share, from a server running the Windows Server operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 May 2024
How to use PowerShell for Exchange Online monitoring
Many enterprises rely on Exchange Online for more than just email. Admins need to stay on top of this important service to pinpoint when problems occur to resolve them quickly. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2024
CIOs face obstacles when scaling generative AI
IT leaders can expect data issues, compliance hurdles and technology coordination chores when scaling generative AI. They must also find use cases with the best business value. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
Microsoft handles 2 Windows zero-days on May Patch Tuesday
In addition to the Windows vulnerabilities exploited in the wild, admins should focus on patching multiple flaws in web browsers from Google, Microsoft and Mozilla. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
GenAI complicates IT vendor management
IT leaders at the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium cited the challenge of managing the 'explosion' of GenAI companies while also working with vendors in maturing technology sectors. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 May 2024
How to manage Microsoft 365 guest users with PowerShell
The flexible automation tool used in conjunction with Microsoft Graph can give admins the right combination to quickly tackle a range of tasks related to guest user management. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2024
genomics
Genomics is the study of an organism's entire genome, including all its genes and how those genes interact with each other and their environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2024
Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Access (Microsoft RD Web Access)
Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Access (Microsoft RD Web Access) is a Remote Desktop Services role in some versions of the Windows Server OS. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
What is business process modeling?
Business process modeling, often called process modeling, is the graphical representation or illustration of an organization's business processes. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2024
Data startups at MIT Sloan CIO event aim to fill tech gaps
Cleanlab, The Modern Data Company and Pyte seek to address data quality issues, metadata management and the perils of multiparty data collaboration, respectively. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
operational efficiency
Operational efficiency refers to an organization's ability to reduce waste of time, effort and material while still producing a high-quality service or product. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
USB-C
USB-C, or Universal Serial Bus Type-C, is a standard connection type for mobile and portable devices. It provides a single reversible connector to transmit both power for charging and data for transfers. It is designed to replace all current USB types. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
information technology (IT)
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 May 2024
Slack software
Slack software is a cloud-based messaging application that enables the personnel in an organization to connect and collaborate. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2024
PowerFlex (formerly ScaleIO)
PowerFlex is a software-defined storage product from Dell EMC. It is available as software only or as a prebuilt Dell server or rack appliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2024
document sanitization
Document sanitization is the process of cleaning a document to ensure that only the intended information can be accessed from it. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2024
affinity marketing
Affinity marketing is a type of direct marketing in which a business forms a partnership with an organization to provide goods or services in exchange for access to a new market. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2024
How to avoid Microsoft 365 management pitfalls
A migration to the cloud collaboration platform requires a command of the multiple admin portals available to admins to help the organization make the most of its subscription. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2024
interactive whiteboard
An interactive whiteboard, commonly known as a 'smartboard,' is an advanced display tool that operates interactively, either directly or through other devices, serving as a technological advancement over traditional whiteboards. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2024
Process automation cuts costs, fills gaps at SIU med school
Southern Illinois University's School of Medicine points to software cost avoidance and the ability to supplement SaaS products as benefits of its process automation approach. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2024
webmaster
A webmaster is someone who creates and manages the content and organization of a website, manages the computer server and technical programming aspects of a website, or does both. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2024
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is a managed container orchestration service based on the open source Kubernetes system, which is available on the Microsoft Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2024
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the transfer of data from one computer system to another by standardized message formatting without the need for human intervention. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2024
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a best-effort packet-switching protocol and standard for wireless and cellular network communication services. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2024
business impact analysis (BIA)
A business impact analysis (BIA) is a systematic process to determine and evaluate the potential effects of an interruption to critical business operations as a result of a disaster, accident or emergency. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2024
chief privacy officer (CPO)
A chief privacy officer (CPO) is a corporate executive charged with developing and implementing policies designed to protect employee and customer data from unauthorized access. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2024
Workday
Workday is a cloud-based software vendor that specializes in human capital management (HCM) and financial management applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2024
A green IT assessment: Why it's important, what to include
A company's technology systems and devices can have a profound effect on sustainability efforts. Learn how a green IT assessment can uncover areas that need improvement. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2024
IT operations (IT ops)
The term IT operations (IT ops) describes the many processes and services an IT department manages and maintains within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2024
laboratory information system (LIS)
A laboratory information system (LIS) is computer software that processes, stores and manages data from patient medical processes and tests. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
disaster recovery (DR) site
A disaster recovery (DR) site is a facility an organization can use to recover and restore its technology infrastructure and operations when its primary data center becomes unavailable. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
intellectual property (IP)
Intellectual property (IP) is a term for any intangible asset that is the product of someone's mind. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2024
Ally's generative AI strategy eyes multiple LLMs, AI agents
The digital bank plans to privately host multiple LLMs on its GenAI platform, explore autonomous agent technology and evaluate employee ideas for use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2024
New Active Directory features coming in Windows Server 2025
The upcoming Windows Server release will bring significant enhancements to Active Directory, including a new functional level and security and performance improvements. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Apr 2024
project scope
Project scope is the part of project planning that involves determining and documenting a list of specific project goals, deliverables, tasks, costs and deadlines. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2024
change management
Change management is a systematic approach to dealing with the transition or transformation of an organization's goals, processes and technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2024
local area network (LAN)
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and peripheral devices that are connected together within a distinct geographic area, such as an office building or campus. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2024
Microsoft corks Windows zero-day on April Patch Tuesday
The company delivered one of its largest security update releases in recent years with a proxy driver spoofing vulnerability topping the patching priority list. Continue Reading