Data Center

Servers & Desktops

Whether its big iron or mini-computers, the processing "box" is the foundation of our enterprise computing infrastructure. Gain best practice information on acquiring, managing, and upgrading server and desktop systems.


Stay on top of emerging technologies and changes in the IT landscape. Learn which technologies are right for your organization, and develop the best strategy for implementation.

Forecast - Trends & Predictions

Fifteen Servers Marks the Virtualization Tipping Point
Fifteen Servers Marks the Virtualization Tipping Point

As virtual machines become more ubiquitous both vendors and managers will need to focus on managing the utility infrastructure to get the most value for this technology. Innovative IT decision-makers should be using this technology to create more agile and cost-effective data center infrastructures.

IBM System z Refresh: Mainframe Tries to Go Mainstream
IBM System z Refresh: Mainframe Tries to Go Mainstream

With its recently updated System z, IBM continues to extend the mainframe capabilities to better support applications not normally associated with mainframes. The System z may be a consolidation option for mid-sized enterprises with Java, Linux, and transaction processing applications.

Is IBM Leaving the Server Hardware Business?
Is IBM Leaving the Server Hardware Business?

Recent revenue declines in some IBM server platforms and its licensing of rights to Lenovo to manufacture and resell certain x-Series servers has led to speculation that IBM is leaving the server hardware space. Info-Tech believes that off-loading the low-end market is a good move, allowing IBM to focus where it has traditionally done best – larger enterprises.

Over-hyped Blade Servers Start to Make Sense for the Mid-market
Over-hyped Blade Servers Start to Make Sense for the Mid-market

Blade servers are a recent phenomenon in data centers. They are the next iteration in the migration from minicomputers of the 1980s to the commodity rack-mount microcomputer servers of today. Blade servers are currently found in larger data centers, but are migrating to enterprises of all sizes.

The Future of Thin Client Deployment
The Future of Thin Client Deployment

Recent developments such as remotely accessed, centrally hosted, virtual PCs are breathing new life into thin client as a desktop computing option. While thin clients are still far from displacing traditional “fat” PCs, older approaches to thin client – such as traditional Citrix and Terminal Services solutions – are clearly being displaced.

Virtualization and iSCSI a Match Made for SMEs
Virtualization and iSCSI a Match Made for SMEs

Server virtualization and iSCSI networked storage are emerging as a natural match particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) buying their first storage area network. Info-Tech recommends that enterprises considering a storage area network (SAN) purchase should consider broader strategic goals of availability, recoverability, and infrastructure flexibility. Virtualization is a likely...

In the Realm of Virtualization, Management Is King
In the Realm of Virtualization, Management Is King

In the world of virtualized x86-based servers and applications, management tools become the primary differentiator between hypervisors. Virtualization is quickly moving to a set of competing, but effectively equivalent, products. The ability to manage these virtualized environments, especially in heterogeneous environments, will be the critical factor for data centers in 2009 and beyond.

Utility Infrastructure Meets Cloud Computing
Utility Infrastructure Meets Cloud Computing

For hype alone, 2008 will be the year of "the cloud." Among those jumping on the cloud computing bandwagon will be the major players in enterprise infrastructure virtualization. But making the cloud an external extension of internal utility infrastructure will require a substantial maturation of both virtual infrastructure management and cloud computing.

Windows Server 2008: Avoiding the Vista Effect
Windows Server 2008: Avoiding the Vista Effect

Info-Tech Research Group solicited insight from 137 enterprises regarding server hardware and operating systems, including Windows Server 2008. Unlike the slurry of negative publicity surrounding Vista, response to the new server operating system ranges from neutral to positive. However, uptake is gradual, largely driven by hardware and application refresh cycles.

Server Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, and UNIX Trends
Server Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, and UNIX Trends

A recent Info-Tech Research Group survey sees more than 50% of enterprises running Linux or UNIX alongside flavors of Microsoft Windows. However, Windows is nearly ubiquitous and IT shops tend to deploy more instances of Windows at smaller sizes. Enterprises should expect the trend toward multiple operating systems to continue, empowered by cross-platform management tools and virtualization.

IBM System z: Growing Versatility on a Fading Platform
IBM System z: Growing Versatility on a Fading Platform

Mainframe computers, in particular the IBM System z (360/370/390 family), have been a mainstay of enterprise computing for over 40 years. Now “lower-end” computers are truly moving into mainframe territory and System z shipments are fading – fast. Mainframes will continue to find a home in many enterprises, but will be relegated more to legacy applications than new business requirements.

The Rise of the Heterogeneous Server OS Environment
The Rise of the Heterogeneous Server OS Environment

The server operating system market is not a zero-sum game. Over 95% of enterprises with more than 500 employees use Microsoft Windows. Between 40% and 47% also run Linux, UNIX, or an IBM operating system (OS). As single-pane-of-glass management becomes a reality, expect IT shops to increasingly deploy diverse operating systems.

SOX and ITIL Dominate Trends in IT Compliance
SOX and ITIL Dominate Trends in IT Compliance

Compliance remains a key concern for many IT managers. Frameworks like ITIL and COBIT are very popular, but the NIST 800 guidelines and ISO 17799/27002 may be more beneficial. Regardless of the approach, IT leadership is sacrificed when violations occur.

Green IT Maturity Growth in a Tough Economy
Green IT Maturity Growth in a Tough Economy

A recent Info-Tech study of over 800 organizations assessed green initiatives in IT departments and across enterprises. The results show the current green IT maturity landscape and its future outlook. Despite tough economic times, there is still an opportunity for green maturity growth since such initiatives not only benefit the environment but also the bottom line. Understand the green trends of...

Green IT Maturity Benchmark
Green IT Maturity Benchmark

This tool allows enterprises to benchmark their green IT maturity scores against over 800 peers by revenue, IT budget, and number of employees. Find out what environmental actions other companies are taking in their IT departments and across the entire enterprise. Consider Info-Tech's recommendations for next steps to take to increase green IT maturity.

Apple in the Server Room?

The only place you're ever going to see an Apple machine is on the desktop, right? Maybe not. Find out what Apple's Xserve has to add to your server...

Apple Moves from the Dorm Room to the Data Center

Apple’s iPhone, Xserve, and Leopard OS continue to develop into enterprise-grade tools, and Apple is securing partnerships that indicate it’s...

IBM: From Big Blue to Baby Blue

IBM’s recent server and services announcements reflect renewed interest in the small- and mid-market. Info-Tech believes these SME plays are good for...

The Metal Market: January 2008 x86 Server Prices Drop

Info-Tech’s January 2008 Metal Market report sees continued deep discounts on AMD-based servers, as well as increasingly competitive Apple...

Unpacking Microsoft's Virtualization Push

Microsoft has become more aggressive in embracing server and desktop virtualization. This renewed push will make the virtualization market more...

Server Apps: Microsoft Loosens Virtual Licensing

In a further sign that it is getting serious about virtualization, Microsoft has removed a licensing restriction that hampered deployment of its...

Sun Takes a RISC Lead

In the ongoing competition to maintain the performance edge in the Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) market, Sun has again taken the lead. With...

Xandros: Will BridgeWays Bridge the Gap?

Xandros aims to join Red Hat and Novell SUSE as a familiar Linux brand. Recent moves include volume consumer sales on the Asus Eee notebook,...

Why Windows Server 2008? Users Speak Out

Windows Server 2008 promises performance increases while offering toolset enhancements, especially for security. However, enterprises in a recent...

Will Windows Server 2008 Take Market Share from Linux and UNIX?

Windows Server 2008 early adopters deploy on new servers or replace existing Windows instances, according to a recent Info-Tech Research Group...

Understand - Technology Insights

A Threefold Path to Virtual Desktop Nirvana
A Threefold Path to Virtual Desktop Nirvana

Virtualization has definite potential for helping the enterprise reduce PC management complexity while increasing operating efficiency and security. Enterprises with large and growing desktop deployments should investigate the potential of hosting, streaming, and distributing virtualized software instances either separately or in combination.

Battle of the Hypervisors: How Do They Compare?
Battle of the Hypervisors: How Do They Compare?

A hypervisor is the software that carves a single physical computer into multiple virtual machines. As competition heats up in the virtualization space, competitors will argue the relative strengths of their hypervisors. This note reviews how a hypevisor works, as well as what differentiates the leading competitors: ESX Server, Xen, and the “coming soon” Microsoft Hyper-V.

Blade Servers: Big Savings in a Small Box
Blade Servers: Big Savings in a Small Box

Blade servers have been components of many larger enterprise data centers for several years now. Infrastructure simplification and the reduction in physical space for the same processing power make blade servers clear leaders for data center consolidation and expansion.

Blade Switches: Cutting-Edge Virtual Infrastructure
Blade Switches: Cutting-Edge Virtual Infrastructure

HP and IBM are pushing the blade technology as a main focus going forward. To this end both vendors are incorporating some leading-edge infrastructure virtualization and management tools in their blade server management platforms. Know the technology to understand the growing advantages of blade servers in the data center.

Cisco Application-Oriented Networking: The Network Is In Control
Cisco Application-Oriented Networking: The Network Is In Control

Cisco announced its Intelligent Information Network (IIN) some years ago. As a major part of that initiative, Application-Oriented Network (AON) components are beginning to see the light of day. IIN and AON move significantly more intelligence from middleware servers onto Cisco network devices. Depending on the level of trust an enterprise has in Cisco as a middleware and software integration...

Clap On, Clap Off Service Processors
Clap On, Clap Off Service Processors

Enterprise-class servers now come equipped with a service processor that allows IT staff to access, monitor, and control the server regardless of the state of the primary CPU and OS. Understand and make best use of this critical data center component.

Consolidate Blade Server Management with a Single Point
Consolidate Blade Server Management with a Single Point

Blade server technology has changed the physical structure of servers in the data center. For most management functions, blade servers are handled like their rack-mount brethren. However, built-in management modules provide local control of server blades and I/O modules. With a single point of control for a group of processor blades, management operations can be simplified.

FANs: The Other Networked Storage Virtualization
FANs: The Other Networked Storage Virtualization

Networked storage file virtualization can lead to better utilization of Network Attached Storage (NAS) appliances and other storage servers. This technology – which is also sometimes called NAS virtualization and File Area Networks (FANs) – will be attractive to larger enterprises with extensive NAS investment looking for a consolidation alternative to Storage Area Networks (SANs).

HP Grows Its Mid-Range Server
HP Grows Its Mid-Range Server

Virtualization and consolidation are moving enterprises towards more powerful machines and multi-socket multi-core x64-based servers provide the necessary processing power. HP’s new eight-socket ProLiantDL785 G5 offers needed computing power for consolidation and virtualization, with on-board storage for standalone solutions.

In This Corner, the Contender, Cisco's VFrame Data Center Platform!
In This Corner, the Contender, Cisco's VFrame Data Center Platform!

The VFrame Data Center appliance begins Cisco’s trip into integrated server and network infrastructure virtualization. The appliance allows the rapid repurposing of servers whether they are running virtualized or one-off applications. For larger data centers based on Cisco networking, the appliance provides enhanced server management capabilities.

Load Balancers Drive Rock-Solid App Stability
Load Balancers Drive Rock-Solid App Stability

Load balancing technologies have evolved from simple IP/port selection to sophisticated deep packet inspection. Use load balancing appliances for enterprise applications to improve application availability and scalability, reduce the number of servers required, and offer additional security and performance enhancements.

Load Balancers: Persistence Pays Off
Load Balancers: Persistence Pays Off

Load balancing technology has advanced from simple distribution of traffic between multiple servers to the intelligent inspection of packet data to determine which server should service which user. By creating persistent connections between a user and a server, the load balancers improve the ability of the enterprise to support clients and to ensure successful completion of transactions.

Peeling the Virtualization Onion without Tears
Peeling the Virtualization Onion without Tears

Leading virtualization vendors such as VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft want to offer one-stop virtualization “from the desktop to the data center.” These comprehensive approaches involve more than one kind of virtual abstraction. Understand what differentiates the various forms of virtualization.

Server Management Tools Automate Capabilities and Improve Efficiency
Server Management Tools Automate Capabilities and Improve Efficiency

As the number of servers grows within an enterprise, the time and effort needed to manage those servers grows even more rapidly. Server management tools provide automated capabilities to ease the pain of day-to-day provisioning, patching, and operational support. Understanding the functions offered by server management tools allows the IT staff to select the right tool for the job.

Storage Virtualization: A Critical Component of Utility Infrastructure
Storage Virtualization: A Critical Component of Utility Infrastructure

In an ideal storage management world, all storage beyond the network switch can be abstracted into logical storage volumes. However, in the real world, storage systems are differentiated by proprietary management. Despite concerns over vendor lock-in, IT decision makers should consider the real storage management benefits that can come from virtualization.

Why Enterprises Must Adopt Data Center Automation
Why Enterprises Must Adopt Data Center Automation

Data center automation is a potent method for achieving the intelligent automation of IT tasks, such as configuration and asset management, policy management, and process automation. In order to capitalize on its benefits, approach data center automation as both a process and a technology.

Microsoft Server 2008: Clusters Hold Together
Microsoft Server 2008: Clusters Hold Together

With the introduction of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has improved its built-in failover cluster capabilities. With enhanced setup and management and improved reliability, the Server 2008 Enterprise and Data Center editions support mission-critical and high availability enterprise applications.

RISC-Based Servers Abound
RISC-Based Servers Abound

Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC)/Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC) have been around for decades. Improvements in x86-based servers have led to predictions of the end of RISC-based servers. These have proven unfounded and servers based on RISC/EPIC technology continue to find a place in enterprise data centers. Understanding RISC/EPIC technology from the primary vendors will...

Building VDI Thinfrastructure Top to Bottom
Building VDI Thinfrastructure Top to Bottom

When it comes to thin client deployment, many enterprises will be able to leverage the virtualization technology already in place. However, decision makers should understand the parts of a virtual desktop deployment, how they work together in the infrastructure, and how much a full solution might cost.

Together at Last: Virtualization and Thin Clients
Together at Last: Virtualization and Thin Clients

Info-Tech sees increased interest in thin client deployments as the technology that supports the back end evolves with virtualization. With more options than ever before, understanding the technology is essential to choosing the right solution to suit enterprise needs.

Dense Computing: Open for Business
Dense Computing: Open for Business

As enterprises embrace the world of Service-Oriented Architecture, social networks, data mining, gaming, and real-time collaboration, the need for greater processing power in a smaller space becomes critical. Dense computing architectures allow enterprises to pack hundreds to thousands of servers into smaller data centers. While vendors focus much of the technology on the largest enterprises,...

Three Approaches to Backing Up VMware Virtual Machines
Three Approaches to Backing Up VMware Virtual Machines

The hard drive of a VMware virtual machine is essentially one big data file. This makes them relatively easy to create, deploy, and even move across physical hosts. However, what leads to more agility and flexibility in virtual machines also poses a challenge for backup administration. This note looks at the advantages and challenges of three common methods of VMware backup and what is needed to...

Virtual I/O Reaches the Tweens
Virtual I/O Reaches the Tweens

Virtualized I/O, like OS and application virtualization, is a requirement for a truly agile data center. In light of that requirement, the major blade server vendors have begun to implement I/O virtualization for their systems. While a good start, these implementations are still immature. Understanding I/O virtualization options will allow IT staff to move forward with this technology.

Windows HPC Server 2008 Elevates High Performance Computing
Windows HPC Server 2008 Elevates High Performance Computing

High performance computing (HPC) has been primarily used by academic and research facilities. With Microsoft's introduction of its Windows HPC Server 2008, some of the limitations of prior generations of HPC solutions are being removed. HPC is becoming accessible to businesses of all sizes.

XP vs. Vista: Consider the Power Savings
XP vs. Vista: Consider the Power Savings

Enterprises with an abundance of Windows XP desktop PCs and laptops can reduce power consumption costs and carbon dioxide emissions by half in switching to Windows Vista. When considering a total cost of ownership analysis for a Vista implementation, IT decision makers should understand how the two operating systems affect power consumption and consider the savings.

Virtual SAN: Providing a SAN Without a SAN
Virtual SAN: Providing a SAN Without a SAN

A storage area network (SAN) is a critical requirement for providing virtual servers with high availability and dynamic provisioning. However, the same technology that virtualizes servers can also be used to create a virtual SAN array. Smaller enterprises and branch office virtual machine deployment can reap significant savings from a virtual SAN.

EqualLogic, LeftHand Lead Clustered iSCSI Trend
EqualLogic, LeftHand Lead Clustered iSCSI Trend

The success of iSCSI storage products from EqualLogic (now part of Dell) and LeftHand Networks (acquired by HP) is largely seen as a sign of the progress of iSCSI. However, iSCSI alone is not the whole story. It is a cluster storage approach that also makes these solutions attractive. Now clustered iSCSI will be championed by larger vendors that continue to have a stake in traditional network...

Blades Eat Smaller Slice of Resource Pie

Some industry observers are incorrectly making recommendations against using blade servers in data centers with limited power or cooling...

Exchange Server Analyzers: Best Practices and Troubleshooting

Microsoft provides two handy tools IT administrators can use to analyze the enterprise’s Exchange deployment. Use the Exchange Best Practices...

Get the Picture as Hardware-Based Graphics Standards Skyrocket

Windows Vista's significantly increased graphics requirements for even basic business functionality are forcing IT managers to reconsider the...

HP Integrity NonStop NS1000 Keeps Its Word

The NonStop NS1000 is HP’s base clustered system that ships only in high availability and software fault-tolerant configurations. Because of the...

Hybrid Desktop Hard Drives Promise Snappier Performance

The hard drive is long overdue for a makeover. Its heavily mechanical nature makes it susceptible to eventual failure as well as a source for...

IBM System i: Dropping from the Charts

The latest quarterly report from IBM shows another year-to-year revenue drop for IBM iSeries, this time by 21%. The continuing decline in sales will...

IBM System z: A Setting Sun

The IBM System z mainframe continues to show its ability to evolve and encompass new operating systems and applications even as shipments and revenue...

Is a Workgroup Server for You?

A workgroup server provides file sharing, Web hosting, e-mail retrieval, and remote access from one server for a minimal investment. Small...

MS Desktop Optimization Pack Improves SA's Value Proposition

Deciding whether or not to use Microsoft's Desktop Optimization Pack (DOP) involves more than simply evaluating the toolset by itself. Enterprises...

Multi-core Servers in the Data Center – They’re Here…

Multi-core processors in data center servers provide significantly improved performance in a single processor chip. Enterprises should embrace this...

Not Your Mom's Thin Client: Take Another Look

In 2007, Info-Tech saw increased interest in thin client computing as a legitimate alternative to traditional PCs. Enterprises looking to...

Radware Inflight: A Business Smart Solution?

Radware positions Inflight 3.0 as an appliance for real-time event management in the data center. This Layer 7 device directs traffic to specific...

Raising the UNIX Bar: The IBM System p570 Server

With the introduction of the latest Power6 processor into its System p570 server, IBM has raised the performance standards for enterprise class UNIX...

Should You Drink Intel's Quad-Core Kool Aid?

Intel's just-released Quad-Core processors allow new x86-based workstations to offer unprecedented levels of performance. But such performance comes...

Vista and Microsoft's New Security Landscape

Microsoft Vista introduces a variety of security capabilities not present in previous Microsoft operating systems. If these new security capabilities...

Bridging the Thin Client End-User Gap

End-user resistance is a common roadblock to thin client deployment. Recent improvements in the end-user experience are changing the rules of...

An Update on Mobile Thin Clients

As the workforce grows increasingly mobile, enterprises are looking for a way to accommodate this mobility without sacrificing security and...

Citrix All-in-One Box for Branch Offices

Branch and remote offices can be a nightmare to provision with IT resources. Citrix, in partnership with Microsoft, has debuted a convergence...

End of Life for Juniper’s DX Series

In January 2008, Juniper Networks announced that it was dropping out of the data center application acceleration and load balancing appliance...

Four Thin Client Virtualization Models

Info-Tech sees increased interest in thin client deployments as the technology that supports the back end evolves with virtualization. With more...

IBM Pursues Web 2.0 Server Market with a New System x

IBM recently announced its System x iDataPlex servers focused on large Web 2.0 data centers supporting thousand to tens of thousands of x86-based...

Supercomputer “Top500”

Supercomputing systems, while interesting, may not seem important to most enterprise data centers. Trends found in supercomputers will impact future...

The Meaning of Hyper-V’s Missing Pieces

Amid much hype and hoopla, Microsoft’s Hyper-V virtual machine hypervisor was officially released in June 2008. Meant to enable Microsoft to take on...

Virtualization Can Be Hot; Too Hot

Some enterprises are finding that server virtualization can bring CPU utilization to a consistent 80%, dramatically reducing the number of servers...

Virtual Iron Adds Power Saver Feature

The ability to live migrate virtual machines (VMs) from one physical host to another can save the enterprise on electricity usage. Virtual Iron, for...

VMware Highlights Memory as a Differentiator

VMware’s ESX hypervisor retains some technical advantages even as Microsoft’s Hyper-V hypervisor has brought new competition to the virtualization...

Exchange 2007 Availability Options

Enterprises looking to adopt Microsoft’s Exchange 2007 e-mail server platform face several options to increase the availability of their e-mail...

Windows Server 2008 Virtual Licensing Explained

Windows 2008 Datacenter Edition is the best way to license Windows for virtual server environments. It has also been called Microsoft’s...

Microsoft Limits Virtualization to Fix Vista Incompatibilities

As competitors explore a broader role for running virtual machines on PCs and laptops, Microsoft has narrowed the focus in its Enterprise Desktop...

How the Free XenServer Ups the Management Ante

In making XenServer a free product, Citrix is turning up the competitive heat on market leading VMware and raising the bar on what components of a...

XenServer 5: Under the Hood

In late 2008, Citrix released XenServer 5 with a number of new and improved features. With the paint barely dry on that product, Citrix unveiled new...

New Xeon Takes Lid off Virtualization

Recently Intel unveiled a new chip architecture, the Xeon 5500, that it is calling the biggest advancement in server processors since the Intel...

Strategize - Strategy & Planning

Are You a Blade Server Candidate?
Are You a Blade Server Candidate?

Blade servers are reaching into enterprise data centers of all sizes. The decision on when it is time to integrate blade servers into the infrastructure varies by the specific enterprise situation. Certain factors must be considered by all enterprises to determine when, and if, it is time for the data center to begin employing blade servers.

Automated Configuration Software Requirements Template
Automated Configuration Software Requirements Template

Automating configuration streamlines repetitive maintenance and support tasks, paving the way for substantial cost savings. Use this downloadable Word template to document the enterprise’s requirements of automated configuration software.

Drop Manual Config to Avoid Repetitive Process Strain
Drop Manual Config to Avoid Repetitive Process Strain

Automating configuration is a tactic for streamlining repetitive maintenance and support tasks, thereby reducing the need for manual intervention when provisioning, patching, or otherwise managing IT assets. Develop a strategy for tackling automated configuration management to capitalize on potential cost savings.

First Steps in Automated Reporting: Get a Fix on Baselines
First Steps in Automated Reporting: Get a Fix on Baselines

Automated reporting is a fundamental component of data center automation that ensures timely and accurate measurement of a wide variety of IT operations such as asset management, configuration, compliance, and other tasks. Inform business decisions and reduce costs by automating the enterprise’s reporting processes.

HP Blade Management: Insights for BladeSystem Bundle
HP Blade Management: Insights for BladeSystem Bundle

HP’s System Insight Manager provides comprehensive capabilities to monitor and control servers both locally and remotely. The Insight Control Environment for BladeSystem integrates the functions needed to manage the blade servers into a complete package. For shops using HP servers, the combined System Insight Manager and Insight Control packages provide a highly capable management toolset.

IBM iSeries Servers: What Are They Good For?
IBM iSeries Servers: What Are They Good For?

The IBM iSeries servers provide a high-performance, high-reliability solution for enterprise applications designed for the i5/OS environment. For enterprises using this platform, or considering it, the question becomes “what is the long term viability of the iSeries for new and future developments?”

Long-Term Return Is Key to Thin Client Deployment
Long-Term Return Is Key to Thin Client Deployment

Developments in thin client and virtualization have renewed interest in thin client as a replacement for PCs. Those looking into the technology should not make acquisition cost savings their reason for investing in thin client. Long-term maintenance and operational savings remain the most important planning consideration.

Rethink E-Mail Provisioning: In-House or Hosted?
Rethink E-Mail Provisioning: In-House or Hosted?

Falling price-points from e-mail hosting providers require enterprises to rethink e-mail provisioning strategy. Enterprises can make an informed decision by determining if hosted e-mail is an option and comparing the cost of in-house e-mail provisioning against hosted e-mail prices.

Server OS Casting Call: Let Costs Direct Selection
Server OS Casting Call: Let Costs Direct Selection

IT leaders deploying application servers may face a choice between operating systems. Evaluate the business suitability of operating system candidates by examining costs, the quality and availability of support, and the product’s rate of change.

Server OS Casting Call: Let the Role Direct Selection
Server OS Casting Call: Let the Role Direct Selection

IT leaders implementing best-of-breed application solutions often face a choice between server operating systems (OS) to support each service. Enterprises should evaluate the role suitability of OS candidates by examining the technical, licensing, and interoperability features. Determine whether each prospective OS meets these needs and short-list accordingly.

Systems Logs Come Under Scrutiny
Systems Logs Come Under Scrutiny

Every enterprise has an obligation to protect customer data, financial information, and intellectual property from theft, deletion, or modification from hackers, saboteurs, and insiders. One important method for demonstrating that the enterprise did everything in its power to prevent or mitigate attacks is through the use of event logs.

Use Chargebacks and SLAs to Wean Business Units Off the Box
Use Chargebacks and SLAs to Wean Business Units Off the Box

Consolidating and virtualizing servers that were previously distributed means weaning internal customers off the idea of owning server boxes. Chargebacks and SLAs provide a solid framework for communicating and negotiating with business leaders, and managing expectations in a centralized data center model.

Virtualization Takes Server Consolidation to the Next Level
Virtualization Takes Server Consolidation to the Next Level

Virtualization of x86/x64 architecture is not a strategy; it is a tactical measure that addresses a specific impediment to achieve strategic goals in server consolidation. Virtual machine isolation enables more applications to run on fewer physical processors. In addition to savings in hardware acquisition and maintenance, virtualization sets the stage for building a responsive utility...

Vista Migration: Survey the Water Before Diving In
Vista Migration: Survey the Water Before Diving In

Almost a year after its initial release, many enterprises are still reluctant to take the Vista plunge. While security enhancements are the main reason for adoption, for most this upgrade appears to be an incremental improvement, rather than a “must have.” Enterprises embarking on a Vista migration should look to those companies that have already deployed for best practices, planning tips, and...

When Blades Don't Cut IT
When Blades Don't Cut IT

Blade servers are encroaching on rack-mount installations in data centers of all sizes. While this server platform meets many needs, it has not reached the point of replacing all other server types. Recognize the real limits of blade servers in specific environments to ensure that blades are used where appropriate and other servers are used where they best fit.

Essentials for Smooth High Availability Operations
Essentials for Smooth High Availability Operations

More businesses are finding that they require high availability (HA) of key applications. HA means an application is operational when it is needed. This can range from 24/7 Web site access to guaranteed IP phone access during a normal 40-hour work week. Business needs dictate HA applications and IT staff must plan and deploy technologies to deliver on those requirements.

Five Reasons the Cloud Is Not Ready for Prime Time
Five Reasons the Cloud Is Not Ready for Prime Time

With the promise of low operating costs and zero hardware investment, cloud computing is garnering considerable market hype. The promise is quite real, but the reality is that the cloud is not yet ready to be trusted as critical enterprise infrastructure. Info-Tech sees five key challenges in the cloud and recommends a cautious approach.

Craft a Green IT Action Plan
Craft a Green IT Action Plan

Learn to build a Green IT Action Plan by setting realistic goals and choosing projects that IT can perform autonomously. The resulting environmental benefits and cost savings help prove that more extensive projects are both feasible and necessary. Use this knowledge to promote cross-enterprise collaboration on leading green initiatives.

Servers: Consolidate, Migrate, and Save Money
Servers: Consolidate, Migrate, and Save Money

The consolidation of servers within the data center provides well defined savings for the enterprise. By creating and implementing a clearly defined migration strategy for existing servers, the effectiveness and efficiency of any consolidation strategy can be further enhanced.

ESXi: No-Charge Hypervisors Boost Consolidation Savings
ESXi: No-Charge Hypervisors Boost Consolidation Savings

Capital expenditure savings through server consolidation has been a strong motivator for server virtualization. The release of a free ESXi hypervisor by VMware leads to an even better money-saving equation with server consolidation. However, it should be noted that licensing costs still need to be considered to go beyond simple consolidation.

Virtualization Consolidation Cost Savings Calculator
Virtualization Consolidation Cost Savings Calculator

Info-Tech Research Group has established that savings through lower one-time and ongoing server acquisition costs is the strongest argument in a business case for server virtualization. Use this calculator to get a broad sense of the consolidation savings of a virtual server deployment over provisioning servers with individual instances of server hardware.

A Roadmap for IT Energy Measurement
A Roadmap for IT Energy Measurement

Info-Tech sees increased interest in energy measurement solutions for data centers and end-user infrastructure. However, such solutions are unlikely to make attractive projects unless IT can roughly quantify the true cost of electricity as justification. Understand how to develop an energy baseline, educate the organization on electricity as a significant operational cost, and use baseline data...

Four Key Factors to Foretell Green IT Success
Four Key Factors to Foretell Green IT Success

Some organizations want to green their IT departments but are unaware of what options are available and what factors ensure successful implementation. Info-Tech identifies nine green IT initiatives that organizations should consider not only to be greener, but also to improve the bottom line. Understand the key success factors of green IT to realize both environmental and business benefits.

Green IT Success Likelihood Assessment
Green IT Success Likelihood Assessment

Based on data from a recent Info-Tech study, this tool assesses an organization's chances of success when implementing green IT initiatives. Understand the organization's current probability of success and consider recommendations to improve this score to realize the business and environmental benefits of green IT.

Leverage Resources and Improve Service up to 30% with Remote Desktop Control
Leverage Resources and Improve Service up to 30% with Remote Desktop Control

Significant improvements in issue resolution and user satisfaction are realized when the help desk does the driving. Everyone wins by enabling the help desk to connect to a user desktop for issue resolution, problem definition, or a quick user tutorial. Use the right remote control solution to assure success and savings.

Avoid Vista PC Upgrade Costs with Virtualization

Virtual PCs remotely accessed from the desktop can defray the potential cost of desktop upgrades – such as those required for Windows Vista – because...

Four Blade Server Gotchas

Info-Tech Research Group has shifted its position on blade server implementations over the previous eighteen months from neutral to recommend....

High-Powered Workstations Eat PCs for Lunch

The average desktop or laptop computer sold today can easily handle standard desktop productivity tasks like word processing, e-mail, and Internet...

Novell and Microsoft Create Unnecessary FUD

The recent collaboration between Novell and Microsoft has bred fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) among the Linux community. Clear the vendor...

Prime Purchasing Practices for Desktop PCs

Desktop PCs are critically important workplace tools. When selecting them, IT managers face a competitive landscape. To optimize the hardware...

Turn Microsoft Roadmaps Into GPS

Understanding Microsoft’s various product roadmaps can help predict future capabilities. This information is crucial in planning upgrades, deciding...

Successfully make the key technology acquisition decisions for your organization. Choose the right products and negotiate the best deal.

Compare - Product Comparison

Blade Servers
Blade Servers

Blade servers are finding their way into enterprises of all sizes, with the smallest and the largest businesses leading the migration. The primary vendors of blade systems offer a variety of chassis, processors, input/output options and functionality. Selecting the right blade architecture can be difficult since many of the key product features appear similar between vendors. This comparison...

Vendor Landscape: Virtualization Competition Heats Up
Vendor Landscape: Virtualization Competition Heats Up

The competition in x86 server virtualization became hotter in 2008 as Citrix and Microsoft made significant bids to dethrone market leader VMware. There are also new entrants in the field from Oracle and Sun. Learn how the vendor landscape has changed and what is in store for 2009.

Avoid Linux Filesystem Fluster

Linux server administrators face many options when deciding on a filesystem. Most of the clutter can be cleared away to reveal a few main choices....

HP Redraws the Thin Client Map with Neoware Acquisition

Hewlett-Packard’s recently finalized $214-million acquisition of Neoware is indicative of current growth and renewed interest in the thin client...

Second-Tier Server Vendors Struggle to Match Big Name Discounts

In October 2005, second-tier enterprise-class servers compared very well against name-brand offerings in performance and reliability, at less cost....

XP or Vista: Which Is More Secure?

A dilemma facing companies today is whether or not to upgrade their Microsoft operating systems from Windows XP to Windows Vista. While there are...

Evaluate - Product Evaluation

Blade Servers: Dell PowerEdge 1955
Blade Servers: Dell PowerEdge 1955

The Dell PowerEdge 1955 offers a low priced blade server solution with excellent pricing and reasonable scalability. The Dell PowerEdge 1955 is a solid choice for any enterprise that is searching for a server consolidation or high-availability blade server solution.

Blade Servers: Egenera BladeFrame ES
Blade Servers: Egenera BladeFrame ES

Egenera has focused on the high availability and mission-critical solutions in its marketing and product strategy. The BladeFrame ES only ships in a high availability configuration, unlike the other evaluated vendors. As a result, the BladeFrame ES should be considered by enterprises that require a highly versatile and powerful mission-critical blade server solution.

Blade Servers: HP BladeSystem c-Class
Blade Servers: HP BladeSystem c-Class

HP provides a well balanced blade server solution. The selection of processor blades, I/O options, and enhancements to the blade chassis allow migration from a basic server consolidation configuration to a fully mission-critical solution. Unlike the previous, incompatible p-Class blade design, the new c-Class chassis provides room for future growth without a fork-lift upgrade. With reasonable...

Blade Servers: IBM BladeCenter H
Blade Servers: IBM BladeCenter H

IBM provides a well balanced blade server solution. The same chassis and processor blades can be used for both the entry level server consolidation solution and, with optional components, migrate to a fully mission critical or high performance processing environment. The IBM BladeCenter ranks in the Leader Zone for good reason.

Blade Servers: Sun Blade 8000
Blade Servers: Sun Blade 8000

The Sun Blade 8000 product is heavily focused on high performance computing environments with pricing to match. While this current product is not appropriate for most SMEs it can be a good fit for environments where there is a need for very high performance computing.

BMC Performance Manager Packs a Hefty Punch

System management activities within typical mid-sized companies were often handled manually or through non-integrated, point-specific products. An...

Dell Sharpens Blade Server Offering

Dell Computers recently introduced its next generation of blade server technology. The Dell PE M1000e chassis and new processor blades offer a very...

GroundWork: System Management Value at Open Source Pricing

Using system management tools to reduce costs is a growing trend in IT. While GroundWork readily performs management tasks and is low priced, any...

HP's Cluster Platform Aims at High Performance Computing

Hewlett Packard’s High Performance Computing (HPC) bundle with BladeSystem c3000 and the Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server provide both...

HP Virtual Connect: Cable Once and Forget It

The Virtual Connect capabilities for HP's BladeSystem c-Class blade server provide easier management for the IT staff as servers are added and...

IBM High Availability Clustering for the Power User

For enterprises using systems with IBM Power™ processors and AIX or Linux operating systems, High Availability Cluster MultiProcessing (HACMP)...

IBM Sharpens Its Workstation Focus with a PC Blade

The HC10 PC blade for the IBM BladeCenter puts IBM back in the business of supporting desktop workstations. The current offering will support only a...

IBM System i5 Rebate Up to $215,000

IBM is offering a rebate of up to $215,000 for qualifying System i Servers. IT leaders should investigate their eligibility for existing or planned...

IBM System i Express: Market Push to Small Enterprises

On April 10, 2007, IBM announced the new System i 515 and 525 Express models. Priced for, and marketed squarely at, the small to mid-sized enterprise...

IBM System z9 Business Class: Mainframes for the Mid-Market

Large SMEs pursuing server consolidation are reaching a tipping point with existing "scale out" strategies. The introduction of IBM's System z9...

MS Exchange Server 2007 Triggers Infrastructure Decisions

Exchange 2007 will be a disruptive force in enterprise messaging environments. Beta 2 was released in July and a production release will be available...

OpenPower: Free Remote Access to 64-bit POWER5

IBM is placing increased emphasis on its POWER5 platform for Linux and AIX. In support of this initiative, IBM has created a range of resources for...

Opsware Takes on System Management Big Fish

Opsware System 6 is an integrated operation services management suite based on ITIL concepts. Before acquiring a system management and data center...

Sun Blade 6000 Shines as the Next Generation Blade Server

Sun Microsystems’ latest entry into the blade server market, the Sun Blade 6000, moves the company from a follower to a truly competitive position....

VMware Improves Migration with Free Converter

VMware is significantly improving the capabilities of its P2V tool and making it free. This is an important development as VMware tends to be the...

Windows for High Performance Computing Offers Price Advantages

Microsoft Compute Cluster (MCC) Server 2003 is a High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster solution for x64 processors. For compute-intensive...

Windows Small Business Server: Software and Hardware Align for 2010

With robust, stable, and predictable products, Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2003 R2 remains a safe choice for small enterprises. Enterprises...

Wise Up: Avoid GroupWise

Novell’s GroupWise product has a long history and a loyal following. Product features are impressive. However, a shrinking ecosystem, declining...

Xen Gives VMWare a Run for Its Money

In processor virtualization, VMware has pretty much run the table for the past three years. Xen, an open source virtualization alternative, has been...

Free ESXi: A Call to Battle

On July 28, 2008 VMware answered the challenge of Microsoft’s $28 Hyper-V hypervisor. By providing ESXi at no cost, VMware hopes to slow some of the...

NEC's ExpressCluster Software

The latest version of NEC ExpressCluster offers a single high availability platform for Windows and Linux servers and applications. This support is...

Thin Client Vendors: Chip PC

Thin client terminals have become somewhat commoditized in the past couple of years. Many vendors are differentiating themselves with software...

Thin Client Vendors: ClearCube

ClearCube, one of the first companies to enter the blade PC market, offers a full end-to-end blade virtualization solution for thin clients. Although...

Thin Client Vendors: HP

As one of the leaders in the thin client market space, HP offers an array of terminal models from its acquired Compaq and Neoware lines....

Thin Client Vendors: IGEL

IGEL is best known in the European market but has been making strides to get more respect in North America. This includes releasing one of the...

Thin Client Vendors: Pano Logic

By far the shiniest and smallest thin client available, Pano Logic’s Pano also offers more than just an attractive shell. Strong support for VDI, an...

Thin Client Vendors: Wyse Technology

Wyse is a market leader and one of the longest-running thin client vendors in the space today. Wyse has a good reputation as a pure play thin client...

Untangling the Mixed Messages of the HP BL495c Processor Blade

On September 2, 2008 HP announced a new processor blade, the BL495c, aimed at virtualization environments. While targeted heavily towards enterprises...

VMware Adds App Virtualization to Portfolio

Born from the acquisition of ThinStall, VMware’s ThinApp 4.0 adds features for “linking and syncing” virtual applications. VMware needed application...

VMware High Availability: Not Quite There

VMware ESX Server 3.5 provides the ability to monitor and respond to failures of host systems and individual virtual machines within a host system....

Citrix Alternative: Improved Terminal Server 2008

Microsoft Terminal Server 2008 (TS2008) is now out with new capabilities and more functionality including seamless application windows, session...

Data Center in a Box

Enterprises strapped for space and without a formal data center can now create a complete computing facility in a single box. Small form-factor blade...

Sun Hopes its Hypervisor Will Shine

As competition in x86 server virtualization heats up, Sun Microsystems has debuted its take on bare metal server virtualization. The Sun xVM Server...

Select - Selection Advice

Blade and Rack-Mount Server Cost Comparison Calculator
Blade and Rack-Mount Server Cost Comparison Calculator

Use this tool to do a head-to-head comparison of both direct and indirect costs to see whether moving to blades will meet the vendor marketing hype for cost savings.

Blade Servers: Cutting Through the Options
Blade Servers: Cutting Through the Options

With the wide range of proprietary blade servers available, it can be difficult to decide on a vendor and a platform. The newest offerings from the major server vendors have leveled the playing field while improving the options for the enterprise. By focusing on key requirements, the enterprise can narrow the field quickly.

Desktop Management RFP Template
Desktop Management RFP Template

Whether you’re buying a packaged desktop management solution or one that requires customization, an RFP is a key weapon in your solution selection arsenal. Use this editable RFP template to complete the process.

Dueling Servers: Blades and Racks Compete to Cut Costs
Dueling Servers: Blades and Racks Compete to Cut Costs

Blade server costs continue to become more competitive when compared with similar rack-mount servers. Do a head-to-head comparison of both direct and indirect costs to see whether moving to blades will meet the vendor marketing hype for direct savings.

E-Mail Archiving: Build That Better Mousetrap
E-Mail Archiving: Build That Better Mousetrap

Many enterprises are investigating e-mail archiving solutions. Before speaking to vendors, use this note to help identify business drivers and build an implementation strategy. Then approach vendors that offer product features tailored to meet the goals of the enterprise.

Lock Down Desktop Management Needs with a Rigorous RFP
Lock Down Desktop Management Needs with a Rigorous RFP

IT departments must adopt desktop management software as a means of increasing efficiency and cutting costs. These guidelines, coupled with the Desktop Management Software RFP Template, will ensure that the software selection process progresses smoothly toward an optimal result.

Mid-Range Servers: Dell, HP, IBM and Sun
Mid-Range Servers: Dell, HP, IBM and Sun

The major server vendors offer a wide variety of mid-range x64-based servers. The hardware options, prices and functionality are similar and are rarely differentiators for the small to mid-sized enterprise (SME). Select a mid-range server based on the few differentiators between the vendors such as support, existing relationships, and management functions.

Mid-Range Servers: Dig Deep to Differentiate
Mid-Range Servers: Dig Deep to Differentiate

Mid-range servers, using multi-core x64-based processors, provide the performance and functionality for the majority of enterprise applications. Because these servers are based on industry standard technologies, the differentiation between vendor products is minimal. As a result, enterprises should select a vendor and product based heavily on local support capabilities, price and on-going...

Oracle Foray into Linux Support Market Threatens Red Hat
Oracle Foray into Linux Support Market Threatens Red Hat

The Linux world was rocked recently with the news that software giant Oracle is now also offering support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux server OS, and at a lower price than Red Hat. While rumors suggesting that Oracle’s foray into this market will spell the end for Red Hat are over-exaggerated, Oracle does offer a viable alternative. Carefully examine the options before selecting a support vendor...

Oracle vs. Red Hat Licensing
Oracle vs. Red Hat Licensing

Enterprises running Linux in the data center – particularly those using Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) – will want to reevaluate their licensing and support options in light of the new offerings from Oracle. This tool provides key information to help IT leaders make the right choice.

Per Incident Server Repairs Undercut Service Plans
Per Incident Server Repairs Undercut Service Plans

Enterprises must evaluate whether it makes more financial sense to purchase an extended service plan on x86 server hardware or to pay per incident for hardware service. Use the accompanying worksheet to determine the point at which the enterprise should pay for expedited service.

Selecting Linux: Novell SUSE
Selecting Linux: Novell SUSE

Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is enjoying widespread adoption including significant presence in the largest enterprises on IBM mainframes. Novell is positioned to offer enterprise-wide support from the server room to the desktop. Enterprises looking for the best tool for the job should evaluate Novell SUSE Enterprise Linux.

Selecting Linux: Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Selecting Linux: Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is carving out market space in enterprises of all sizes, especially the mid-market. RHEL customers say the operating system excels at supporting enterprise-grade and mission-critical Web applications, network infrastructure, and clustering. Enterprises looking for the best tool for the job should evaluate Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Selecting the Right Blade Server
Selecting the Right Blade Server

The wide variety of highly capable blade servers from top vendors makes selecting the right blade server more challenging. Balance acquisition, management, support, and energy costs with specific business requirements to select the right blade server for enterprise data center requirements.

Vendor Landscape: E-Mail Server Alternatives to Microsoft Exchange
Vendor Landscape: E-Mail Server Alternatives to Microsoft Exchange

Microsoft Exchange is the clear leader in the on-premises e-mail server market. But, competitors provide advantages in simplicity, price, functionality, and hardware requirements. Evaluate vendors discussed in this note when considering e-mail server greenfield deployments, replacements, and even Exchange deployment expansions.

x86 Server Hardware: Extended Service Plan or Per-Incident Service Worksheet
x86 Server Hardware: Extended Service Plan or Per-Incident Service Worksheet

Branch offices and small businesses must evaluate whether it makes more financial sense to purchase an extended service plan on x86 server hardware, or to pay per incident for hardware service. Use this worksheet to determine the point at which the enterprise should pay for expedited service.

Selecting Linux: Xandros Linux
Selecting Linux: Xandros Linux

Xandros Linux is gaining attention following volume consumer sales of the Asus Eee notebook featuring Xandros Desktop, Xandros' acquisition of Scalix, and its upcoming BridgeWays server management tools. Watch Xandros in 2008 for signs of success with sales on pre-imaged servers and the upcoming BridgeWays server management suite.

Citrix XenDesktop Enters the Ring
Citrix XenDesktop Enters the Ring

The virtualization market is growing rapidly. Over the past few months, Info-Tech has explored the virtualization options currently available and where the challenges lie. Citrix's recent announcements at its Synergy 2008 conference have opened new avenues to thin virtualization, but at a price.

Vendor Landscape: Backing Up VMware
Vendor Landscape: Backing Up VMware

VMware is one of the most widely deployed virtualization solutions currently available. Efficient backup and recovery solutions for virtual machines are constantly evolving to provide the same functionality for virtual machines as is available for physical machines; in addition, innovations such as data deduplication and granular recovery are making their way into VMware backup. Examine how the...

Dense Computing Architectures: Pack It In
Dense Computing Architectures: Pack It In

Dense computing environments were once the sole purview of high performance computing centers located in universities, government agencies, and research facilities. Web 2.0, service-oriented architecture (SOA), Internet gaming, Web searches, and database mining have required more enterprises to move to dense computing capabilities. Vendors are responding with products to meet the needs of these...

Comparing Hypervisor Total Costs per Virtual Machine
Comparing Hypervisor Total Costs per Virtual Machine

Free, or nearly free hypervisors are not the same thing as free virtualization. As hypervisor competition between Microsoft and VMware heats up, Info-Tech uses an example configuration to compare total costs per virtual machine.

Thin Client Terminal Vendors: Pick a Card
Thin Client Terminal Vendors: Pick a Card

Advancements in virtualization and thin client technology have enterprises looking at thin computing deployments more now than ever before. There are a number of vendors providing options for thin terminals, and while thin clients have become relatively commoditized, enterprises need to know who the competitors are and who is offering the best fit.

Selecting the Right System Management Tools
Selecting the Right System Management Tools

With the wide variety of data center system management tools available, IT staff need to determine which management components are most critical to their operations. Once requirements are set, the process of evaluating and selecting the right platform can begin. Define and understand data center needs before choosing a system management package.

Vendor Landscape: VMware Not the Only Path to Take
Vendor Landscape: VMware Not the Only Path to Take

VMware is currently the 800-pound gorilla of virtualization for x86 server infrastructure. For due diligence in virtualization spending, decision makers need to know why VMware is currently a leader, who the potential rivals are, and how the situation is likely to change going forward. This note maps the current landscape for virtual server software and includes Microsoft, Virtual Iron, VMware,...

Microsoft Terminal Server 2008 vs. Citrix XenApp
Microsoft Terminal Server 2008 vs. Citrix XenApp

Microsoft Terminal Services 2008 (TS2008) is boasting new capabilities prompting enterprises to ask if it can stand on its own without an additional investment in Citrix to layer on top. Yes, TS2008 provides more functionality than previous releases, including features which previously required a Citrix Presentation Server. However, Citrix still has strong differentiators, particularly around...

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure TCO per Desktop Tool
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure TCO per Desktop Tool

The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) model provides organizations with a framework for estimating the costs associated with deploying a virtual desktop solution relative to refreshing a fleet of desktops. The default assumption is that the trigger to look at virtual desktops was led by a need to refresh client hardware.

Beowulf: An Epic Adventure in Clustering

For enterprises that need High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities and are not tied to the Windows operating system, Linux and the Beowulf...

Exchange 2007 Now or SP1 Later?

Early adoption buzz indicates that Microsoft Exchange 2007 is good enough to implement in its present release for straightforward messaging...

Exchanging Exchange: Alternative E-Mail Servers

Enterprises looking for an alternative to Exchange, but not interested in outsourcing, have several solid options. Look for Microsoft...

Microsoft's Vista IOU Means Little to Enterprise Buyers

Microsoft's new holiday promotions are targeted primarily at the consumer market. Both the Windows Vista Express Update and the Microsoft Office...

Open Source Software Catalogue 2007

Open source software may benefit the enterprise, but first the enterprise must discover what tools exist. To get started, consult the Optaros Open...

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Adoption Patterns

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is carving out a marketspace in enterprises of all sizes, especially the mid-market. Red Hat excels at supporting...

The Metal Market June 2007: Server Prices Scatter

Our June 2007 Metal Market report reveals widely scattered enterprise-class application server prices. Where possible, IT buyers should price units...

Vista's License Activation Requirements: New Options Create Confusion

The high degree of piracy associated with volume license keys has necessitated a more prudent approach to product activation from vendors. Volume...

Count Cores Because Cores Count

With multi-core processors becoming the standard for new x86-based servers, the data center inventory must now include processor-cores as a key...

HP and Linux: A Snapshot

HP’s involvement with Linux goes beyond using the open-source operating system in appliance-oriented products. With enterprise-grade support packages...

Staunch the Hard Copy Geyser with a Three-Layer Plug

Many enterprises suffer significant losses from an uncontrolled office printing environment. These enterprises need tools ranging from device...

The Metal Market June 2008: Quad-Cores for the Price of Dual-Cores

Info-Tech’s June 2008 Metal Market report sees quad-core processors displacing dual-core while prices remain steady. Expect increasingly competitive...

Focus on the Applications: A Model for SMB Operating System Choices

The operating system (OS) choice is not about features or costs. Enterprises should focus on the applications, not the OS. Identify the business...

Laptop Wars: The TCO Strikes Back

Cost containment initiatives and budget cuts are forcing companies to re-evaluate criteria for assigning laptops to employees. Follow these...

Optimize your IT department for maximum efficiency and productivity.

Implement - Implement & Integrate

Assessing Candidate Servers for Virtualization
Assessing Candidate Servers for Virtualization

This assessment tool provides a high-level view of the current infrastructure in the context of technical, business, and operational readiness. Use this tool to decide which servers are ideal candidates for virtualization as well as which servers should await further planning and development.

Five Pitfalls of Virtualization and How to Avoid Them
Five Pitfalls of Virtualization and How to Avoid Them

The road to server virtualization and consolidation is not without its potholes. Examined are five common virtualization implementation challenges and how they can be mitigated. Very few virtualization challenges are purely technical, but rather stem from shortfalls in planning. Do not take an ad hoc approach to virtualization. Avoid the pitfalls by focusing on application provisioning and...

Incrementally Integrate Blade Servers into the Data Center
Incrementally Integrate Blade Servers into the Data Center

Upon deciding to migrate to blade servers, determine the configuration and components required. Incrementally integrate blade servers into the data center to capitalize on the existing infrastructure and IT skills.

Physical to Virtual: How to Get There from Here
Physical to Virtual: How to Get There from Here

The method and tools employed for physical to virtual (P2V) machine migration will vary depending on the scope of the project and number of servers involved. For a comprehensive migration of a large number of heterogeneous servers, PlateSpin has been the gold standard for P2V management. However, VMware’s latest offering, VMware Converter 3, has gained considerable ground and is priced...

Technical Assessment of Candidates for Virtual Server Implementation
Technical Assessment of Candidates for Virtual Server Implementation

Technical assessment of current server infrastructure is one of three critical assessments necessary for an effective virtual server implementation. The other important assessments are a business assessment and an IT operational assessment. The important results of the technical assessment will be a list of virtualization candidate servers, and baseline utilization data for capacity planning of...

Virtual Infrastructure Benchmarking and Capacity Planning
Virtual Infrastructure Benchmarking and Capacity Planning

After a thorough technical assessment of virtualization candidates, the next step in implementing virtual server infrastructure is to assess the physical server resources needed to support an optimum virtual infrastructure. Use capacity planning, server sizing, and virtualization benchmarking tools to gauge the required hardware investment.

Virtualization Project Definition Template
Virtualization Project Definition Template

Info-Tech sees the best approach to large scale virtual server implementation as one that combines planning for a foundational virtual infrastructure with careful and incremental adoption. Having employed the ITA Premium “Virtualization Scope Analysis” worksheet to consider who and what will be impacted by virtualization, use this template to develop a long-term project definition for...

Virtualization Scope Analysis Worksheet
Virtualization Scope Analysis Worksheet

The most often cited challenges to virtualization are related to people and processes, not technology. Take some time to think about all the people and processes that would be impacted by virtualization. Use this downloadable worksheet to identify goals, dependencies, opportunities, and potential barriers to virtual machine adoption.

Virtual Servers Planning Goals: Take a Baby Bear Approach
Virtual Servers Planning Goals: Take a Baby Bear Approach

In a typical scenario, a modest 100-server shop will not be moved to server virtualization by a strategic imperative. Rather, the trigger will be the acquisition of partitionable x86 servers as part of a regular hardware refresh. Planning can make the difference between this implementation being a one-off effort with limited return on investment or the beginning of a new way of managing...

Thin Client in a VoIP World
Thin Client in a VoIP World

Thin clients combined with virtual PCs have emerged as a legitimate alternative to traditional PC deployments in the enterprise. However, there are limitations that need to be considered. One such limitation is the inability of the Remote Desktop Protocol to support two-way voice communications. This note looks at how this limitation impacts softphone provisioning in a virtual desktop...

Selecting a High Availability Option
Selecting a High Availability Option

Enterprise IT staff often find themselves looking towards high availability (HA) to ensure key applications are up and running. Before beginning the trek up the HA slope, IT staff must work with business management to evaluate realistic needs and goals. Implementation of HA must be based on what enterprise clients really require.

Just Do It: Server Virtualization without Planning?
Just Do It: Server Virtualization without Planning?

The best approach to virtual server implementation combines planning for a foundational virtual infrastructure with careful, incremental adoption. While planning is critical, don't let external involvement bog down or stall initial implementation efforts. Use a business and operational assessment to define the trigger point for the larger planning effort.

PC Power Saving Plans Reduce Costs and Environmental Impact
PC Power Saving Plans Reduce Costs and Environmental Impact

PC power savings aren’t well understood by many organizations, but are easy to achieve and result in reduced energy consumption, cost savings, and lessened environmental impact. Learn about the techniques for PC power saving and how to execute a PC power saving plan.

PC Power Saving Plan Calculator
PC Power Saving Plan Calculator

Organizations can cut PC energy consumption to save significant costs and reduce environmental impact. Use this tool to determine what cost savings are possible and to build a business case for a PC power saving plan.

Achieving the Business Case in Virtualization

Complete with Fit and Business Case Suitability tools, this report presents the keys to successful implementation as reported by IT professionals across industries and company sizes. Discover the path to success, major pitfalls, and guidelines that will help plan and execute a virtualization initiative.

Achieving the Business Case in Virtualization
Achieving the Business Case in Virtualization

Complete with Fit and Business Case Suitability tools, this report presents the keys to successful implementation as reported by IT professionals across industries and company sizes. Discover the path to success, major pitfalls, and guidelines that will help plan and execute a virtualization initiative.

Beware the "Kill Switch" in Vista License Enforcement

Microsoft is enhancing software license enforcement for Windows Vista and Longhorn Server products with an updated version of Windows Genuine...

How to Implement SOPs

Introducing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the enterprise for the first time can meet with resistance. Learn what obstacles to expect and...

How to Write an SOP

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are integral to effectively managing IT processes. There are different approaches to recording SOPs. Consider...

Pick Your Windows Drive and Partitioning Strategy Before You Build

When building a new Microsoft Windows application server that will use direct attached storage, choose a drive and partition strategy that provides...

SOP 101: Standard Operating Procedures

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are most commonly associated with military or manufacturing operations; however, they can be effectively...

Operate - Operate & Optimize

Control Test Sheets Reduce SOX Audit Risks
Control Test Sheets Reduce SOX Audit Risks

Enterprises that must comply with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) need tools to help them test their own controls internally before external auditors arrive for the yearly audit. This worksheet will help publicly-traded enterprises – as well as private organizations simply looking to strengthen security – reduce the risk of poor audit results by checking the integrity of internal controls.

Optimize Virtual Server DRP with VMware Site Recovery Manager
Optimize Virtual Server DRP with VMware Site Recovery Manager

VMware’s High Availability (HA) feature provides almost instant virtual machine failover from one physical machine to another. However, failing over an entire site from one location to another has not been automatic. VMware’s Site Recovery Manager not only enables this capability, it also provides a means for testing automated site recovery in Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP).

Storage VMotion Eliminates Storage Migration Downtime
Storage VMotion Eliminates Storage Migration Downtime

With Storage VMotion, it is now possible to non-disruptively move storage volumes used by VMware virtual machines from one storage device to another. VMware users should take a careful and planned approach to using this technology to non-disruptively optimize storage in their virtual infrastructures.

Tiered Data Center Organization Enhances Security and Performance
Tiered Data Center Organization Enhances Security and Performance

Businesses continue to benefit by offering shared access data centers to partners, suppliers, and clients. The issue in this method of organization is ensuring that each category of user has access only to appropriate and authorized data. Create a tiered data center structure to provide physical and logical layering and to offer efficiencies and security that more distributed structures do not...

Workstation Migration: Explore Alternate Routes to the Same Destination
Workstation Migration: Explore Alternate Routes to the Same Destination

The desktop environment has been slowly evolving over the past 20 years, yet the management strategies used to govern end-user groups have not changed in step. As the enterprise approaches yet another round of upgrades, consider the tradeoffs between different approaches with an eye towards cost savings and optimization.

A Rosetta Stone for Windows Vista Virtual Licensing
A Rosetta Stone for Windows Vista Virtual Licensing

Desktop virtualization with virtual desktop infrastructure poses a significant challenge to Microsoft’s traditional asset-based licensing methods. Microsoft’s scheme for licensing virtual instances of Windows Vista may need a Rosetta stone to help interpret it. This note outlines in simple English how Microsoft virtual licensing really works, and how much it’s going to cost.

PC Cascading: Put the Right PC in Front of the Right User
PC Cascading: Put the Right PC in Front of the Right User

Not all desktop or laptop PCs are ready for the scrap heap when their end-users need newer, more powerful machines. A well-documented PC cascade policy can ensure that the right machines end up in front of the right end-users.

Optimize Blade Servers for Virtual Machines
Optimize Blade Servers for Virtual Machines

Blade servers have invaded enterprise data centers of all sizes. This, combined with the movement of virtualization into production environments, is requiring reconsideration of what constitutes a right-sized blade environment. Properly configure both existing and new blade servers to support nearly any virtualized requirement.

PC Management for Cost Savings and Budget Bliss
PC Management for Cost Savings and Budget Bliss

Desktop and notebook computers are one of the largest budget categories for all IT departments. Whether an enterprise owns or leases its PCs, there are significant opportunities for cutting costs and streamlining strained budgets. These guidelines are designed to help any troubled IT budget get back on track.

ERP Virtualization: Drop Project TCO by 30%
ERP Virtualization: Drop Project TCO by 30%

Virtualizing the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) environment drives cost savings through server consolidation and improved development efficiencies. Increasing the ease and speed with which environments are recovered is a key enabler. Pursue virtualization for the development stack, but keep the production environment on physical hardware for at least another year.

Reducing Cost-to-Serve: Workstation & Peripheral Services
Reducing Cost-to-Serve: Workstation & Peripheral Services

Once IT has determined that workstation and peripheral services is a potential area for cost savings, it should assess how much time is available to reach cost-reduction targets. According to this time frame, IT can narrow down the cost-cutting techniques at its disposal. When implementing these techniques, IT should keep potential pitfalls in mind, and adopt the measures recommended within this...

IT Savings Scenario: Cut Costs with Systems Management Tools
IT Savings Scenario: Cut Costs with Systems Management Tools

With good planning, the benefits of systems management software can be substantial. Investigate how automation can save on manual system management efforts.

Paying Less for New PCs
Paying Less for New PCs

Desktop and laptop expenditures are unavoidable, but they don't have to be painful. Watch this webcast to discover proactive tactics and advice on how to pay less for new PCs. Use this guidance to reach short, medium, and long-term cost-reduction targets, and save on the bottom line.

Setting Your PC Refresh Rate
Setting Your PC Refresh Rate

Desktop and laptop expenditures are unavoidable, but they don't have to be painful. Watch this webcast to discover proactive tactics and advice on how to set PC refresh rates to reduce workstation hardware expenses. Use this guidance to reach short, medium, and long-term cost-reduction targets, and save on the bottom line.

PC Tiering & Cascading
PC Tiering & Cascading

Desktop and laptop expenditures are unavoidable, but they don't have to be painful. Watch this webcast to discover proactive tactics and advice on desktop tiering and cascading to reduce workstation hardware expenses. Use this guidance to reach short, medium, and long-term cost-reduction targets, and save on the bottom line.

Saving Money on Laptops
Saving Money on Laptops

Desktop and laptop expenditures are unavoidable, but they don't have to be painful. Watch this webcast to discover proactive tactics and advice on how to save money on laptops and reduce workstation hardware expenses. Use this guidance to reach short, medium, and long-term cost-reduction targets, and save on the bottom line.

Making the Virtualization Business Case
Making the Virtualization Business Case

Virtualization is a proven method IT can use to save money. The key is to develop a virtualization plan that is optimized for the organization. Use this tactical guidance to develop virtualization targets, and save on the bottom line.

Rating Virtual Tools
Rating Virtual Tools

Virtualization is a proven method IT can use to save money. The key is to develop a virtualization plan that is optimized for the organization. Use this tactical guidance to develop virtualization targets, and save on the bottom line.

Resourcing Your Virtualization
Resourcing Your Virtualization

Virtualization is a proven method IT can use to save money. The key is to develop a virtualization plan that is optimized for the organization. Use this tactical guidance to develop virtualization targets, and save on the bottom line.

Desktop Virtualization
Desktop Virtualization

Virtualization is a proven method IT can use to save money. The key is to develop a virtualization plan that is optimized for the organization. Use this tactical guidance to develop virtualization targets, and save on the bottom line.

Reduce ERP Costs with Virtualization
Reduce ERP Costs with Virtualization

Development costs are one of the primary culprits for the high cost of maintaining an ERP system. Control these costs by using virtualization as a key enabling technology.

Cost Cutting Podcast: Servers & Storage
Cost Cutting Podcast: Servers & Storage

Server expenses can add up, but they shouldn't have to squeeze the budget. Ease the budget by cascading server hardware, extending refresh rates, and leveraging virtualization. Employ these tips and others to help the enterprise trim server costs, and save on the bottom line.

Workstation & Peripherals Cost Reduction Assessment Tool
Workstation & Peripherals Cost Reduction Assessment Tool

This tool is designed to help organizations determine top tactics for cost reduction within the workstations and peripheral services area. After the questions have been completed, the tool will generate guidance on what cost-saving actions to take, the relative amount of savings from each action, the time frame required to realize these savings, as well as potential challenges and ways to...

Webcast: Saving Money Through Virtualization
Webcast: Saving Money Through Virtualization

Virtualization is a proven method IT can use to save money. The key is to develop a virtualization plan that is optimized for the organization. Use this tactical guidance to develop virtualization targets, and save on the bottom line.

Webcast: Cost Cutting Strategies for Workstation Savings
Webcast: Cost Cutting Strategies for Workstation Savings

Desktop and laptop expenditures are unavoidable, but they don't have to be painful. Watch this series of webcasts to discover proactive tactics and advice on how to drastically reduce workstation hardware expenses. Use this guidance to reach short, medium, and long-term cost-reduction targets, and save on the bottom line.

Server & Storage Cost Reduction Assessment Tool
Server & Storage Cost Reduction Assessment Tool

This tool is designed to help organizations determine top tactics for cost reduction within the server and storage service area. After the questions have been completed, the tool will generate guidance on which cost-saving actions to take, the relative amount of savings from each action, the time frame to realize these savings, as well as potential challenges and ways to mitigate these challenges.

Calculating Microsoft Exchange Disk I/O Requirements

Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 is storage resource intensive and IT leaders must provision an infrastructure environment with acceptable response...

Detect Server Snags before They Hamstring Apps

Without ongoing server resource monitoring, the first indication of a performance issue may be when application response jumps from one or two...

Don't Run without Runbooks

Runbooks provide current system documentation for data center processes. Move the IT operation toward thorough documentation and knowledge continuity...

Exchange 2003 DST Chaos Survival Guide

Preparing Exchange 2003 for Daylight Saving Time (DST) rules for 2007 should have been quite simple. Instead, Microsoft Exchange administrators are...

Exchange Server 2003 Performance Tools

Exchange 2003 infrastructure issues can be difficult to troubleshoot. Get ahead by using testing and baseline tools provided by Microsoft.

Extend the Useful Life of Servers

During data center consolidation and upgrades, older servers are often replaced with newer hardware – even if their useful life is not over. Use...

Five Tips to Optimize Exchange 2003 Recoverability

Enterprises that recently adopted Exchange 2003 or that plan to delay e-mail server transition until Exchange 2007 SP1 launches will benefit from...

Free IT Staff Time: Implement Runbook Automation

Runbook automation bridges the gap between monitoring and ticketing applications by providing automated incident response. Enterprises with mature...

How to Start Building Runbooks

Quit reinventing critical steps in high-pressure situations. Instead, start creating runbooks to capture the enterprise's valuable process...

If You Measure It, They Will Green: Server Efficiency Benchmarks Grow Near

A shift in data center economics is occurring, and data centers can expect new green responsibilities to measure and optimize power consumption....

Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5: Retire It Now

Although past its supported lifecycle, Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 is still operating in a surprising number of shops. IT leaders must make the...

Multi-core Processors: Turn Fast to Slow for Some Applications

While multi-core processors promise increased computing power for many data center applications, some applications do run slower. Understand the...

Save the Day: Patch Software for Daylight Saving Time 2007

IT leaders must ensure enterprise software properly handles the new Daylight Savings Time (DST) dates as well as prepare contingency workarounds for...

Server Rebates: Save Money, Save the Planet

Cost- and environmentally-conscious enterprises can now get rebates for investing in energy-efficient servers. The new program is part of an...

Splunk: Linux Search Engine for IT Logs

Servers generate mountains of event, alert, and notification log files: installation logs, error logs, activity logs, and security logs. Quickly...

Implementation Rebates Encourage Going Green

Greening the data center, through initiatives such as server consolidation and virtualization, yields significant cost savings due to reduced energy...

Energy Measurement Methods for End-User Infrastructure

Collecting data on end-user device energy use can be relatively painless, especially if IT already has built-in tools at its disposal. Learn why an...

A Realistic Assessment of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Energy Savings

Vendors will promote the energy efficiency and associated cost savings of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). However, Info-Tech finds that energy...

Manage - Management & Staffing

How to Pick the Right PC Recycling Shop

PC recyclers can help IT departments dispose of old equipment and ensure legal compliance. There are concerns regarding the safety of the company's...