Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Looking back on KubeCon + CloudNativeCon 2022

  With this year's KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America over, review vendor updates on topics ranging from cloud-native adoption to AIOps approaches and ease-of-use offerings. Continue Reading

• AnsibleFest 2022: Automation across distributed environments

  IT environments are more distributed than ever, making infrastructure management increasingly challenging. Ansible's automation capabilities can help IT ops handle the complexity. Continue Reading

• Compare container orchestrators Apache Mesos vs. Kubernetes

  Exploring options for container orchestration? Kubernetes' popularity doesn't mean it's always the best choice. Discover the tradeoffs and use cases of Mesos vs. Kubernetes. Continue Reading

• What we can learn from the top DevOps articles of 2022

  From runbooks to open source tools and self-service portals, 2022 was a big year for DevOps. IT teams preparing for 2023 should brush up on their understanding of DevOps. Continue Reading

• 5 distributed tracing tools to ease application monitoring

  DevOps and IT teams can use distributed tracing to monitor microservices and ensure applications run smoothly. Explore five tools to help pinpoint any system issues. Continue Reading

• How automating distributed cloud infrastructure changes IT

  As IT environments become increasingly distributed and complex, organizations are exploring how automation can address their evolving IT operations and infrastructure needs.Continue Reading

• What to consider in scaling automation for distributed cloud

  Infrastructure automation accelerates IT ops, fosters innovation and creates competitive advantage -- but executive support is essential, especially in complex cloud environments.Continue Reading

• What is K3OS and how does it relate to K3s?

  Discover the potential benefits of adopting K3OS, a lightweight Linux distribution developed to run Kubernetes workloads in low-resource environments.Continue Reading

• Compare running Kubernetes on VMs vs. bare-metal servers

  Planning to run a cloud-native application with Kubernetes? Compare the advantages and drawbacks of deployments on VMs and physical servers.Continue Reading

• Get to know Amazon DevOps Guru for system monitoring

  Amazon DevOps Guru gives IT admins machine learning-driven insights into applications to respond to problems quickly and efficiently. Discover how it works and its benefits.Continue Reading

• Compare Docker vs. Podman for container management

  Docker and Podman offer similar capabilities to manage containers, but Docker's security vulnerabilities might make Podman more appealing for some admins.Continue Reading

• IRL: Cisco Live 2022 goes full-stack o11y

  Observability, or o11y, looks more deeply and broadly into an IT environment than traditional IT monitoring. At Cisco Live in June, Cisco unveiled plans for full-stack o11y.Continue Reading

• What is observability? A beginner's guide

  Observability is a management strategy focused on keeping the most relevant, important and core issues at or near the top of an operations process flow.Continue Reading

• Evaluate PowerVS for a streamlined hybrid cloud environment

  Move on-premises IT environments into the cloud with PowerVS and determine if PowerVM is a better option than -- or a better companion to -- the hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• Splunk .conf22 focuses on scaling observability for the cloud

  The Splunk .conf22 event highlighted different ways companies can expand their observability practices at multi-cloud scale to gain a competitive edge.Continue Reading

• Observability vs. monitoring: What's the difference?

  Although observability and monitoring are different concepts, they aren't mutually exclusive; both provide IT administrators with valuable insights on their systems.Continue Reading

• DevOps architect vs. engineer: What's the difference?

  DevOps engineers and architects work in the same environment, but their roles, skills and experience differ. Learn what each entails and how to prepare for one over the other.Continue Reading

• A beginner's guide to Hyper-V checkpoints

  Hyper-V checkpoints help mitigate problems with upgrade rollouts. They can pile up, so they require some storage space and management.Continue Reading

• 9 managed Kubernetes services to consider

  To counter the complexity and stress of running, deploying and managing Kubernetes, turn to a managed Kubernetes service. Compare and contrast nine popular tools.Continue Reading

• Future of containers faces tools surplus, skills shortage

  Container adoption seems inevitable, but it's not going to be smooth sailing. Experts weigh in on the state of container management -- and where it needs to go.Continue Reading

• Don't force your IT applications into edge computing

  Edge computing's primary concern is latency -- and most applications introduce too much. Consider the edge as a companion environment, not an approaching transformation.Continue Reading

• How to create a DevOps self-service portal

  Remote DevOps teams need the tools to build and deploy applications independently -- that's where self-service portals come in. Discover the benefits and how to build one.Continue Reading

• Atlassian Team '22 wrap-up: Connect dev, ops and service

  The Atlassian Team '22 conference focused in on new tools like Compass, Atlas and Analytics, with an optimistic eye to the future.Continue Reading

• How to choose the best CPU for virtualization

  Selecting the right CPU for virtual infrastructures depends on many factors, including feature sets and hardware specs. Proper configuration of processor resources is also crucial.Continue Reading

• VCP exam prep: Learn what help the VMware course provides

  The VMware Certification Professional badge is for admins with network, storage and data center virtualization know-how. Get insight into course specifics and structure.Continue Reading

• Compare open source orchestration tools for DevOps

  Orchestration is a vital piece of the modern IT ecosystem puzzle. Compare popular tools and learn how they fit together.Continue Reading

• Need a replacement? Try these 5 Docker alternatives

  Docker might be the authoritative choice for containers, but with the way the market is changing, it might not always be. Here are five other options that have merit.Continue Reading

• Virtualization trends in 2022 highlight flexibility, app delivery

  Organizations require virtualization systems that not only support different types of applications but also simplify IT administration, forcing vendors to adapt accordingly.Continue Reading

• Virtual network load balancing tools and tips

  There are many virtual load balancer options for IT teams to choose from, and each offers something a little different. Compare four of these tools here.Continue Reading

• How to install and deploy Quay on Red Hat OpenShift

  Quay enables Red Hat OpenShift users to store and manage container images -- with added advantages. Follow this tutorial to install and deploy the container registry.Continue Reading

• Access free courses with the Microsoft ESI program

  Do you qualify for the Microsoft ESI program? Here's more about it from someone who has taken advantage of it, and why you should consider it to upgrade your skill set.Continue Reading

• Threat modeling and DevOps: A partnership in the making

  Proactive threat modeling is a perfect fit for DevOps' iterative nature. Follow DevOps principles of collaboration, automation and feedback for a successful pairing.Continue Reading

• Build on the Anywhere Operations trend with composability

  The ability to access infrastructure remotely is crucial for IT organizations to meet business initiatives. Composable infrastructure is one way to support this model.Continue Reading

• 12 DevOps KPIs you should track to gauge improvement

  What's missing from your DevOps workflow? Cold, hard, impartial numbers. Track these key metrics to ensure DevOps processes achieve stated goals.Continue Reading

• ITIL vs. DevOps: What path should an enterprise choose?

  Frameworks and methodologies must keep pace with technology stacks. ITIL fell too far behind between the release of ITIL 3 and ITIL 4, but there might be a middle ground.Continue Reading

• Find the right service mesh tool for Kubernetes environments

  Kubernetes is an industry must-have, but still lacks in certain areas -- that's where service mesh comes in. Discover four service mesh tools to use with your Kubernetes platform.Continue Reading

• What to know for your virtualized storage selection process

  Not all storage virtualization is created equal. Get familiar with the types, methods and implementation considerations before you buy hardware or software for your organization.Continue Reading

• Working with Docker Compose? Use environmental variables

  Docker Compose streamlines container application deployments. Dig into the tool and see how the use of environment variables can hone the process further.Continue Reading

• When to use Kubernetes operators vs. Helm charts

  Not sure whether to use Helm charts or Kubernetes operators? Walk through examples to learn when to use each one, looking at factors like application complexity and team maturity.Continue Reading

• Take advantage of eBPF's monitoring capabilities on Linux

  The benefits of an eBPF program extend wide, including into monitoring and observability. See how the Linux kernel utility increases how much of a system an admin can monitor.Continue Reading

• Why use containers vs. VMs in a modern enterprise?

  Thinking about making the switch from VMs to containers? Compare container features against VMs to determine whether you should change where you host your applications.Continue Reading

• An introduction to eBPF and where it shines

  With eBPF, developers can customize Linux OS software without changing the kernel. Discover the utility's basics and how it can be used for networking, monitoring and security.Continue Reading

• Differences between Kubernetes Ingress vs. load balancer

  To manage Kubernetes cluster traffic, admins have a few choices. Compare Kubernetes Ingress vs. load balancers, as well as the NodePort and ClusterIP service types.Continue Reading

• Battle of the buzzwords: AIOps vs. MLOps square up

  Another -Ops has entered the arena: MLOps. Is it just another buzzword, or does the term hold its own weight? Learn more about it and how it compares to AIOps.Continue Reading

• Quiz yourself on the latest IT trends from 2021 so far

  From a string of acquisitions to companies embracing DevSecOps, 2021's news cycle hasn't slowed down. Do you know the top stories? Find out with this quiz.Continue Reading

• Compare ARM templates vs. Terraform for infrastructure as code

  ARM templates and Terraform are popular infrastructure-as-code options. Check out an Ubuntu Server VM example in each approach and learn the pros and cons of these tools.Continue Reading

• Will DevOps spell the death of the CMDB?

  While CMDBs still have value, they no longer dominate IT management. See what CMDB integration options remain and why IT admins should look beyond the repository software.Continue Reading

• Evaluate 3 application performance monitoring strategies

  There is more than one approach to performance monitoring, and each comes with its own advantages. Compare these three strategies to find the right fit for your organization.Continue Reading

• Don't limit observability to 3 pillars

  Logs, metrics and tracing are the pillars of observability but fall short in system health comprehension. Learn why data source tracking gives better insight into your environment.Continue Reading

• 5 ways SDDCs, virtualization management change business ops

  The use of software-defined data centers alters business buying criteria, removes traditional IT team silos and requires organizational investment in admin skill sets.Continue Reading

• Should IT organizations use a SaaS management platform?

  The proliferation of SaaS has created a real challenge for IT teams trying to get a handle on all their apps. See why a SaaS management platform might be the right fix.Continue Reading

• AI augments capacity planning with machine learning smarts

  With lower costs and better task optimization, AIOps can revolutionize IT infrastructures. Learn why this approach is a must-have for enterprises.Continue Reading

• Build self-healing IT systems for data resilience

  With an autonomous approach to system infrastructure, companies can save time and costs. Learn why IT admins should adopt this type of automation and how to implement it.Continue Reading

• IDC analyst: Serverless tech will change the future of IT ops

  IDC's Mary Johnston Turner discusses how the development and increasing maturity of serverless technology and AI will upend how IT operates.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between AI and IT automation?

  AI and automation go hand in hand, but there are important differences between them. Learn the basics and how an IT org can combine them to improve workflows.Continue Reading

• What is container management and why is it important?

  Container management refers to a set of practices that govern and maintain containerization software. Container management tools automate the creation, deployment, destruction and scaling of application or systems containers.Continue Reading

• Understand IT change management vs. configuration management

  When examining change management vs. configuration management, it's easy to confuse them. These examples illustrate how they intertwine, but still address different areas.Continue Reading

• Top 10 disadvantages of server virtualization

  Server virtualization is lauded for its flexibility, improved productivity and more efficient resource provisioning, but the technology is not without its drawbacks.Continue Reading

• Containers vs. VMs: What are the key differences?

  Containers have rapidly come into focus as a popular option for deploying applications, but they have limitations and are fundamentally different than VMs.Continue Reading

• Learn the differences between VM snapshot vs. backup

  When admins build their VM management and DR strategy, they must understand the differences between backups and snapshots to ensure they don't lose valuable VM data.Continue Reading

• 3 DevSecOps trends to keep an eye on

  The future of DevSecOps isn't set, but these trends are shaping its course. Learn what changes -- and risks -- your IT organization should prepare for.Continue Reading

• 10 benefits of server virtualization for businesses

  Server virtualization has come a long way since the early 2000s. It's not only good for large enterprise data centers; smaller IT shops can also realize its many benefits.Continue Reading

• Virtual servers vs. physical servers: What are the differences?

  Virtualization has cemented itself in the enterprise data center, but that doesn't mean physical servers are obsolete. They each have their benefits and uses.Continue Reading

• How to find the best server virtualization management software

  Choosing the right server virtualization management software is critical to meeting your organization's current and future needs.Continue Reading

• Memory management strategies improve VM performance

  There are several memory management options, each with their own use cases. Understanding the differences can help admins optimize virtual memory and mitigate resource contention.Continue Reading

• The remote workforce is redefining mission-critical apps

  The explosion in remote work doesn't just mean more work calls in your pajamas. IT must be prepared to support application performance and availability as mission-critical.Continue Reading

• 5 types of server virtualization explained

  Hypervisor-based might be the most common form of server virtualization in organizations, but there are other options to consider, including hardware-assisted and OS-level.Continue Reading

• Evaluate open source vs. proprietary AIOps tools

  Cut through the market hype surrounding AIOps to find the tool that suits your needs, comparing the pros and cons of open source vs. proprietary tools.Continue Reading

• Compare some of the top online IT training providers

  Everyone learns differently. So, to find the right training provider to match your style, weigh the pros and cons of these five options before you subscribe.Continue Reading

• Kubernetes deployments vs. pods: What's the difference?

  Pods and deployments are both important to using Kubernetes in production, but they're not the same. Learn the role each one plays in building and managing containerized applications.Continue Reading

• Where does NoOps fit in the future of IT Ops?

  NoOps might stand for No Operations, but the goal is to improve processes, not eliminate them. Learn how steps toward automation and cloud migration can change IT operations.Continue Reading

• Logging as a service isn't SIEM -- so what is it?

  What is LaaS and how does it work? Storing logs in the cloud can be a voluminous -- and expensive -- challenge, but the cloud offers a variety of enticing benefits.Continue Reading

• Evaluate Spinnaker vs. Jenkins for CI/CD

  Jenkins is one of the most popular CI/CD tools available, but Spinnaker enables IT teams to manage complex pipelines. Is one better than the other, or should 'vs.' be swapped with 'and'?Continue Reading

• Explore Bottlerocket's benefits and limitations

  Everything has pros and cons, but the question is whether the good outweighs the bad. Evaluate what Bottlerocket has to offer, and how it compares to Alpine Linux as a container OS.Continue Reading

• OpenShift Virtualization 2.5 simplifies VM modernization

  Red Hat's OpenShift platform enables admins to take a phased approach to retiring legacy applications while moving toward a container-based environment.Continue Reading

• Understand the differences between VPS vs. VPC

  Both a VPS and a VPC distributes resources and hosts applications, but a VPS is, essentially, a VM used as a server, whereas a VPC is a full private cloud environment.Continue Reading

• ITSM and DevOps don't have to be at odds

  Is it possible for ITSM and DevOps to coexist within the same organization? It is, but it raises plenty of questions about how and whether they are a good fit.Continue Reading

• Containers bring cloud-agnostic workloads closer to reality

  Cloud-agnostic workloads have been a largely elusive goal in enterprise IT. But has containerization -- and, particularly, Kubernetes -- made agnosticism feasible?Continue Reading

• What are the differences between OpenShift and Kubernetes?

  Red Hat OpenShift and Kubernetes share a lot of similarities -- including the same underlying container orchestration technology. So how are they different, exactly?Continue Reading

• VMware NSX vs. Microsoft Hyper-V network virtualization

  When comparing VMware NSX to Microsoft Hyper-V network virtualization, it's important to examine the software-defined networking features these two hypervisor platforms offer.Continue Reading

• Notable benefits of private cloud for IT ops staff

  Deploying a private cloud could provide more benefits than drawbacks -- although it certainly carries both. Know the specific implications of private cloud on IT ops staff.Continue Reading

• Explore the benefits of containers on bare metal vs. on VMs

  Advances in container and cloud technologies have morphed the debate over container deployment on bare-metal servers vs. VMs, with strong pros and cons for each.Continue Reading

• What are the cost considerations when buying AIOps tools?

  AIOps tools can reduce overhead for IT staff, but first, enterprises must decide how they will use the tool to know which features to budget for.Continue Reading

• Infrastructure as code benefits and DevOps use cases

  Code flexibility, automation and security top the list of reasons to use IaC for DevOps use cases. But without careful management, they can quickly present problems.Continue Reading

• Mini PCs for business offer improved performance, reduced costs

  Mini PCs are a low-cost hardware alternative to servers that enable organizations to maintain maximum data center features and capabilities in remote office locations.Continue Reading

• How to evaluate VDI hardware requirements

  VDI has specific hardware needs that servers hosting other virtualized workloads may not meet. Learn how to gauge VDI hardware requirements for servers, storage and more.Continue Reading

• Compare runbooks vs. playbooks for IT process documentation

  Despite some contextual differences, runbooks and playbooks serve a similar purpose in the enterprise: to document critical processes.Continue Reading

• QEMU 5.0 continues a legacy of emulation

  Admins looking for an alternative tool for emulating hardware should consider QEMU, which supports x86, PowerPC, ARM and SPARC architectures.Continue Reading

• An overview of Xen Cloud Platform components, features

  Xen's open source product, XCP, enables admins to perform various virtualization operations, such as live migrations and VM lifecycle management.Continue Reading

• 3 key ways DevOps benefits a business

  DevOps adoption can strain an organization. Is it worth the effort? Here's what a business should expect to gain when implementing DevOps and continuous delivery.Continue Reading

• 5 open source software applications for virtualization

  Open source software comes with many benefits, but admins must first determine whether each tool's use cases align with their workload needs.Continue Reading

• A beginner's guide to hosted and bare-metal virtualization

  Choosing a virtualization approach isn't a matter of competition. Admins must consider their personal use cases to determine which hypervisor type suits their needs.Continue Reading

• Understand the pros and cons of the IBM PowerVM

  IBM's enterprise virtualization product, PowerVM, offers a host of benefits, but it also comes with challenges that admins should familiarize themselves with prior to implementation.Continue Reading

• 5 leading data virtualization tools offer integration strategy

  Learn which features and capabilities your organization should consider in order to select the data virtualization platform that will best fits its needs.Continue Reading

• Tools and techniques to master API management in production

  APIs are a cornerstone of modern application development. IT ops teams must monitor and manage APIs in production to resolve issues that hinder performance.Continue Reading

• What is a Docker container vs. an image?

  Docker images, Dockerfiles and containers are all instrumental in a Docker setup. Learn what tasks each component completes and how they interact with each other to run applications.Continue Reading

• When to use canary vs. blue/green vs. rolling deployment

  App deployment strategies such as rolling updates and blue/green environments help IT organizations manage change with minimal risk. See which strategy fits your application.Continue Reading

• An overview of Knative use cases, benefits and challenges

  Knative might be more complex than a serverless platform in the public cloud, but for IT shops already committed to Kubernetes and microservices, it could be worth the leap.Continue Reading

• Choose the best programming language for DevOps workflows

  DevOps is a rapidly evolving set of technologies and practices; choosing the right programming language -- or languages -- makes a big difference in terms of functionality, efficiency and speed.Continue Reading

• Explore common machine learning use cases in IT operations

  Machine learning is a hot topic with use cases that span IT and the business. Learn how IT operations teams most commonly apply the technology -- from help desk response to gauging end-user satisfaction.Continue Reading