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
19 Nov 2024
Best project portfolio management software and tools in 2025
Project portfolio management software and tools in 2025 promote strategic management of projects and agile tactics. Read our PPM list for guidance on which tools do what. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2024
Why is cryptocurrency rising and bitcoin at an all-time high?
Bitcoin was worth $45,000 USD at the beginning of 2024. But in Nov. 2024, it reached an all-time high of $90,000 USD. Keep reading to see what is driving cryptocurrency optimism. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2023
IT operations management (ITOM)
IT operations management (ITOM) is a strategic approach to managing an organization's information technology needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2023
bare-metal provisioning
Bare-metal provisioning is the process of installing an operating system (OS) or Type 1 hypervisor directly on a computer's hard disk. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2023
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is a cross-platform browser created by Microsoft and installed by default on all new Windows devices. Continue Reading
- Definition 15 Mar 2023
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Definition
15 Mar 2023
antivirus software (antivirus program)
Antivirus software (antivirus program) is a security program designed to prevent, detect, search and remove viruses and other types of malware from computers, networks and other devices. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2023
Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) is a Microsoft Management Console snap-in that provides a graphical user interface that enables Active Directory (AD) administrators to manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) from one console. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2023
Microsoft stops two zero-days for March Patch Tuesday
The company corrects actively exploited vulnerabilities that affected Microsoft Outlook and the Windows OS in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
transaction
In computing, a transaction is a set of related tasks treated as a single action. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
event stream processing (ESP)
Event stream processing (ESP) is a software programming technique designed to process a continuous stream of device data and take action on it in real time. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2023
Silicon Valley Bank failure might further stymie tech funding
While the finance and tech sectors shuddered after the sudden demise of two tech-focused banks, financial damage appears to be contained amid general slowdown in tech funding. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
lean management
Lean management is an approach to managing an organization that supports the concept of continuous improvement, a long-term approach to work that systematically seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes in order to improve efficiency and quality. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2023
device ID (device identification)
A device ID (device identification) is an anonymous string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch. Continue Reading
- Definition 09 Mar 2023
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Definition
08 Mar 2023
hackathon
A hackathon, also known as a codefest, is a social coding event that brings computer programmers and other interested people together to improve upon or build a new software program. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
proof of concept (POC)
A proof of concept (POC) is a demonstration of a product in which work is focused on determining whether an idea can be turned into a reality. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Mar 2023
URN (Uniform Resource Name)
A URN (Uniform Resource Name) is a permanent identifier for internet resources that employs the urn scheme. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2023
Why you should plan to migrate to Exchange 2019 soon
An upgrade to the latest Exchange version will bring added functionality for end users and security enhancements. But it will also help ease the transition to Exchange vNext. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Mar 2023
hard skills
Hard skills are specific abilities, capabilities and skill sets that an individual can possess and demonstrate in a measured way. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2023
pizza box server
The term 'pizza box server' refers to the shape of a computer server enclosed in a rectangular and horizontally- arranged chassis and often installed in a rack with similar servers. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Mar 2023
million instructions per second (MIPS)
Million instructions per second (MIPS) is a measure of a processor's speed, providing a standard for representing the number of instructions that a CPU can process in 1 second. Continue Reading
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Podcast
28 Feb 2023
New SAP blockchain applications target B2B collaboration
SAP's Benjamin Stoeckhert reveals the most common types of blockchain applications, explains SAP product offerings and gives tips on how to get started. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2023
megahertz (MHz)
Megahertz (MHz) is a unit multiplier that represents one million hertz (106 Hz). Hertz is the standard unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI). Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2023
hosting (website hosting, web hosting and webhosting)
Web hosting -- also known as website hosting or webhosting -- is the process where a web hosting provider stores and maintains website files and applications on a server to make its customers' websites accessible on the internet. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2023
10 key digital transformation tools CIOs need
A key responsibility of the CIO is to stay ahead of disruptions. Learn about digital transformation tools that could help secure an organization's long-term success. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2023
STONITH (Shoot The Other Node In The Head)
STONITH (Shoot The Other Node In The Head) is a Linux service for maintaining the integrity of nodes in a high-availability (HA) cluster. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2023
4 challenges for creating a culture of innovation
Successful technology introduction pivots on a business's ability to embrace change. CIOs need to encourage risk-taking while providing guardrails to keep deployments on track. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2023
Git
Git is an open source distributed version control system that is available for free under the GNU General Public License version 2. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Feb 2023
AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS)
AWS Key Management Service (KMS) is a managed service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows companies to create, control and manage the cryptographic keys that encrypt and protect their data. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2023
Server prices on the rise as inflation still complicates IT
Technology products remain a mixed inflationary bag as server prices increase, storage costs decline and equipment delivery lead times complicate matters in networking. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Feb 2023
How to filter Security log events for signs of trouble
Certain accounts, such as company executives, will draw unwanted attention from hackers. Learn how to catch these targeted attacks by checking Windows event logs. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Feb 2023
enterprise project management (EPM)
Enterprise project management (EPM) represents the professional practices, processes and tools involved in managing multiple projects taking place simultaneously across the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Feb 2023
Project portfolio management: A beginner's guide
Project portfolio management is a formal approach used by organizations to identify, prioritize, coordinate and monitor projects that align with their strategy and goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Feb 2023
Web 3.0 security risks: What you need to know
Elements of the third version of the web are coming to fruition. But Web 3.0 also comes with new cybersecurity, financial and privacy threats besides the familiar risks of Web 2.0. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2023
Microsoft remedies three zero-days on February Patch Tuesday
The company releases its security updates to shut down the vulnerabilities threat actors have been actively using for attacks in the wild. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Feb 2023
Fedora
Fedora, also known as Fedora Linux, is a popular open source Linux-based operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2023
Web 2.0 vs. Web 3.0 vs. Web 1.0: What's the difference?
It's important to know what might happen in the evolution from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. Learn their differences and how the original web laid the groundwork for the internet's future. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2023
10 core features of Web 3.0 technology
Web 3.0 promises to provide what Web 2.0 can't: autonomy for content creators to monetize their own data through blockchain, decentralization, user data ownership and private keys. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2023
digital library
A digital library is a collection of digital objects, such as books, magazines, audio recordings, video recordings and other documents that are accessible electronically. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2023
Wien's constant
Wien's constant is a physical constant that is used in defining the relationship between the thermodynamic temperature of a black body (an object that radiates electromagnetic energy perfectly) and the wavelength at which the intensity of the radiation is the greatest. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2023
The biggest advantages and disadvantages of Web 3.0
The benefits of next-generation Web 3.0 technologies like blockchain and smart contracts get much of the attention, but the downsides include complexity and resource intensiveness. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Feb 2023
augmented reality gaming (AR gaming)
Augmented reality gaming (AR gaming) is the real-time integration of virtual game elements with the physical environment of the player. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2023
The 10 most promising tools for Web 3.0 development
Web 3.0 doesn't exist yet, but there are many tools for developing apps for the next generation web and bridging the gap from today's Web 2.0 infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Feb 2023
blockchain decentralization
Decentralization is the distribution of functions, control and information instead of being centralized in a single entity. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2023
Speed up onboarding with Active Directory user templates
Active Directory account templates are not difficult to make. But it helps to know how to use certain shortcuts, like variables, to create home directories and roaming profiles. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2023
Capital One machine learning strategy taps MLOps
The financial services company harnesses ML for several use cases and aims to deploy the technology at scale through standardized infrastructure and the MLOps methodology. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
5 ways Web 3.0 will impact digital marketing
If Web 3.0 can provide greater privacy, more marketing reach and better targeting, the World Wide Web's latest iteration could ease the online customer personalization problem. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2023
outsourcing
Outsourcing is a business practice in which a company hires a third party to perform tasks, handle operations or provide services for the company. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
chief operating officer (COO)
A chief operating officer (COO) is the corporate executive who oversees ongoing business operations within the company. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2023
ERP vs. EPM: Which should you choose?
ERP and EPM differ in several ways. Learn how the individual systems work alone, how they complement each other and how they can increase an organization's efficiency. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
project management
Project management is the discipline of using established principles, procedures and policies to guide a project from conception through completion. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
Web 2.0
Web 2.0 are websites and applications that make use of user-generated content for end users. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2023
EDR tools for Windows Server compared
Windows Server 2022 comes with native security technologies to protect the enterprise. But endpoint detection and response tools can be worth the price of admission. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2023
How to become a Web 3.0 developer: Required skills and guide
Web 3.0 may be years away, but blockchain and web development tools have been around a while. Prepare by learning the fundamentals and getting experience on the right tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2023
distributed control system (DCS)
A distributed control system (DCS) is a digital automated industrial control system (ICS) that uses geographically distributed control loops throughout a factory, machine or control area. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2023
Agile project management (APM)
Agile project management (APM) is an iterative approach to planning and guiding project processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jan 2023
decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)
A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) is a management structure that uses blockchain technology to automate some aspects of voting and transaction processing. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jan 2023
Semantic Web
The Semantic Web is a vision for linking data across webpages, applications and files. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2023
Technology diffusion strategies for CIOs and the VC mindset
Whether a technology investment pays off depends in large part on how fast and widely it's adopted. CIOs can take a page from the VC playbook to improve the odds of success. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
10 benefits of adopting project portfolio management
Project portfolio management takes a centralized approach to managing projects and focuses on aligning projects with company goals. Learn how it adds value to project management. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jan 2023
soft skills
A soft skill is a personal attribute that supports situational awareness and enhances an individual's ability to get a job done. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2023
Gartner halves 2023 IT spending growth
Gartner lowered its forecast for IT spending to 2.4% over 2022. The firm expects CIOs to be more cautious and delay some purchases while riding out the economic uncertainty. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2023
LZW compression
LZW compression is a method to reduce the size of Tag Image File Format (TIFF) or Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) files. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2023
Gartner IT spending trends, PPI data show mixed economic bag
Gartner's global IT spending forecast reflects diverging economic trends as does U.S. inflation data, which shows a drop in professional services costs and an uptick for storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2023
Project portfolio risk management: Learn the key tenets
Project portfolio risk management is a holistic approach to managing project risk. Learn about its benefits and what can get in the way of success. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2023
Project vs. program vs. portfolio management
Project, program and portfolio management are related, but they represent three distinct disciplines. Learn about the responsibilities and goals of each and how they differ. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2023
Microsoft resolves Windows zero-day on January Patch Tuesday
The company also issues five corrections, all with a rating of important, to address vulnerabilities on its on-premises Exchange Server email platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jan 2023
enterprise architecture (EA)
An enterprise architecture (EA) is a conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of organizations. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2022
Multiple Document Interface (MDI)
Multiple Document Interface (MDI) is a Microsoft Windows programming interface for creating an application that enables users to work with multiple documents simultaneously. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2022
How to lower IT's digital carbon footprint
Digital technologies have a hidden environmental cost that too-few leaders have on their radar. Learn which technologies have a digital carbon footprint and what IT can do to help. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Dec 2022
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) is a step-by-step approach for collecting knowledge about possible points of failure in a design, manufacturing process, product or service. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
Let EAs lead your enterprise sustainability strategy
Enterprise architects are well positioned to advise the CIO when it comes to the sustainability strategy. Their choices cut across the corporate infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
How companies can overcome the IT worker shortage
Research shows organizations are still struggling to bring in IT talent. We identify the reasons why there's a shortage and what CIOs and other IT leaders can do to combat it. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Dec 2022
2022 year in review: Top business topics
The business world saw changes in 2022. Themes -- such as the rise and fall of cryptocurrency, changes to social media and navigating employment -- are all included in this review. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2022
action plan
An action plan is a document that lists what steps must be taken to achieve a specific goal. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Dec 2022
checksum
A checksum is a value that represents the number of bits in a transmission message and is used by IT professionals to detect high-level errors within data transmissions. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Dec 2022
User Principal Name (UPN)
In Microsoft Active Directory, a User Principal Name (UPN) is a username and domain in an email address format. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2022
routing table
A routing table is a set of rules, often viewed in table format, that's used to determine where data packets traveling over an Internet Protocol (IP) network will be directed. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
12 top metaverse predictions for 2030
Like AI before it, the metaverse carries unlimited potential and hyperbole. We address the questions of how big, how fast, how far, how scary and how impactful on businesses. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2022
Tech inflation data drops -- what does it mean for IT budgets?
The U.S. government's latest producer price data, which shows declines for servers, storage and services, could signal an economic shift and boost CIO confidence moving into 2023. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2022
Venture capital mindset helps CIOs deal with tech deluge
As CIOs and CISOs push for innovation, mindset changes might be in order. They can take a cue from VCs and think about ideation funnels and technology investment portfolios. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2022
4 sustainability leadership tips from Impossible Foods founder
Impossible Foods' Patrick Brown is proof that a focus on climate action can drive market success. Here are four sustainability mindset tips that IT leaders can use for themselves. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Nov 2022
Why companies should be sustainable and how IT can help
Pressure is mounting for the business sector to address its environmental footprint and become more sustainable. Here's a look the key drivers and how technology can help. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2022
Capital One study cites ML anomaly detection as top use case
The bank itself is making ML a key part of its digital transformation strategy, deploying the technology to locate aberrations, detect fraud and support marketing. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2022
Capital One machine learning report points to partnering
A study of data management decision-makers suggests collaboration will play an important role in evolving enterprise machine learning, but a partner's proven experience will be key. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2022
How to perform an AD group membership backup and restore
You can fix some problems with Active Directory with a few clicks, but things get difficult when they involve many layers of group membership. Here's a few ways to avoid trouble. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2022
Business sustainability projects require savvy data analysis
In this Q&A, Stephen Keys of IFS discusses why sustainability projects for organizations are complex undertakings, but the data needed to drive projects already exists. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Oct 2022
user experience
User experience (UX) design is the process and practice used to design and implement a product that will provide positive and relevant interactions with users. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2022
5 advantages and 6 disadvantages of open source software
Open source software is popular with both small and large organizations, and for good reason. But CIOs should understand which situations works best for this lower cost option. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2022
Gartner: IT spending to grow 5.1% amid optimization push
The market research firm said enterprise IT spending will endure in a tough economy, but noted an emphasis on optimization, productivity gains and rooting out inefficiencies. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2022
Sustainable procurement goes mainstream, influences IT buys
ESG considerations add a new dimension to IT purchasing criteria and, more broadly, could bridge the gap between business leaders and IT professionals. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2022
How to avoid common GPO backup and restore problems
Group Policy Objects help admins maintain control of the enterprise environment, but it takes some planning to understand how to properly protect and recover GPOs to avoid trouble. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2022
Micron investment to spark chip ecosystem in New York
The $100 billion plan aims to bring businesses and thousands of workers to the Syracuse, N.Y., area -- and boost the chip supply for the IT staples and innovations CIOs pursue. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2022
Test beds, workforce critical to U.S. technology leadership
The CHIPS and Science Act allows the U.S. to invest in critical technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2022
How to make the right business case for a tech spend
CIOs should help evaluate management goals to support long-term strategy. Learn how IT can assist business objectives and justify tech spending with a business case. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2022
Consider Azure AD group-based licensing for Office 365 users
Administrators who manage many users can go one step further toward streamlining license assignments by taking advantage of a new feature from Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Sep 2022
Business-led IT strategy casts shadow IT in more positive light
Traditional shadow IT is giving way to business-led technology deployments that have the IT department's approval. But CIOs must manage the process to avoid problems. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2022
macrotrend
A macrotrend is a pervasive and persistent shift in the direction of some phenomenon on a global level. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2022
What's old is new again as Workday aims to break down silos
At its user conference, Workday showcased tech and customer stories on bringing down the walls between HR, IT and finance. It's not a new story, but it may be newly relevant. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2022
Rich Text Format (RTF)
Rich Text Format (RTF) is a file format that lets you exchange text files between different word processors in different operating systems. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
IT services inflation follows broader market trend
CIOs can expect to pay more for consulting and professional services as pricing in the sector continues an upward trend that first surfaced last year. Continue Reading