Tips

Tips

• 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

• Projections and feasibility of data centers in space

  Earth has a limited amount of land, and data centers occupy large amounts of it. Data centers in space would reduce land use and energy costs, while improving processing speeds.  Continue Reading

• Solar shift: How data centers can embrace renewable energy

  Demand for electricity calls for integration of renewable resources. Solar power provides data centers with energy independence, cost predictability and a sustainable power source.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Hydrogen fuel cells advantages, disadvantages in data centers

  Hydrogen fuel cells are sustainable energy sources that produce low to zero carbon emissions. Explore the pros and cons of hydrogen fuel use and the likelihood of its future use.  Continue Reading

• HCL vs. JSON: Configuration language uses, pros and cons

  HCL and JSON are similar configuration languages. These languages are meant for specific IaC scenarios, so companies should understand the syntax and editing tools for each.  Continue Reading

• Calculate UPS battery backup time to prepare for power failure

  Extreme heat and inadequate cooling systems can lead to power failures in data centers. Calculate the duration of your UPS battery supply to prepare for backup power needs.  Continue Reading

• Rocky Linux vs. AlmaLinux: Which is better?

  Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are new distributions created after Red Hat announced the discontinuation of CentOS. These distributions plan to be 1-to-1 compatible with RHEL.  Continue Reading

• 10 top AI hardware and chip-making companies in 2024

  Due to rapid AI hardware advancement, companies are releasing advanced products yearly to keep up with the competition. The new competitive product on the market is the AI chip.  Continue Reading

• 8 best practices for configuration file management

  Configuration files are vital for system deployment and management. Consider improving file management with proper planning, centralization, automation and testing.  Continue Reading

• Explore underwater data centers' viability, sustainability

  Tests off coastlines around the world are measuring the feasibility of underwater data centers. With proper maintenance and security, 40% of the population could use them.  Continue Reading

• How to implement nuclear energy for data centers

  Sustainable and renewable energy sources are necessary for data centers to meet emissions requirements by 2030. Nuclear power is a unique option for clean energy to run data centers.  Continue Reading

• A checklist to consider when moving to a new data center

  Data center moves are stressful, but proper planning can make it successful. Follow this guide to understand what admins can do themselves and where professional help is necessary.  Continue Reading

• Platform engineering best practices for data centers

  Platform engineering is an emerging discipline that optimizes DevOps workflows with internal developer platforms. It enhances efficiency through automation and standardized tools.  Continue Reading

• Useful commands to check CPU info in Linux systems

  You can issue commands through your Linux CLI to gather CPU information, including detailed information on cores, class, virtualization support, architecture and usage.  Continue Reading

• Understand the uses of blockchain in data centers

  Blockchain is most famous for its cryptocurrency applications, but data centers can employ it for a variety of business-related reasons -- including increased security.  Continue Reading

• Next steps to consider before CentOS 7 end of life

  In today's world of security threats, it's critical to keep OSes up to date. As the end-of-life date for CentOS 7 approaches, companies can no longer delay distribution migration.  Continue Reading

• Maximize data center cooling efficiency by controlling airflow

  Cool air is expensive, and wasting it is inefficient. Maintaining hot and cool air separation maximizes cooling effectiveness, energy efficiency and air conditioner performance.  Continue Reading

• Maximize UPS capacity with three-phase power

  A data center's UPS might not be overloaded. Check loads on the circuits and balance all three phases as closely as possible to obtain efficient capacity and energy out of the UPS.  Continue Reading

• 8 green computing best practices

  As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, these sustainability best practices can help your data center go greener, which benefits both your business and the environment.  Continue Reading

• 7 considerations for data center site selection

  An incredible amount of research must go into data center site selection. If the location does not fit company demands, the data center cannot perform as necessary.  Continue Reading

• Data center power backup options to deal with downtime

  Generators, UPS systems and batteries work in tandem to safeguard data centers against power outages, fluctuations and grid failures. Admins must know what system is best for them.  Continue Reading

• Safeguard data center power with regular UPS maintenance

  There are several levels of testing to address when developing a UPS maintenance checklist. Be sure to conduct visual, thermal and load tests to verify UPS health.  Continue Reading

• What to know about hybrid data center security strategies

  Cybersecurity is critical to protect data and systems. Admins of hybrid data centers must understand the risks of a hybrid model and how specific cyberattacks can be prevented.  Continue Reading

• How to maintain data center power systems

  Regular maintenance of data center power systems is necessary to have properly functioning equipment and backup power options. Common failures are batteries and loose connections.  Continue Reading

• How to calculate data center cooling requirements

  Data center cooling requirements are affected by several factors, including the equipment's heat output, floor area, facility design and electrical system power rating.  Continue Reading

• How to understand advancements in modern data centers

  Data center advancements are rapidly occurring with storage demand. Some advancements, like an increase in temperatures, are necessary for more sustainable data center operations.  Continue Reading

• Guide to lift-and-shift data center migration

  The lift-and-shift approach moves an app and its data from one environment to another. Understanding the pros and cons can help a data center admin decide on proper strategies.  Continue Reading

• Importance of backup generator power for data centers

  Data center generators are rarely run; however, they must go through regular testing and maintenance to ensure they work when a power outage occurs to prevent server downtime.  Continue Reading

• Use Glances to monitor your data center systems

  Glances is a real-time, Python-based performance monitor. Administrators with data centers that house multiple OSes should consider installing Glances.  Continue Reading

• Sustainability benefits of cloud computing data centers

  Cloud computing data centers use large amounts of electricity, but a main sustainability benefit is the cloud's large scale and ability to store more data.  Continue Reading

• 6 machine learning applications for data center optimization

  AI and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize data center operations. They can manage facilities more efficiently by optimizing power consumption and monitoring.  Continue Reading

• An overview of containerized data centers and their benefits

  The rise in digital information is causing a shortage in data center storage space. Containerized data centers can be for permanent or temporary use.  Continue Reading

• ISO 14644 cleanroom standards for data centers

  There are regulated requirements to maintain data center equipment and functionality. ISO 14644 cleanroom standards lay out guidelines to keep data centers clean.  Continue Reading

• 4 data center trends to watch in 2024

  With rising demand for data space, companies must plan to expand their data centers in an eco-friendly way. 2024 data center trends have one main focus: sustainability.  Continue Reading

• XML vs. YAML: Compare configuration file formats

  Databases use data serialization languages, like XML and YAML, to transfer data between applications. XML and YAML have different strengths; admins should know how to use each correctly.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid malware on Linux systems

  Malware attacks are devastating to companies, and there is no exception for Linux systems. Consider updating systems and assigning correct permissions.  Continue Reading

• How to manage data center water usage sustainably

  Data centers use large amounts of water to maintain equipment. This consumption is causing water pollution and scarcity. Companies must start to release consumption reports.  Continue Reading

• A primer on AI chip design

  Four common AI chips -- CPU, GPU, FPGA and ASIC -- are advancing with the current market for AI chip design. Read on to see what the future holds for AI chips.  Continue Reading

• Improve efficiency with server energy consumption tools

  Deciding what servers are most efficient for your infrastructure requires research. Hardware-level certifications and web-based tools can help you select the right option.  Continue Reading

• Use ASHRAE guidelines to get server temperature right

  Follow ASHRAE's guidelines to set up the right facility for your hardware by understanding proper conditions, such as filtration and inlet air temperature recommendations.  Continue Reading

• Essential components and tools of server monitoring

  Server monitoring requires a list of the right tools to use and infrastructure components to watch. A workflow with these concepts ensures uptime and helps usage predictions.  Continue Reading

• Data center air quality: The air servers breathe

  Monitor data center air quality to ensure best working conditions for equipment. Particulates and gaseous contaminants cause irreversible damage if you do not use proper filtration.  Continue Reading

• Use the data center circular economy for sustainability

  Building data center servers and hardware requires use of many of Earth's nonrenewable resources. Data center owners must adopt the circular economy system for sustainability.  Continue Reading

• Modular data center vs. traditional: When to choose each

  Organizations have two options for using a data center: modular or traditional. Before deciding, companies should know how much power and cost can come from each option.  Continue Reading

• 8 Linux distributions to replace CentOS

  Red Hat's discontinuation of CentOS is causing individual users and companies to look elsewhere for an RHEL-compatible OS. Look into compatibility and migration tools to decide.  Continue Reading

• Top 11 Linux certifications

  Choosing among Linux certifications can seem daunting, but there are differences to all options that can help you decide which is best for you and your organization.  Continue Reading

• Red Hat vs. SUSE: How do these Linux distributions stack up?

  Deciding between Red Hat and SUSE may not seem simple, but comparing training, pricing and certifications should help companies understand which would best suit their employees.  Continue Reading

• Server room cleaning -- not a DIY project

  Server room cleaning is crucial for maintaining the life span of equipment in the data center. This task involves professional help to minimize operation interruptions.  Continue Reading

• 7 common data center migration challenges to avoid

  Admins should consider seven common data center migration challenges upfront to save money, prevent data loss and avoid delays during the migration process.  Continue Reading

• Consider these 6 data center cleaning best practices

  Data center admins that follow cleaning best practices can extend the life span of equipment and better ensure assets don't get damaged. Use these six tips to keep data centers clean.  Continue Reading

• Guide to data center migration types

  Businesses that rely on physical and cloud storage need to use data migration to simplify their infrastructure and choose from three major types to accommodate specific needs.  Continue Reading

• Cloud vs. traditional data center: Which is right for you?

  Enterprises can choose to place workloads in the cloud vs. on-premises data centers, or take a hybrid approach. Check out the factors that can help make the decision.  Continue Reading

• Data center heat reuse: How to make the most of excess heat

  Data center heat doesn't need to go to waste. As part of a sustainability strategy, explore ways to put the heat your data center produces to work, and consider heat reuse.  Continue Reading

• 8 benefits of data center virtualization

  Organizations with virtualized data center components can save on hardware, comply easier with regulations and increase speed. Consider virtualization for your infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• What is the best OS for Docker?

  Admins that want to run Docker containers can choose from Linux distros, including Ubuntu Core, RancherOS and others. Compare options for Docker OSes.  Continue Reading

• Data center cooling challenges and how to solve them

  Data centers that are not properly cooled can see equipment work inefficiently or become damaged. Learn some common cooling challenges and assess ways to solve them.  Continue Reading

• Data center tiers and why they matter for uptime

  Organizations should consider data center tiers of colocation providers or for their own data centers based on their uptime needs. Examine the differences among the four tiers.  Continue Reading

• Explore Red Hat's bring-your-own-subscription model for RHEL

  Many organizations use pay-as-you-go models with public cloud providers to run their Red Hat products in the cloud. Explore how bring-your-own-subscription differs.  Continue Reading

• Strategies to work toward data center decarbonization

  Global temperatures are rising, and organizations can do their part by decarbonizing their data centers. Examine ways to cut back on data center carbon emissions.  Continue Reading

• Compare two Linux security modules: SELinux vs. AppArmor

  Use SELinux or AppArmor to protect Linux servers, but examine the differences between them. AppArmor is easier to use but does not give admins as much control as SELinux.  Continue Reading

• Data center redundancy: The basics

  Downtime can cost businesses thousands, and redundancy is one way to minimize disruptions. Assess uptime requirements when building redundancy in data center facilities.  Continue Reading

• Differences between Green Globes vs. LEED for data centers

  Consider Green Globes and LEED certifications when building green data centers. Learn the differences in how the assessments are done, the costs and documentation needs.  Continue Reading

• 6 data center migration best practices

  Data center migrations can be a complex process. Use best practices when migrating a data center to ensure maximum uptime, avoid data loss and stay on schedule.  Continue Reading

• Navigate Energy Star data center standard and certification

  Organizations can use the Energy Star data center standard and certified assets to be more energy efficient. Consider Energy Star certification to preserve capital and save energy.  Continue Reading

• Make mainframe operations efficient with these strategies

  Mainframes affect organizational bottom lines. An expert outlines some key strategies to maintain reliability while keeping mainframe operation costs in check.  Continue Reading

• How to use ChatGPT for mainframe application management

  ChatGPT can help IT admins manage mainframe applications by converting, optimizing and improving code. Also, it can create checklists and provide advice for mainframe management.  Continue Reading

• 5 steps for mainframe migration

  The complicated task of migrating time-tested mainframe environments calls for careful assessment, attention to technical details and thorough project planning.  Continue Reading

• Understand top public cloud repatriation use cases

  Cloud technology can pose billing, management and compliance issues. Here are five reasons why repatriating cloud workloads back on premises might be a better option.  Continue Reading

• Tips to use the Cockpit web consoles

  Admins that use Cockpit to manage Linux servers can use the web consoles to add users, build firewalls and perform other tasks. Use these web consoles to oversee your servers.  Continue Reading

• Examine the benefits of data center consolidation

  Many data centers have too many assets. Data center consolidation can help organizations make better use of assets, cut costs, and improve security and compliance.  Continue Reading

• 4 PowerShell modules every IT pro should know

  Find out how to use four of the most popular PowerShell community modules in the PowerShell Gallery to help better manage your data center and automate certain tasks.  Continue Reading

• ASHRAE standard 90.4 updates emphasize green energy

  New addenda to ASHRAE 90.4 simplify mechanical load component calculations and modify the definition of UPS, among other changes. Use the updates to guide green data center design.  Continue Reading

• Use Cockpit for Linux remote server administration

  Linux admins can use Cockpit to view Linux logs, monitor server performance and manage users. Use the tool to help admins manage servers, regardless of experience level.  Continue Reading

• A primer on hyperscale data centers

  Hyperscale data centers can hold thousands of servers and process much more data than an enterprise facility. However, they can be difficult to build and maintain.  Continue Reading

• Get familiar with who builds 5G infrastructure

  Organizations that build 5G data centers may need to upgrade their infrastructure. These 5G providers offer products like virtual RAN options, wireless access routers and others.  Continue Reading

• Explore 7 future potential quantum computing uses

  Organizations stand to benefit from the compute power of quantum computing as it develops. The tech has potential uses in supply chains, financial modeling and other areas.  Continue Reading

• Use ISO 50001:2018 as a guide for green data centers

  Data centers use a lot of energy, and it can be difficult to navigate how to reduce energy use. ISO 50001:2018 provides guidance to create energy-saving plans and use targets.  Continue Reading

• Learn different data lake vs. data warehouse uses

  Data lakes and data warehouses both store big data. When choosing a lake or warehouse, consider factors such as cost and what insights or analytics you need to gain from the data.  Continue Reading

• Classical vs. quantum computing: What are the differences?

  Classical and quantum computers have many differences in their compute capabilities and operational traits. Know their differences to help prepare data centers.  Continue Reading

• Key differences between BICSI and TIA/EIA standards

  Data center standards help organizations design facilities for efficiency and safety. Organizations can use BICSI and TIA standards as guidance for data center design.  Continue Reading

• Use NFPA data center standards to help evade fire risks

  A fire in a data center can damage equipment, cause data loss and put personnel in harm's way. Look to NFPA fire protection guidelines to hedge your risk against data center fires.  Continue Reading

• Learn what SDN data center controllers do in a network

  In a software-defined network, SDN data center controllers are a crucial component. Consider factors such as performance and compatibility when examining controller options.  Continue Reading

• Include VXLANs in data centers for quicker network speeds

  VXLANs add network isolation and enable organizations to scale data center networks more efficiently. Consider VXLANs to expand a data center network and improve performance.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for data center network optimization

  Data center network optimization can improve business impact and promote long-term equipment health. Look to pilot new equipment, consolidate servers and improve energy efficiency.  Continue Reading

• Tips to build a data center airflow management strategy

  Airflow in data centers is crucial for equipment health. While the hot aisle/cold aisle is popular, examine other options like side-to-side airflow and top-of-rack switches.  Continue Reading

• The implications of blockchain in the chip shortage

  Blockchain has been a significant contributor to the global chip shortage. Explore the role this rising technology has played.  Continue Reading

• Create file server screens and quotas in FSRM

  File Server Resource Manager can help data center admins keep track of what files get stored on their servers and how much space users take up. Learn to use key FSRM features.  Continue Reading

• Understand the rise in leaf-spine architecture

  Leaf-spine networks can help cut costs, reduce carbon footprints and optimize network traffic for data centers. Learn why this network architecture is on the rise.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate 5G networks vs. 4G for data centers

  5G networking requires organizations and data centers to support IoT, while 4G requires increased machinery. Learn more about the differences between 5G and 4G for data centers.  Continue Reading

• Explore liquid cooling for data centers

  Discover the different classifications of liquid cooling -- such as direct-to-chip, liquid immersion or rear-door heat exchangers -- before adopting it in your data center.  Continue Reading

• 6 ways to increase energy efficiency in data centers

  Although there is no one single trick that admins can use to achieve an energy-efficient data center, there are several small things that can significantly decrease energy use.  Continue Reading

• Data center temperature and humidity guidelines

  ASHRAE maintains a recommended list of humidity and temperature level standards for data centers. Discover how to keep your data center environment in tiptop shape.  Continue Reading

• How much energy do data centers consume?

  High energy consumption continues to be an issue in the data center, but organizations are moving to energy-efficient systems to manage and reduce their power usage.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a MySQL database in Linux

  Learn to prepare for a SQL-based Linux database, create a new database and create database users with permissions. This enables you to work with many other services.  Continue Reading

• How 5G affects data centers and how to prepare

  Data centers can prepare for the rise of 5G networking by understanding how it functions, upgrading crucial infrastructure and understanding how 5G networks can benefit them.  Continue Reading

• Advice for data centers looking to change operating systems

  When you swap out a data center's primary OS, first, consider the purpose of your replacement OS and its optimal workloads. Then, you can create an OS migration plan.  Continue Reading

• Discover disaster recovery and backup for edge networks

  Proper backup and DR at the edge requires an awareness of the specific challenges edge devices present, and appropriate plans and tooling to help ease management.  Continue Reading

• Data center safety tips to protect staff

  Safety in the data center requires organizations to identify and address a variety of risk factors, from electrical systems to staff illness.  Continue Reading

• 8 things to know when switching from Windows to Linux

  Switching to Linux from Windows can present new challenges for beginner Linux admins. Here are eight tips to keep in mind when adopting a Linux OS if you've only used Windows.  Continue Reading