Data center design and facilities
Data center design includes continuous power and cooling for IT equipment, site security and energy use. Data center facilities are specialized for a task and must operate in concert with the IT organization. New trends in data center design and construction include modular and containerized builds, as well as DCIM to track energy use.
Top Stories
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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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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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Definition
16 Sep 2024
What is National Electrical Code (NEC)?
National Electrical Code (NEC) is a set of regularly updated standards for the safe installation of electric wiring in the Americas. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Sep 2024
What is impedance?
Impedance, denoted with Z, is an expression of the opposition that an electronic component, circuit or system offers to alternating or direct electric current. 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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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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Tip
05 Aug 2024
How to implement nuclear energy for data centers
Sustainable and renewable energy sources are necessary for data centers to meet emissions requirements by 2030. Nuclear power is a unique option for clean energy to run data centers. 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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Tip
30 Jul 2024
A checklist to consider when moving to a new data center
Data center moves are stressful, but proper planning can make it successful. Follow this guide to understand what admins can do themselves and where professional help is necessary. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2024
Platform engineering best practices for data centers
Platform engineering is an emerging discipline that optimizes DevOps workflows with internal developer platforms. It enhances efficiency through automation and standardized tools. 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
12 Jul 2024
automatic transfer switch (ATS)
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2024
Maximize data center cooling efficiency by controlling airflow
Cool air is expensive, and wasting it is inefficient. Maintaining hot and cool air separation maximizes cooling effectiveness, energy efficiency and air conditioner performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2024
green IT (green information technology)
Green IT (green information technology) is the practice of creating and using environmentally sustainable computing resources. 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
31 May 2024
Big tech invests billions in AI data centers globally
President Joe Biden throws his support behind Microsoft to build an AI data center in Racine, Wis., as big tech companies invest in AI infrastructure to compete. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 May 2024
Lessons in AI from Dell Technologies World 2024
A main focus of the Dell Technologies World 2024 conference was AI and how it impacts infrastructure environments. Dell spotlighted three AI infrastructure strategies to consider. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2024
7 considerations for data center site selection
An incredible amount of research must go into data center site selection. If the location does not fit company demands, the data center cannot perform as necessary. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2024
Use of hydrogen fuel cells for data center backup power
Data centers run on electricity, and their backup generators typically run on fossil fuel. Hydrogen fuel cells could be a new form of sustainable energy, but it's costly. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 May 2024
plenum
In building construction, a plenum (pronounced PLEH-nuhm, from Latin meaning full) is a separate space provided for air circulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (sometimes referred to as HVAC). 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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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
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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Tip
30 Apr 2024
How to maintain data center power systems
Regular maintenance of data center power systems is necessary to have properly functioning equipment and backup power options. Common failures are batteries and loose connections. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Apr 2024
emergency power off (EPO) button
The emergency power off button, also called an EPO switch or EPO panel, is a safety measure for quickly disconnecting electrical power to a particular piece of equipment or facility in the event of an emergency. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2024
How to calculate data center cooling requirements
Data center cooling requirements are affected by several factors, including the equipment's heat output, floor area, facility design and electrical system power rating. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2024
free cooling
Free cooling is an approach to lowering the air temperature in a building or data center by using naturally cool air or water instead of mechanical refrigeration. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
disaster recovery (DR) site
A disaster recovery (DR) site is a facility an organization can use to recover and restore its technology infrastructure and operations when its primary data center becomes unavailable. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Apr 2024
Infrastructure for machine learning, AI requirements, examples
Infrastructure for machine learning, deep learning and AI has component and configuration requirements. Compare hardware and how it goes together in an HCI or high-density system. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
e-cycling
E-cycling, also known as 'electronic recycling,' is the reuse or recycling of used electronic materials to limit e-waste. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Apr 2024
building management system
A building management system (BMS) is a control system that can be used to monitor and manage the mechanical, electrical and electromechanical services in a facility. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Apr 2024
Nvidia GTC 24: Are you ready for the future of AI?
The 2024 Nvidia GTC conference focused on the company's new Blackwell GPU Platform. With advancements in AI taking off, companies need to decide how and when they will join the world of AI. 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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Tip
13 Mar 2024
How to understand advancements in modern data centers
Data center advancements are rapidly occurring with storage demand. Some advancements, like an increase in temperatures, are necessary for more sustainable data center operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2024
Guide to lift-and-shift data center migration
The lift-and-shift approach moves an app and its data from one environment to another. Understanding the pros and cons can help a data center admin decide on proper strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2024
Importance of backup generator power for data centers
Data center generators are rarely run; however, they must go through regular testing and maintenance to ensure they work when a power outage occurs to prevent server downtime. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
Sustainability benefits of cloud computing data centers
Cloud computing data centers use large amounts of electricity, but a main sustainability benefit is the cloud's large scale and ability to store more data. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Feb 2024
How to design and build a data center
Designing an efficient data center is no small feat. Review data center facility and infrastructure components as well as different standards and suggestions before you begin. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2024
An overview of containerized data centers and their benefits
The rise in digital information is causing a shortage in data center storage space. Containerized data centers can be for permanent or temporary use. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
ISO 14644 cleanroom standards for data centers
There are regulated requirements to maintain data center equipment and functionality. ISO 14644 cleanroom standards lay out guidelines to keep data centers clean. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
4 data center trends to watch in 2024
With rising demand for data space, companies must plan to expand their data centers in an eco-friendly way. 2024 data center trends have one main focus: sustainability. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2024
Top 5 colocation providers of 2024
Colocation companies offer a wide range of facilities and services that can help reduce costs of managing data centers. Compare providers to see which is best for your organization. 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
29 Jan 2024
turbine
A turbine is a machine that plays a key role in transforming fluid or air energy into usable work or electricity. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2024
data center modernization
Data center modernization includes updating and improving a data center to meet the requirements of the current and the next generation of workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2024
How to manage data center water usage sustainably
Data centers use large amounts of water to maintain equipment. This consumption is causing water pollution and scarcity. Companies must start to release consumption reports. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2024
Top data center infrastructure management software in 2024
DCIM tools can improve data center management and operation. Learn how six prominent products can help organizations control costs, manage energy and track assets. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jan 2024
colocation (colo)
A colocation facility (colo) is a data center or telecommunications facility in which a business can rent space for servers, storage devices, and other computing and networking hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Dec 2023
Dive into the history of server hardware
Server hardware has consistently evolved since the first web server in 1990. Here's a look at major advancements in management, virtualization and green initiatives. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Dec 2023
hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance)
A hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance) is a hardware device that provides multiple data center management technologies within a single box. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Dec 2023
greenhouse gas
A greenhouse gas lets the sun's rays warm the Earth's surface but restricts the heat from escaping into space. Specifically, these gases absorb infrared radiation from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere and release it. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2023
Data center air quality: The air servers breathe
Monitor data center air quality to ensure best working conditions for equipment. Particulates and gaseous contaminants cause irreversible damage if you do not use proper filtration. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2023
Modular data center vs. traditional: When to choose each
Organizations have two options for using a data center: modular or traditional. Before deciding, companies should know how much power and cost can come from each option. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2023
ducting (data center cooling)
Ducting is an approach to air management that uses a series of metal or plastic pipes to carry heated or cooled air from one place to another. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2023
solar power
Solar power is a renewable form of energy harvested from the sun for the purpose of producing electricity or thermal energy (heat). Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2023
Server room cleaning -- not a DIY project
Server room cleaning is crucial for maintaining the life span of equipment in the data center. This task involves professional help to minimize operation interruptions. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
7 common data center migration challenges to avoid
Admins should consider seven common data center migration challenges upfront to save money, prevent data loss and avoid delays during the migration process. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2023
Guide to data center migration types
Businesses that rely on physical and cloud storage need to use data migration to simplify their infrastructure and choose from three major types to accommodate specific needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2023
unified computing system (UCS)
A unified computing system (UCS) is a converged data center architecture that integrates computing, networking and storage resources to increase efficiency and enable centralized management. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
power factor correction (PFC)
Power factor correction (PFC) is the set of mechanisms built into a power supply circuit to raise the power factor (PF). Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2023
Dell EMC VxRail
Dell EMC VxRail is a hyper-converged appliance. Like VSPEX Blue -- the Dell EMC product that it replaced -- and other hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) systems, VxRail includes compute, storage, networking and virtualization resources in a single device. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Jul 2023
How to configure SELinux for applications and services
Admins need to follow six steps to configure SELinux properly to run applications and services. This tutorial walks you through how to configure the security system. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2023
Data center heat reuse: How to make the most of excess heat
Data center heat doesn't need to go to waste. As part of a sustainability strategy, explore ways to put the heat your data center produces to work, and consider heat reuse. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2023
What is the best OS for Docker?
Admins that want to run Docker containers can choose from Linux distros, including Ubuntu Core, RancherOS and others. Compare options for Docker OSes. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2023
Data center cooling challenges and how to solve them
Data centers that are not properly cooled can see equipment work inefficiently or become damaged. Learn some common cooling challenges and assess ways to solve them. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2023
blade server
A blade server, sometimes referred to as a high-density server, is a compact device containing a computer used to manage and distribute data in a collection of computers and systems, called a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2023
heat
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one physical system to another system or from one region in a physical system to another region. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2023
Reimaging, innovating, securing cloud-native at SUSECON 2023
At SUSECON 2023, SUSE announced cloud-native AI-based observability with Opni and alluded to more announcements this year. Leaders emphasized cloud-native tech and modernization. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2023
Data center tiers and why they matter for uptime
Organizations should consider data center tiers of colocation providers or for their own data centers based on their uptime needs. Examine the differences among the four tiers. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2023
Explore Red Hat's bring-your-own-subscription model for RHEL
Many organizations use pay-as-you-go models with public cloud providers to run their Red Hat products in the cloud. Explore how bring-your-own-subscription differs. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2023
Strategies to work toward data center decarbonization
Global temperatures are rising, and organizations can do their part by decarbonizing their data centers. Examine ways to cut back on data center carbon emissions. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2023
Compare two Linux security modules: SELinux vs. AppArmor
Use SELinux or AppArmor to protect Linux servers, but examine the differences between them. AppArmor is easier to use but does not give admins as much control as SELinux. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
ISO 14000 and 14001
ISO 14000 is a series of environmental management standards developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2023
Data center redundancy: The basics
Downtime can cost businesses thousands, and redundancy is one way to minimize disruptions. Assess uptime requirements when building redundancy in data center facilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2023
Modular network design benefits and approaches
Modular network design is a strategic way for enterprises to group network building blocks in order to streamline network maintenance, additions and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 May 2023
Differences between Green Globes vs. LEED for data centers
Consider Green Globes and LEED certifications when building green data centers. Learn the differences in how the assessments are done, the costs and documentation needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2023
load shedding
Load shedding (loadshedding) is a way to distribute demand for electrical power across multiple power sources. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2023
6 data center migration best practices
Data center migrations can be a complex process. Use best practices when migrating a data center to ensure maximum uptime, avoid data loss and stay on schedule. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2023
Navigate Energy Star data center standard and certification
Organizations can use the Energy Star data center standard and certified assets to be more energy efficient. Consider Energy Star certification to preserve capital and save energy. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2023
SerDes (serializer/deserializer)
A SerDes or serializer/deserializer is an integrated circuit (IC or chip) transceiver that converts parallel data to serial data and vice-versa. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2023
Explore the impact of quantum computing on cryptography
When quantum computers become available, lots of encryption types will be vulnerable. Learn why, and what's being researched, to navigate post-quantum cryptography. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2023
edge data center
An edge data center is a small data center that is located close to the edge of a network. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2023
10 companies building quantum computers
Many companies big and small are building quantum computing capabilities in the software and hardware space. Here's what some offer and what they're building for the future. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2023
graceful degradation
Graceful degradation is the ability of a computer, machine, electronic system or network to maintain limited functionality even when a large portion of it has been destroyed or rendered inoperative. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Apr 2023
How to install Cockpit for Linux
Linux admins will need to use some of these commands to install Cockpit and configure firewalls. Admins can also connect to one or more servers through Cockpit via these steps. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2023
data center as a service (DCaaS)
Data center as a service (DCaaS) is the provision of off-site physical data center facilities and infrastructure to clients. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
Examine the benefits of data center consolidation
Many data centers have too many assets. Data center consolidation can help organizations make better use of assets, cut costs, and improve security and compliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2023
Energy Star
Energy Star is a government-backed labeling program that helps people and organizations save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying factories, office equipment, home appliances and electronics that have superior energy efficiency. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2023
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, more commonly known as LEED, is an environmentally oriented building certification program run by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2023
reactance
Reactance is a form of opposition generated by components in an electric circuit when alternating current (AC) passes through it. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2023
word (in computing)
In computer architecture, a word is a unit of data of a defined bit length that can be addressed and moved between storage and the computer processor. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Mar 2023
pounds per square inch (PSI)
Pounds per square inch (PSI) is the pressure that results when a 1-pound force is applied to a unit area of 1 square inch. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2023
electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Mar 2023
App modernization, mainframe, microservices: IBM event recap
At the recent IBM Infrastructure Analyst Event, IBM announced advances in IBM zSystems for AI, app architecture and other areas to help businesses achieve their goals. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2023
Will data centers become obsolete?
Many organizations want to simplify or scale down their data centers -- but they won't disappear. Admins can examine as-a-service options and cloud to offload some applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2023
ASHRAE standard 90.4 updates emphasize green energy
New addenda to ASHRAE 90.4 simplify mechanical load component calculations and modify the definition of UPS, among other changes. Use the updates to guide green data center design. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2023
A primer on hyperscale data centers
Hyperscale data centers can hold thousands of servers and process much more data than an enterprise facility. However, they can be difficult to build and maintain. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2023
ampere per meter (A/m)
The ampere per meter (A/m) is the measure for magnetic field strength, as defined by the International System of Units (SI). Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2023
IBM drops from top spot in patents, surpassed by Samsung
IBM lost its title as patent king to Samsung, which had more than 8,500 patents approved in 2022. One reason cited is IBM's transformation to a software and services company. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2023
Explore 7 future potential quantum computing uses
Organizations stand to benefit from the compute power of quantum computing as it develops. The tech has potential uses in supply chains, financial modeling and other areas. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2023
Wien's constant
Wien's constant is a physical constant that is used in defining the relationship between the thermodynamic temperature of a black body (an object that radiates electromagnetic energy perfectly) and the wavelength at which the intensity of the radiation is the greatest. Continue Reading