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
08 Apr 2024
HR service delivery
HR service delivery is a term used to explain how an organization's human resources department offers services to and interacts with employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2024
How to create a proof of concept with 6 free templates
What is a proof of concept and how does it help an organization? We dive into the importance of writing a PoC and provide a list of free template examples to help get you started. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Apr 2024
Azure Site Recovery tutorial for workload disaster recovery
Understand the costs and the requirements to use this flexible disaster recovery service that works with Linux and Windows Server in the data center and virtual machines in the Azure cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2024
What are the pros and cons of Microsoft Universal Print?
The modernization of many organizations revolves around the cloud and newer user devices, and a Microsoft offering could help bridge the gap with legacy printing infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
retina scan
Retina scanning is a biometric authentication technology that uses an image of an individual's retinal blood vessel pattern as a unique identifying trait for access to secure installations. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
HR automation
Human resources automation (HR automation) is a method of using software to automate and streamline repetitive and laborious HR tasks. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
IOPS (input/output operations per second)
IOPS (input/output operations per second) is the standard unit of measurement for the maximum number of reads/writes to noncontiguous storage locations. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2024
See what's coming in Windows Server 2025
Microsoft plans several changes to the upcoming version of Windows Server that promise more financial flexibility and boosts in security and workload performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2024
change control
Change control includes the various steps needed to process changes made to a product or system. Completion of change controls in a systematic fashion is part of a change management process. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Mar 2024
IT project management
IT project management is the process of planning, organizing and delineating responsibility for the completion of an organizations' specific information technology (IT) goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2024
Metaverse pros and cons: Top benefits and challenges
Lifelike experiences and new business opportunities are among the potential benefits of the still-developing metaverse. Drawbacks include privacy violations and addiction. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2024
chief financial officer (CFO)
A chief financial officer (CFO) is the corporate title for the person responsible for managing a company's financial operations and strategy. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2024
programmable logic controller (PLC)
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a small, modular, solid-state computer with customized instructions for performing a particular task. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2024
workflow management
Workflow management is the discipline of creating, documenting, monitoring and improving upon the series of steps, or workflow, that is required to complete a specific task. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2024
What is the metaverse? An explanation and in-depth guide
The metaverse reached the peak of hype and has been left for dead, but make no mistake, the technologies that will power this 3D internet are firing on all cylinders. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Mar 2024
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is a web-based service that enables businesses to run application programs in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Mar 2024
removable media
Removable media is any type of storage device that can be removed from a computer while the system is running. Removable media makes it easy for a user to move data from one computer to another. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
strategic planning
Strategic planning is a process in which an organization's leaders define their vision for the future and identify their organization's goals and objectives. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
off-site backup
Off-site backup is a method of backing up data to a remote server or to media that's transported off-site. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2024
6 sustainability reporting data tips for IT
Data overload presents a real challenge to ESG reporting. But with the right practices, IT teams can streamline their collection processes and help ensure sustainability success. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2024
paravirtualization
Paravirtualization is a type of hardware virtualization that enables the guest operating system (OS) in a virtual machine (VM) to access the hypervisor directly, rather than indirectly through a complex abstraction layer, as is the case with conventional full virtualization. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2024
continuous delivery (CD)
Continuous delivery (CD) is an approach for software delivery in which development teams produce and test code in short but continuous cycles to improve software quality. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2024
Key sustainability communications strategies for businesses
Sustainability communications are key to reaching lowered carbon emissions and other environmental goals. Learn practices that help improve outcomes and ways to avoid greenwashing. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
B2B (business to business)
B2B (business-to-business) is a type of commerce involving the exchange of products, services or information between businesses, rather than from business to consumer (B2C). Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that supports a wide variety of transaction processing, business intelligence (BI) and data analytics applications in corporate IT environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
transportation management system (TMS)
A transportation management system (TMS) is specialized software for planning, executing and optimizing the shipment of goods. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2024
Practical strategies for shadow IT management
Employees might believe that they need tools beyond the organization's scope. Learn how CIOs and their teams can properly manage shadow IT to avoid unnecessary risk. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2024
big data as a service (BDaaS)
Big data as a service (BDaS) is the delivery of data platforms and tools by a cloud provider to help organizations process, manage and analyze large data sets so they can generate insights to improve business operations and gain a competitive advantage. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2024
supplier relationship management (SRM)
Supplier relationship management (SRM) is a systematic approach to evaluating and partnering with vendors that supply goods, materials and services to an organization, determining each supplier's contribution to success, and developing strategies to improve their performance. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2024
March Patch Tuesday fixes critical Hyper-V vulnerabilities
Microsoft also corrects a remote code execution flaw on Exchange Server and issues an advisory related to changes with an outdated file-scanning feature on the messaging platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2024
How to secure on-prem apps with Entra Application Proxy
There's nothing wrong with using a VPN to securely connect to on-premises web apps, but Microsoft Entra Application Proxy is an alternative with a more streamlined approach. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Mar 2024
human capital management (HCM)
Human capital management (HCM) is a comprehensive set of practices and tools used for recruiting, managing and developing employees as a valuable business 'asset' rather than just as a business 'cost.' Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2024
IT service delivery
IT service delivery is the way a corporation provides users access to IT services, such as applications, data storage and other business resources. IT service delivery covers design, development, deployment, operation and retirement. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2024
Is the metaverse dead? Here's what happened and what's next
What happened to the metaverse? It's still here, even if the term no longer generates much enthusiasm, and finding useful applications across industries. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2024
decision-making process
A decision-making process is a series of steps one or more individuals take to determine the best option or course of action to address a specific problem or situation. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2024
5 tips for creating a data-driven culture
A Capital One data product executive lists best practices for data-driven organizations, including top-down messaging, a three-tiered data ecosystem and democratized data access. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
Nvidia Omniverse
Nvidia Omniverse is a computing platform built to enhance digital design and development by integrating 3D design, spatial computing and physics-based workflows across Nvidia tools, third-party apps and AI services. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) uses models to share information across collaborators in the design, development, test and operation of complex systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
digital strategy (digital media strategy)
A digital strategy, sometimes called a digital media strategy, is a plan for maximizing the business benefits of data assets and technology-focused initiatives. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2024
How admins can benefit from switching to PowerShell 7.4
This PowerShell release includes PSReadLine enhancements, better integration with Windows Defender Application Control and new features to ease native command use for all platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2024
application containerization (app containerization)
Application containerization is a virtualization technology that works at the operating system (OS) level. It is used for deploying and running distributed applications in their own isolated environments, without the use of virtual machines (VMs). Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2024
Web3 and sustainability: Benefits and risks
The Web 3.0 concept presents major advances to the World Wide Web, but the tech that underpins it also has environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and e-waste. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2024
The history of the metaverse explained (with timeline)
The term 'metaverse' has only recently gained currency, but its history is long. Learn about the technologies that gave rise to a concept many believe will change civilization. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2024
Metaverse vs. multiverse vs. omniverse: Key differences
Virtual realities are coming to a computer interface near you. Will you be joining a metaverse, multiverse or an enterprise-oriented version of the omniverse? Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2024
5 ways to reduce an organization's digital carbon footprint
From optimizing video conferences to minimizing unnecessary data storage, learn practical strategies that can help shrink an organization's digital carbon footprint. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Mar 2024
What is BCDR? Business continuity and disaster recovery guide
Business continuity (BC) and disaster recovery (DR) are closely related practices that support an organization's ability to remain operational after an adverse event. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Feb 2024
mobile device
A mobile device is essentially a portable, handheld computer that enables users to access information, perform tasks and connect with other people and devices. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Feb 2024
The Metaverse Standards Forum: What you need to know
Creating an open and inclusive metaverse will require the development and adoption of interoperability standards. That's the tall order of the Metaverse Standards Forum. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
How to use Microsoft 365 DSC to avoid configuration drift
This configuration-as-code technology gives admins a way to automate tasks on the Microsoft 365 tenant to keep settings locked in and avoid errors from manual input. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2024
context switch
A context switch is an operation that a computer's central processing unit (CPU) carries out when alternating between processes or threads while ensuring that the processes do not conflict. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2024
ABC classification
ABC classification is a ranking system for identifying and grouping items in terms of how useful they are for achieving business goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Feb 2024
conflict-free replicated data type (CRDT)
A conflict-free replicated data type (CRDT) is a data structure that lets multiple people or applications make changes to the same piece of data. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2024
How to research enterprise tech purchases
Conquering the tech buying landscape can be challenging. Learn how to navigate each stage of the buying cycle, identify business goals and integrate insightful research. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2024
4 virtual reality ethics issues that need to be addressed
Technology has outpaced societal guard rails throughout history. Virtual reality is no exception, introducing ethical and legal issues companies need to consider. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Feb 2024
supply chain management (SCM)
Supply chain management (SCM) is the optimization of a product's creation and flow from raw material sourcing to production, logistics and delivery to the final customer. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2024
What is a VR developer and how do you become one?
Becoming a VR developer requires coding skills, the ability to work fast and a willingness to promote yourself. In a demanding and evolving industry, a thick hide also helps. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Feb 2024
revenue cycle management (RCM)
Revenue cycle management (RCM) is the financial process, utilizing medical billing software, that healthcare facilities use to track patient care episodes from registration and appointment scheduling to the final payment of a balance to ensure proper identification, collection and management of revenues from patient services. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Feb 2024
radiology information system (RIS)
A radiology information system (RIS) is a networked software system for managing medical imagery and associated data. Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2024
Cloud costs continue to rise in 2024
Enterprises might look more closely at workload allocation and explore alternative platforms amid ongoing cloud price hikes. Storage costs are also trending upward. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2024
on-demand computing (ODC)
On-demand computing (ODC) is a delivery model in which computing resources are made available to the user as needed. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2024
Generative AI for enterprises: ADP, IKEA launch tools
The human capital management company and the retailer have taken different roads to GenAI deployment. But both enterprises aim to boost customer experience. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2024
Top business process modeling techniques with examples
Business process modeling techniques and tools provide a visual representation of processes that's crucial to effectively monitoring, improving and streamlining the flow of tasks. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2024
What is picture archiving and communication system (PACS)?
Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a medical imaging technology used primarily in healthcare organizations to securely store and digitally transmit electronic images and clinically relevant reports. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2024
medical scribe
A medical scribe is a professional who specializes in documenting patient encounters in real time under the direction of a physician. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2024
February Patch Tuesday corrects two Windows zero-days
Administrators should focus on quickly deploying a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook and exercising caution when applying an Exchange Server 2019 cumulative update. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2024
Top 8 ERP implementation best practices
Deploying a new ERP system is a risky endeavor. Learn how to reduce the risk of failure and increase the odds for success with these eight tried-and-true best practices. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Feb 2024
How to find and customize your PowerShell profile
PowerShell is integral for many admins, and any way to streamline how they use the scripting tool is key. A PowerShell profile is one way to tailor a more streamlined approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2024
How to develop a business process in 8 steps
Well-designed business processes help organizations achieve their goals faster, but they require planning and effort. Follow these steps to develop processes that deliver value. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2024
How to improve and optimize a business process, step by step
The processes that form the backbone of modern business operations require continuous improvement to stay effective and efficient. Here is a method for improving them. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Feb 2024
robotic process automation (RPA)
Robotic process automation (RPA) is a technology that mimics the way humans interact with software to perform high-volume, repeatable tasks. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Feb 2024
spatial computing
Spatial computing broadly characterizes the processes and tools used to capture, process and interact with three-dimensional (3D) data. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2024
14 edge platforms to consider for a hybrid cloud enterprise
Edge platforms can benefit organizations by bringing resources closer to the user, leading to real-time decision-making, improved response times and increased efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2024
Top 9 smart contract platforms to consider in 2024
Platform speed, scalability, security and smart contract development support vary widely. Here's how to match features to your needs plus the lowdown on the major players. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2024
keylogger (keystroke logger or system monitor)
A keylogger, sometimes called a keystroke logger, is a type of surveillance technology used to monitor and record each keystroke on a specific device, such as a computer or smartphone. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Feb 2024
How to set up a Windows Server 2022 domain controller
While the process to migrate from a legacy domain controller is not difficult, it does require advanced preparation to avoid connectivity issues and other problems. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Feb 2024
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) encourage companies to set, communicate and monitor organizational goals and results in an effective, transparent manner. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2024
FASB rule could shake up, simplify software cost reporting
Stakeholders want a single rule for reporting software development costs in a simplified manner, which the Financial Accounting Standards Board is considering. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Jan 2024
How to use the PowerShell extension for Visual Studio Code
Administrators who want to accelerate their automation skills can tap into the enhanced editing and debugging features of the Microsoft code editor. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2024
state management
Application state management is the process of maintaining knowledge of an application's inputs across multiple related data flows that form a complete business transaction -- or a session -- to understand the condition of the app at any given moment. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2024
Top metaverse investors and how to start investing
Would-be metaverse investors have many ways to get in on the action. Read our coverage of the metaverse's top investors, direct investing opportunities and investment risks. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2024
Cloud-native strategies pushing purchase decisions beyond IT
Buyer personas now include line-of-business groups, but senior IT management still owns most decisions, and cross-departmental collaboration, while improving, needs a lot of work. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Jan 2024
Why you can benefit from using Always On VPN
The Windows Server feature gives administrators more flexibility to manage clients, while giving users a better overall experience when connecting to enterprise resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jan 2024
turbine
A turbine is a machine that plays a key role in transforming fluid or air energy into usable work or electricity. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2024
Metaverse privacy concerns and how to address them
Data privacy in the metaverse is a moving target. Learn about the main privacy issues and risk for businesses and users -- and how best to address them. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jan 2024
Docker Swarm
Docker Swarm is a container orchestration tool for clustering and scheduling Docker containers. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jan 2024
reshoring
Reshoring is the process of bringing back manufacturing or production operations to their country of origin or a nearby region. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Jan 2024
Using Microsoft AD Explorer for common admin tasks
The utility makes it easier to navigate the Active Directory database and features snapshot capabilities with a comparison function to detect where a change caused a problem. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2024
encryption key management
Encryption key management is the practice of generating, organizing, protecting, storing, backing up and distributing encryption keys. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2024
How will the metaverse affect the future of work?
Virtual field trips to the Louvre for inspiration, accelerated learning, onboarding reimagined -- how will the metaverse change our working environments and when? It depends. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jan 2024
infrastructure as code (IaC)
Infrastructure as code, also referred to as IaC, is an IT practice that codifies and manages underlying IT infrastructure as software. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2024
3D mesh
): A 3D mesh is the structural build of a three-dimensional model consisting of polygons. 3D meshes use reference points in X, Y and Z axes to define shapes with height, width and depth. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2024
How to use a Microsoft Entra ID emergency access account
A break-glass account in Microsoft's identity and access management platform helps avoid disruptions in a crisis. Follow these best practices to keep these credentials safe. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2024
Gaussian splatting
Gaussian splatting renders extremely high-quality images -- using numerous scans of an object -- that can then be viewed from any angle and explored in real time. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2024
Democratizing machine learning hits cultural, tech snags
Forrester Consulting-Capital One study points to organizational silos, disconnect between line-of-business and data managers, and hard-to-use machine learning tools as challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2024
8 edge computing trends to watch in 2024 and beyond
Many organizations recognize the importance of edge computing. Discover the latest insights on spending, device capabilities and infrastructure updates. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jan 2024
Top 5 digital transformation trends of 2024
This year, look for digital transformation trends to revolve around AI, cost containment, revamped delivery methods and a bigger commitment to change management. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
17 Jan 2024
How to shrink your IT carbon footprint and why it matters
Organizations are shifting IT priorities toward efficient resource consumption. Learn how strategies prioritizing sustainability can enhance a company's competitive advantage. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2024
Top 7 CIO challenges in 2024 and how to handle them
CIOs face multiple tests this year as they scrutinize innovation investment amid budget tightening, chart a course for AI and grapple with perennial issues such as staffing. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2024
Top 8 Web 3.0 trends and predictions for 2024 and beyond
Despite blockchain hacks and cryptocurrency's legal troubles, development and adoption of the next major iteration of the World Wide Web is continuing to advance, albeit slowly. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2024
Prices rise as IT spending trends upward for servers, storage
IT prices increased in December across four key commodities -- a pattern that coincides with a revival in demand for servers and storage following a 2023 drop. Continue Reading