Data center ops, monitoring and management
Data center operations are the fundamental workflows that keep a data center operating. Monitoring and management of data center resources comprise the most central data center ops. Learn more about data center software and best practices for monitoring and managing devices and equipment across the data center.
Top Stories
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Tip
18 Nov 2024
Understand the power usage effectiveness metric
Data center admins must monitor power efficiency through PUE metrics. There are three PUE levels, with PUE 1.0 as the best. However, various conditions can impact the rating. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2024
Data center cooling systems and technologies and how they work
Extreme heat and cold can keep equipment from operating at peak efficiency. Explore cost-efficient and cost-effective cooling technologies and smart options for your facility. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2020
Honeywell touts quantum computer speed, but how fast is fast?
Honeywell has delivered what it believes is the industry's fastest quantum computer. But analysts say it will take more than superior speed to win over most IT users. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2020
Get the right SLA for enterprise liquid cooling services
If you're interested in data center liquid cooling, investigate the technology types, available service providers and outline an effective agreement for successful system use. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2020
5 common server issues and their effects on operations
Server problems can spring from inside and outside hardware. Delve into these common issues and learn about the policies to have in place for regular maintenance and prevention. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2020
Organizations tackle data center operations during COVID-19
With an increased remote workforce, organizations must address infrastructure bandwidth, data center access and business continuity. The right software and staffing policies can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2020
An in-depth look at calculating server hardware costs for SMBs
Servers can be expensive, but there's more to the purchase than just the price of the hardware. Learn what additional items an SMB must factor into the overall cost. Continue Reading
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Video
26 May 2020
Easily spin up a Docker Ubuntu container
Docker and Ubuntu make it possible for admins to use containers for Windows applications in the data center. Watch what's involved to get started with containerization. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2020
Microsoft supercomputer looks to create AI models in Azure
Microsoft has expanded its AI initiative up to the supercomputer market, unveiling a system focused on helping users build large AI models that work with its Azure cloud platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 May 2020
Data center liquid cooling market heats up
As organizations increase server rack density, more C-level execs investigate liquid cooling technology. Industry experts see these systems as an operational and cost necessity. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2020
Considerations for SIEM logging software and storage
SIEM systems aggregate a lot of data across all types of infrastructure. For regular audits, admins should address notification settings, analysis protocols and storage locations. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2020
Red Hat Enterprise Linux still central to Red Hat's strategy
While it may be overshadowed by OpenShift and Kubernetes, Red Hat Summit attendees were reminded that Red Hat Enterprise Linux still has a strategic role to play. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2020
7 top open source network monitoring tools
Network is an essential part of infrastructure health and requires constant monitoring. To meet specific OS and hardware requirements, open source tools can be the best fit. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2020
Dive into the quantum computing qubit with IBM's Bob Sutor
The quantum computing industry is entering a new era. IBM's Bob Sutor discusses the technology's importance and how his latest book can help readers better understand the qubit. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2020
Build a migration plan for enterprise edge infrastructure
Micro data centers are essential to edge computing use cases. Build an effective migration plan through site selection, application inventory and post-move monitoring tools. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2020
Tech giants aim supercomputers, clouds at finding a COVID-19 cure
The new COVID-19 HPC consortium comprised of tech giants, national labs and academia are using supercomputers and clouds to speed research to identify a cure. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2020
Want an HPC data center? Colocation could be the answer
Colocation can offer the space, HVAC and security an organization needs to implement high-performance computing and delve deeper into its data. But not every provider is a match. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2020
Plan a successful migration to HPC colocation
If your organization decides to host its HPC hardware in a colocated data center, ensure a smooth migration with proper location selection, security measures and application testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Mar 2020
Data center power infrastructure essentials prevent downtime
Power infrastructure upkeep is essential to reduce damage in an unplanned outage. UPS and generator maintenance, plus disaster planning, should be a part of regular operations. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2020
Honeywell quantum computing system passes IBM out of the gate
Honeywell joined the quantum computing race this week with a system featuring a new quantum architecture with a Quantum Volume rating of 64 -- double that of existing systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2020
Learn the main Linux OS components
Linux is one operating choice to run on your infrastructure. Get started with these terms to discover how the OS works and how it differs from Microsoft and Apple offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2020
Initiative aims to improve data center incident reporting
The Data Center Incident Reporting Network hopes to pull back the smoke screen on software and hardware issues to improve operations and reduce downtime risks -- with admins help. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2020
Key components for negotiating an HPC colocation contract
When it comes to HPC colocation, there are specialized areas to cover in a service-level agreement. Review provider protocols for power, security and network connectivity. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2020
Organizations try to predict the effect of 5G infrastructure
With more 5G and IoT devices emerging, admins must prepare their data centers to support low-latency apps and edge computing with the right network and processing hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2020
Top infrastructure and operations technology myths of 2019
Admins are consistently evaluating technology to improve I&O efficiency. Cost, integration and business goals are key components to this process and cutting down any hype. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2020
Quantum computing strides continue with IBM, Q Network growth
IBM literally doubled down on its commitment to quantum computing with the addition of 60 more high-profile IBM Q Network members and news that it has doubled its Quantum Volume metric to 32. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2019
Use GRUB to fix Linux boot problems
GRUB is a handy tool to help admins solve any Linux booting issues. Reinstalling or manually implementing GRUB are two main approaches to getting your system back up and running. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2019
Guidelines to tackle multi-cloud and hybrid IT management
Managing infrastructure isn't just the on-premises data center anymore. Software selection, architecture configuration and governance are key components of any hybrid IT setup. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2019
Gartner analyst lists application migration strategy essentials
Application prioritization, risk assessment and cost evaluation are key migration strategy components for organizations looking to move workloads from on prem to the cloud or a colo facility. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2019
Comparing Linux distributions: Red Hat vs. Ubuntu
Before selecting a Linux distribution, compare Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu when it comes to features, ease of use, licensing and documentation. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2019
Top 4 open source automation tools for admins
Open source offerings are an easy way to bring automation into your organization. When selecting software, evaluate the user experience, main features offered and Linux support. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
Increase efficiency with data center temperature monitoring
Data centers must track multiple temperature components. Organizations can use ASHRAE standards and on-premises hardware for easier monitoring. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2019
HPE gets trove of U.S. sensor data to aid exascale computing
HPE will be working with the National Renewable Energy Lab to develop AIOps aimed at improving exascale computing efficiency. The lab has a trove of data that may help. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2019
Microsoft quantum development turns toward hardware
Microsoft revealed plans to jump into the quantum hardware business with a chip capable of running quantum software. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2019
Top guidelines for edge computing software selection
Finding edge software that meets all your organization's needs requires help from both the business and IT sides. Get the right fit with use case information and developer input. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2019
Essential private cloud migration steps
Executive buy-in, application evaluation and tool configuration are all important parts of cloud selection. With these steps, admins can ensure a smooth move to private cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Oct 2019
IBM quantum computers' usefulness in sight -- using binoculars
IBM's Bob Sutor discusses Big Blue's new quantum systems and computation center, the realities of quantum computing today and how IT pros will code for these systems in the future. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2019
Addendum sets ASHRAE 90.4 as energy-efficiency standard
The publication of ASHRAE 90.4 in 2016 brought a new set of energy guidelines, but the industry still used Standard 90.1. A new addendum has changed protocol and best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Oct 2019
How to realize the benefits of software-defined infrastructure
Software-based infrastructure and services can streamline management and application data. Before you add them to your data center, consider workload needs and existing hardware. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
4 essential components to edge data center maintenance
Security, connectivity and remote management are integral parts of any edge architecture. Here's how to include them in your infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2019
New Dell EPYC servers embrace AMD Rome chips
Dell EMC goes from Naples to Rome with a new line of EPYC servers, including Ready Solutions for high-performance computing and Ready Nodes for vSAN hyper-converged infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Sep 2019
Can next-gen SIEM help cybersecurity initiatives?
More organizations are using SIEM, AI and cloud technology to minimize security breaches. Though despite interest, this combination is still in its infancy. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2019
Data center management as a service launches DCIM to the cloud
DMaaS is an option for organizations that want to use cloud-based management. Though these offerings hold a lot of promise, there are concerns about cost and function. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2019
Decrease legacy hardware security gaps
Dated infrastructure poses security threats to organizations -- especially with the amount of sensitive data used today. Address these concerns with active inventory audits. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Sep 2019
3 ways to approach legacy hardware maintenance
Budget, maintenance cycles and specialized use cases are all reasons to keep legacy hardware. Minimize costs and outages with service contracts and emulation options. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Aug 2019
Should admins learn about serverless computing?
Serverless architecture is beneficial to organizations that use virtualization and function-as-a-service models. Here's what admins should know about it. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2019
Iran says it's building an AI supercomputer, despite sanctions
In a tweet, Iran said it is building a new supercomputer. Other nations are doing the same because high performance computing platforms lend themselves to AI development. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2019
How to get out of a bad colocation contract
Renegotiation, legal action and cancellation are all options if your colocation service agreement isn't up to par. But each option requires research to avoid big fees or downtime. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Aug 2019
5 steps to include on your software update checklist
Training, testing and automation are all essential components to software updates. Implementing these concepts makes version maintenance a less herculean task. Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2019
Cray exascale computer to modernize aging nuclear weapon stockpile
The U.S. is buying an exascale system from Cray Inc., its third from the company which is now being acquired by HPE. The $600 million system will be used in nuclear weapons development. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
12 Aug 2019
83 useful Linux commands
Enterprise administrators and managers who use this guide of essential Linux commands, utilities and tools will find ways to manage files, get process status updates and more. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2019
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.7 tailored for hybrid, multi-clouds
Red Hat released RHEL version 7.7 with features that make it easier to marry its legacy systems with the latest cloud-native applications, while urging users to move to RHEL 8. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2019
Expand your edge data center vocabulary
Data, devices and distributed computing are all important parts of edge setups. Learn about edge computing components and how you might see them in your organization. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2019
AI hardware demands drive biggest server, chip deals in 2019
Many top-tier server hardware suppliers redoubled their efforts to deliver products such as supercomputers to capture a piece of the AI and machine learning hardware market. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2019
3 ways to benefit from open source infrastructure
Using open source infrastructure can reduce operating costs and streamline upgrades, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before you jump on the bandwagon. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jul 2019
Linux features beyond server management
Due to its open source nature, Linux is constantly gaining new capabilities. Here's a look at some common use cases and features. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2019
A 6-step guide for hardware disposal
Asset tracking, information logging and security measures should all be a part of hardware decommissioning. Don't miss a step with these considerations. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2019
4 essential KPIs for edge computing management
If you want to track edge deployment activity, look at storage, network and processing resources to guide workload configuration and maintenance needs. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2019
Data center managers avoid cloud migration risks
Many corporate IT users are flocking to the cloud, but a majority surprisingly remain reluctant to migrate their on-premises mission-critical workloads to a public cloud. Continue Reading
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Quiz
30 May 2019
Colocation vs. cloud: Quiz yourself on these workload expansion options
Colocation or cloud? Data centers have plenty of expansion options beyond building a new facility. Learn about each option -- and test your knowledge -- with this quiz. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2019
A guide to IaaS provider selection
Adding a cloud infrastructure service requires proper evaluation procedures and research. For a smooth transition, assess VM shapes, developer skill sets, licensing and security. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2019
How to enhance FTP server security
If you still use FTP servers in your organization, use IP address whitelists, login restrictions and data encryption -- and just a few command prompts -- to keep them secure. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2019
3 ways to approach cloud bursting
With different cloud bursting techniques and tools from Amazon, Zerto, VMware and Oracle, admins can bolster cloud connections and efficiently move data in and out of on-prem facilities. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2019
Exascale computing, now at $2.8B, described as critical to U.S.
The race to build exascale supercomputers is a project of big governments -- China, Japan, the European Union and the U.S. Initial systems are planned in the 2020 to 2021 time frame. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2019
HPE-Cray deal brings supercomputers to enterprises for AI
HPE's $1.3 billion deal to acquire supercomputing pioneer Cray Inc. should better position the company in the HPC market among IT shops looking for added muscle to run AI workloads. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2019
Red Hat CTO: Scalability, usability key RHEL 8 components
Linux software is expanding its use cases for data center and cloud options. Red Hat CTO Chris Wright details how the company is helping improve IT management and visibility. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 May 2019
With atoms and lasers, IonQ makes a quantum computing leap
Startup IonQ is taking a decidedly sci-fi approach to quantum computing, using atoms to store information, along with sophisticated lasers to retrieve and process that data. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2019
Solarflare Cloud Onload aims to improve server efficiency
Solarflare Cloud Onload, a new application acceleration platform, was designed to improve data center efficiency and remove waste from today's cloud infrastructure investments. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
RHEL 8 launches with AI, container and hybrid cloud focus
Red Hat rolled out its long-awaited Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8, designed to work across corporate data centers and multiple clouds and anchor its container and AI strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2019
Build up your SDDC security with 3 components
If you want to build a foundation for secure operations in your SDDC, software patches, account privileges and encryption should all be part of your security framework. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2019
Micro data centers build edge computing opportunities
Organizations can use micro data center deployments to increase on-site data processing. Admins can get their setups right with options from Dell and HPE. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2019
5 quick quantum computing terms to learn
Quantum computers use atomic physics to complete extensive calculations in one minute, but you might not be familiar with some quantum computing terms. This guide offers a primer. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2019
Open source virtualization expands VM hardware and OS options
Dive into open source virtualization software with VirtualBox, KVM or QEMU. Each offers customizable VM management capabilities and legacy hardware support. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2019
4 considerations for choosing a private cloud provider
Key features to look for from a private cloud provider include interoperability, scalability and how familiar admins are with the provider's technology. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2019
Intel Xeon Scalable launch prompts server upgrades
Dell and Super Micro timed server upgrades to this week's launch of next-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, based on the Cascade Lake chipset with machine learning software. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2019
IBM-Red Hat merger timing, fairness in question
Six months after IBM revealed plans to acquire Red Hat, some IT industry experts have reason to believe approvals will take longer than the companies have suggested. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2019
Top 5 Linux performance commands for system administrators
Figuring out Linux host performance issues is time-consuming without the right tools. The top, vmstat, iostat, free and sar commands can help get CPU, device and memory data. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2019
Pick the right colocation site for your organization
Colocation is more than signing a contract and installing hardware. Evaluate redundancy, rack space real estate and distance to ensure a successful colo partnership. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Mar 2019
IBM quantum computing may arrive sooner than expected
If IBM continues doubling the performance of its quantum computers, as recent benchmarks indicate, it could deliver the first commercial system in the next three to five years. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2019
Nvidia acquires Mellanox against growing AI, data competition
Nvidia acquires Mellanox for $6.9 billion, as competition increases for platforms that can handle AI and other data-intensive platforms. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2019
IBM quantum computer roadmap moves full speed ahead
With IBM releasing its latest benchmark, the company's quantum computer appears to be consistently, if not slowly marching toward commercial reality. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2019
Get started with PowerShell Core on Linux
PowerShell Core lets you configure and manage Windows, Linux and Mac-based servers in the data center. Learn how to install and navigate the command-line shell in this tip. Continue Reading
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Quiz
27 Feb 2019
Test your knowledge of cloud computing types
Not all cloud architectures are created equal. Complete this quiz to learn about which cloud models, management tools and features are helpful to data center admins. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2019
IBM adds Power to Watson Machine Learning
While they debuted few whiz-bang offerings, IBM did roll out a handful of products that allow users to run AI technologies across more platforms, including Power Systems servers and competitor clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2019
How to get the most out of your SIEM system
When it comes to threat protection, antivirus software is no longer enough. Data center admins need cloud-based SIEM to ensure their environments are fully protected. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2019
Considerations for a successful DCIM implementation
Selecting the right DCIM software is a complicated process. Make sure you have executive buy-in, vendor support and defined goals to get the best return on investment. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Broadcom execs: Here's how the CA acquisition works
Broadcom explains why its surprising acquisition of CA Technologies can work, citing complementary portfolios and the long-term viability of mainframe software. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2019
Tips for selecting a data center testing provider
Finding the right service provider for data center tests can be time-consuming. To pick the right one, be sure to have realistic objectives and a detailed SLA. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2019
Top five data center trends to watch in 2019
In 2019, data center admins should research how technologies such as AIOps, chatbots and GPUs can help them with their management, help desk and processing needs. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
IBM quantum computing system, apps lab seek commercial users
IBM finally introduced its first integrated quantum computer that is designed for commercial accounts. But the emergence of commercial apps may take some time. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jan 2019
HCI, acquisitions led 2018 data center news
In 2018, major data center vendors expanded portfolios with acquisitions for HCI and software-defined data center tech -- bolstering admin tool sets for cloud, containers and VMs. Continue Reading
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Podcast
19 Dec 2018
IBM and Microsoft open up to open source in 2018
With IBM's purchase of Linux market leader Red Hat and Microsoft buying GitHub, 2018 could prove to be a watershed year for the open source community. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Dec 2018
What containerization technology do I need for my data center?
Containers in the data center can help maximize server capacity, but there are a few things to consider before a Docker or Kubernetes implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Dec 2018
Security, staffing land atop IT's edge computing challenges
Edge computing is a new way for data center admins to process data closer to the source, but it comes with challenges around security and staffing that organizations must address head-on. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2018
Edge computing architecture helps IT support augmented reality
Augmented reality benefits greatly from reduced latency, which makes edge computing a perfect partner in the data center. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2018
How to install ZFS on Linux
ZFS on Linux lets admins error correct in real time and use solid-state disks for data caching. With the command-line interface, they can install it for these benefits. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Dec 2018
What can admins use as a data center GPU?
There is no formal standard to differentiate consumer and data center GPUs. Still, you should evaluate processing speeds and hardware requirements before GPU installation. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2018
Choosing the best OS: Linux server vs. Windows Server
When determining the best server OS for a data center, you have Windows Server and multiple Linux options. For both, you'll want to look at vendor support, cost and functionality. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2018
Navigate DCIM software selection, security and support
To properly evaluate DCIM software, pinpoint where you can benefit from more operational data and work with vendors. Then, ensure your selection fits your data center needs. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
RHEL 8 beta looks to speed development of cloud-based apps
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0 updates the software's DevOps capabilities with Application Streams, and boosts its appeal to both developers and line-of-business managers. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Nov 2018
What does GPU hardware do in the data center?
Once part of the gaming industry, GPUs are gaining traction in data center infrastructures. Learn why the power of GPUs makes them fit virtualization and data-heavy applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2018
Evaluate Linux server distros for your data center
Linux is known for its reliability and flexibility in the data center. To select the proper distribution for your servers, you'll need to evaluate your application and support needs Continue Reading