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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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
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Definition
30 Aug 2023
biometric authentication
Biometric authentication is a security process that relies on the unique biological characteristics of individuals to verify they are who they say they are. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Aug 2023
IT organization (information technology organization)
An IT organization (information technology organization) is the department within a company that's charged with establishing, monitoring and maintaining information technology systems and services. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2023
IT audit (information technology audit)
An IT audit is the examination and evaluation of an organization's information technology, operations and controls. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2023
ISACA
ISACA is an independent, nonprofit, global association that engages in the development, adoption and use of globally accepted information system (IS) knowledge and practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2023
deputy CIO (deputy chief information officer)
Deputy CIO (chief information officer) is a role within some organizations that generally has responsibility for overseeing day-to-day information technology (IT) operations. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2023
The future of storage administration: 4 key questions answered
What are the best moves a storage professional can make? Learn about the skills, technologies and strategies to focus on now for the most payback in the future. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
Opportunities, challenges of ServiceNow generative AI plan
The vendor said that while it is creating its own LLM models, it's not interested in winning the LLM war. Instead, it wants its customers to use the models for specific use cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2023
Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager)
Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager) is a set of tools for infrastructure monitoring and application performance management. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2023
Exchange Web Services (EWS)
Microsoft Exchange Web Services (EWS) is an application program interface (API) that lets applications access items in a Microsoft Exchange email mailbox, such as calendars, contacts, and messages. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Aug 2023
How to set up PowerShell remoting over SSH
Microsoft recommends using WinRM to manage Windows machines remotely, but OpenSSH offers other advantages, particularly in organizations that also use Linux systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Aug 2023
Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM)
The Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) is a conceptual framework that outlines activities for the recovery and discovery of digital data. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2023
How to kickstart a proof-of-concept IT project
Like any IT initiative, operations staff need a clear vision for a proof-of-concept project. From the justification to reporting stages, knowing the steps can bolster PoC success. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2023
Terraform
HashiCorp Terraform is an infrastructure as code (IaC) software tool that allows DevOps teams to automate infrastructure provisioning using reusable, shareable, human-readable configuration files. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2023
Cloud costs continue to rise among IT commodities
CIOs can expect higher cloud costs as the U.S. government's wholesale inflation index hits its highest rating for the technology category that includes this IT model. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
rainmaker
A rainmaker is an individual who generates an unusually high amount of revenue for an organization by bringing new clients and new business to the company. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Aug 2023
26 tips to get the most out of a conference
With conference season fast approaching, use these tips to show up prepared to make the most out of your experience -- before, during and after the event. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2023
Several Exchange Server flaws fixed on August Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 74 vulnerabilities this month with the on-premises email server platform returning to the spotlight with corrections to close six security holes. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Aug 2023
sustainability risk management (SRM)
Sustainability risk management (SRM) is a business strategy that aligns profit goals with a company's environmental, social and governance (ESG). Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Aug 2023
executive dashboard
An executive dashboard is a computer interface that displays the key performance indicators (KPIs) that corporate officers need to effectively run an enterprise. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2023
smart home
A smart home is a residence that uses internet-connected devices to enable the remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems, such as lighting and heating. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2023
floating gate transistor (FGT)
A floating gate transistor (FGT) is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology capable of holding an electrical charge in a memory device that is used to store data. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2023
8 steps for an ERP post-implementation audit
A post-implementation audit can help determine if an ERP system is working well or not. Project leaders should consider these eight steps to ensure a successful audit. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2023
AI hype far exceeds its use within enterprises
Experts say most organizations are holding back on spending while investigating the cost, legal liabilities and data privacy risks associated with generative AI use. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jul 2023
legal health record (LHR)
A legal health record (LHR) refers to documentation about a patient's personal health information that is created by a healthcare organization or provider. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2023
Exchange Online post-migration steps for admins
A move to the hosted email platform is an opportunity to streamline how users work with other Microsoft 365 services. But it requires IT to stay current with the product roadmap. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jul 2023
IT hiring picks up amid ongoing economic concerns
TechTarget's 2023 salary and careers survey shows most organizations are hiring for selected IT skills, making progress on DEI initiatives and offering workplace flexibility. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2023
proportional control
Proportional control is a control system technology in which the response (output) is proportional to the difference between a setpoint value and the current value of a process variable. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2023
taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of classification according to a predetermined system, with the resulting catalog used to provide a conceptual framework for discussion, analysis or information retrieval. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2023
Microsoft System Center
Microsoft System Center is a suite of software products designed to simplify the deployment, configuration and management of IT infrastructure and virtualized software-defined data centers. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
What's new with Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2022
Not every organization can move to the cloud but using Microsoft Office apps on premises might not be an option beyond 2026. Are the days of the RDS role numbered? Continue Reading
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News
13 Jul 2023
Storage, server prices drop as inflation eases
Server and storage prices declined in June, reflecting cooling inflation, but companies remain intent on containing costs and optimization. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2023
Microsoft repairs 5 zero-days for July Patch Tuesday
The company addressed 130 vulnerabilities and provided additional instructions to fully resolve several bugs, which will require extra attention from IT this month. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2023
Today's blockchain use cases and industry applications
Though not yet a mature technology, blockchain is gaining ground as a sound and generally secure method for conducting myriad transactions in numerous applications and industries. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2023
6 reasons legacy systems are still in use
Staying with tried-and-true legacy systems can feel like the safest route. But as the world changes at a dizzying pace, IT leaders might want to reconsider that strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2023
Replacing vs. maintaining legacy systems
Understanding issues such as which systems hinder organizational performance can help IT leaders decide which legacy systems to replace and which to maintain. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jun 2023
Tech integration partnerships can help boost IT productivity
Enterprise Strategy Group's Doug Cahill discusses survey results that show using integrated technologies from multiple vendors can free up IT teams for strategic projects. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2023
cognitive computing
Cognitive computing is the use of computerized models to simulate the human thought process in complex situations where the answers might be ambiguous and uncertain. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jun 2023
multiprocessing
Multiprocessing is the utilization of two or more central processing units (CPUs) in a single computer system. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2023
How to become a smart contract developer
Blockchain fundamentals, programming knowledge, security awareness, and experience in testing and debugging are among the major requirements in smart contract development. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2023
5 types of software architecture design worth knowing
While it's impossible to identify any software design style as the 'most important' to know, there are five major patterns with which all architects should arguably become familiar. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2023
Google Play
Google Play, formerly known as Android Market, is the official online store for digital media distributed by Google. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2023
ledger database
A ledger database is somewhat modern and commonly refers to a type of database that uses cryptographic techniques, including blockchain, to secure data and enable an immutable ledger. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jun 2023
SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram
A SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram is a visual tool for documenting a business process from beginning to end prior to implementation. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2023
Server prices drop while cloud costs rise in PPI data
The U.S. government's latest inflation reading shows moderating hardware prices, which spiked in mid-2022. Cloud costs, however, have been moving in the opposite direction. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2023
June Patch Tuesday settles two Exchange Server bugs
Microsoft's plans for upcoming security hardening in Kerberos and Netlogon protocols will have admins busy with testing over the next several weeks. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2023
prototyping model
The prototyping model is a systems development method in which a prototype is built, tested and then reworked as necessary until an acceptable outcome is achieved from which the complete system or product can be developed. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2023
mean time to detect (MTTD)
Mean time to detect (MTTD) is a measure of how long a problem exists in an IT deployment before the appropriate parties become aware of it. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2023
How to write an RFP for a software purchase, with template
Software buying teams should understand how to create an effective RFP. Here's a look at what components to include, along with a free, customizable template. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
A Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) is a small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2023
Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO)
A Chief Medical Information Officer, or CMIO, essentially serves as the bridge between medical and IT departments at a healthcare organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2023
flow control
Flow control is a technique used to regulate data transfer between computers or other nodes in a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2023
load shedding
Load shedding (loadshedding) is a way to distribute demand for electrical power across multiple power sources. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 May 2023
Learn about the Azure Stack HCI benefits for admins
The hyper-converged infrastructure offering promises to reduce the headaches associated with running virtualized workloads on hardware sourced from multiple vendors. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2023
Blockchain vs. database: Similarities, differences explained
Choosing between blockchain and traditional databases -- or using them together -- requires knowing how each one handles data management and the skills needed to make them work. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 May 2023
marketecture (marchitecture)
Marketecture (also known as marchitecture) refers to non-technical descriptions of a company's products or services that let various stakeholders understand the product's core functionality and how it works with other products as part of a broader ecosystem. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2023
Early-stage companies pursue the practical at CIO event
Startups in the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium's Innovation Showcase said their offerings tackle key enterprise IT concerns, from automating manual processes to cutting cloud costs. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2023
4 tips CIOs can use to drive change management
CIOs and IT leaders should be key drivers of change management programs. Learn valuable tips for navigating complexity and scaling technology rollouts. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 May 2023
vendor lock-in
Vendor lock-in is a situation in which a customer using a product or service cannot easily transition to a competitor's product or service. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2023
How one CIO drives business transformation through tech
Tom Peck, CIDO at Sysco, shares valuable insights into the key role that CIOs play as a transformation driver while managing emerging technologies such as AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2023
Improve automation skills with the AD Administrative Center
You might know that you can use PowerShell to handle repetitive Active Directory tasks. But were you aware the Active Directory Administrative Center can help write the code? Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2023
CIOs take on organizational adaptability, resilience
CIOs and other tech executives are bracing their organizations to remain flexible in a period of unpredictable developments and bounce back when they take a punch. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2023
Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF)
The Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF) is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) network management protocol that provides a secure mechanism for installing, manipulating and deleting the configuration data on a network device such as a firewall, router or switch. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2023
frequency band
In telecommunications, a frequency band -- sometimes called a band -- refers to a specific range of frequencies in the electromagnetic frequency spectrum assigned to certain applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2023
Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles (the Principles)
Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles is a framework for managing records in a way that supports an organization's immediate and future regulatory, legal, risk mitigation, environmental and operational requirements. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2023
Light May Patch Tuesday will weigh heavily on Windows admins
A zero-day that targets the Secure Boot feature will require extensive work from sysadmins to protect Windows systems from the Black Lotus bootkit. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 May 2023
MIT-CIO event explores digital resilience amid disruption
Allan Tate, executive chair of the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, shares an overview of the 2023 event, including focus areas such as cybersecurity and tech evaluation. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2023
5 steps for mainframe migration
The complicated task of migrating time-tested mainframe environments calls for careful assessment, attention to technical details and thorough project planning. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
04 May 2023
Generative AI in the enterprise: Lessons learned
The use of generative AI in the enterprise is changing software interactions and customer engagement. Four use cases can help IT leaders better understand the tech's potential. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 May 2023
differentiated services (DiffServ or DS)
Differentiated services, often shortened to DiffServ or DS, is a class of service (CoS) model to specify and control IP network traffic by class. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2023
Unify business and IT with DevOps value stream management
Value stream management can be a powerful tool to align DevOps with the business by optimizing data analysis and improving collaboration and reporting. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2023
graceful degradation
Graceful degradation is the ability of a computer, machine, electronic system or network to maintain limited functionality even when a large portion of it has been destroyed or rendered inoperative. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2023
Get a grip on your infrastructure with a custom MMC
Microsoft provides great administration tools, such as PowerShell and Server Manager. But don't neglect the venerable Microsoft Management Console for its flexibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
Examine the benefits of data center consolidation
Many data centers have too many assets. Data center consolidation can help organizations make better use of assets, cut costs, and improve security and compliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2023
systems operator (sysop)
In IT, a systems operator (sysop) is a person who runs computer servers and other devices on a daily basis in a data center. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2023
keystone jack
A keystone jack is a female connector used in audio, video and data communications. It serves as a receptacle for a matching plug, which is a male connector of the same type as the jack. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Apr 2023
Build, operate, transfer (BOT)
Build, operate, transfer (BOT) is a project management technique where a company hires a third-party firm to create a new subsidiary or product. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Apr 2023
WinZip
WinZip is a software product used to archive, compress and encrypt files in a variety of archive formats for more efficient storage and distribution. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Apr 2023
Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP)
Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP) is a cloud-based service that provides email filtering designed to protect organizations against spam, malware, and other email-based threats. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2023
Tips to avoid a bumpy Exchange 2010 migration to Office 365
Now that Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2013 are legacy products, administrators should make the push to migrate to avoid becoming the next ransomware target. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2023
Microsoft Hybrid Configuration Wizard
The Microsoft Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW) is a tool provided by Microsoft to help organizations set up and configure a hybrid deployment between their on-premises Exchange Server and Exchange Online, which is part of Microsoft 365. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2023
traceroute
Traceroute is a command-line utility that returns information about the communication route between two nodes on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2023
Apache
In computers, the Apache Software Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining many open source software projects. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2023
Tech pricing dips slightly in March as broader PPI declines
Servers, storage and professional services all saw decreases in the U.S. government's latest inflation update. Will prices continue to drop or repeat last year's volatility? Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2023
reactance
Reactance is a form of opposition generated by components in an electric circuit when alternating current (AC) passes through it. Continue Reading