Tips

Tips

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 to calculate data center cooling requirements

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

• Key data center trends in 2022

  In 2022, data centers will introduce a variety of new technologies. Expect a focus on hybrid cloud, solid-state storage, DCIM and sustainability measures.  Continue Reading

• What to know about data center fire protection

  Protect your data center from potential fire hazards through proper mitigation, detection and suppression. Then, create a plan for recovery in the event of a fire.  Continue Reading

• Create data center electrical safety guidelines

  Compose a comprehensive electrical safety strategy and keep your data center staff safe from electrical hazards. Learn what best practices and standards you should consider.  Continue Reading

• How to choose the right DCIM tool for better configuration

  DCIM tools can ensure your data center runs efficiently by keeping track of hardware, software and the physical environment. Here's what you should consider before choosing one.  Continue Reading

• Protect your data center from ransomware attacks

  Consider how best to protect your data center from ransomware attackers: Keep safe, air-gapped backups; consolidate your infrastructure and prioritize critical assets.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate GPU vs. CPU for data analytics tasks

  As data analytics becomes more commonplace, you might wonder what processor best suits such complex tasks. The CPU and GPU specialize in different tasks but excel together.  Continue Reading

• Hidden colocation cost drivers to look out for in 2022

  These unexpected charges and fees can balloon colocation costs for enterprise IT organizations.  Continue Reading

• Foster health and safety in the post-pandemic data center

  Data centers adapted to a new set of circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. As work and the pandemic continue to change, here's how data centers can continue to evolve.  Continue Reading

• Monitor edge latency for IoT devices

  Latency in edge devices can have several sources, stemming from software, network issues or old hardware. Here's how you can monitor and troubleshoot latency at the edge.  Continue Reading

• How do CPU, GPU and DPU differ from one another?

  Data centers use three varieties of processing units: CPU, GPU and DPU. Learn the unique use cases for each, and how to use them in conjunction to accelerate data center workloads.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for data center risk assessment

  Data centers contain risks such as height, environmental and electrical hazards. Keep your staff safe by assessing the level of risk and creating a comprehensive safety plan.  Continue Reading

• Top Unix commands: 50 must-know commands with examples

  Use these 50 Unix commands to manage and modify files, navigate directories, monitor your network and users, gather data, and automate system tasks and processes.  Continue Reading

• What to know about managing power for edge devices

  Keeping edge devices powered constantly can present challenges in sourcing and managing it. Learn the basics of getting and keeping power at the edge.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for container security in the data center

  Container sprawl and container repositories can introduce new vulnerabilities to a data center. Here's what organizations should watch out for and how to stay safe.  Continue Reading

• How to check your CPU in a Linux system

  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

• Which processing units for AI does your organization require?

  AI requires certain hardware infrastructure, such as hardware accelerators and proper storage. Learn what your organization requires to successfully support AI.  Continue Reading

• Data center security compliance checklist

  In five steps, create a security compliance plan for your data center. Discover different standards, learn audit schedules and develop procedures to align with compliance.  Continue Reading

• Discover the three major CentOS clones

  Free, open source AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux and VzLinux are clones of the popular CentOS Linux distribution, which became a rolling release from IBM Red Hat.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to using diff and patch together

  Use the diff command in Linux to discover subtle differences between code files. Then, use the patch command to update those code files to match.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for sustainable data center design

  To design a green, sustainable data center, consider methods to improve energy conservation and efficiency. Then, look into green -- or greener -- energy source alternatives.  Continue Reading

• Use colocation and cloud together

  Rather than deciding between cloud or colocation, consider using both cloud and colocation. Colocation can support a hybrid cloud environment and help cut down on cloud costs.  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of on-site power generation for data centers

  Organizations considering a move to on-site power generation should weigh drawbacks -- such as cost -- against benefits, including sustainability and increased control over power.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate air cooling vs. liquid cooling for your data center

  Air cooling and liquid cooling for data centers offer different benefits and drawbacks. To decide which best suits your organization, consider the pros and cons of each.  Continue Reading

• Top data center software certifications for admins

  Certifications prove an admin has a specific level of expertise. Assess the top training courses and certifications in software systems for data center admins.  Continue Reading

• Learn the difference between SMP vs. MPP

  Learn the differences between the main modes of multiprocessing: SMP, AMP and MPP. Each has a distinct use case that makes it suited for different data centers and organizations.  Continue Reading

• Can green colocation help orgs meet sustainability targets?

  Colocation providers prioritizing sustainability draw customers seeking to offset carbon emissions. But many orgs can also take steps to address sustainability issues in-house.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged market shifts with IT trends

  The hyper-converged infrastructure market has seen a good deal of movement lately. While some vendors strengthened their products, others went in the opposite direction.  Continue Reading

• 5 considerations for proper mainframe decommissioning

  As organizations decide to retire mainframe systems, IT pros should develop a plan that addresses application migration, program replatforming, data security and hardware removal.  Continue Reading

• Data center facility management team-building checklist

  A good data center facilities team and strategy can ensure the rest of your company runs smoothly. Here are the steps you should take when putting that team together.  Continue Reading

• Explore hot and cold aisle containment for your data center

  Explore hot aisle and cold aisle containment for the data center, a practice that can reduce energy costs by helping better manage environmental factors.  Continue Reading

• Explore the benefits of data center as a service

  For organizations that might struggle to purchase and maintain their own data centers, they can turn to DCaaS, which enables them to lease data center facilities from a provider.  Continue Reading

• Data center contactless tech beyond the pandemic

  No-touch tech like haptics and LiDAR became commonplace during the coronavirus pandemic, but such technology can increase demands on the data centers supporting it.  Continue Reading

• What does a data center facility manager do?

  Data center facility managers are responsible for the data center at large -- from the outside of the building to the infrastructure it houses.  Continue Reading

• Does your data center need a smart PDU?

  A smart PDU can help you monitor and manage power flow more efficiently than a traditional PDU. Here's what you should consider before deciding whether to adopt.  Continue Reading

• Learn about ambient temperature sensors for data centers

  Ambient temperature sensors can help you keep track of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and airflow in your data center so you can avoid downtime.  Continue Reading

• IT industry standard training for data center admins

  Axelos, IDCA and the Uptime Institute each offer training courses and certifications for data center admins to increase their knowledge of common data center standards.  Continue Reading

• 4 key ways to prevent server sprawl

  Take steps to cut back on costly and hard-to-manage server sprawl: consolidate your hardware, virtualize your servers, consider software-defined infrastructure and stay organized.  Continue Reading

• Top considerations for HPC infrastructure in the data center

  Determine whether HPC is right for your organization by understanding the compute, software and facilities requirements and limitations for supporting HPC infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate edge computing software for device management

  Managing a variety of devices at the edge can create a complex challenge for organizations, but software-based edge management platforms can help.  Continue Reading

• Nvidia vs. AMD: Compare GPU offerings

  Chip vendors Nvidia and AMD each offer GPUs optimized for large data centers. Compare the two to decide which best suits your business requirements.  Continue Reading

• CRAC design upgrades simplify HVAC maintenance

  CRAC/CRAH hardware updates make data center cooling more efficient. And these new systems are easier for admins to maintain and they reduce dust accumulation across infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Private cloud certificates to build up your tech skills

  Private cloud deployments require a variety of skills to run smoothly on any infrastructure. Expand your technical knowledge with training from Amazon, Google, Dell EMC and HPE.  Continue Reading

• Why and how to adopt a data-centric architecture

  Data has become one of the most valuable assets in the enterprise. IT teams must make changes -- both culturally and technically -- to ensure their strategy reflects that.  Continue Reading

• Get a template to estimate server power consumption per rack

  Admins can struggle with power consumption estimation as infrastructure gets more complex. The kW-per-rack metric can help provide an accurate calculation of server power use.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 data center technology trends to watch in 2021

  2020 changed how IT pros managed and provisioned infrastructure. In 2021, organizations must find ways to support automation, AI and data analysis in the data center.  Continue Reading

• Smart UPS features for better backup power

  Vendors now offer UPSes with functions that help regulate voltage and maintain battery health. Before you upgrade, evaluate costs and confirm infrastructure compatibility.  Continue Reading

• Main factors that can guide your UPS selection process

  To choose the right UPS, be sure to figure out business needs, power supply size requirements and how long your backup systems must last during downtime.  Continue Reading

• Deep dive into NetApp Converged Systems Advisor for FlexPod

  Converged Systems Advisor from NetApp helps FlexPod customers better manage their converged infrastructure deployments. Dive into its features to see if it is right for you.  Continue Reading

• Surveying top hyper-converged Kubernetes container platforms

  See how VMware, Cisco, Nutanix, Red Hat and Google -- along with NetApp, HPE and Dell EMC -- make Kubernetes integration in HCI possible and what IT advantages that engenders.  Continue Reading

• 4 data center UPS vendors to evaluate

  UPSes are crucial components to any backup power system. Use power ratings, infrastructure voltage requirements and the UPS type to guide the selection process.  Continue Reading

• Composable disaggregated infrastructure right for advanced workloads

  Composability provides the agility, speed and efficient resource utilization required to support advanced workloads that continue to grow ever-more sophisticated and comprehensive.  Continue Reading

• Colocation pricing guide: Understanding data center costs

  Colocation facility costs can include anything from power fees and bandwidth service charges to connectivity expenses, change fees and support costs.  Continue Reading

• Avoid colocation and cloud noisy neighbor issues

  In any multi-tenant IT environment, noisy neighbors can be an issue. Here's a closer look at how the challenges differ in the public cloud versus colocation.  Continue Reading