IT applications, infrastructure and operations
IT infrastructure and operations management excellence has become essential to maintain quality control over technology-related policies, processes and equipment. Read news and tips to assist modern IT operations and infrastructure management, including strategies to ensure the proper flow of data throughout enterprise applications and other information systems.
Top Stories
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Tip
03 Feb 2025
8 generative AI challenges that businesses should consider
IT managers planning to adopt GenAI can expect to encounter some hurdles, including cost optimization, workforce effects, cybersecurity concerns and energy use. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2025
10 top generative AI benefits for business
The advantages of using generative AI cover plenty of ground, with improving customer experience, reducing costs and automating code creation among the key drivers. 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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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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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
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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
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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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
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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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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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