IT applications, infrastructure and operations
IT infrastructure and operations management excellence has become essential to maintain quality control over technology-related policies, processes and equipment. Read news and tips to assist modern IT operations and infrastructure management, including strategies to ensure the proper flow of data throughout enterprise applications and other information systems.
Top Stories
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Feature
27 Jun 2023
What is the metaverse? An explanation and in-depth guide
The metaverse is described as the inevitable evolution of the internet. But what exactly is the metaverse, and what will it become? Learn what businesses need to know now. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2023
How to become a smart contract developer
Blockchain fundamentals, programming knowledge, security awareness, and experience in testing and debugging are among the major requirements in smart contract development. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2023
5 types of software architecture design worth knowing
While it's impossible to identify any software design style as the 'most important' to know, there are five major patterns with which all architects should arguably become familiar. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2023
Server prices drop while cloud costs rise in PPI data
The U.S. government's latest inflation reading shows moderating hardware prices, which spiked in mid-2022. Cloud costs, however, have been moving in the opposite direction. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2023
June Patch Tuesday settles two Exchange Server bugs
Microsoft's plans for upcoming security hardening in Kerberos and Netlogon protocols will have admins busy with testing over the next several weeks. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2023
Top 7 smart contract platforms to consider in 2023
Platform speed, scalability, security and smart contract development support vary widely. Here's how to match features to your needs, plus the lowdown on the major players. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2023
How to write an RFP for a software purchase, with template
Software buying teams should understand how to create an effective RFP. Here's a look at what components to include, along with a free, customizable template. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 May 2023
Learn about the Azure Stack HCI benefits for admins
The hyper-converged infrastructure offering promises to reduce the headaches associated with running virtualized workloads on hardware sourced from multiple vendors. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2023
Blockchain vs. database: Similarities, differences explained
Choosing between blockchain and traditional databases -- or using them together -- requires knowing how each one handles data management and the skills needed to make them work. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2023
Early-stage companies pursue the practical at CIO event
Startups in the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium's Innovation Showcase said their offerings tackle key enterprise IT concerns, from automating manual processes to cutting cloud costs. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2023
4 tips CIOs can use to drive change management
CIOs and IT leaders should be key drivers of change management programs. Learn valuable tips for navigating complexity and scaling technology rollouts. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2023
How one CIO drives business transformation through tech
Tom Peck, CIDO at Sysco, shares valuable insights into the key role that CIOs play as a transformation driver while managing emerging technologies such as AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2023
Improve automation skills with the AD Administrative Center
You might know that you can use PowerShell to handle repetitive Active Directory tasks. But were you aware the Active Directory Administrative Center can help write the code? Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2023
CIOs take on organizational adaptability, resilience
CIOs and other tech executives are bracing their organizations to remain flexible in a period of unpredictable developments and bounce back when they take a punch. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
15 May 2023
Red Hat Summit 2023 news and conference guide
Use this Red Hat Summit conference guide to stay up to date on current trends, emerging technologies and information from keynote speakers and industry experts. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2023
Light May Patch Tuesday will weigh heavily on Windows admins
A zero-day that targets the Secure Boot feature will require extensive work from sysadmins to protect Windows systems from the Black Lotus bootkit. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 May 2023
MIT-CIO event explores digital resilience amid disruption
Allan Tate, executive chair of the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, shares an overview of the 2023 event, including focus areas such as cybersecurity and tech evaluation. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2023
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
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Guest Post
04 May 2023
Generative AI in the enterprise: Lessons learned
The use of generative AI in the enterprise is changing software interactions and customer engagement. Four use cases can help IT leaders better understand the tech's potential. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2023
Unify business and IT with DevOps value stream management
Value stream management can be a powerful tool to align DevOps with the business by optimizing data analysis and improving collaboration and reporting. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2023
Get a grip on your infrastructure with a custom MMC
Microsoft provides great administration tools, such as PowerShell and Server Manager. But don't neglect the venerable Microsoft Management Console for its flexibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2023
7 generative AI challenges that businesses should consider
The promise of revolutionary, content-generating AI models has a flip side: the perils of misuse, algorithmic bias, technical complexity and workforce restructuring. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
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
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Tip
19 Apr 2023
7 top generative AI benefits for business
This rapidly evolving artificial intelligence field has the potential to help organizations quickly generate content, improve customer service and develop new products. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2023
Tips to avoid a bumpy Exchange 2010 migration to Office 365
Now that Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2013 are legacy products, administrators should make the push to migrate to avoid becoming the next ransomware target. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2023
Tech pricing dips slightly in March as broader PPI declines
Servers, storage and professional services all saw decreases in the U.S. government's latest inflation update. Will prices continue to drop or repeat last year's volatility? Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2023
Microsoft mends Windows zero-day on April Patch Tuesday
What's old is new again as multiple security updates from the past made a comeback this month to push the total number of vulnerabilities addressed to 102. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2023
IT spending priorities point to cyber, cloud and data
TechTarget's survey of IT professionals underlines the continued importance of security and cloud initiatives, as well as increased interest in data management and governance. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Mar 2023
3 strategies CIOs can use to improve IT's efficiency
In uncertain times, CIOs need to take appropriate measures to improve IT efficiency. These practical strategies can also strengthen an organization's long-term goals. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2023
Top 10 enterprise technology trends for 2023
IT investments underpin an organizational performance and help businesses gain a competitive edge. That's why CIOs and IT leaders should know the top enterprise tech trends. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2023
Deploy WebJEA to empower your users with PowerShell
Give your automation scripts a GUI that makes it easier for end users to get the information they need with a more streamlined approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2023
IT leaders drive evolution of digital transformation
Some CIOs are redefining digital transformation, while others abandon the term. What comes next will feature smaller projects, higher levels of automation and a dose of pragmatism. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2023
AWS public cloud advocate talks cloud spend, ChatGPT and ESG
In this Q&A, AWS' Mark Schwartz argues that a pure cloud future is inevitable to manage ESG compliance, test cutting edge technologies and weather economic turbulence. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2023
Rockwell Automation manufacturer poll finds tech paralysis
Rockwell Automation's annual manufacturer survey found a third unable to choose technology and almost half struggling to achieve a return on investment on purchased technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2023
Improve IT efficiency with a PowerShell self-service portal
You can jump over the technical barriers that impede automation efforts in your organization by exploring how to deploy a web-based portal that hosts your scripts. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
How to prepare for the next version of Exchange Server
The Exchange Server roadmap charts several twists and turns that shows Microsoft deviating from its typical course with the server-based email platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2023
10 key ESG and sustainability trends, ideas for companies
From consumers to employees to investors, more people are choosing companies that prioritize environmental, social and governance concerns. Here are 10 ESG trends that matter. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2023
Connected product, a Bluetooth jump-rope, reflects digital shift
Crossrope faced hardware, software and marketing challenges -- along with the need to satisfy data-hungry fitness enthusiasts -- when it launched its first connected offering. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2023
Microsoft stops two zero-days for March Patch Tuesday
The company corrects actively exploited vulnerabilities that affected Microsoft Outlook and the Windows OS in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2023
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
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News
14 Mar 2023
Silicon Valley Bank failure might further stymie tech funding
While the finance and tech sectors shuddered after the sudden demise of two tech-focused banks, financial damage appears to be contained amid general slowdown in tech funding. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2023
Why you should plan to migrate to Exchange 2019 soon
An upgrade to the latest Exchange version will bring added functionality for end users and security enhancements. But it will also help ease the transition to Exchange vNext. Continue Reading
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Podcast
28 Feb 2023
New SAP blockchain applications target B2B collaboration
SAP's Benjamin Stoeckhert reveals the most common types of blockchain applications, explains SAP product offerings and gives tips on how to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2023
10 key digital transformation tools CIOs need
A key responsibility of the CIO is to stay ahead of disruptions. Learn about digital transformation tools that could help secure an organization's long-term success. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2023
4 challenges for creating a culture of innovation
Successful technology introduction pivots on a business's ability to embrace change. CIOs need to encourage risk-taking while providing guardrails to keep deployments on track. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2023
Server prices on the rise as inflation still complicates IT
Technology products remain a mixed inflationary bag as server prices increase, storage costs decline and equipment delivery lead times complicate matters in networking. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Feb 2023
How to filter Security log events for signs of trouble
Certain accounts, such as company executives, will draw unwanted attention from hackers. Learn how to catch these targeted attacks by checking Windows event logs. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Feb 2023
Web 3.0 security risks: What you need to know
Elements of the third version of the web are coming to fruition. But Web 3.0 also comes with new cybersecurity, financial and privacy threats besides the familiar risks of Web 2.0. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2023
Microsoft remedies three zero-days on February Patch Tuesday
The company releases its security updates to shut down the vulnerabilities threat actors have been actively using for attacks in the wild. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2023
Web 2.0 vs. Web 3.0 vs. Web 1.0: What's the difference?
It's important to know what might happen in the evolution from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. Learn their differences and how the original web laid the groundwork for the internet's future. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2023
10 core features of Web 3.0 technology
Web 3.0 promises to provide what Web 2.0 can't: autonomy for content creators to monetize their own data through blockchain, decentralization, user data ownership and private keys. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2023
The biggest advantages and disadvantages of Web 3.0
The benefits of next-generation Web 3.0 technologies like blockchain and smart contracts get much of the attention, but the downsides include complexity and resource intensiveness. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2023
The 10 most promising tools for Web 3.0 development
Web 3.0 doesn't exist yet, but there are many tools for developing apps for the next generation web and bridging the gap from today's Web 2.0 infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2023
Speed up onboarding with Active Directory user templates
Active Directory account templates are not difficult to make. But it helps to know how to use certain shortcuts, like variables, to create home directories and roaming profiles. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2023
Capital One machine learning strategy taps MLOps
The financial services company harnesses ML for several use cases and aims to deploy the technology at scale through standardized infrastructure and the MLOps methodology. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
5 ways Web 3.0 will impact digital marketing
If Web 3.0 can provide greater privacy, more marketing reach and better targeting, the World Wide Web's latest iteration could ease the online customer personalization problem. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2023
ERP vs. EPM: Which should you choose?
ERP and EPM differ in several ways. Learn how the individual systems work alone, how they complement each other and how they can increase an organization's efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2023
EDR tools for Windows Server compared
Windows Server 2022 comes with native security technologies to protect the enterprise. But endpoint detection and response tools can be worth the price of admission. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2023
How to become a Web 3.0 developer: Required skills and guide
Web 3.0 may be years away, but blockchain and web development tools have been around a while. Prepare by learning the fundamentals and getting experience on the right tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jan 2023
Top 8 Web 3.0 trends and predictions for 2023 and beyond
It's still early days for the next major iteration of the world wide web, but that's all likely to change soon. Here's how experts say Web 3.0 will evolve in the coming year. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2023
Technology diffusion strategies for CIOs and the VC mindset
Whether a technology investment pays off depends in large part on how fast and widely it's adopted. CIOs can take a page from the VC playbook to improve the odds of success. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
10 benefits of adopting project portfolio management
Project portfolio management takes a centralized approach to managing projects and focuses on aligning projects with company goals. Learn how it adds value to project management. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2023
Best project portfolio management software and tools in 2023
Project portfolio management software and tools in 2023 promote strategic management of projects and agile tactics. Read our PPM list for guidance on which tools do what. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2023
Gartner halves 2023 IT spending growth
Gartner lowered its forecast for IT spending to 2.4% over 2022. The firm expects CIOs to be more cautious and delay some purchases while riding out the economic uncertainty. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2023
Gartner IT spending trends, PPI data show mixed economic bag
Gartner's global IT spending forecast reflects diverging economic trends as does U.S. inflation data, which shows a drop in professional services costs and an uptick for storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2023
Project portfolio risk management: Learn the key tenets
Project portfolio risk management is a holistic approach to managing project risk. Learn about its benefits and what can get in the way of success. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2023
16 top business process management tools for 2023
BPM tools are evolving rapidly as vendors add intelligent automation tools, cloud-based functionality and user-friendly features. Read about products from 16 top BPMS providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2023
Project vs. program vs. portfolio management
Project, program and portfolio management are related, but they represent three distinct disciplines. Learn about the responsibilities and goals of each and how they differ. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2023
Microsoft resolves Windows zero-day on January Patch Tuesday
The company also issues five corrections, all with a rating of important, to address vulnerabilities on its on-premises Exchange Server email platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Dec 2022
Top 7 CIO challenges in 2023 and how to handle them
Technology managers will be boosting cybersecurity, optimizing previous investments and staying on top of AI -- while they also deal with a difficult economic climate. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2022
10 factors reshaping the role of the CIO in 2023
Yes, the economy is a large factor in how CIOs will do their jobs next year. Insiders point to nine other factors that will influence the role of the CIO in 2023. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2022
How to lower IT's digital carbon footprint
Digital technologies have a hidden environmental cost that too-few leaders have on their radar. Learn which technologies have a digital carbon footprint and what IT can do to help. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2022
Top 30 IoT interview questions and answers for 2023
Do you or a job candidate have what it takes to meet the demands of IoT? Find out with our 30 questions and answers on planning, deploying and maintaining the internet of things. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
Let EAs lead your enterprise sustainability strategy
Enterprise architects are well positioned to advise the CIO when it comes to the sustainability strategy. Their choices cut across the corporate infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
How companies can overcome the IT worker shortage
Research shows organizations are still struggling to bring in IT talent. We identify the reasons why there's a shortage and what CIOs and other IT leaders can do to combat it. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Dec 2022
2022 year in review: Top business topics
The business world saw changes in 2022. Themes -- such as the rise and fall of cryptocurrency, changes to social media and navigating employment -- are all included in this review. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2022
36 edge computing companies to watch in 2023
With the amount of data organizations are generating today, IT leaders should consider edge computing technologies to keep all that data closer to the edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2022
8 top CIO trends and priorities for 2023
CIOs face a tough challenge in 2023 as they balance the need for technology investment and the need for fiscal prudence. Business agility is key. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2022
7 edge computing trends to watch in 2023 and beyond
As edge computing continues to evolve, organizations are trying to bring data closer to the edge. We identify the top trends they should look out for. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2022
Top 10 cloud computing careers of 2023 and how to get started
Cloud computing touches many aspects of modern life, and the need for cloud professionals is great. Learn about the necessary skills and education for a cloud computing career. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
History of the metaverse explained
The term 'metaverse' has only recently gained currency, but its history is long. Learn about the technologies that gave rise to a concept many believe will change civilization. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
Top metaverse investors and how to start investing
Would-be metaverse investors have many ways to get in on the action. Read our coverage of the metaverse's top investors, direct investing opportunities and investment risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
Metaverse privacy concerns and how to address them
Data privacy in the metaverse is a moving target. Learn about the main privacy issues and risk for businesses and users -- and how best to address them. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
12 top metaverse predictions for 2030
Like AI before it, the metaverse carries unlimited potential and hyperbole. We address the questions of how big, how fast, how far, how scary and how impactful on businesses. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2022
How will the metaverse affect the future of work?
Field trips to the Louvre for inspiration, sped-up learning, onboarding reimagined -- how will the metaverse change our working environments and when? It depends. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2022
Tech inflation data drops -- what does it mean for IT budgets?
The U.S. government's latest producer price data, which shows declines for servers, storage and services, could signal an economic shift and boost CIO confidence moving into 2023. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2022
Metaverse pros and cons: Top benefits and challenges
Lifelike experiences, equal access, better collaboration and new business opportunities, yet there's the potential for higher costs, privacy violations, bullying and addiction. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2022
Venture capital mindset helps CIOs deal with tech deluge
As CIOs and CISOs push for innovation, mindset changes might be in order. They can take a cue from VCs and think about ideation funnels and technology investment portfolios. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2022
4 sustainability leadership tips from Impossible Foods founder
Impossible Foods' Patrick Brown is proof that a focus on climate action can drive market success. Here are four sustainability mindset tips that IT leaders can use for themselves. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Nov 2022
Why companies should be sustainable and how IT can help
Pressure is mounting for the business sector to address its environmental footprint and become more sustainable. Here's a look the key drivers and how technology can help. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2022
Capital One study cites ML anomaly detection as top use case
The bank itself is making ML a key part of its digital transformation strategy, deploying the technology to locate aberrations, detect fraud and support marketing. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Nov 2022
The Metaverse Standards Forum: What you need to know
Creating an open and inclusive metaverse will require the development and adoption of interoperability standards. That's the tall order of the Metaverse Standards Forum. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Nov 2022
Metaverse vs. multiverse vs. omniverse: Key differences
Virtual realities are coming to a computer interface near you. Will you be joining a metaverse, multiverse or an enterprise-oriented version of the omniverse? Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2022
Capital One machine learning report points to partnering
A study of data management decision-makers suggests collaboration will play an important role in evolving enterprise machine learning, but a partner's proven experience will be key. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2022
How to perform an AD group membership backup and restore
You can fix some problems with Active Directory with a few clicks, but things get difficult when they involve many layers of group membership. Here's a few ways to avoid trouble. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2022
Business sustainability projects require savvy data analysis
In this Q&A, Stephen Keys of IFS discusses why sustainability projects for organizations are complex undertakings, but the data needed to drive projects already exists. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2022
5 advantages and 6 disadvantages of open source software
Open source software is popular with both small and large organizations, and for good reason. But CIOs should understand which situations works best for this lower cost option. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2022
Gartner: IT spending to grow 5.1% amid optimization push
The market research firm said enterprise IT spending will endure in a tough economy, but noted an emphasis on optimization, productivity gains and rooting out inefficiencies. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2022
Sustainable procurement goes mainstream, influences IT buys
ESG considerations add a new dimension to IT purchasing criteria and, more broadly, could bridge the gap between business leaders and IT professionals. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2022
How to avoid common GPO backup and restore problems
Group Policy Objects help admins maintain control of the enterprise environment, but it takes some planning to understand how to properly protect and recover GPOs to avoid trouble. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2022
Micron investment to spark chip ecosystem in New York
The $100 billion plan aims to bring businesses and thousands of workers to the Syracuse, N.Y., area -- and boost the chip supply for the IT staples and innovations CIOs pursue. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2022
Test beds, workforce critical to U.S. technology leadership
The CHIPS and Science Act allows the U.S. to invest in critical technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Continue Reading