You know how well your data center works, but haven’t you always wanted to know how your data center compares to other companies? The problem, of course, is that breaking into Fort Knox might be easier than finding out what’s what at another company’s data center. Fortunately, Google is willing to share information. READ MORE
In a perfect world, the data center could be completely refreshed on a nice and tidy schedule. But sometimes the world is less perfect, and new equipment must be phased in instead.
“The important thing is to know when to squeeze usability from old hardware — and when to let go,” says Nick Twentyfive, datacenter operations manager at Bureau Veritas, a global quality assurance, health, safety, and environmental company.
If you find yourself squeezed between an increased productivity demand and a budget hard-line, here are some steps Nick suggests you consider to get the most from your old equipment until you can replace it. READ MORE
Today’s CPUs, motherboards, even BIOS are improving virtualization performance.
Computer virtualization involves one or more virtual machines (VMs) emulating a hardware environment under a virtual machine monitor (VMM), a.k.a. hypervisor. It’s compute-intensive, to say the least. Modern computer virtualization began as software, but hardware is getting into the act – and, in the process, improving performance, including the number of VMs a host machine can run concurrently, and the effective cost per VM.
Faster, multi-core processors make a difference, of course. So does more RAM. But these aren’t enough. READ MORE
KVM stands for “keyboard, video, and monitor” and describes hardware devices that enable IT professionals to interact with and operate remote devices (servers, mostly) that may lack all of these items. A virtual KVM extends the concept further and uses remote network access so a desktop or notebook PC provides the keyboard, video, and monitor inputs and outputs for network attached devices.
Real KVMs cost money, sometimes substantial sums; virtual KVMs are cheaper, if not free. Savvy CIOs and IT professionals find them useful, functional, and affordable. READ MORE
Sharing printers is a great way for enterprises to save time and money. Although users have to walk a little further to pick up their printouts, printer costs can be spread over a number of users, and the enterprise eliminates individual printer support costs. While network printing has pitfalls, good design can conveniently accomplish a lot of work. READ MORE
Virtualization is a useful tool, but it’s not a silver bullet. It creates new problems and exacerbates some existing ones. Here are some things to watch out for when considering virtualizaton as part of your disaster recovery strategy. READ MORE
After a lengthy gestation period, the third generation of the Universal Serial Bus is making its way to the market. But is it already obsolete? READ MORE
HyperThreading has become a key differentiator between Intel and AMD. It could be a determining factor in the CPUs you deploy.
Intel and AMD have done their best to differentiate the x86 architecture as much as possible while retaining compatibility between the two CPUs, but the differences between the two are growing. One key differentiator is hyperthreading; Intel does it, AMD does not. READ MORE
For data centers, going green means adopting newer technologies and network design strategies, investing in new equipment that reduces power consumption while boosting performance, and scrutinizing facility efficiencies as well.
It’s an idea that has caught on fire in recent years as evidenced by the growth of multi-vendor organizations like The Green Grid and Data Center Knowledge.
READ MORE
With 802.11n finally here, your office can have really, really fast Wi-Fi… if you’ve set it up right.
June 8, 2010 is a day that will live in networking infamy. Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, was unveiling the Apple iPhone 4 to over a thousand Apple fans and journalists at the Moscone West conference hall in San Francisco and… Jobs’ Wi-Fi failed.
Steve Jobs being Steve Jobs, he still managed get through his presentation and delight the Apple faithful. Your company may not be so lucky. READ MORE
Have Dell contact you to learn more.
Dell has undergone a dramatic transformation through standardizing, simplifying, and automating much of its own ... Read More
With virtualization comes a simple, automated infrastructure that leads to a dynamic, efficient enterprise. Over the ... Read More
Moving from Windows XP or Windows Vista en masse to Windows 7 across the enterprise ... Read More
All the IT world is abuzz about moving services and software to the cloud. Every ... Read More
What has changed for the better and worse with Windows 7 when it comes to ... Read More
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