Data center hardware and strategy
Data center hardware includes a broad range of devices. Hardware components that make up the IT infrastructure of a data center include servers and computing equipment, networking equipment and storage equipment, plus additional infrastructure to support it like power and cooling systems. Get insights into developing a data center hardware strategy.
Top Stories
-
News
19 Dec 2024
VMware by Broadcom changes to continue in 2025
After a year of lawsuits, customer confusion and a restructuring of the core business, VMware by Broadcom has much to prove in 2025 to avoid future irrelevancy in the data center. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Dec 2024
GPU scarcity shifts focus to GPUaaS
High GPU costs and scarcity drive users to GPUaaS for AI workloads. But businesses should assess needs before investing. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
27 May 2020
Traditional vs. converged vs. hyper-converged infrastructure setups
HCI clusters, converged infrastructure and rack servers all offer benefits for a data center. Still, figuring out which is easier to set up requires evaluation and planning. Continue Reading
-
News
26 May 2020
IBM layoffs target services, marketing employees
IBM layoffs under newly appointed CEO Arvind Krishna largely affect its Global Technology Services and marketing groups. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 May 2020
Tools and tips to track server power consumption
Server power requirements differ for each organization, but it's still essential to monitor peak loads and track how much power your servers consume to avoid outages. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Apr 2020
IBM's new CEO makes commitment to IT, reports cloud gains
IBM cloud revenues saw incremental first quarter growth, despite the March slump due to COVID-19, and the new CEO promised to pursue a more aggressive cloud and AI strategy. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Apr 2020
Lower-cost IBM z15 mainframes add security for multi-clouds
Two new low-end IBM z15 mainframes and security software aim to help users better prevent internal attacks, as well as monitor workloads across on-premises and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Apr 2020
Improvements in CPU features help shape selection
CPUs have evolved to meet ever-increasing technology demands. We look at the way performance and power characteristics have shifted in recent years. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Mar 2020
Build up your knowledge of leaf-spine network technology
As organizations deal with challenges of single tree path networks, many admins are considering leaf-spine architectures. Learn the ways its topology helps latency and data flow. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Mar 2020
Mainframe software market shrinks with BMC-Compuware deal
The BMC acquisition of Compuware leaves BMC as the last major independent mainframe software company. But its new portfolio should help users transition to modern world of DevOps. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Feb 2020
A look at software-defined networking upgrade guidelines
SDN brings the benefit of a mostly software-based update process. However, admins still must consider which updates are necessary and if a hardware refresh is required. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Feb 2020
New Dell EMC PowerEdge servers are built for the rugged edge
New Dell Streaming Media Platform includes two small form factor PowerEdge servers and a Modular Data Center. Dell aims the products for use in harsh IT environments. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Feb 2020
A guide to GPU implementation and activation
Data center GPU usage goes beyond hardware. Admins must work with vendors and developers to have the right software architecture and code to benefit from GPUs. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Jan 2020
IBM acquisitions may be best path back to the top
With internal AI and cloud projects such as Watson failing to deliver much revenue, analysts think IBM needs to acquire, not build, its way back to sustainable growth. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Nov 2019
Develop a 7-step server maintenance checklist
For effective server maintenance, admins must perform proactive hardware and software checks. Any list must include dusting, log review and software patch tests. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Nov 2019
New hardware, use cases shape server benchmarking needs
Advancements in server hardware help admins address the latest data-intensive use cases. But this brings questions about the place of industrywide benchmarking standards. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Oct 2019
A look at HCI hardware maintenance
Resource forecasting, capacity planning and upgrade compatibility are essential components of hyper-converged infrastructure maintenance. Learn why admins must implement them. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Oct 2019
Learn the basics of ACI network technology
Application-centric infrastructure is one way to support an SDN setup. By learning the basics, admins can manage networks with automation and data abstraction. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Oct 2019
Continuous HCI platform maintenance ensures system health
These best practices will help data center managers keep their hyper-converged platform in tip-top shape and make the process of deploying future updates simpler. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Oct 2019
Improve server rack physical security with ISO standards
Safeguarding information access is essential to data center operations. With ISO Standard 27001 and the right locking mechanisms, you can prevent a security breach at the server hardware level. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Sep 2019
Elevate software-defined technology's role in the data center
SDS and SDN aren't a cure-all for infrastructure management ails. Proper implementation requires research and a suitable hardware setup. Here's a look at what this tech can do. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Sep 2019
IBM z15 mainframe secures data across multi-cloud environments
IBM unveiled the latest in its line of mainframes capable of processing 1 trillion web transactions a day. The IBM z15 mainframe's software can manage data across multiple clouds. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Sep 2019
Answers to top server lifecycle management questions
Unsure when to maintain, upgrade or ditch a server? Here's a look at your hardware -- and software -- care options. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Sep 2019
4 steps for a smooth SDN installation
Software-defined infrastructure can be tricky to implement. Automation, vendor-supported hardware and skilled developers are essential for smooth updates. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Aug 2019
IBM Power chip instruction set now open source
IBM opened up its Power server Instruction Set Architecture allowing the open source community to develop more innovative hardware components for IBM's Power servers. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Aug 2019
Big Switch updates its Cloud-First Networking portfolio
Big Switch Networks' new products and features aim to help solve issues such as lack of operational consistency, visibility and management in hybrid environments, and shadow IT. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jul 2019
Prepare your organization for 100G data center Ethernet
Leaf-spine topologies, Ethernet and optics research are driving the next generation of data center networking infrastructure. Stay ahead of the curve with these technologies. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Jul 2019
IBM mainframes face competitive pressures inside and out
IBM's mainframe business continues to be under pressure from cloud-based competitors, and perhaps even its own Power server. But analyst opinions vary about its long-term fate. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Jun 2019
3 vendors to consider for an HCI appliance
HCI isn't just a software product; market vendors such as Nutanix, HPE and Pivot3 also have specific appliances for admins that want features for network and storage management. Continue Reading
-
News
17 May 2019
IBM mainframe pricing overhaul inspired by cloud model
IBM's new Tailored Fit Pricing model gives enterprises more flexibility in the types of workloads they run on the z/OS platform. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 May 2019
Guarantee HCI software compatibility with cloud apps
IT execs must evaluate an organization's current on-prem and cloud setup before selecting a hyper-converged offering to avoid security holes, disjointed workflows and poor user experience. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Apr 2019
What are viable Open19 use cases and hardware options?
Open19 is working with vendors to make hardware for its open source infrastructure. The goal is to support a growing number of off-premises use cases, such as edge computing. Continue Reading
-
Answer
18 Apr 2019
What's the difference between Open19 and the Open Compute Project?
Though the Open19 initiative and Open Compute Project seem to have a similar goal, they do differ in type of support, hardware requirements and licensing practices. Continue Reading
-
Answer
27 Mar 2019
What hardware can I use in an Open19 rack?
Open19 is a partnership that guides organizations to use open source rack servers. The organization's cages, power shelves and network switches make upgrades easy. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Mar 2019
Data center GPU market set for growth, AI workflows
As GPU adoption increases, vendors and organizations are consistently addressing challenges in hardware installation and software development. Even so, the market is poised for growth in 2019. Continue Reading
-
Answer
28 Feb 2019
How do I successfully install server GPU cards?
Adding GPUs to your data center requires testing and research. To get the most out of the hardware, upgrade cooling resources and confirm software compatibility. Continue Reading
-
Answer
12 Feb 2019
Which GPU specs are most important?
When selecting GPUs, look at processing power, memory and OS support. These factors ensure hardware compatibility and effective performance in the data center. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Feb 2019
How to prepare your data center for an HCI appliance
Vendors tout hyper-converged infrastructure as a plug-and-play offering, but before you install anything in your data center, be sure your network supports the hardware. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jan 2019
France, HPE are building Europe's most powerful AI supercomputer
France is building a supercomputer that can perform both traditional high-performance computing workloads and AI-specific workloads. The converged design is becoming increasingly common. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Jan 2019
Top server maintenance tips to extend hardware lifespan
IT administrators can upgrade CPU, RAM and networking hardware to maintain smooth server operations and to maximize resources. Continue Reading
-
Feature
04 Jan 2019
Buy server hardware with these key functions in mind
Find the right server hardware for your data center by evaluating what leading vendors offer in terms of processors, memory, storage, connectivity, hot swapping and security features. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Jan 2019
HCI storage advancements require network technology upgrades
Flash storage options make HCI scalability easier, but they also require newer network hardware. Data center admins are looking at NVMe-based fabrics as a possible fix. Continue Reading
-
Feature
26 Nov 2018
How to successfully perform a data center upgrade
When data center hardware becomes outdated, there are a few options. Here are ways that admins can ensure that a migration is efficient and downtime is minimized. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Nov 2018
How mainframe maintenance intersects with x86 server upkeep
Mainframe maintenance overlaps with some x86 server upkeep tasks. Patching and storage management play a role in keeping mainframes up to date. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Oct 2018
Mitigate data center storage capacity miscalculations
You can use cloud storage and deduplication to expand storage capacity, prevent application failure and maintain data center performance. Continue Reading
-
Answer
04 Oct 2018
What do I need to know about remote server management?
The ability to manage servers requires evaluating WAN connection options, available repair staff and software capabilities. This tip offers insight into how it all comes together. Continue Reading
-
Answer
17 Sep 2018
How can I secure my remote server management tools?
If you monitor a lot of servers, it's important to make sure the tools you use to remotely manage them are secure. Encryption and password best practices can help. Continue Reading
-
Answer
22 Aug 2018
Which data center KPIs are the most useful?
As admins evaluate data center performance, they need ways to look at both short-term and long-term data. KPIs offer one way to evaluate components, such as storage. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Aug 2018
Converged data center migration practices to avoid data loss
Refreshing data center hardware is no simple task, especially for organizations with multiple workflows. Before completing an upgrade, make a plan for backups and workload management. Continue Reading
-
Answer
07 Aug 2018
What network security methods do I need to keep data safe?
How can you maintain network security beyond the standard firewall and blacklisting tactics? Encryption and digital rights management can ensure organizational data stays safe. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Aug 2018
IBM boosts security, reliability in Power Systems server additions
IBM's upcoming Power Systems servers add more security and reliability for cloud environments and promise to lower maintenance costs over the systems' life span. Continue Reading
-
Answer
02 Aug 2018
How do I integrate storage into a blade server architecture?
Blade servers come in a variety of configurations. In order to effectively manage your data center, you'll want to consider your storage needs, blade location and types of data workflows. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jul 2018
HPE's HCI system takes aim at space-constrained data centers
HPE has complemented its recent high-end hyper-converged system with another HCI system to fit the space-constrained environments of branch offices or SMBs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 Jun 2018
Do I need converged or hyper-converged infrastructure appliances?
Scalability, risk tolerance and cost all factor into the decision between converged and hyper-converged infrastructure. The two technologies have very different use cases. Continue Reading
-
News
22 May 2018
Plexxi buy bolsters HPE composable infrastructure strategy
HPE strengthened its composable infrastructure strategy with the acquisition of Plexxi, a startup that adds a networking element crucial to the company's success in that market. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 May 2018
Assess network device monitoring capabilities with these tips
Organizations considering new network device monitoring software should evaluate the alerting capabilities and extensibility of several different tools before making a purchase. Continue Reading
-
News
04 May 2018
Dell HCI, server upgrades flex hardware muscle for software plans
Upgrades to Dell's high-end PowerEdge servers, along with HCI servers to run machine learning workloads, illustrate the company's balancing act to address corporate users' needs for server hardware and hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Apr 2018
IBM blockchain technology spotlights mainframes
IBM's blockchain offerings aim to ease enterprise IT concerns by combining Z system mainframe hardware with industry-specific open source applications. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Apr 2018
IBM trots out 'skinny mainframe' to widen big iron appeal
IBM hopes to attract born-in-the-cloud startups that never considered buying a full-blown z14 mainframe, with its little brother, the 'skinny mainframe.' Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Apr 2018
Pin down these hardware service contract details
A server warranty won't do much good when every second of downtime counts. Here's how to hammer out a support agreement that addresses the particular needs of your company. Continue Reading
-
Answer
27 Mar 2018
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
-
Feature
27 Mar 2018
SD-WAN benefits emerge as public cloud adoption climbs
Public cloud computing is driving more interest in the SD-WAN market as IT departments look to streamline management of network traffic leaving the data center. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Mar 2018
IBM Cloud services to secure mainframes out to the edge
Big Blue will introduce IBM Cloud services that use blockchain, containers and its z14 mainframes to deliver improved security across cloud and on-premises environments. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Feb 2018
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
-
News
08 Feb 2018
Dell HCI portfolio dismantled to improve chances in the CI market
Market pressures and manufacturing synergies drove Dell to integrate its HCI and CI products with its core business units, but opinions differ whether users will benefit. Continue Reading
-
Answer
10 Jan 2018
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
-
Feature
16 Aug 2017
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
-
Feature
26 Jul 2017
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
-
Quiz
16 Jan 2017
Test yourself on modern data center networking architecture
Evolving business needs demand a new approach to data center networking. Keep yourself updated on SDN, VXLAN and other technologies with this quiz. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Dec 2016
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
-
Tip
29 Nov 2016
Compare benefits of a blade server architecture vs. hyper-convergence
To determine if a series of blade servers is the right call for more condensed compute in your data center, evaluate its benefits compared to hyper-convergence. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Oct 2016
Optimize mainframe processor performance with vertical polarization
To increase mainframe processor capacity and speed, IBM turned to vertical polarization. Learn how to take advantage of it through a feature called HiperDispatch. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
03 Oct 2016
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
-
Tip
28 Sep 2016
When moving servers to a colocation facility, planning is key
Moving servers off premises to a colocation facility can be a daunting task. Use these best practices to minimize downtime to ensure a seamless transition. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Jul 2016
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
-
Tip
14 Jul 2016
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
-
Feature
19 May 2016
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
-
News
13 Apr 2016
Gauging whether hyper-converged vendors' ages matter
Deciding between the new guy and the old standby has driven purchasing decisions for decades, but what do users think when it comes to hyper-converged infrastructure? Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Mar 2016
Draw up a data center network diagram you'll actually use
Creating a data center network diagram is time-consuming but necessary work. Keep the scope narrow and know the priorities of your diagram to save time and energy. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Mar 2016
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
-
Answer
04 Dec 2015
Should I make a storage LUN for each server?
In some scenarios, more than one LUN per server makes sense. In others, it's better to maintain a one-to-one ratio. So which is better? Continue Reading
-
Feature
17 Nov 2015
A who's who of white box switch vendors
White box networking gives IT organizations more freedom of choice for network hardware and OSes. It's a young and changing market, with a mix of vendor involvement. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Nov 2015
Massive tax bill increases uncertainty in Dell-EMC deal
Dell's deal to buy EMC and VMware for $67 billion is in doubt after revelations that the company could face a $9 billion tax bill, forcing some uncertain IT buyers to look elsewhere. Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Oct 2015
Impact Awards: Vote for the best Converged/Hyper-Converged Product
Vote for the best Converged/Hyper-Converged Product in the 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Aug 2015
Modern Infrastructure 2016 Impact Award Categories
Here are the categories for the 2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards. Continue Reading
-
Answer
31 Aug 2015
What can I do to gain Java skills and leave mainframe programming?
I have two years of experience in mainframe technology, currently working as a mainframe developer. I want to change to Java technology. Continue Reading
-
Answer
10 Aug 2015
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
-
Guide
16 Jun 2015
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
-
Tip
10 Mar 2015
Resolve a network bottleneck with these techniques
Data center network performance problems will disappear with fixes from a simple reorganization through a strategic overhaul. Continue Reading
-
Answer
04 Feb 2015
How do I transfer a PS file from a mainframe to a Linux server?
I need to transfer one PS file's data from a mainframe to a Linux server. Are there any JCL scripts that can do this for me? Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Jan 2015
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
-
Answer
19 Nov 2014
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
-
Answer
16 Sep 2014
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
-
Feature
16 Sep 2014
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
-
Tip
02 Sep 2014
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
-
Quiz
19 Aug 2014
A mainframe refresher quiz
Make sure you know what is significant about the mainframe. Take this quiz to find out what you should brush up on. Continue Reading
-
Answer
19 Feb 2014
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
-
Tip
23 Dec 2013
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
-
Tip
03 Dec 2013
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
-
Answer
08 Nov 2013
What to do when a mainframe IPL stalls out without error messages
When initial program load stalls out on a mainframe logical partition, the culprit is often consoles. Connectivity is one of many potential causes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Nov 2013
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
-
Feature
04 Nov 2013
Data center network design moves from tree to leaf
Leaf-spine designs are pushing out the hierarchical tree data center networking model, thanks to the popularity of Ethernet fabric networks. Continue Reading