Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Hyper-converged software: Eight things you need to know

  What are some commonly asked questions about the choice to build a DIY software-only HCI platform? Below are FAQs about the benefits, drawbacks and option of buying HCI software. Continue Reading

• Test your hyper-converged infrastructure use cases knowledge

  Our quiz is all about how different workloads and applications require choosing different hardware and software options in a hyper-converged infrastructure platform. Continue Reading

• Inline deduplication fits well with hyper-converged IT

  Of the two main types of deduplication, most HCI vendors choose inline over post-process because of the performance benefits and lower levels of total storage required. Continue Reading

• Cohesity's hyper-converged secondary storage takes on data growth

  An out-of-the-box secondary storage strategy to deal with the coming deluge of file and object data promises to overcome scalability, management and capacity limits of NAS. Continue Reading

• Composable architecture keeps hardware flexibility

  With composable systems, an IT admin can get more choice from the devices on the back end and more choice on the devices it delivers the virtualized resources to. Continue Reading

• Use Windows Server deployment for feature-filled HCI

  Windows Server 2016 not only supports a hyper-converged infrastructure implementation, but brings with it a rich set of features for both performance and security.Continue Reading

• Guide to buying server performance monitor software

  Integration, storage and vendor support all affect whether a performance monitoring tool is right for an organization. Mull over these ten factors to choose the right one.Continue Reading

• Take the converged vs. hyper-converged infrastructure quiz

  Before you start the decision-making process over which IT approach you should take, quiz yourself on your hyper-converged and converged platform knowledge.Continue Reading

• Should my organization consider systems management services?

  IT staff have a lot on their plate, so outsourcing systems management to a third party might be appealing. But organizations must choose a reputable provider that meets their needs.Continue Reading

• Three solid-state storage advantages that boost HCI performance

  There are many advantages to including solid-state storage in your hyper-converged infrastructure plans, such as better performance and lower power costs.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged IT options should match your workload needs

  Moving to a hyper-converged infrastructure requires a great deal of study and planning. That starts with knowing what workloads you plan to run on the HCI system.Continue Reading

• Business needs define your hyper-convergence technology choices

  Base your HCI products of choice around the workloads you run, the architecture they run on and any present or future cloud plans you have for them.Continue Reading

• How software-defined networking layers work with HCI

  The network function of a hyper-converged infrastructure has been the most difficult to virtualize, but adopting an SDN approach can make it easier for your organization.Continue Reading

• Make the most of the hyper-converged cloud

  Hyper-converged infrastructures are similar to public cloud platforms in the way they use virtualization of resources. That makes them obvious partners in an IT architecture.Continue Reading

• Organizations don't have to pick private or public cloud

  Organizations don't necessarily have to decide between using a public or private cloud. For some companies, the answer is both. For others, it's neither.Continue Reading

• Are hyper-converged infrastructure appliances my only HCI option?

  Preconfigured hyper-converged appliances aren't your only option anymore. Software-only and build-your-own hyper-converged infrastructure have unique pros and cons.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged computing and VDI fit together well ... mostly

  The flexibility and ease of use of hyper-convergence fit the needs of VDI, but you should also consider other benefits and drawbacks of HCI in a VDI platform.Continue Reading

• The hyper-converged network becoming more common in HCI

  Virtualizing the network in a hyper-converged system has been the toughest part, but there are products on the market that achieve some of that function.Continue Reading

• Converged secondary storage for data protection carries risk

  Using converged infrastructure for the secondary storage in your data protection plan can be valuable, but you need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before choosing that path.Continue Reading

• Match your hyper-converged hardware pick with your workload

  Overall workload demands and growth projections, not just user applications, should be top of mind when you choose among the hardware options in hyper-converged appliances.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 hyper-converged options are here

  The latest edition of Windows Server from Microsoft includes options for implementing a hyper-converged infrastructure in a Microsoft-only IT operation.Continue Reading

• Virtualization layer is HCI's secret sauce

  Knowing how virtualization software turns separate hardware components into pools of shared resources will help you plan and manage an HCI implementation.Continue Reading

• Match your hyper-converged infrastructure appliance to your apps

  Planning a hyper-converged appliance purchase should start with determining which application it will run and which configuration options will meet apps' needs.Continue Reading

• Evaluate read-intensive and write-intensive SSD use cases

  Consider write wear, performance and other factors when choosing between read-intensive, write-intensive and mixed-use solid-state drives.Continue Reading

• IT infrastructure planning key for converged, hyper-converged platforms

  Whether you're planning to deploy CI or HCI, infrastructure planning is critical to the project's success. Without proper planning, you could end up with poor performance.Continue Reading

• What's the future of data storage technology and the IT pro?

  Several enterprise data storage trends are all about getting rid of storage as an IT silo. That will have consequences for both the industry and IT pros who work in it.Continue Reading

• Build the right hyper-converged cloud for your apps

  Picking the right hyper-converged hardware and software for your application workload requires understanding how the elements of HCI can best be combined for your needs.Continue Reading

• Spectre, Meltdown vulnerabilities put SDS, HCI at risk

  Spectre and Meltdown patches should be applied to hyper-converged and other software-defined storage products that run on hosts with user installed application processes.Continue Reading

• Hypervisor software and your hyper-converged infrastructure

  The hypervisor layer in HCI is becoming an expected feature, but it is important to know what role it plays and how it can affect the rest of the components.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged vs. converged labels don't apply to some products

  Converged and hyper-converged infrastructure labels are becoming less clear as vendors such as NetApp and Datrium introduce products that allow for scaling components separately.Continue Reading

• How Red Hat assembled an open source hyper-converged platform

  By combining Gluster Storage with its Red Hat Virtualization software, Red Hat has thrown its own cap into the software-only HCI ring with an open source offering.Continue Reading

• The role of HCI in the hyper-converged cloud

  HCI and the cloud have virtualization at their cores, which makes the two platforms a good combination for organizations planning a hybrid cloud IT architecture.Continue Reading

• What Linux storage benchmarking tools are best?

  Several tools and commands can come in handy to storage admins looking to benchmark I/O performance on Linux systems. But not all benchmarking tools are created equal.Continue Reading

• The mainframe environment: A thing of the past or the future?

  It made its name in a long-ago era, but even in the time of virtualization and cloud computing, the mainframe hasn't disappeared yet. The IBM z14 aims to keep it that way.Continue Reading

• Uptime Institute tier classification system faces new rivals

  Because the Uptime Institute focuses primarily on power and cooling, alternative data center certifications have emerged. Their chances of replacing Uptime, however, seem slim.Continue Reading

• IBM Strategic Imperatives mark a transition into software and services

  IBM's Strategic Imperatives are slowly morphing the server hardware stalwart into a software and services company. But IBM still needs hardware to complete the transformation.Continue Reading

• Seven hyper-converged software options for DIY HCI

  If your company already has hardware that you want to turn into a hyper-converged infrastructure stack, you can do it with one of these software-only options.Continue Reading

• A converged infrastructure strategy requires a when as well as a why

  A converged system's appeal comes from having an optimized platform that removes significant complexity from an IT environment. But when is CI the right move to make?Continue Reading

• Compare the best Linux distros for enterprise servers

  Any of the popular Linux distributions can run on enterprise servers, but here's how to decide which is best for you. Compare SUSE, Red Hat, Oracle and Ubuntu Linux OSes.Continue Reading

• Consider these Linux I/O scheduler options for storage performance

  To optimize Linux performance, IT teams should examine the I/O scheduler currently in use, and evaluate alternatives, such as deadline and Completely Fair Queuing.Continue Reading

• Build a data center shutdown procedure to prepare for the worst

  A data center shutdown checklist helps IT teams focus on backup, testing and system verification before pulling the plug and losing valuable information.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of fiber optic cables

  When it comes to data center networking, fiber optic cables are becoming the standard rather than copper. Take this quiz to see how much you know about fiber optic technology.Continue Reading

• Manage Btrfs snapshots with the SUSE Snapper utility

  Learn how to use Btrfs snapshots with Linux utilities, such as Snapper and GRUB2, to revert back to previous states in the event of a configuration mishap.Continue Reading

• Before leaving a system administrator job, don't burn any bridges

  Leave on good terms from your system administrator job to avoid burning bridges and to keep a good reputation in the industry. Here are some things to consider before your move.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of useful Linux commands with this quiz

  Think you're an expert on useful Linux commands for network and server management? Try your hand at this Linux command quiz to see how much you know about 10 Linux utilities and their use cases.Continue Reading

• Three interface options for remote server monitoring, management

  Remote server management interfaces, such as IPMI, iDRAC and iLO, give data center admins a central location to monitor fan speeds, power supply status, temperature and more.Continue Reading

• Three types of mainframe monitoring tools to track performance

  Mainframe users face a variety of options when it comes to system monitoring tools. Determine if a real-time, near-time or post-processor tool is the best fit for your IT needs.Continue Reading

• Five tools to enable Linux automation, monitoring and backup

  When it comes to Linux data center tools, there is no shortage of options. For automation, backup and monitoring, consider these five Linux tools first.Continue Reading

• A closer look at SDN vs. traditional networking

  Software-defined networking, or SDN, allows network engineers and admins to respond quickly to changing business environments. When it comes to SDN vs. traditional networking, the latter is often viewed separately from SDN. While a typical data ...Continue Reading

• Construct a winning data center project plan

  Before embarking on new data center projects, such as an upgrade or move to the cloud, clearly define all goals and expectations -- and not just for IT.Continue Reading

• Don't overlook these crucial enterprise CPU updates

  Despite its critical role in cloud application performance, the enterprise CPU is often overlooked. Learn about next generation hardware, and why it's important to cloud.Continue Reading

• Software-defined applications and infrastructure explained

  The inner mechanics of today's software-defined applications and infrastructure reveal an interconnected web of isolated components and scalable resources, supervised by automated management.Continue Reading

• Evaluating the uses for converged infrastructure

  Now that we have significant exposure to converged infrastructure and hyper-converged products, more is known about how -- and where -- these products work best. This three-part guide looks at potential uses for converged infrastructure (CI) and ...Continue Reading

• Can I use Mikrotik vs. Cisco switches in a data center?

  I'm purchasing rack-level access switches for an enterprise data center, and weighing Cisco vs. Mikrotik, which is less expensive.Continue Reading

• Server performance and benchmark testing guide

  The right back-end servers, tuned for maximum efficacy, make the difference in business-critical applications and services.Continue Reading

• How do I size the physical server to host virtual machines?

  I want to convert a physical machine to a virtual machine. How can I select and size the right server infrastructure to host VMs?Continue Reading

• Can you virtualize a NetBackup master server?

  I have only seen companies deploy a NetBackup master server on a physical server. Are there any drawbacks to using a VM as a NetBackup master server?Continue Reading

• Eight data center technologies to test in the new year

  As the hype from 2014 dissipates, the new year rings in hot new technologies. IoE, hybrid clouds and other tech innovations make the data center run more efficiently.Continue Reading

• Linux network configuration turns positively wicked

  Wicked replaces a lot of old Linux network configuration commands and utilities in SLES 12, making the OS more cloud friendly.Continue Reading

• Which IBM 3592 tape cartridge has the highest capacity?

  There are a bunch of IBM 3592 'J' tape designations. How do you order the right capacity for your tape drives? Do you take compression into account?Continue Reading

• How do you define data center size, density?

  With shifts in the scale and density of data centers, one industry organization is drawing up ways to standardize how we talk about data center size and power needs.Continue Reading

• A data center checklist for facility design and IT ops

  Choose the right data center provider or facility now, and prevent costly errors and inadequate services later.Continue Reading

• In-rack and in-row cooling options for any data center

  Say no to CRAC and consider more selective data center cooling options. In-rack and in-row cooling systems are efficient and optimally dispel heat.Continue Reading

• What's the best data center network topology?

  You need to know these most common data center network topologies, and check out a host of alternative topologies waiting in the wings.Continue Reading

• The case for a leaf-spine data center topology

  Three-layer network designs are last season's topology. The leaf-spine model is coming in hot, but can the advantages made data center designers forget about the weaknesses?Continue Reading

• Centralized versus rack-mount UPS in telecom rooms

  How does a rack-mount UPS stack up against a central data center UPS for telecom rooms? Money doesn't necessarily mean power.Continue Reading

• Business application hosting on-premises vs. cloud options

  Is it better to look for a SaaS version of an app, put it in your own data center on existing equipment, or host it at a cloud provider for a mix of flexible scaling and IT ownership?Continue Reading

• Denser is better: Increased storage and server density

  For storage and servers, being dense is good. Careful planning can maximize the benefits of greater computing densities while minimizing potential risks.Continue Reading

• Does data center size matter in virtualization, DCIM decisions?

  Are you big enough to take advantage of DCIM or virtualization for the power and cost savings? When it comes to certain moves, size is an advantage.Continue Reading

• Why Facebook and the NSA love graph databases

  Graph databases play six degrees of separation to find real connections. See how IT teams can use the database approach for businesses.Continue Reading

• How many VMs per host is too many?

  The ultimate host server welcomes hundreds of virtual machines. But that doesn't mean consolidation should outrank performance.Continue Reading

• Test your Uptime Tier level knowledge

  You've got a lot riding on Uptime Tier-certified data centers. Take this quiz to see how well you know Tiers I through IV.Continue Reading

• What's the best Linux OS for your enterprise data center?

  With several updates to supported Linux OSes, how do you know which to run in your data center? This guide will help you make an informed decision.Continue Reading

• Is LRDIMM the best memory option for an enterprise server?

  Load-reduced DIMM allows for more memory and decreased latency than on-server memory typically has. So how does it compare to other DIMM designs?Continue Reading

• Getting started with ITIL service management

  Promised cost savings, alignment with business, and operational efficiency are encouraging more organizations to take up ITIL service management.Continue Reading

• Unix command line quiz

  Do you know how to move a file or get a list of current users from your Unix servers? Take our Unix quiz on essential commands for system admins.Continue Reading

• What should you do with old servers and outdated data center equipment?

  Complications arise when replacing nonfunctional data center equipment. Decide what to do with the old equipment and how to handle retrofits.Continue Reading

• Five best Linux applications for enterprises

  These five applications will improve the lives of enterprise IT and business management by increasing functionality and reducing costs.Continue Reading

• RISC vs. CISC explained for data center systems

  The role of RISC processors in data center equipment is hotly debated, but new RISC designs are proving that it isn't just a CISC game.Continue Reading

• How outdated practices harm data center grounding systems

  Isolated grounds are a solution lacking a problem. In fact, isolated grounds create problems for data center cabinet power and add expense all around.Continue Reading

• Creating a reliable and fast SAN network design with iSCSI

  There are three tenets of designing an iSCSI network correctly. Proper iSCSI deployment yields affordable and reliable network access for the SAN.Continue Reading

• Your data lives where?! Strange and secure data center locations

  In these data center pictures, tour barges, former mines and oil rigs. Sometimes a strange location makes the most sense for a secure data center.Continue Reading

• TCP offload's promises and limitations for enterprise networks

  TCP offload products free up limited CPU resources in network-intensive data centers. But TCP offload is no panacea and can introduce more problems.Continue Reading

• Major changes in data center fire suppression standards NFPA 75 and 76

  Fire standard changes can add a lot of work and expense to a data center operator's job, but the updates to NFPA 75 and 76 address real safety risks.Continue Reading

• No faults here: Advanced techniques to attain more reliable servers

  A new generation of reliability features can keep busy servers running in the face of serious fault conditions.Continue Reading

• Physical building properties to evaluate during server room design

  Does your server room have space to grow? What's the best mechanical system for it? Start with these questions to develop a good server room design.Continue Reading

• Programming thread-safe mainframe applications with the CICS ENQ command

  Thread safety in mainframe applications means better vertical integration. Take full advantage with the CICS ENQ command.Continue Reading

• Setting traps with SLIP, king of the mainframe debugging tools

  How to use SLIP, one of the best mainframe debugging tools, to set traps for annoying bugs.Continue Reading

• Get the right applications to manage your system

  This guide will help administrators find the best way to provision, monitor and manage the performance of virtual workloads across the data center.Continue Reading

• Changing vendors: Avoiding pitfalls, IT vendor contract negotiations

  Negotiating IT vendor contract terms is crucial for protecting business continuity, physical property and intellectual assets when contracts end.Continue Reading

• Using open source tools to monitor Apache Web Server performance

  Much of today’s business relies on smooth operation of Web servers. Explore these three open source tools to monitor performance, security and traffic on Apache Web servers.Continue Reading

• Server refresh options: When to rent a server vs. when to buy

  Companies looking to replace old hardware must consider long-term goals and evaluate financing options when deciding whether to buy or rent a server.Continue Reading

• Changes in data center jobs and economy: Advisory board Q&A

  The outlook for data center jobs is cautiously optimistic for those with the right mix of skills.Continue Reading

• Using DCIM tools to monitor data center power

  Although DCIM tools include many capabilities for monitoring data center power and facilitating data center management, you should know their associated costs before implementing projects.Continue Reading

• Three signs that it's time to change server vendors

  Picking a server vendor is no easy task, and a lot more goes into the decision than just choosing the low-cost option. Also, unless a server vendor can adapt to a company's needs over time, it may be time to make a switch. Learn the red flags that...Continue Reading

• Data center 2010 spending slideshow

  In 2010, companies resuscitated data center spending but also prioritized purchases designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and automation, and handle increased capacity.Continue Reading

• Linux networking: Using ip tool instead of ifconfig

  If your server was configured manually, make sure the Linux network is set up with the correct IP configurations and the ip tool is being used to monitor your systems.Continue Reading

• How to choose the right uninterruptible power supply for your data center

  This tip discusses how to choose the right-sized uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for your data center. It also explains common mistakes in UPS sizing and why UPS power ratings can be so confusing.Continue Reading

• Linux tools

  Learn about different tools, tips, programs and resources from every genre of Linux tools, and learn how to deploy and configure the tools that suite your needs.Continue Reading

• How to install and configure MRTG, an essential sys admin tool

  Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) is an essential tool that allows systems administrators to monitor and graph network traffic and more. In this tutorial, an expert explains how to install and configure MRTG on Solaris 10.Continue Reading