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
16 Jan 2024
xAPI (experience API)
Experience API, also known as 'xAPI' or 'Tin Can API', is a software specification that allows learning technology products, such as systems, websites and applications, to collect and exchange data about a learner’s experiences when they interact with these products. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2024
runlevel
A runlevel is an operating state on a Unix and Unix-based operating system that is preset on the Linux-based system. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jan 2024
vendor management system (VMS)
A vendor management system (VMS) is an enterprise software platform that helps companies control the process of procuring and managing a flexible workforce. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2024
12 top business process management tools for 2024
BPMS is becoming a business transformation engine as vendors infuse their tools with powerful AI and hyperautomation capabilities. Read our review of today's top BPM offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2024
10 trends shaping the future of BPM in 2024
Business process management is evolving rapidly as advanced automation, software integration, process simulation and generative AI redefine the way business processes are managed. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2024
7 business process management challenges and how to fix them
Unclear goals, weak C-level support and subpar testing setups are among the factors that can derail BPM initiatives. Learn about seven BPM challenges and ways to overcome them. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2024
Microsoft starts year with a subdued January Patch Tuesday
For the second month in a row, Microsoft had no zero-days and relatively few vulnerabilities for administrators to address. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jan 2024
cost price
Cost price is the total amount of money that it costs a manufacturer to produce a given product or provide a given service. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jan 2024
10 factors reshaping the role of the CIO in 2024
CIOs will approach the evolving pace of technology, demands for innovation and increasing pressure for efficiency with new urgency. Discover the factors driving these challenges. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jan 2024
dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS)
Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is the adjustment of power and speed settings on a computing device's various processors, controller chips and peripheral devices to optimize resource allotment for tasks and maximize power saving when those resources are not needed. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jan 2024
Kubernetes
Kubernetes, also referred to as K8s for the number of letters between K and S, is an open source platform used to manage containerized applications across private, public and hybrid cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jan 2024
two-tier ERP
Two-tier ERP is a technology strategy taken by large, multinational enterprises that uses tier 1 ERP for financials and other core common processes at the corporate level and tier 2 ERP for divisions, subsidiaries and smaller locations of the company to address specific needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2024
Top metaverse platforms to know about in 2024
What's happening in the metaverse? More than you might think. Read about three areas for growth, the concept of spatial computing and which metaverse platforms to track in 2024. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2024
14 CIO priorities and trends for 2024
The job is as big and challenging as ever. In 2024, CIOs will be asked to find business value in GenAI, mitigate AI risks and solve the talent crunch, among other pressing issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2024
16 BPM best practices to ensure project success
A BPM approach to transformation enables companies to continuously improve and reinvent their business processes, injecting innovation as they go. Learn how to do it right. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Dec 2023
Understand PowerShell splatting with these examples
Give this PowerShell splatting tutorial a closer look to see how to simplify complex commands to make your code more versatile, which can be a boon in team environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Dec 2023
hyperautomation
Hyperautomation is a framework and a set of advanced technologies for scaling automation in the enterprise. The ultimate goal of hyperautomation is to develop a process for automating enterprise automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2023
Quantum computing in business applications
Quantum computing shows great potential for faster problem-solving, among other benefits. Discover key areas where the enterprise could implement the rapidly advancing tech. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Dec 2023
pilot program (pilot study)
A pilot program, also called a feasibility study or experimental trial, is a small-scale, short-term experiment that helps an organization learn how a large-scale project might work in practice. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2023
globalization
Globalization is the process by which ideas, knowledge, information, goods and services spread around the world. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2023
vendor-managed inventory (VMI)
Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is an inventory management technique in which the supplier of goods, usually the manufacturer, is responsible for optimizing the inventory a distributor holds. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2023
business process outsourcing (BPO)
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a business practice in which an organization contracts with an external service provider to perform an essential business function or task. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2023
Mercy Ships network transformation nears completion
The tech upgrade brings expanded network capabilities to the NGO's hospital ships, with improved remote consultation and dockside medical services among the expected benefits. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2023
localization
Localization is the process of adapting and customizing a product to meet the needs of a specific market, as identified by its language, culture, expectations, local standards and legal requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2023
Business Process Model Notation (BPMN)
Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN), also called Business Process Model and Notation, is an open standard to diagram a business process. Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2023
Small language models an emerging GenAI force
Enterprises are unwilling to pay for large language models to accomplish simple business tasks with generative AI. They're looking at cheaper small language models. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2023
How to make a strong business case for software projects
Every software project proposal requires in-depth research into the technical aspects at play, but the business case for the project should tone down the tech talk. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2023
Top 5G limitations and challenges for businesses
While 5G has advanced in recent years, the fifth generation of cellular technology still presents some challenges, such as wavelength limitations and cost considerations. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Dec 2023
business process management software (BPMS)
Business process management software (BPMS) helps companies design, model, execute, automate and improve a set of activities and tasks that, when completed, achieve an organizational goal. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Dec 2023
What is business process management? A guide to BPM
Business process management (BPM) is a structured approach to improving the processes organizations use to get work done, serve their customers and generate business value. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2023
Technology inflation rate edges up for storage, IT services
Price hikes persist for professional services and cloud, while an increase in storage costs could reflect a return toward more typical pricing levels after a period of decline. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2023
CLI for Microsoft 365: A guide for administrators
The options to manage the Microsoft 365 platform are seemingly endless, but the CLI for Microsoft 365 offers distinct advantages for admins in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2023
business process automation (BPA)
Business process automation (BPA) is the use of advanced technology to complete business processes with minimal human intervention. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Dec 2023
e-commerce
E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of funds or data, over an electronic network, primarily the internet. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2023
Microsoft delivers light December Patch Tuesday for admins
IT operations teams should prioritize deploying the Windows cumulative update to dispatch a critical MSHTML bug affecting Microsoft Outlook. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Dec 2023
IT cost structure
IT cost structure refers to the relationship between different types of expenditures within a larger IT budget. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Dec 2023
ERP contracts: What you need to consider before negotiating
Negotiating an ERP contract is a complex process filled with many moving parts and stakeholders. Success depends on selecting the right contract and asking the right questions. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2023
7 top business process management benefits, advantages
Streamlined workflows, greater agility and scalability, tighter process controls, reduced risks, lower costs and better customer engagements are among the notable BPM benefits. Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2023
AWS customers grapple with generative AI shortfalls
Enterprises fear failing to accommodate technical immaturity, ensure data security and governance, prevent biases built into models, and correct the erroneous responses of LLMs. Continue Reading
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Podcast
04 Dec 2023
AI-assisted driving here long before autonomous vehicles
An AI-powered driver assist platform from Nauto helps fleet drivers deliver their goods safely. Using voice commands, the system acts as a real-time coach. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Dec 2023
Universal Process Notation (UPN)
Universal Process Notation is a method for illustrating the steps in a business process. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Dec 2023
digital process automation
Digital process automation (DPA) uses low-code development tools to automate processes that can span multiple applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Dec 2023
RPA vs. BPM: How are they different?
Don't confuse RPA with BPM. These process-oriented initiatives are distinctly different but also highly complementary when planning, automating and improving business operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2023
standard business reporting (SBR)
Standard business reporting (SBR) is a group of frameworks adopted by governments to promote standardization in reporting business data. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Nov 2023
Systems Modeling Language (SysML)
Systems Modeling Language (SysML) helps teams design, develop, test and deploy complex physical systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2023
Stop errors with these PowerShell ValidatePattern examples
Using regular expressions to validate input information and generate a tailored error message on a new user script can prevent unnecessary support tickets. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2023
organizational change management (OCM)
Organizational change management (OCM) is a type of change management framework for managing the effect of new business processes, changes in organizational structure, or cultural changes within an enterprise. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2023
Cisco IOS (Cisco Internetwork Operating System)
Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is a collection of proprietary operating systems (OSes) that runs on Cisco hardware devices, including Cisco Systems network devices, routers and network switches. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2023
Cloud costs increase amid SaaS pricing hikes
CIOs face higher SaaS prices, with a new report pegging the inflation rate at 8.7%. The wider cloud segment saw a 3.2% inflation rate in October, according to U.S. government data. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2023
The push is on to build the autonomous enterprise
The concept of an autonomous enterprise is becoming more real as enterprises combine technologies to automate all kinds of human work. Welcome to the 'Autonomous Revolution.' Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2023
Microsoft halts 3 zero-days on November Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 67 vulnerabilities, including six critical, and shuts down four bugs in the Exchange Server email platform this month. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Nov 2023
workflow
Workflow is the series of activities that are necessary to complete a task. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Nov 2023
x86-64
x86-64 (also called x86_64, x64, or amd64) is the 64-bit CPU architecture that is used in Intel and AMD processors. It is an extension to the 32-bit x86 (i386) architecture. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2023
What should admins know about Microsoft Entra features?
Microsoft Entra combines new and existing cloud-based products and packages them under a new name. Learn how this change affects identity access management in your organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Nov 2023
ITIL V3
ITIL V3 is the third version of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a globally recognized collection of best practices for managing IT and for implementing IT service management (ITSM) practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2023
How to modernize legacy applications
For many organizations, system upgrades mean investing time, money and resources. Discover how to modernize legacy applications with these critical tips. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Nov 2023
multisig (multisignature)
Multisig, also called multisignature, is the requirement for a transaction to have two or more signatures before it can be executed. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2023
What is a digital transformation strategy? Everything you need to know
A strong DX strategy details an organization's current state, its plans for the future and the actions to achieve those goals. Discover the key elements that should be included. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Nov 2023
cross-functional team
A cross-functional team is a workgroup made up of employees from different functional areas within an organization who collaborate to reach a stated objective. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2023
Data center power constraints send AI everywhere
Most experts agree there isn't enough unused electricity to perform future AI processing in hyperscale data centers and colocation facilities as GenAI demand soars. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2023
How AI impacts digital transformation
AI adoption is changing digital transformation as enterprises deploy the technology to improve customer experience, boost developer productivity and look for a competitive edge. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Oct 2023
How to use ChatGPT with PowerShell to write code for admins
Use of artificial intelligence tools is on the rise in many industries, and administrators can tap into these digital helpers to improve their scripting attempts. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2023
10 data storage questions for enterprises to ask
Does top management support your organization's storage needs? Is the storage platform compliant with regulations? These are just two of the data storage questions you need to ask. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
11 reasons why digital transformations fail, explained by pros
Digital transformations continue to be challenging and are prone to failure. Learn about 11 fatal mistakes to avoid at all costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
How digital transformation is changing customer experience
Digital transformation and customer experience go hand in hand as organizations look to provide self-service options, highly personalized experiences and easier ways to query data. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
How to work with the new Windows LAPS feature
Microsoft updated this automated method to manage and back up passwords for local administrator accounts on Windows desktop and server systems. See what's new with Windows LAPS. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2023
Cloud inflation affects IT spending trends, GenAI not yet
Gartner's forecast points to rising cloud and services spend. Generative AI is yet to strongly influence IT budgets, but IBM and other providers gear up for growth. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2023
12 digital transformation tips and best practices
Successful digital transformation requires agility, speed, cost optimization, technical innovation and cultural change. C-suite commitment and employee buy-in are also critical. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Oct 2023
project post-mortem
A project post-mortem is a business process that lets the project team, project management, and other stakeholders review and evaluate the results at the end of a project or after the resolution of an incident. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2023
PLM vs. ALM: Compare the differences
Company leaders must be aware of the critical distinctions between PLM and ALM. Learn each system's features and how they can potentially work together. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2023
Microsoft tackles three zero-days for October Patch Tuesday
The company releases fixes for several products affected by the HTTP/2 "Rapid Reset" vulnerability to help curb widespread Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Oct 2023
Is quantum computing overhyped?
Quantum computing may be coming to the enterprise. Here's what to understand about the benefits it promises, the risks it poses and how to prepare. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2023
Lean startup
Lean startup is an approach to building new businesses based on the belief that entrepreneurs must investigate, experiment, test and iterate as they develop products. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2023
enterprise risk management (ERM)
Enterprise risk management (ERM) is the process of planning, organizing, directing and controlling the activities of an organization to minimize the harmful effects of risk on its capital and earnings. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2023
Capital One study: Businesses battle with self-service data
Technical, cultural and financial issues hinder organizations from enacting self-service data strategies that include business users as well as data specialists Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2023
Generative AI in the enterprise raises questions for CIOs
Technology and business leaders are exploring pivotal issues surrounding adoption strategy, architecture and the IT organization's management responsibilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2023
skunkworks project (Skunk Works)
A skunkworks project, also known as Skunk Works, is an innovative undertaking, involving a small group of people, that is outside the normal research and development (R&D) channels within an organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Sep 2023
vertical SaaS (software as a service)
Vertical SaaS describes a type of software as a service solution created for a specific industry, such as retail, financial services, insurance, healthcare or manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2023
enterprise IT (enterprise-class IT)
Enterprise-class IT (also known as enterprise-grade, or enterprise IT) is hardware, software and other IT services designed to meet the demands of a large organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2023
On-premises data centers play key role in distributed clouds
Enterprise Strategy Group's Scott Sinclair shares survey results on the benefits and challenges of managing distributed clouds. Data centers remain an essential part of the mix. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2023
microtargeting
Microtargeting (also called micro-niche targeting) is a marketing strategy that uses consumer data and demographics to identify the interests and preferences of specific individuals or small groups to send targeted advertisements that align with their interests. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2023
business process improvement (BPI)
Business process improvement (BPI) is a practice in which enterprise leaders analyze their business processes to identify areas where they can improve accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency and then make changes within the processes to realize these improvements. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Sep 2023
Why cloud governance is shifting to business stakeholders
Balancing value creation with innovation is a constant challenge for organizations. Here's what to consider when evaluating the long-term business value of cloud governance. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
What's new in Microsoft Graph PowerShell v2?
The company overhauled the new version of its software development kit and updated PowerShell modules that replace legacy methods for managing Microsoft's cloud-based services. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Sep 2023
Windows Sysinternals
Windows Sysinternals is a collection of 70 freeware utilities that Microsoft offers IT administrators and developers to help them monitor, manage, diagnose and troubleshoot Windows systems and their applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2023
Walmart AI: Retailer taps employees to find GenAI use cases
The Walmart generative AI approach includes learning from its employee-users and soliciting their feedback to discover key applications and refine the technology. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2023
Cloud pricing hits new mark amid multiple drivers
Cloud costs continue to rise, according to the U.S. government's latest pricing data. Wages, energy demands, emerging tech and consumption patterns contribute to the trend. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Sep 2023
Top 10 benefits of blockchain for business
Blockchain's unique characteristics address many business issues. Here are 10 important benefits of blockchain and examples of the industries taking advantage of them. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
Microsoft solves two zero-days for September Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 62 vulnerabilities this month, including a Microsoft Word flaw and a Windows bug that have both been exploited in the wild. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2023
supply chain transformation
Supply chain transformation is the addition and integration of technology to improve supply chain performance, optimize costs and mitigate risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Sep 2023
7 benefits of ERP in accounting
ERP and accounting applications operate separately, but ERP systems can deliver valuable financial insights for companies. Learn about the benefits of ERP in accounting. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Sep 2023
steering committee
A steering committee comprises a group of high-ranking IT professionals who provide guidance and strategic direction to an organization or organizational segment. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Sep 2023
What is Web 3.0 (Web3)? Definition, guide and history
Web 3.0 promises a more personalized and intelligent web that uses blockchain decentralization to give control back to users. Here's how to sort through the claims and get ready. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Sep 2023
distributed ledger technology (DLT)
Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the transactions and their details are recorded in multiple places at the same time. Continue Reading
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Quiz
06 Sep 2023
10 blockchain quiz questions: Test your understanding
IT leaders are increasingly faced with learning how to implement blockchain in their organizations. Use this blockchain quiz to test your knowledge. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Sep 2023
9 quantum computing challenges IT leaders should understand
While the theory of quantum mechanics is complex, the tech might offer practical uses for organizations. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of quantum computing. Continue Reading
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Podcast
05 Sep 2023
Third-party support a new option for SAP S/4HANA Cloud users
Rimini Street CTO Eric Helmer explains how the company provides tech support and maintenance for SAP and Oracle ERP systems and where on-premises ERP fits in SAP's cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2023
10 examples of smart contracts on blockchain
Smart contracts are powerful tools for automating tasks on a blockchain. Read these use cases and understand the benefits and challenges IT leaders face during implementation. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Aug 2023
IT controls
An IT control is a procedure or policy that provides a reasonable assurance that the information technology (IT) used by an organization operates as intended, that data is reliable and that the organization is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Continue Reading