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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Feature
23 Apr 2020
4 steps to turn real-time data streams into business value
Data is the currency of today's business success. This framework helps your organization use available data sources to create new product and services. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2020
Emotion AI shows promise for IT leaders in the enterprise
Although still in its infancy, experts have no doubt that artificial emotional intelligence will be of great value. Here's why your organization should develop a strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2020
Cost of moving to the cloud drops with time and experience
Can IT leaders save money by moving to the cloud? According to the research, some companies are already seeing significant cost savings with UCaaS. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2020
RPA bots: Messy tech that might upend the software business
RPA invisible robots are opening the doors for CIOs and other IT leaders to think about new ways to automate business processes within their organizations. Here's how. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Apr 2020
How data science can help your company withstand the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affecting businesses worldwide, but data science can help you solve immediate problems and create data-driven strategies for the long term. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2020
Using AIOps for cybersecurity and better threat response
AIOps platforms, when properly tuned, can benefit all of IT in important ways. Learn how these advanced security tools improve threat detection and response in myriad ways. Continue Reading
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Guide
29 Feb 2020
ITIL and ITSM best practices for process improvement
ITIL and ITSM best practices improve business processes by standardizing and optimizing the delivery of IT services. Learn more in this comprehensive guide for CIOs. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2020
How ITSM services on mobile devices power employees, boost service
Delivering ITSM on mobile devices boosts productivity through the enterprise and will help CIOs drive digital transformation. Here's why and what you need to do. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2020
How CIOs can tackle AI with ITSM tools
We've previously covered how to use AI to improve ITSM processes -- now, we're diving into how organizations can apply ITSM principles to AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2019
Cloud adoption a catalyst for IT modernization in many orgs
Sloppy and insecure IT procedures that had been overlooked before the cloud arrived must evolve with the times to prevent data exposure and system breaches. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Sep 2019
Edge computing use cases must be driven by business value
For Schneider Electric and many other large enterprises that take a look at edge computing projects, the main criterion for success is whether the technology delivers business value. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Sep 2019
Edge computing architecture takes on a partner ecosystem
Experts believe edge computing will bring significant change to organizational IT infrastructure, but how? Read on to learn more about the rapid growing interest in the architecture. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2019
How one CIO overcame the challenges of shadow apps
CIO John Rathje explains how he's tackling shadow IT challenges in the recruiting admissions process at Kent State by deploying a data integration tier that supports data movement. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Aug 2019
4 steps to a blockchain implementation
If you're not experimenting with blockchain, you're behind the curve. Our step-by-step guide on implementing blockchain dissects the challenges, best practices and payoffs. Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2019
Colorado builds API integration platform to share data, speed services
In a quest to be the 'Amazon of state services,' Colorado's chief data officer is rolling out an API integration platform. Challenges abound. Here are the lessons learned. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2019
3 important steps to get started with AI
David Petersson lays out three steps that will change how you think about AI and help your business get started with AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2019
How edge computing differs from decentralized computing
Edge computing isn't about sticking servers and storage in a branch location. Learn the critical differences between edge and traditional decentralized computing. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jul 2019
The case for CIOs taking charge of Agile at scale
Agile at scale is becoming a best practice for leading companies. Will the CIO be the CEO's proxy for driving scaled agility? Not without lobbying for the job. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jul 2019
4 essential elements of Agile at scale
Dave West, the CEO and product owner at Scrum.org, explains what is meant by the term 'Agile at scale,' how it can be applied in IT and the CIO's role in this new movement. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2019
What do the Google, Salesforce analytics deals mean for CIOs?
Google and Salesforce's recent multibillion-dollar BI deals have put analytics in the spotlight. What's the import for CIOs -- aside from the fact that data rules? Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jun 2019
What is NetOps? Start with these 5 common questions
This compilation is an essential starting point for NetOps novices. These five common questions explore what NetOps is, how it can benefit networks and its effect on network teams. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2019
Install Exchange Server 2019 on Server Core 2019 to boost security
If you don't know how to manage servers without GUI, there may be a bit of a learning curve to get the benefits of running Exchange on Server Core. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2019
AI in IT infrastructure transforms how work gets done
Cutting through the hype around AI has become a major job for IT leaders. Our in-depth guide on where and how to add AI to your IT infrastructure will help. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jun 2019
Build a digital transformation strategy with software at its core
What is a winning digital transformation strategy? For many companies, it starts with an overhaul of their software environments. Our comprehensive guide explains how it's done. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Jun 2019
Tech communities offer more than just a quick fix
IT professionals who join tech meetups and online communities might find there's more than just troubleshooting help available when they invest their time in a group. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2019
Data-driven strategies for succeeding in the algorithmic economy
Crafting a data strategy is hard. Use cases help. At the MIT CIO Symposium, four IT leaders share how they're forging data-driven strategies that'll pay off in the algorithmic economy. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Early stage companies look to help CIOs fix software development
The early stage companies honored at this year's MIT Sloan CIO Symposium take aim at one of digital transformation's biggest pain points: the slow pace of software development. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 May 2019
Why is diversity in tech becoming a CIO issue?
CIOs need to take radical steps to increase the number of women and minorities in tech. Deloitte's Anjali Shaikh explains. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 May 2019
How can CIOs improve their IT mentorship programs?
According to Deloitte's Anjali Shaikh, CIOs are no better than their C-suite peers at mentoring. An IT talent shortage demands CIOs do better. Here's how. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2019
Expect graph database use cases for the enterprise to take off
Digital giants use graph databases: Traditional businesses not so much. Learn what graph tools do and why graph database use cases should be on every CIO's radar. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2019
How to add the App Compatibility Feature on Demand to Server Core
Microsoft closed the functionality gap between Server Core and full desktop deployments with the App Compatibility feature, but will it entice admins to the GUI-less server? Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2019
CIOs need to rethink how they're managing outsourcing transitions
The old rules for managing outsourcing transitions no longer apply. Here are three nontraditional approaches to help ensure maximum benefit when switching outsourcing providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2019
6 potential blockchain limitations for enterprise use
The potential benefits of blockchain for enterprise use must be weighed against blockchain's limitations. Here are six. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2019
4 integrated monitoring strategies that will improve IT operations
Digital transformation expert Isaac Sacolick offers four ways to build an integrated monitoring architecture that will actually improve IT operations -- not slow them down. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2019
The shift to edge computing is happening fast -- here's why
Whether you call it the Fourth Industrial Revolution or digital transformation, enterprise IT is being changed fast, and forever, and edge computing is a big reason why. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2019
High-performance computing use cases and benefits in business
High-performance computing has moved from the rarified realm of research and government and into the enterprise. Learn how systems are evolving to handle data and deliver profit. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2019
MIT CIO 2019: Scaling AI and data to build the 'smart enterprise'
The theme of MIT Sloan CIO Symposium 2019 is 'leading the smarter enterprise.' We caught up with event chair Lindsey Anderson to find out what that means. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Feb 2019
The big data paradox, or why no one thought Trump would win
It's commonly assumed that statistical analysis improves as sample size grows. But big data isn't always better data. A Harvard statistician explains why it's not that simple. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2019
UNICEF investment in 6 blockchain startups extends mission
UNICEF's investment in blockchain startups extends its mission and also underscores the particularity of scenarios where blockchain promises to be the optimal solution. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Feb 2019
Server Core vs. GUI: Is Server Core ready for prime time?
IT Director Christopher Rivers says the Windows Admin Center is a step in the right direction to boost adoption of Server Core, but administrators will still encounter challenges. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2019
Look back at top IT infrastructure spending trends of 2018
Enterprise IT infrastructure spending trends in 2018 focused on data center servers and hosted and cloud collaboration, driving an increase in annual vendor revenue. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
5 cloud computing predictions, trends for 2019
From rapid multi-cloud adoption to enterprises getting smarter about workload migration strategies, experts sound off on key cloud computing trends to watch out for in 2019. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
A tour through the PPM software marketplace
Finding the right PPM software is vital to project success. Here's a close look at the market leaders. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Dec 2018
What role does machine learning play in the threat hunting process?
Fidelis Cybersecurity president and CEO Nick Lantuh discusses threat hunting best practices, including machine learning's role in corporate data protection. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
Top 10 SearchCIO videos: IT industry leaders share DX advice
Get digital transformation strategy advice from IT industry leaders in this roundup of our top 10 most popular SearchCIO videos from 2018. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2018
Sysco's network backbone spans clouds, speeds data
Food for thought: Sysco worked with interconnection company Equinix to create a backbone that brings together Equinix data centers, Sysco data centers and cloud service providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2018
How to sustain hard-won ITSM automation gains
The ITSM automation gains you've reaped from your ITSM provider can vanish when you need to switch vendors. These five tips will prevent that from happening. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Dec 2018
What are the benefits of serverless computing?
At the recent Gartner Symposium, analyst Arun Chandrasekaran highlighted the benefits of serverless computing and delineated the factors driving enterprise interest in serverless. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2018
AI in ITSM equals 'service intelligence' -- ITSM's next frontier
AI in ITSM, or 'service intelligence,' is the next logical step in IT's mastery of professional service delivery. ITSM expert Jan-Willem Middelburg lays out four use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2018
5 tips to improve ITSM SLAs in IT shops with multiple service providers
How do CIOs develop ITSM SLAs that satisfy business expectations in today's complex environment of multiple service providers? David Clifford takes CIOs through five key steps. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Nov 2018
How can companies build a strategy for monetizing data?
To extract value from data, most companies will face people, process and technology challenges. Matt Maccaux explains the ins and outs of monetizing data. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Nov 2018
Cisco network architecture targets CIOs. Will they buy it?
An emerging Cisco network architecture that spans multiple domains and integrates security debuted at a recent conference. The vendor's architectural messaging targets CIOs. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2018
The key features of project and portfolio management software
Cloud or on premises? Does it have the proper collaboration features? How about mobile access? When buying PPM software, these are just some of the questions businesses should ask. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2018
Lumentum CIO talks building an enterprise cloud computing strategy
A well-defined plan is essential as cloud adoption becomes a business necessity. In this Q&A, CIO Ralph Loura sounds off on the must-haves for any enterprise cloud computing strategy. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Nov 2018
What should CIOs look for when choosing public cloud platforms?
In this Ask the Expert, Lumentum SVP and CIO Ralph Loura highlights two key factors to consider when choosing among public cloud giants AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2018
Benefits of PPM software include reduced failure rates
PPM software provides organizations a greater insight into projects, enabling decision-makers to better manage and prioritize projects, as well as allocate resources. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2018
How automating feature engineering can help data scientists
Feature Labs CEO Max Kanter explains how automating feature engineering for machine learning can help data scientists and why CIOs should care. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
Data analytics projects need structure, says former Avis analytics exec
In this Q&A, Ashok Kumar made one thing clear for CIOs: Before they touch an AI project, they need to get their data house in order. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Nov 2018
How one CTO is building a plan for legacy code replacement
Legacy code removal leads 2019 digital transformation plans for CTO Niel Nickolaisen. Learn how his team is prepping for the implementation of a new codebase. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
Gartner Symposium 2018: 6 emerging trends in security
At Gartner Symposium 2018, analyst Peter Firstbrook highlighted the emerging trends in security that cybersecurity pros -- and their employers -- need to prep for in the next year. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2018
How WPI uses AI in ITSM to improve help desk support
WPI is using AI in ITSM to route help desk tickets to the most qualified technicians. ITSM automation of this ilk helps users and IT-- but it requires some handholding. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2018
Gartner top 10 technology trends for 2019: A comprehensive guide
For digital-minded CIOs, Gartner's 2019 top 10 technology trends should come as no surprise: IT is getting smarter, casting an intelligent digital web over the enterprise -- and everywhere else. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2018
What can CIOs expect from ITIL 4? More leadership advice, for one
ITIL 4 is scheduled for release in early 2019. ITIL expert David Ratcliffe discusses what's different about this ITIL update and why the guidance remains vitally relevant to CIOs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Oct 2018
Digital transformation for banks: One institution's website remake
Digital transformation for banks: A commercial bank in India retooled and relaunched its website to drive more visits and generate more leads. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
Gartner Symposium 2018: Enterprise cloud strategy mistakes to avoid
At the recent Gartner Symposium 2018, cloud guru Daryl Plummer highlighted the need for developing a strong cloud strategy -- and the mistakes to avoid when drafting one. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Oct 2018
streaming data architecture
A streaming data architecture is an information technology framework that puts the focus on processing data in motion and treats extract-transform-load (ETL) batch processing as just one more event in a continuous stream of events. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2018
What are PPM tools and how do they help the enterprise?
PPM tools provide a holistic view of enterprise project health, enabling C-level execs and project managers to prioritize, organize and optimize projects for maximum ROI. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2018
How secure-by-design ITSM processes can be a business differentiator
Secure ITSM procedures are essential to digital organizations' data protection processes. They can also be a bottom line boon, says information governance expert Jeffrey Ritter. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2018
Embedded IT, global talent to define future of IT jobs
As more businesses identify as tech companies, what's the future of IT jobs? Many IT teams will work remotely on a gig-by-gig basis and their colleagues will span the globe. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Oct 2018
ITSM governance essential as new tech trends drive business processes
New tech trends in AI, cloud and robotic process automation create capabilities that are reshaping ITSM. But for the innovations to reach their full potential, strong governance over ITSM processes are required. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Oct 2018
What tactics can organizations adopt to drive cloud security practices?
In this Ask the Expert, Gartner's Marco Meinardi explains business factors driving cloud security practices and explains the role of the CIA triad in enterprise cloud security. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Oct 2018
Big data processing techniques to streamline analytics
Analyzing raw data has become a complex task that companies are often underprepared for as data sets continue to grow. Here's how to create smarter data processing techniques. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Sep 2018
Many companies jump the gun in hiring data scientists
Do you know why you're hiring data scientists? A lot of companies feel pressure to hire one, but a lot of companies aren't ready for them or don't know what to do with them, said Stephen Gatchell, ... Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2018
CIO on the importance of holistic data collection and analysis methods
CIO Tammy Bilitzky explains what she means by holistic data collection and analysis methods, and how they ensure accuracy of results and build trust into automated data systems. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
Digital workers are invading the enterprise -- and that's not a bad thing
Credit Suisse and LogMeIn executives provide a glimpse at how external and internal customer service strategies are melding. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2018
ITSM vs DevOps: Are DevOps, Agile overshadowing ITSM frameworks?
In this Ask the Expert, digital transformation expert IsaacSacolick shares his perspective on the impact that DevOps and Agile strategies have on ITSM practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2018
Forging an IT service catalog management plan to drive business goals
An IT service catalog management strategy that drives business results requires CIOs to look beyond the provisioning of IT services -- and users to grasp the value of service automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2018
Benefits of ITSM: Use an ITSM portal as gateway to cloud services
Requiring users to access the cloud via an ITSM portal will reduce spending, explains Andy Sealock in part two of his tip on leveraging the benefits of ITSM in cloud services. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2018
ITSM in the cloud: Using ITSM best practices to optimize cloud usage
Cloud-based services can't be beat for their ease of use, but companies often experience some 'unhappy surprises' when the bill comes due, says Andy Sealock. ITSM in the cloud can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2018
4 factors to consider when making the shift to the cloud
For CIOs assessing their organization's cloud readiness, Andrew Larkin discusses four factors to consider before moving their applications to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2018
5 ways ITSM automation is driving business value
Current trends in ITSM automation include the adoption of intelligent automation, ITSM as a service, digital labor, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2018
What is driving the evolution of ITSM processes?
At leading companies, ITSM processes are being redefined as 'cross-domain service management' and the ITSM team functions as enabler-in-chief of digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2018
3 stages of ITSM and 5 ways to enhance your ITSM strategy
From help desk to service desk to business-aligned ITSM -- how evolved is your ITSM strategy? Dennis Drogseth explains ITSM's three stages and offers five tips for reaching maturity. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2018
Multi-cloud management best practices and pain points
To reap the benefits of a multi-cloud strategy, CIOs must first have the right skills and processes in place. Here are the multi-cloud management best practices to lead the way. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2018
Cloud migration best practices: 4 potential problems to avoid
Andrew Larkin, from the Cloud Academy, explains why successful cloud migration strategies require more than just a 'lift and shift' approach to maximize the benefits of the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2018
Top disadvantages of cloud computing: What CIOs can do
Andrew Larkin from the Cloud Academy sheds light on cloud computing misconceptions and drawbacks -- including downtime -- and offers best practices for CIOs to address these risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Sep 2018
4 ITSM best practices for managing service vendors
CIOs must align IT strategy to business KPIs, and so should their service vendors. In this ITSM best practices tip, experts explain how to tie vendor services to business outcomes. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2018
Chatbot technology brings 'self-help IT' to life at LogMeIn
In this SearchCIO Q&A, LogMeIn CIO Ian Pitt describes how chatbot technology and other cutting-edge tools help him run a lean IT department and deliver services more efficiently to the growing company. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2018
4 best practices to maximize the value of your ITSM vendor
If your ITSM vendor isn't living up to expectations, chances are you're ignoring these four ITSM best practices. ISG's Lois Coatney takes you through them, step by step. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2018
Texas college CIO pushes into enterprise service management
A mature ITSM program has not only won Link Alander's IT team kudos for superb service delivery, but it is also driving automation of business processes in other departments. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2018
An ITSM program evolves from subpar to superb
How do you go from 'lousy' systems and subpar services to an ITSM program that is driving a service approach across the enterprise? CIO Link Alander gives us the details. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2018
Transforming IT infrastructure and operations to drive digital business
In an environment where speed disrupts everything, organizations must transform their I&O. Gartner's Gregory Murray explained how at the Gartner Catalyst conference. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Aug 2018
What are the benefits of ITSM for fast-moving businesses?
IT service management helps enable digitization, but CIOs will have to invest resources to develop an effective ITSM program. Here are six benefits of ITSM that help make the case. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Aug 2018
How to use value stream mapping tools, CSI to improve business processes
ITIL expert Gary Case lays out the leading methods for improving business processes. Learn how value stream mapping tools and CSI models can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2018
CTO: Hyper-converged infrastructure appliances cut costs
An Indianapolis school district's decision to deploy hyper-converged infrastructure appliances has reduced support overhead and cut acquisition and operating costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
Building a service catalog management strategy: Where to start?
The IT service catalog is the foundation of an effective ITSM program, but it's a complicated tool and hard to get right. Here's some expert advice on how to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Aug 2018
As IT permeates the business, the service desk role expands
Don't underestimate the IT service desk. Read about how enterprises are using new ITSM platforms to grow the service desk role and improve business processes across the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
16 Aug 2018
2018 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium: A SearchCIO guide
The 2018 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium was all about making good on an enterprise digital transformation strategy. Explore the strategic advice, emerging technologies and big ideas from this year’s roster of CIOs, MIT faculty and experts. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2018
Top 10: What IT service delivery challenges plague CIOs?
ITIL expert Gary Case has consulted with a wide range of companies over a long career in ITSM. Read his list of the 10 IT service delivery challenges that continue to bedevil CIOs. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2018
Business transformation project: Dealing with legacy data
Business transformation requires a solid data foundation. Expert Dan Morris offers a near-term fix for your data-quality problems and the basis for a long-term approach to better data. Continue Reading