Data center hardware and strategy
Data center hardware includes a broad range of devices. Hardware components that make up the IT infrastructure of a data center include servers and computing equipment, networking equipment and storage equipment, plus additional infrastructure to support it like power and cooling systems. Get insights into developing a data center hardware strategy.
Top Stories
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News
23 Oct 2024
Court asks AT&T, Broadcom to resolve VMware dispute
Contract negotiations between AT&T and Broadcom over VMware support have fallen apart, but a New York State Supreme Court judge gave parties another month to resolve the dispute. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2024
Intel, AMD form x86 group in effort to combat Arm
Intel and AMD are joining forces to retain market share and create seamless interoperability across hardware and software platforms. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2024
Dell expands AI Factory with new AMD servers
Dell adds to its AI Factory, extending its services and hardware to cover new AMD-based servers in its push to provide ways to run AI workloads on premises. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Oct 2024
What is a real-time operating system (RTOS)?
A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an OS that guarantees real-time applications a certain capability within a specified deadline. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2024
Intel rolls out AI chips amid financial turmoil
Intel ships AI chips Xeon 6 and Gaudi 3 while analysts ponder how the company's severe cash shortage will transform its business over the next several years. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2024
Broadcom: AT&T is trying to 'rewind the clock' on VMware
A newly filed memorandum from Broadcom points to an 'unambiguous 'End of Availability' provision' as rationale for why a court should deny AT&T's request for injunctive relief. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Sep 2024
What is infrastructure (IT infrastructure)?
Infrastructure is the foundation or framework that supports a system or organization. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2024
VMware platform an investment in users, Broadcom CEO says
Hock Tan underscored the importance of customers at the Boston VMware User Group UserCon, but users remain uneasy about the recent changes ushered in by VMware's new parent company. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Sep 2024
The 'on-premises as-a-service' genie is out of the bottle
While on-premises storage as a service has been around for a few years, it's having a moment. Organizations seek simplicity, and vendors are ready with offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2024
Calculate UPS battery backup time to prepare for power failure
Extreme heat and inadequate cooling systems can lead to power failures in data centers. Calculate the duration of your UPS battery supply to prepare for backup power needs. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2024
Intel gets boost from AWS, government contracts
Intel's turnaround efforts are progressing, but the chipmaker will need more than government funding and a deal that expands its AWS manufacturing partnership, an analyst said. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2024
What is JCL (job control language)?
JCL (job control language) is a language for describing jobs to the Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS), OS/390 and Virtual Storage Extended (VSE) operating systems (OSes), which run on IBM's S/390 mainframe computers. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2024
Lenovo adds GPUaaS for on-premises AI workloads
Lenovo adds to its AI portfolio with a new GPU-as-a-service offering, a move that challenges Dell and HPE. It also adds predictive analytics to its management offering. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2024
AT&T sues Broadcom over VMware support licensing
AT&T claims its negotiated contract with VMware pre-Broadcom acquisition is not being honored, casting light on recent product and purchasing changes Broadcom has instituted. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2024
What is a transistor?
A transistor is a miniature semiconductor that regulates or controls current or voltage flow in addition to amplifying and generating these electrical signals and acting as a switch/gate for them. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2024
What is NetApp?
NetApp, formerly Network Appliance, Inc., is a multinational corporation in the computer technologies industry specializing in data storage hardware, software and cloud services. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2024
Hock Tan locks in VMware's private cloud future
The Broadcom CEO says public cloud migration trauma can be cured by private cloud services like those from VMware, but VMware Explore attendees aren't fully sold on the idea. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2024
IBM's latest Z mainframe offers lessons in building AI systems
Studying the engineering behind IBM's mainframe architecture could help enterprises build higher reliability into the GPU clusters used to run AI applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2024
10 top AI hardware and chip-making companies in 2024
Due to rapid AI hardware advancement, companies are releasing advanced products yearly to keep up with the competition. The new competitive product on the market is the AI chip. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2024
AMD acquires ZT Systems for $5B to take on Nvidia in AI race
AMD plans to acquire AI systems designer and manufacturer ZT Systems for $5 billion. AMD CEO Lisa Su said hyperscalers want more than just chips when developing AI applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2024
What is parallel processing?
Parallel processing is a method in computing of running two or more processors, or CPUs, to handle separate parts of an overall task. Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2024
Nutanix to enable software-defined storage on Dell PowerFlex
Nutanix and Dell are expanding their partnership with a new appliance out now and a new HCI model that melds Dell PowerFlex with the Nutanix Cloud Platform out in 2025. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Aug 2024
What is hardware as a service (HaaS)?
Hardware as a service (HaaS) is a procurement model that's similar to leasing or licensing. Hardware that belongs to a managed service provider (MSP) is installed at a customer's site and a service level agreement (SLA) defines the responsibilities of both parties. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2024
Explore underwater data centers' viability, sustainability
Tests off coastlines around the world are measuring the feasibility of underwater data centers. With proper maintenance and security, 40% of the population could use them. Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2024
Intel's weak position in AI chip market leads to mass layoff
Intel's failure to profit from the red-hot AI market is behind plans to cut 15,000 jobs. The workforce reduction is part of a $10 billion cut in capital expenses in 2025. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2024
What is a partition in computers?
A partition is a logical division of a hard disk drive (HDD) that's treated as a separate unit by operating systems (OSes) and file systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2024
What is a kernel?
A kernel is the essential foundation of a computer's operating system (OS). It's the core that provides basic services for all other parts of the OS. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2024
What is green computing?
Green computing, also known as sustainable computing, is the use of computers and other computing devices and equipment in energy-efficient and eco-friendly ways. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is high availability (HA)? Definition and guide
High availability (HA) is the ability of a system to operate continuously for a designated period of time even if components within the system fail. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is a software-defined data center (SDDC)?
A software-defined data center (SDDC) is a server management concept in which all infrastructure elements -- networking, storage and compute -- are virtualized and delivered as a service. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is U.2 SSD (formerly SFF-8639)?
A U.2 SSD is a high-performance data storage device designed to support the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface using a small form factor (SFF) connector that is also compatible with standard SAS and SATA-based spinning disks and solid-state drives (SSDs). Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is bit rot?
Bit rot is the slow deterioration in the performance and integrity of data stored on storage media. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is parity in computing?
In computers, parity (from the Latin paritas, meaning "equal or equivalent") is a technique that checks whether data has been lost or written over when it is moved from one place in storage to another or when it is transmitted between computers. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is Ceph?
Ceph is an open source software solution that provides a unified system for enterprise-level object, block- and file-based storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is Dell EMC?
Dell EMC is an American multinational technology company that offers products and services across all areas of computing, networking and storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jul 2024
What is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running for at least a short time when incoming power is interrupted. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is a headless server?
A headless server is a computer without a local interface to interact with. Headless means that it does not have a monitor or other peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2024
white box server
A white box server is a data center computer that is not manufactured by a well-known name-brand vendor. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2024
Vblock (VCE Vblock)
Vblock (VCE Vblock) is a family of converged infrastructure (CI) systems from Dell EMC that integrate advanced compute, network and storage technologies from three industry leaders: VMware, Cisco and Dell EMC. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jul 2024
JetCool CEO on liquid cooling and the modern data center
In this Q&A, JetCool's CEO talks about the growing interest in liquid cooling and how it's being used to divert heat away from compute so that bigger workloads can run consistently. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jul 2024
Storj buys Valdi for cloud compute to bolster storage offers
The acquisition brings Storj's distributed storage offerings together with Valdi's distributed compute services for high-performance workloads, including generative AI. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jul 2024
scalability
In information technology, scalability (frequently spelled 'scaleability') has two uses: for a computer application to function with change in size and volume, and to take advantage of a rescale. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jul 2024
field-replaceable unit (FRU)
In electronic hardware, particularly computer systems, a field-replaceable unit (FRU) is a circuit board or part that can be easily removed and replaced by the user or technician without having to send the product or system to a repair facility. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jul 2024
twisted pair
Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and business computers to a telephone company. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jul 2024
ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method)
ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) is a file management system developed at IBM that enables records to be accessed either sequentially, in the order they were entered or randomly with an index. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jul 2024
What is VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method)?
Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) is an access method for IBM's mainframe operating system, MVS, now called z/OS. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2024
SK Hynix's $75B investment in AI chips shows a growing trend
The South Korea-based chipmaker responds to the growing demand for AI memory chips with a big investment through 2028. Meanwhile, memory chipmakers step up production. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2024
Lenovo expands AI offerings, liquid cooling
Lenovo sets itself apart from others by offering configured AI products to speed deployment and shape direction, while also expanding liquid cooling to lower costs. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2024
A primer on Ceph storage technology, products
Ceph is a scalable distributed storage platform that can evolve as needed. Take a deep dive into its popularity, assorted offerings and how to get around challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2024
Next steps to consider before CentOS 7 end of life
In today's world of security threats, it's critical to keep OSes up to date. As the end-of-life date for CentOS 7 approaches, companies can no longer delay distribution migration. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Jun 2024
Artificial intelligence, Nvidia took center stage at HPE Discover 2024
With many organizations developing or evaluating generative AI initiatives, HPE increased its commitment to the space through a broad partnership with Nvidia. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2024
second-level address translation (SLAT)
Second-level address translation (SLAT) is a hardware virtualization technology that reduces hypervisor overhead. SLAT is now available in many kinds of processors, including those from Intel and AMD. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2024
Strategies for simplifying network complexity
Experts at the Cisco Live 2024 conference discussed the future of AI in networks and how its use can help simplify network and data center operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
lithium polymer battery (LiPo)
A lithium polymer battery is a rechargeable battery with a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2024
HPE GreenLake adds GenAI capabilities as on-premises PaaS
HPE GreenLake debuts a new PaaS offering for enterprise GenAI development, co-created with Nvidia. HPE also updated OpsRamp and server hardware refreshes for AI workloads. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2024
HPE to offer KVM virtualization for GreenLake private cloud
HPE debuts its virtualization capability for HPE Private Cloud later this year as an integrated GreenLake alternative to third-party vendors such as VMware, Nutanix or Red Hat. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2024
8 green computing best practices
As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, these sustainability best practices can help your data center go greener, which benefits both your business and the environment. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2024
StorMagic debuts HCI, hypervisor as VMware alternative
StorMagic looks to court customers with smaller data centers for SMBs and the edge with SvHCI, a new VMware alternative with a KVM-based hypervisor and HCI capabilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2024
memristor
A memristor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in a circuit and remembers the amount of charge that has previously flowed through it. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2024
Intel launches Xeon 6 for AI data centers
This month, Intel will launch the first of its Xeon 6 data center silicon that offers two microarchitectures, one for performance and the other for power efficiency. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2024
form factor
In computing, form factor refers to the size, configuration, shape, weight or physical arrangement of a computing device. Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2024
Dell exec looks back at history when considering AI's future
In this Q&A, Dell's Matt Baker lays out how its AI Factory is designed for faster AI adoption, why there are so many chatbots and how AI might affect the workforce of the future. Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2024
Dell AI Factory curates AI tech for customers
Dell showcased its AI Factory at Dell Technologies World 2024, and some early customers are already talking about the lift AI has given their businesses. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2024
Dell refines AI factory, expands Nvidia partnership
The Dell AI Factory took center stage at Dell Technologies World with new infrastructure additions, a broader AI ecosystem and an expanded partnership with Nvidia. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
VMware Cloud on AWS now sold exclusively by Broadcom
Broadcom discontinues AWS as a reseller of VMware Cloud on AWS, further evidence that it wants hands-on control of how the VM technology is sold, supported and distributed. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
technological convergence
Technological convergence is a term that describes bringing previously unrelated technologies together, often in a single device. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
information technology (IT)
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
nanosecond (ns or nsec)
A nanosecond (ns or nsec) is one-billionth (10-9) of a second. A nanosecond is a measure of time that has many practical applications, particularly in computer science and IT. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 May 2024
Nutanix
Nutanix is a private and hybrid cloud software provider. It started as a hyperconverged infrastructure pioneer that now markets its technology as a building block for private clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2024
What to know about hybrid data center security strategies
Cybersecurity is critical to protect data and systems. Admins of hybrid data centers must understand the risks of a hybrid model and how specific cyberattacks can be prevented. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2024
PowerFlex (formerly ScaleIO)
PowerFlex is a software-defined storage product from Dell EMC. It is available as software only or as a prebuilt Dell server or rack appliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2024
data center
A data center is a facility composed of networked computers, storage systems and computing infrastructure that organizations use to assemble, process, store and disseminate large amounts of data. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2024
Lenovo, AMD broaden AI options for customers
Lenovo is expanding its partnership with AMD to bring more options for servers and HCI devices aimed at AI. It also launched an AI advisory and professional services offering for customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
power cycling
Power cycling is the process of turning hardware off and then turning it on again. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2024
Dell partners with Intel, releases file storage for Azure
With the recent Intel and Azure partnerships, Dell continues to expand its on-premises options for AI while expanding its Apex data file services in the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2024
How Intel's new AI Gaudi 3 chip compares with Nvidia chips
The new chip matches the Nvidia H100 but lacks in performance compared with the Nvidia Blackwell. The vendor also introduced new edge computing offerings. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Apr 2024
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe, PCI-E)
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe or PCI-E) is a serial expansion bus standard for connecting a computer to one or more peripheral devices. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
data center services
Data center services provide the supporting components necessary to the proper operation of a data center. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2024
IOPS (input/output operations per second)
IOPS (input/output operations per second) is the standard unit of measurement for the maximum number of reads/writes to noncontiguous storage locations. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2024
RAID 3 (redundant array of independent disks 3)
RAID 3 (redundant array of independent disks 3) is a RAID configuration that uses a parity disk to store the information generated by a RAID controller and uses striping to store the data. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Mar 2024
converged infrastructure
Converged infrastructure, sometimes called 'converged architecture,' is an approach to data center management that packages compute, networking, servers, storage and virtualization tools into a prequalified set of IT hardware. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2024
Nvidia partners, customers drive AI into data centers
Nvidia and its partners are providing the tools and infrastructure to build and deploy AI applications that companies say could transform their businesses. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Mar 2024
A primer on multiactuator HDD technology
Enterprise data centers will soon need HDDs that can exceed today's capacities. Multiactuators, which are on the rise in HDDs, may help solve the problem. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
RAID 50 (RAID 5+0)
RAID 50, also known as RAID 5+0, combines distributed parity (RAID 5) with striping (RAID 0). It requires a minimum of six drives. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
off-site backup
Off-site backup is a method of backing up data to a remote server or to media that's transported off-site. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2024
Use AI tools to simplify operations inside your data center
AI is a cornerstone technology that will be part of future-proofing the data center. It will control operations like cooling, network optimization and configuration management. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2024
Nvidia unveils new AI Blackwell chip, microservices and more
The vendor launched a barrage of AI tech including faster chips in its new Blackwell infrastructure and new microservices that enable enterprises to create custom applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2024
printed circuit board (PCB)
A printed circuit board (PCB) is a structure for assembling electronic components and their connections into a unified circuit that allows electrical current to pass between components. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2024
context switch
A context switch is an operation that a computer's central processing unit (CPU) carries out when alternating between processes or threads while ensuring that the processes do not conflict. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Feb 2024
RAM (random access memory)
Random access memory (RAM) is the hardware in a computing device that provides temporary storage for the operating system (OS), software programs and any other data in current use so they're quickly available to the device's processor. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2024
School district shares experience moving to HPE GreenLake
A California school district placed its server and storage infrastructure in the hands of HPE GreenLake. Its IT director shares the roadblocks he experienced and the benefits. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2024
XML vs. YAML: Compare configuration file formats
Databases use data serialization languages, like XML and YAML, to transfer data between applications. XML and YAML have different strengths; admins should know how to use each correctly. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Feb 2024
Will 2024 herald an on-premises infrastructure renaissance?
The storage market and buyer feelings have changed considerably in just a few years. Enterprises often see more benefits to on-premises infrastructure than the cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2024
consumption-based pricing model
A consumption-based pricing model is a service provision and payment scheme in which customers pay according to the resources they use. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2024
Astera Labs uses CXL to accelerate AI, expand memory
Astera Labs is using the CXL interface in its now longer Smart Cable Module to spread out energy consumption while enabling GPU clusters to meet growing AI demands. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2024
5 hyper-converged infrastructure trends for 2024
Hyper-converged infrastructure is rapidly changing. Read what HCI has to offer and what projected growth it may have within the next couple years. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2024
720p
720p is a high-definition (HD) display standard used to describe the resolution of a television or computer display that measures 1280 x 720 pixels. As such, each complete raster in the display's image has 1280 vertical lines and 720 horizontal lines. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2024
Server hardware guide: Architecture, products and management
Today's server platforms offer a host of options for SMBs and enterprise IT buyers; it's important to learn the essentials before making any purchasing decisions. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2024
shingled magnetic recording (SMR)
Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) is a technique for writing data to a hard disk drive (HDD) whereby the data tracks partially overlap to increase the areal density and overall storage capacity per disk. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Jan 2024
How 2024 GenAI investment will transform data centers
Companies are quickly adopting generative AI, and with this, the focus has shifted toward hybrid cloud environments, which spans from data center services on and off premises. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jan 2024
dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS)
Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is the adjustment of power and speed settings on a computing device's various processors, controller chips and peripheral devices to optimize resource allotment for tasks and maximize power saving when those resources are not needed. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2024
Where AI and quantum computing meet
Quantum computing may be years away from practical enterprise applications, but it's getting closer. We talked with IBM's quantum adoption leader to see where we're at right now. Continue Reading