This article from Smarter Technology crystallizes three major lessons that IT leaders can learn from Toyota’s mistakes:
Standardization demands caution.
A good innovation, to be sure, but one that needs to be reexamined periodically to ensure that it does not need tweaking and refining.
Rush software and systems testing at your own peril.
Just because slipshod testing usually produces good enough results does not mean it is an effective system.
Don’t hide problems.
In the words of the article’s author, Joe Maglitta:
“It’s against human-survival nature and culture, corporate or national. But as any kid or governor can tell you, the whuppin’ is even worse if you get caught lying later on. Honesty is not just for CEOs and sellers of poisoned painkillers. Fessing up early isn’t fun, but it hurts less in the long run.”
Amen – true for both the IT world and for life outside of it.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Minicom Kicks Off Successful IT Technology Road Show in China
Minicom has embarked on a road show in China that will span many cities over the course of 2010.
The seminars for the road show are designed to illustrate how Minicom will support partners in China. The first seminar was held at the Jianguo Hotel in Shanghai, and the second seminar was held at the Grand Skylight Garden Hotel in Shenzhen. Dozens of participants attended the seminars, including system integrators, resellers, and end–users. Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive.
“The plans that Minicom outlined for partnership were very exciting and very concrete, with real substance that promises to produce results. We can’t wait to start working together!” said Weiming Pan, General Manager, RunSun Computer & Network System Co., Ltd.
“Minicom’s grasp of the Chinese market and their range of solutions is a compelling package. All the elements for success are there, and we want to be a part of that!” said Laben Yang, Sales Director South China, iSoftStone Information Service Corporation.
“The enthusiasm at the seminars confirmed our feeling that the time is right for long term partnerships in the Chinese market. Minicom’s KVM and KVM IT solutions are a perfect fit with demand in China, and we are looking forward to delivering value and margins for our partners,” said Kingsun Kwok, Country Manager, Minicom.
A seminar in Beijing is scheduled to take place after Spring Festival, with more cities to follow. To learn more about future seminars or Minicom China, visit http://www.minicom.com/.
The seminars for the road show are designed to illustrate how Minicom will support partners in China. The first seminar was held at the Jianguo Hotel in Shanghai, and the second seminar was held at the Grand Skylight Garden Hotel in Shenzhen. Dozens of participants attended the seminars, including system integrators, resellers, and end–users. Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive.
“The plans that Minicom outlined for partnership were very exciting and very concrete, with real substance that promises to produce results. We can’t wait to start working together!” said Weiming Pan, General Manager, RunSun Computer & Network System Co., Ltd.
“Minicom’s grasp of the Chinese market and their range of solutions is a compelling package. All the elements for success are there, and we want to be a part of that!” said Laben Yang, Sales Director South China, iSoftStone Information Service Corporation.
“The enthusiasm at the seminars confirmed our feeling that the time is right for long term partnerships in the Chinese market. Minicom’s KVM and KVM IT solutions are a perfect fit with demand in China, and we are looking forward to delivering value and margins for our partners,” said Kingsun Kwok, Country Manager, Minicom.
A seminar in Beijing is scheduled to take place after Spring Festival, with more cities to follow. To learn more about future seminars or Minicom China, visit http://www.minicom.com/.
Excitement Over Facebook’s New Data Center Tarnished with Coal Dust
Responses range from measured surprise to righteous indignation - after much fanfare about the opening of Facebook’s new Prineville, Oregon data center, the fact that they are using coal has been a cause for comment.
Is Facebook’s use of coal an unexpected, problematic development, or should they use whatever energy source makes the most financial sense for their needs?
Is Facebook’s use of coal an unexpected, problematic development, or should they use whatever energy source makes the most financial sense for their needs?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Video: Funny Take on How KVM Remote Control Saves the Day
Always nice when there is a convergence of IT and humor – check out this really funny video which illustrates how KVM remote control can go below the BIOS level and get rid of the blue screen of death. Worth watching till the end, great line in the last minute that will make you laugh.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Noisy Data Center? Try Remote Management
Can’t hear yourself think in the data center? Those whirring fans can be more than just an annoyance – they are potentially damaging, with the ability to cause permanent hearing loss.
This article on Processor.com makes concrete suggestions for how to tune out the problem:
“If noise is still an issue for enterprise employees, even more radical action may be needed, Deaderick [Tom Deaderick, director of OnePartner Advanced Technology and Applications Center] says. Consider letting employees work remotely or at home some days of the week. This is also an option for employees who work inside especially loud server rooms. ‘No one complains about the noise in a server room when they are using remote management tools from an office five miles away,’ he says.”
If you decide to go this route, check out Minicom’s remote management tools.
This article on Processor.com makes concrete suggestions for how to tune out the problem:
“If noise is still an issue for enterprise employees, even more radical action may be needed, Deaderick [Tom Deaderick, director of OnePartner Advanced Technology and Applications Center] says. Consider letting employees work remotely or at home some days of the week. This is also an option for employees who work inside especially loud server rooms. ‘No one complains about the noise in a server room when they are using remote management tools from an office five miles away,’ he says.”
If you decide to go this route, check out Minicom’s remote management tools.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Data Centers Go Mainstream
Gone are the days when data centers conjured up images of big scary machines in some isolated area. Data centers are enjoying a renaissance in popular culture, with an updated, hip image, and they are cropping up in some surprising places.
Taking the kids to Disney World? Make sure to hit IBM’s SmarterPlanet exhibit, which shows the practical application of the way computers affect and enhance daily life. According to the article on Data Center Knowledge:
“The exhibit is the latest sign data center technology is gaining a higher profile, slowly shedding the anonymity of the back-office server room or remote data center in a secure, undisclosed location. As the Internet becomes a more integral part of everyday life and the American economy, the back-end is moving out front.”
How about the fact that Facebook’s building of a data center (full story here) is considered newsworthy? If Facebook does not personify pop culture today, what does? Reassuring to know that your social network will now be managed by the company itself, and relax – Facebook plans on implementing lots of energy saving measure, so you can "friend" without guilt.
Taking the kids to Disney World? Make sure to hit IBM’s SmarterPlanet exhibit, which shows the practical application of the way computers affect and enhance daily life. According to the article on Data Center Knowledge:
“The exhibit is the latest sign data center technology is gaining a higher profile, slowly shedding the anonymity of the back-office server room or remote data center in a secure, undisclosed location. As the Internet becomes a more integral part of everyday life and the American economy, the back-end is moving out front.”
How about the fact that Facebook’s building of a data center (full story here) is considered newsworthy? If Facebook does not personify pop culture today, what does? Reassuring to know that your social network will now be managed by the company itself, and relax – Facebook plans on implementing lots of energy saving measure, so you can "friend" without guilt.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Four IT Pitfalls to Avoid This Year
According to Netcordia (full article here), here are the potential problem areas that await IT managers this coming year:
Unstable network infrastructure will be the undoing of ambitious virtualization projects.
Outages and more outages – at least five big ones in the next 6 months
Non compliance will lead to firings and fees as it is enforced more strictly
An increase in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity will result is a heavier burden on IT departments
“With the potential for network errors to wreak havoc in 2010, network managers will play a crucial role to navigate these potential pitfalls,” said Don Pyle, Netcordia’s CEO. “Based on what’s at stake, here are two more predictions: network managers’ work week will increase 20% – a full day – and ultimately, the network management role will finally get the respect it deserves.”
The specificity of these claims lend them a convincing ring. Time will tell definitively if these predictions will come to pass. Are you doing anything today to avoid the headaches described here?
Unstable network infrastructure will be the undoing of ambitious virtualization projects.
Outages and more outages – at least five big ones in the next 6 months
Non compliance will lead to firings and fees as it is enforced more strictly
An increase in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity will result is a heavier burden on IT departments
“With the potential for network errors to wreak havoc in 2010, network managers will play a crucial role to navigate these potential pitfalls,” said Don Pyle, Netcordia’s CEO. “Based on what’s at stake, here are two more predictions: network managers’ work week will increase 20% – a full day – and ultimately, the network management role will finally get the respect it deserves.”
The specificity of these claims lend them a convincing ring. Time will tell definitively if these predictions will come to pass. Are you doing anything today to avoid the headaches described here?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Browser Mayhem: Exploring Your Options?
Ouch! Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is suffering from severe damage to its image, as both the French and German governments have recommended that people abandon the browser due to security breaches, according to the Wall Street Journal blog.
Does jumping ship at this point make sense? There is no clear consensus, as some express reservations about whether IE is actually any more vulnerable than other browsers.
The article states:
“Generally speaking, a browser switch is going to be a lot easier for an individual than it will be for corporate users, where IT policies often dictate which browser people use on their computers.
Graham Cluley, a senior technology consultant and security firm Sophos, said in a blog post Monday that companies may cause ‘more problems than it’s worth by summarily switching browsers’ because of the potential for employee confusion and Web site compatibility problems caused by the new software.
‘My advice is to only switch from Internet Explorer if you really know what you are doing with the browser you’re swapping to,’ Mr. Cluley said. ‘Otherwise it might be a case of ‘better the devil you know.’ “
Are you advocating a switch from Internet Explorer in your organization?
Does jumping ship at this point make sense? There is no clear consensus, as some express reservations about whether IE is actually any more vulnerable than other browsers.
The article states:
“Generally speaking, a browser switch is going to be a lot easier for an individual than it will be for corporate users, where IT policies often dictate which browser people use on their computers.
Graham Cluley, a senior technology consultant and security firm Sophos, said in a blog post Monday that companies may cause ‘more problems than it’s worth by summarily switching browsers’ because of the potential for employee confusion and Web site compatibility problems caused by the new software.
‘My advice is to only switch from Internet Explorer if you really know what you are doing with the browser you’re swapping to,’ Mr. Cluley said. ‘Otherwise it might be a case of ‘better the devil you know.’ “
Are you advocating a switch from Internet Explorer in your organization?
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Minicom and SharkRack Partnership Announced
With SharkRack as a reseller, Minicom expands its presence in the US IT market
We are pround to announce a partnership with SharkRack, a premier provider of infrastructure solutions for data centers and network rooms. SharkRack chose Minicom as their KVM vendor because of their advanced IP KVM and KVM over CAT5 product lines, which include remote access management solutions, KVM switches, LCD drawers with integrated KVM switches, and KVM IP gateways.
“SharkRack’s proven track record of recognizing and responding to the changing needs of data centers makes them an exciting company to have as a partner,” said David Zucker, Director of Business Development at Minicom. “The flexibility and creativity that SharkRack offers its customers is a perfect fit with Minicom’s real needs™ approach, which advocates a customer-centric philosophy. Opening a direct relationship with SharkRack gives our customers better visibility to our industry leading solutions, and we feel confident this partnership will prove to be mutually beneficial.”
"Minicom's breadth of products, advanced technologies and commitment to creating customer focused solutions were the main criteria for why we chose to partner with Minicom,” stated Seth Schalet, president of SharkRack. “Minicom offers easily upgradeable platforms that provide our customers with a long-term solution for supporting their LCD and KVM product needs that is consistent with SharkRack's vision of bundled and standalone intelligent infrastructure solutions."
Join SharkRack and Minicom for "A Look Into Remote Access and Control Solutions" on February 3rd, 2010, from 10AM until 2PM, in Newark, California. In addition to a discussion of how remote access is evolving and can add value to organizations, there will be a drawing for a $200 American Express gift card. Sign up here: http://event.pingg.com/remoteaccessevent!
To learn more about Minicom, visit http://www.minicom.com/. To learn more about SharkRack, visit http://www.sharkrack.com/.
About SharkRack
SharkRack is a premier provider of infrastructure solutions for data centers and network rooms. We provide products and engineering services to improve the cost-effectiveness, availability and viability of mission-critical data and networking systems. For almost a decade, leading organizations in a variety of fields—from telecommunications to financial services to government and military—have trusted SharkRack for advanced data center solutions.
SharkRack's history of innovation includes pioneering multi-vendor rack-mounting systems. Today, we are leading the industry in addressing a new set of challenges—in cooling, space, management, and security, and other areas—through an approach that views the data center as a single, interdependent system. Our sharp focus on the problems facing modern data center workers and managers allows SharkRack to give customers the independent attention and flexible service required to solve unique technical and business problems.
Video: Manage Your Data Center From Your iPhone
OK very cool - The virtual I/O vendor Xsigo recently introduced an iPhone application which enables you to remotely alter an existing implementation, billed as a data center in the palm of your hand (video and more info here).
The glaring omission of any mention of security is a bit worrying. Should potential breaches be a concern?
The glaring omission of any mention of security is a bit worrying. Should potential breaches be a concern?
Monday, January 18, 2010
Obama’s Plan to Update IT in the Government Sector
That there is a lag between technological advances and government adoption is old news. What is different now is that Obama is willing to listen and to make changes, inspiring hope that there will be significant strides in IT for government (full article here). According to the article:
“Modernizing the federal IT infrastructure and learning from the best practices used in the private sector has been a common refrain of prior administrations, but this time federal officials say it will be different -- the problem is getting the direct attention of the president. And, they add, government IT projects are becoming more visible to the public via efforts like the federal IT dashboard that tracks projects.”
The short list of those included in a meeting at the White House to help Obama with ideas for how to update federal IT systems include:
Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft
Shantanu Narayen, president and chief executive officer of Adobe Systems Inc.
Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist
Chris R. Hughes, co-founder of Facebook
Ronald Sargent, CEO of Staples Inc.
Having Vivek Kundra as the first federal CIO also sends a strong message that this administration is serious about closing the technology gap between the public and private sectors. Obama’s image of the children of federal employees having better technology in their backpacks than their parents have at work is a striking one, underlining the urgent need implementation of updated technology for federal offices.
Will Obama follow through? Will the next few years bring substantive changes in the world of federal IT?
“Modernizing the federal IT infrastructure and learning from the best practices used in the private sector has been a common refrain of prior administrations, but this time federal officials say it will be different -- the problem is getting the direct attention of the president. And, they add, government IT projects are becoming more visible to the public via efforts like the federal IT dashboard that tracks projects.”
The short list of those included in a meeting at the White House to help Obama with ideas for how to update federal IT systems include:
Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft
Shantanu Narayen, president and chief executive officer of Adobe Systems Inc.
Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist
Chris R. Hughes, co-founder of Facebook
Ronald Sargent, CEO of Staples Inc.
Having Vivek Kundra as the first federal CIO also sends a strong message that this administration is serious about closing the technology gap between the public and private sectors. Obama’s image of the children of federal employees having better technology in their backpacks than their parents have at work is a striking one, underlining the urgent need implementation of updated technology for federal offices.
Will Obama follow through? Will the next few years bring substantive changes in the world of federal IT?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Battle of the Bulge for British IT Professionals
From DatacenterDynamics:
“…a survey of British workers by Fat Free Fitness recently found that IT workers were the most inactive and had the poorest diet of all UK workers. Elizabeth Sparrow, President, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT said: ‘It is a concern that the IT profession has been deemed to be the unhealthiest in the UK according to recent research. Fewer than 19 per cent are getting the recommended amount of physical activity and only 14 percent are eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. With the start of the New Year and this new resource which offers and signposts expert advice, there has never been a better time to make a New Year’s resolution to change your diet and lifestyle habits.’ ”
Hmmm…do American IT workers have an equally grim reputation in terms of fitness? The shortlist of America’s least healthy professions always seems to focus on truck drivers and other sedentary jobs. Take a look around your next conference – should we be cutting back on the tea parties like our friends across the pond, or are our six packs tight as blade servers?
“…a survey of British workers by Fat Free Fitness recently found that IT workers were the most inactive and had the poorest diet of all UK workers. Elizabeth Sparrow, President, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT said: ‘It is a concern that the IT profession has been deemed to be the unhealthiest in the UK according to recent research. Fewer than 19 per cent are getting the recommended amount of physical activity and only 14 percent are eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. With the start of the New Year and this new resource which offers and signposts expert advice, there has never been a better time to make a New Year’s resolution to change your diet and lifestyle habits.’ ”
Hmmm…do American IT workers have an equally grim reputation in terms of fitness? The shortlist of America’s least healthy professions always seems to focus on truck drivers and other sedentary jobs. Take a look around your next conference – should we be cutting back on the tea parties like our friends across the pond, or are our six packs tight as blade servers?
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Data Center in 2010
It’s still early enough in the year to get those last minute predictions in. What to Expect in 2010, by Mission Critical’s Kevin Heslin, covers the gamut in terms of what is coming up this year in the data center space. While most of his predictions are safe bets, there are a few riskier propositions that will be fun to follow. Have to respect someone who is not scared to put it out there, especially knowing the potential risk of public ridicule at the end of the year in the event of serious error. Funky choice going with nine predictions instead of the oh-so- expected ten…
What made the list?
1. More government involvement in the data center space (think this prediction is already coming true – see Uncle Sam Distributing Energy Goodies)
2. End users will try new ways to beat high energy bills, to ensure compliance, and to simplify their data centers. See how this trend is playing out in Taking Control of Your Data Center: New Approaches to Reduce Energy and Improve Efficiency.
3. The role of water will gain new prominence in the data center world.
4. Because IT and facilities personnel just cannot get along, enterprise problems like poor designs, security breaches and network issues will rear their ugly heads.
5. Outages and more outages. Smart Grid anyone?
6. Data center specific LEED certification
7. The proliferation of infrastructure products
8. Increased popularity of performance-based testing for data center systems
9. PUE will be a thing of the past, replaced by a more comprehensive metric
On a more general note, Reuters addressed the issue of how current expectations match up to the rate of technological advancements (full article here). Interestingly, despite all the technological advances recent years have seen, those pesky 18 to 30 year old boys/men want more toys more quickly.
Some people find technology is moving too quickly – this video from SNL’s Seth Myers takes a wry look at the downside of technological advances.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
The Importance of Remote Centralized Access for IT Infrastructures
Could not have said it better myself:
“If you need to manage data centers and branch offices anytime from anywhere, there is an answer. A centralized management approach with out-of-band capability can increase data center control, allow you to do more with less, and provide remote access from anywhere in the world.
Today’s support-minded network administrators need around the clock access to servers 365 days a year – both at the rack and in remote locations. Fortunately, with centralized management (including both in-band and out-of-band connectivity), your data center has never been so close.”
(Excerpt of an article from Fix Laptop Problems – full article here)
In today’s IT world, 24/7 access is a requirement. Make sure you are meeting expectations. Minicom happens to have remote centralized management solutions designed to increase IT efficiency, to save on IT costs, and to simplify the daily workload of the IT staff.
“If you need to manage data centers and branch offices anytime from anywhere, there is an answer. A centralized management approach with out-of-band capability can increase data center control, allow you to do more with less, and provide remote access from anywhere in the world.
Today’s support-minded network administrators need around the clock access to servers 365 days a year – both at the rack and in remote locations. Fortunately, with centralized management (including both in-band and out-of-band connectivity), your data center has never been so close.”
(Excerpt of an article from Fix Laptop Problems – full article here)
In today’s IT world, 24/7 access is a requirement. Make sure you are meeting expectations. Minicom happens to have remote centralized management solutions designed to increase IT efficiency, to save on IT costs, and to simplify the daily workload of the IT staff.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Goodbye to 2009, From an IT Perspective
Just when you thought 2009 was so over…a last lingering look at memorable IT moments that can inform decisions and directions in 2010:
These top five IT leadership blogs of 2009 span the range from entertaining (20 cynical project management tips) to advice (10 great ideas from five great bosses) – no wonder they made the list.
The Top 15 Tech Events of the Decade will make you smile with recognition at trends past and present. Despite the proliferation of social media, “unfriend” is 2009’s word of the year. Remember the terror that accompanied the deadly phrase “Y2K?” Read them all and see if you agree that these are the top 15.
Even the New York Times got into the act, with an article about how to make science and technology “cooler” so that promising students will be drawn to the field. C’mon, won’t you miss those bottleneck glasses and shirts buttoned all the way to the collar? How will we recognize the computer geeks if they walk among us in disguise?
Everybody enjoys watching someone else admit they were wrong. Enjoy a recap of 2009's most notable IT apologies, which includes a critique of the quality of the apologies. For example: using Twitter to apologize for an application which offered guys advice how to pick up women? Really? Pepsi’s half hearted mea culpa only earned a rating of one, while Google’s apology for its Gmail outage garnered a respectable 8.5.
These top five IT leadership blogs of 2009 span the range from entertaining (20 cynical project management tips) to advice (10 great ideas from five great bosses) – no wonder they made the list.
The Top 15 Tech Events of the Decade will make you smile with recognition at trends past and present. Despite the proliferation of social media, “unfriend” is 2009’s word of the year. Remember the terror that accompanied the deadly phrase “Y2K?” Read them all and see if you agree that these are the top 15.
Even the New York Times got into the act, with an article about how to make science and technology “cooler” so that promising students will be drawn to the field. C’mon, won’t you miss those bottleneck glasses and shirts buttoned all the way to the collar? How will we recognize the computer geeks if they walk among us in disguise?
Everybody enjoys watching someone else admit they were wrong. Enjoy a recap of 2009's most notable IT apologies, which includes a critique of the quality of the apologies. For example: using Twitter to apologize for an application which offered guys advice how to pick up women? Really? Pepsi’s half hearted mea culpa only earned a rating of one, while Google’s apology for its Gmail outage garnered a respectable 8.5.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
KVM Switches for SMBs: A Buyer’s Guide
Thanks to Paul Mah at IT Business Edge, who eloquently explains what to look for when investing in a KVM switch.
What criteria made the list?
1.You should decide whether you want an IP KVM switch or not.
Advantage: The freedom to work from anywhere.
Possible deterrents: Increased potential for security breach; higher price.
2. You should determine your ideal number of concurrent users.
Paul Mah posits:
“However, I would advocate support for at least one remote and one concurrent local user in instances where more than a dozen servers are connected via a KVM.”
This is a logical recommendation, given the number of servers being accessed. Minicom’s Smart 232 IP, for example, enables one local and two remote users access and control of up to 32 servers, as well as the capability for two remote users to operate serial sessions for controlling serial devices such as routers, managed network switches or PDUs.
3. Do you want CAT 5 cabling, which reduce cable clutter and are relatively inexpensive, or shorter, pricier cables (Duh!)?
4. If you are thinking about expanding the number of servers your SMB has, make sure you get a KVM switch which supports cascading. The author points out, “Note that the connectors for these KVMs are typically proprietary and support cascading only with the same models or devices within the same product family.”
Still have questions? Check out our KVM library or contact us.
What criteria made the list?
1.You should decide whether you want an IP KVM switch or not.
Advantage: The freedom to work from anywhere.
Possible deterrents: Increased potential for security breach; higher price.
2. You should determine your ideal number of concurrent users.
Paul Mah posits:
“However, I would advocate support for at least one remote and one concurrent local user in instances where more than a dozen servers are connected via a KVM.”
This is a logical recommendation, given the number of servers being accessed. Minicom’s Smart 232 IP, for example, enables one local and two remote users access and control of up to 32 servers, as well as the capability for two remote users to operate serial sessions for controlling serial devices such as routers, managed network switches or PDUs.
3. Do you want CAT 5 cabling, which reduce cable clutter and are relatively inexpensive, or shorter, pricier cables (Duh!)?
4. If you are thinking about expanding the number of servers your SMB has, make sure you get a KVM switch which supports cascading. The author points out, “Note that the connectors for these KVMs are typically proprietary and support cascading only with the same models or devices within the same product family.”
Still have questions? Check out our KVM library or contact us.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Year That Will Be: Data Centers in 2010
It’s always fun to see what industry experts are willing to commit to in print about the upcoming year, and then see what does and does not come to fruition. Matt Stansberry, on SearchDataCenter.com, puts it out there with “The top data center 2010 trends.” Mostly the usual suspects (dip into the cloud, keep a close on energy use), but some new trends as well, such as a direct correlation between the rise in popularity of hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment and the death of the raised floor.
There has also been a recent spate of “How-to” advice for 2010.
Take a look at the slideshow Seven Ways to Make Your Security Budget Pay Off in 2010. Nice visual presentation which reinforces the messages on the slides.
Slide 4 talks about single-sign on as an important security measure – read about how Minicom has implemented single-sign on in our remote access management products with great results.
Who could not use some direction about How to Improve Your IT Planning in 2010? Despite the vagueness of the title, this CIO.com article offers practical and specific suggestions.
There has also been a recent spate of “How-to” advice for 2010.
Take a look at the slideshow Seven Ways to Make Your Security Budget Pay Off in 2010. Nice visual presentation which reinforces the messages on the slides.
Slide 4 talks about single-sign on as an important security measure – read about how Minicom has implemented single-sign on in our remote access management products with great results.
Who could not use some direction about How to Improve Your IT Planning in 2010? Despite the vagueness of the title, this CIO.com article offers practical and specific suggestions.
Facebook, Google and Amazon: Data Center Developments
Check out these developments in the data center world:
Facebook now has 30,000 servers
Google’s Belgian data center spurns chillers in favor of free cooling
Amazon Web Services’ December outage
Facebook now has 30,000 servers
Google’s Belgian data center spurns chillers in favor of free cooling
Amazon Web Services’ December outage
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Finally, Some Optimism in the Tech Sphere
Some light breaking through the clouds of all the dire predictions for 2010. It is not unbridled, unrestrained optimism, but there is encouraging news for the future of IT. In an article by Marc Ferranti in CIO.com, the following news brings hope:
“Global IT spending will increase by 3.2 percent in 2010, attaining the 2008 spending level of about US$1.5 trillion, IDC said Thursday [December 3rd]. The research company said it based its prediction on a fairly conservative forecast -- an increase of 2.6 percent -- for global GDP growth... ‘High tech should lead us out of the Great Recession in 2010,’ said Frank Gens, chief analyst at IDC, on a conference call Thursday. The main themes for IT in 2010 will be recovery and transformation, he said. “
The article continues on a less upbeat note, with warnings not to get too comfortable, but the potential for good news is there.
eWeek’s article, Technology Hiring Expected to Increase in 2010, echoes this generally positive sentiment. In the words of Frank Scavo, president of Computer Economics:
"Based on our 20 years of tracking IT budgets, all signs point to a recovery year. IT executives are prepared to make midyear adjustments, up or down, based on the strength of the recovery, but right now it appears we see a year of stabilization in IT spending and staffing."
TechNewsWorld seconds that emotion in Pragmatism, Persistence Fuel 2010 IT Budget and Hiring Trends, which strikes the same note of cautious hope.
What is the feeling out in the field? More of the same, or light at the end of the tunnel?
“Global IT spending will increase by 3.2 percent in 2010, attaining the 2008 spending level of about US$1.5 trillion, IDC said Thursday [December 3rd]. The research company said it based its prediction on a fairly conservative forecast -- an increase of 2.6 percent -- for global GDP growth... ‘High tech should lead us out of the Great Recession in 2010,’ said Frank Gens, chief analyst at IDC, on a conference call Thursday. The main themes for IT in 2010 will be recovery and transformation, he said. “
The article continues on a less upbeat note, with warnings not to get too comfortable, but the potential for good news is there.
eWeek’s article, Technology Hiring Expected to Increase in 2010, echoes this generally positive sentiment. In the words of Frank Scavo, president of Computer Economics:
"Based on our 20 years of tracking IT budgets, all signs point to a recovery year. IT executives are prepared to make midyear adjustments, up or down, based on the strength of the recovery, but right now it appears we see a year of stabilization in IT spending and staffing."
TechNewsWorld seconds that emotion in Pragmatism, Persistence Fuel 2010 IT Budget and Hiring Trends, which strikes the same note of cautious hope.
What is the feeling out in the field? More of the same, or light at the end of the tunnel?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dramatic Data Center Crashes - The Best of 2009
Everyone was a-twitter about these show-stopping outages, news of which circulated like wildfire on social media sites. Funny how the very proliferation of social media is both the cause and the instrument of publication for some crashes. A flurry of tweets about the fall of Gmail in February, for example, would not have been possible during the August 6th three hour downtime on Twitter.
Michael Jackson’s influence remained strong posthumous, as the Web strained under the weight of his June 25th death. Storm clouds made a brief appearance, as the loss of data for T-Mobile Sidekick cast a shadow on much hyped cloud computing.
Interesting information about different ways of handling the sheer volume of Twitter.
Will 2010 boast outages as colorful as this year’s? Watch this space…
Michael Jackson’s influence remained strong posthumous, as the Web strained under the weight of his June 25th death. Storm clouds made a brief appearance, as the loss of data for T-Mobile Sidekick cast a shadow on much hyped cloud computing.
Interesting information about different ways of handling the sheer volume of Twitter.
Will 2010 boast outages as colorful as this year’s? Watch this space…
Sunday, December 20, 2009
New Product: Smart 108 IP - For Small Scale IT Environments
The ability to access servers around the clock, from any location, is an essential element of IT infrastructure today. IT managers have to be able to troubleshoot and maintain their servers even if they are not physically in the server room. The Smart 108 IP is a high end remote access solution designed for small scale IT environments, with excellent price performance. Using the Smart 108 IP, one local user or one remote user can access up to 8 mixed platform (PS/2 & USB) servers at a time. The combination of convenient local access and secure remote access means that businesses can make sure their servers are available 24/7, and that downtime is kept to a minimum. Because the Smart 108 IP is operating system independent, allowing access to servers at the BIOS level, administrators can access, control and manage servers even in the event of system failure.“We keep seeing companies with branch offices, and companies that need to keep their options open in the event of growth. The Smart 108 IP fulfills the demands of businesses in disparate locations, and businesses that need a solution that can accommodate expansion. We are also happy to have an attractive package for Managed Service Providers who want to offer their customers the flexibility of small scale local and remote access without the price tag associated with unnecessary ports,” explains Benny Hayumi, KVM Product Manager.
The Smart 108/116 IP can be managed by Minicom’s remote management solutions, AccessIT and KVM.net II. The Smart 108 IP is the latest addition to Minicom’s highly successful Smart line of digital KVM switches: Smart 116 IP, SmartRack 116 IP, Smart 216 IP and Smart 232 IP.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Year That Was: Data Centers in 2009
Check out The top 10 data center stories of 2009.
Lots on environmental monitoring – ASHRAE’s raise of recommended inlet air temperature for servers made the list, as did the growing popularity of hot-aisle/cold aisle containment. Some business deals like Oracle’s acquisition of Sun, and some related economic news such as reduced budgets for data centers. Chock full of links so you can find out more about whatever catches your fancy.
Lots on environmental monitoring – ASHRAE’s raise of recommended inlet air temperature for servers made the list, as did the growing popularity of hot-aisle/cold aisle containment. Some business deals like Oracle’s acquisition of Sun, and some related economic news such as reduced budgets for data centers. Chock full of links so you can find out more about whatever catches your fancy.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Recipe For Data Center Success Over the Holidays
Brick and mortar storeowners may be hearing their voices echo, but online traffic remains steady as people shop and spend, with sales up 14% from last year’s Cyber Monday (full story from CIO.com here).
According to the article:
“The trend highlights the importance of keeping the data centers powering e-commerce sites and online traffic running smoothly, says Dan Blum, principal analyst for the Burton Group.
‘Availability is crucial,’ he says. ‘Without availability, you are going to lose traffic; you are going to lose business.’ "
Good point, as every crash translates directly into lost business opportunities. The article goes on to mention a number of ways businesses can prepare for the holiday onslaught. Surprisingly, remote access did not make an appearance – given that it is a fast way to access servers at the BIOS level from any place at any time, you would think it would be offered as one way of keeping data centers up and running 24/7.
According to the article:
“The trend highlights the importance of keeping the data centers powering e-commerce sites and online traffic running smoothly, says Dan Blum, principal analyst for the Burton Group.
‘Availability is crucial,’ he says. ‘Without availability, you are going to lose traffic; you are going to lose business.’ "
Good point, as every crash translates directly into lost business opportunities. The article goes on to mention a number of ways businesses can prepare for the holiday onslaught. Surprisingly, remote access did not make an appearance – given that it is a fast way to access servers at the BIOS level from any place at any time, you would think it would be offered as one way of keeping data centers up and running 24/7.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
More Gloom and Doom From Gartner on Upcoming Data Center Challenges
OK OK we get it – there are tough times ahead for IT leaders. Statistics like the projected 650 percent growth in enterprise data over the next five years do cause one to pause (full article here).
The ten key issues that David Cappuccio, Gartner analyst, identified as necessary for IT managers to examine are:
Virtualization
The data deluge
Energy and green IT
Complex resource tracking
Consumerization of IT and social software
Unified communications
Mobile and wireless
System density
Mashups and portals
Cloud computing
Why does social networking get such a bad rap? The article states:
“Social networks are coming into the enterprise whether CIOs want them to or not, Cappuccio said. Twitter use grew an amazing 1,382 percent in 2008 and the majority of new users were between the ages of 39 and 51, he said.
‘It is a growing phenomenon which we can't shut down,’ he said. Employees and customers are using wikis, blogs, Facebook and Twitter and ‘it's affecting you now whether you know it or not.’ Businesses need to examine Web-based social software platforms because they are transforming interactions with both customers and employees, he said.”
Seems more negative than the situation warrants – how can you explain the concern about social networking, a potentially positive development?
Monday, December 07, 2009
Minicom Celebrates the Opening of Shanghai Office
Minicom is proud to announce the opening of our Minicom China office in Shanghai. The Shanghai office joins Minicom’s global network of offices in North America, Europe and APAC. The office will be headed by Kingsun Kwok, based in Shanghai, with other representatives located in Beijing and in Guangzhou.
Minicom has had a lot of success in China to date, with projects in industries such as government, banks, telecomm, electrical, and finance. Established OEM customers are already using Minicom’s solutions. Looking forward, Minicom hopes to invest considerably in additional sales and marketing activities.
Read the rest of the Official Press Release>> "Minicom Celebrates the Opening of Shanghai Office"
Minicom has had a lot of success in China to date, with projects in industries such as government, banks, telecomm, electrical, and finance. Established OEM customers are already using Minicom’s solutions. Looking forward, Minicom hopes to invest considerably in additional sales and marketing activities.
Read the rest of the Official Press Release>> "Minicom Celebrates the Opening of Shanghai Office"
Green Energy = Big Business
Undiluted capitalism, without any environmental claims.
This post on Energy & Capital: Practical Investment Analysis in the New Energy Economy confirms conventional wisdom that energy use is on the rise, then proceeds to make a case for cutting data center costs.
The logic is as follows:
“Intel executives have said publicly that 2010 will be the year that lifetime electricity costs (about 4 years) for a single server outweigh the sticker price of the hardware. That'd be like buying a $25,000 car that used more than $6,000 per year in gas.
You'd be in the market for a more efficient car, right?
That's exactly what internet executives are thinking. At the recent Emerging Technologies conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one executive was quoted saying that ‘profits will deteriorate dramatically if data center costs don't get contained.’ "
The author, Nick Hodge, equates smart grid development with profits for investors, without any whiff of idealism.
Is his theory correct? Are energy efficient innovations going to line the pockets of those who get there first?
This post on Energy & Capital: Practical Investment Analysis in the New Energy Economy confirms conventional wisdom that energy use is on the rise, then proceeds to make a case for cutting data center costs.
The logic is as follows:
“Intel executives have said publicly that 2010 will be the year that lifetime electricity costs (about 4 years) for a single server outweigh the sticker price of the hardware. That'd be like buying a $25,000 car that used more than $6,000 per year in gas.
You'd be in the market for a more efficient car, right?
That's exactly what internet executives are thinking. At the recent Emerging Technologies conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one executive was quoted saying that ‘profits will deteriorate dramatically if data center costs don't get contained.’ "
The author, Nick Hodge, equates smart grid development with profits for investors, without any whiff of idealism.
Is his theory correct? Are energy efficient innovations going to line the pockets of those who get there first?
Sunday, December 06, 2009
IT quizzes for midmarket CIOs
Thought you had put school behind you forever? Not so fast.
If you embrace the challenge of testing your IT knowledge, these quizzes are for you.
Have no fear – results will not be published online, making you the laughingstock of the industry. Use these quizzes as an indication of your areas of expertise and of where you could use some help.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
How to Improve IT Efficiency Without Breaking the Bank
A survey on IT efficiency, conducted by London School of Economics and Dell, took a lean mean approach to achieving IT efficiency, with a focus on making better use of current systems rather than replacing them with new ones.
No mention was made of any green initiatives in this article.
Worth reading to see what all the findings are.
Would you also say that providing better products and services to employees and customers is one of the main business goals driving your IT strategy, which was true for close to 40 percent of those surveyed?
No mention was made of any green initiatives in this article.
Worth reading to see what all the findings are.
Would you also say that providing better products and services to employees and customers is one of the main business goals driving your IT strategy, which was true for close to 40 percent of those surveyed?
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Helsinki’s Unusual Data Center Heating Solution
Not the usual environmental offering - a green solution that works on all levels, according to the article on CNET:
“Excess heat from hundreds of computer servers to be located in the bedrock beneath Uspenski Cathedral, one of Helsinki's most popular tourist sites, will be captured and channeled into the district heating network, a system of water-heated pipes used to warm homes in the Finnish capital.”
In addition to heating homes, the data center will use 50% less energy than a standard data center.
Lower energy bills sweeten the pot as well.
Yet another benefit is the security the cathedral will be getting as a result of having people in the basement.
Watch this space – it will be great to see this project in action.
“Excess heat from hundreds of computer servers to be located in the bedrock beneath Uspenski Cathedral, one of Helsinki's most popular tourist sites, will be captured and channeled into the district heating network, a system of water-heated pipes used to warm homes in the Finnish capital.”
In addition to heating homes, the data center will use 50% less energy than a standard data center.
Lower energy bills sweeten the pot as well.
Yet another benefit is the security the cathedral will be getting as a result of having people in the basement.
Watch this space – it will be great to see this project in action.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Bleak View from Gartner on Energy Expenditures for Data Center
Data Center Journal discusses Gartner’s view of energy costs for data centers continuing to rise rather than decrease in 2010.
Do not lose hope – there are some essential questions you can ask in order to meet the challenges of rising costs. For example:
“Do you have any pragmatic tips for helping me to cut my data center costs?
R: Gartner has several suggestions:
- Rationalize the Hardware. This involves taking out those systems that are underutilized or old, or where the workload can be run on more efficient hardware. Gartner clients have reported that rationalization and consolidation programs have resulted in 5 per cent to 20 per cent fewer servers being deployed.
- Consolidate Data-Center Sites. Consolidating multiple sites into a smaller number of larger sites will often result in financial savings.
- Manage Energy and Facilities Costs. Tools and techniques for managing the energy cost curve include: raising the temperature of the data center to around 24 degrees Celsius, which reduces the level of cooling required; using outside air as an alternative to air conditioning where possible; using hot aisle/cold aisle configurations, blanking and economizers; and using server based energy management software tools to run workloads in the most energy efficient way.
- Manage the People Costs. People costs still form the single largest cost element for most data centers, sometimes as much as 40 per cent of overall costs.
- Sweat the Assets. Delaying the procurement of new assets is a necessary step for all data center managers, especially as a server's useful life often exceeds its amortized life.”
Good to at least have the realistic heads-up on what the upcoming year holds, without illusions.
Do not lose hope – there are some essential questions you can ask in order to meet the challenges of rising costs. For example:
“Do you have any pragmatic tips for helping me to cut my data center costs?
R: Gartner has several suggestions:
- Rationalize the Hardware. This involves taking out those systems that are underutilized or old, or where the workload can be run on more efficient hardware. Gartner clients have reported that rationalization and consolidation programs have resulted in 5 per cent to 20 per cent fewer servers being deployed.
- Consolidate Data-Center Sites. Consolidating multiple sites into a smaller number of larger sites will often result in financial savings.
- Manage Energy and Facilities Costs. Tools and techniques for managing the energy cost curve include: raising the temperature of the data center to around 24 degrees Celsius, which reduces the level of cooling required; using outside air as an alternative to air conditioning where possible; using hot aisle/cold aisle configurations, blanking and economizers; and using server based energy management software tools to run workloads in the most energy efficient way.
- Manage the People Costs. People costs still form the single largest cost element for most data centers, sometimes as much as 40 per cent of overall costs.
- Sweat the Assets. Delaying the procurement of new assets is a necessary step for all data center managers, especially as a server's useful life often exceeds its amortized life.”
Good to at least have the realistic heads-up on what the upcoming year holds, without illusions.
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Challenge of Getting Rid of Old IT Hardware Responsibly
TechNewsWorld’s article looks at the answers of 206 participants from Aberdeen's "Responsible Disposal of IT Assets" study (November 2009).
The study showed that while protecting data and complying with environmental legislation are primary concerns, many companies do not have a procedure in place for getting rid of old hardware, so it is not done properly.
Check out what respondents had to say; it’s interesting to see the disparity between what people believe and what actually gets done.
For example, even though three of the top four pressures driving current investments revolve around environmental concerns, according to the article:
“Just 20 percent of all respondents identified enforcement of compliance with environmental regulations as a leading strategy, and just 10 percent currently determine business practices based on green guidelines.”
What explanation do you think is plausible for this disparity?
.
The study showed that while protecting data and complying with environmental legislation are primary concerns, many companies do not have a procedure in place for getting rid of old hardware, so it is not done properly.
Check out what respondents had to say; it’s interesting to see the disparity between what people believe and what actually gets done.
For example, even though three of the top four pressures driving current investments revolve around environmental concerns, according to the article:
“Just 20 percent of all respondents identified enforcement of compliance with environmental regulations as a leading strategy, and just 10 percent currently determine business practices based on green guidelines.”
What explanation do you think is plausible for this disparity?
.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Top 10 free Windows tools for IT pros
What could be bad? This list of the Top 10 free Windows tools for IT pros provides clear, comprehensive descriptions of each tool. Given the price tag of the items, well worth the read.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Vendor Lock-in: Have They Caught You?
Art Wittmann, in his blog on InformationWeek, writes about the recent move towards vendor lock-in as a result of adopting complete packages from big companies.
What is interesting about his analysis is that he frames in the context of the much-hyped cloud computing, noting:
“If this trend toward use of proprietary systems is true, then what does that say about the other hyped trend of the past few years, cloud computing? Private clouds would seem to be anathema to this trend, unless you allow for single-vendor private clouds, which misses the point of cloud computing.
Stressed out IT shops are more willing to at least consider "solutions" concocted by vendors. While these systems may require fewer servers and may be more responsive to business needs, they'll amount to something closer to island computing than cloud computing, with implementations taking place application by application--and that sounds suspiciously like where we're at today.”
Is your company leaning towards integrating solutions from one vendor, or still shopping around?
Minicom’s answer to avoiding vendor lock-in is a Real Needs approach, which is designed to help companies migrate from analog KVM switches to digital KVM switches without having to replace their existing system.
What is interesting about his analysis is that he frames in the context of the much-hyped cloud computing, noting:
“If this trend toward use of proprietary systems is true, then what does that say about the other hyped trend of the past few years, cloud computing? Private clouds would seem to be anathema to this trend, unless you allow for single-vendor private clouds, which misses the point of cloud computing.
Stressed out IT shops are more willing to at least consider "solutions" concocted by vendors. While these systems may require fewer servers and may be more responsive to business needs, they'll amount to something closer to island computing than cloud computing, with implementations taking place application by application--and that sounds suspiciously like where we're at today.”
Is your company leaning towards integrating solutions from one vendor, or still shopping around?
Minicom’s answer to avoiding vendor lock-in is a Real Needs approach, which is designed to help companies migrate from analog KVM switches to digital KVM switches without having to replace their existing system.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Gartner’s Top 10 Strategic Technologies for 2010
As far as Top 10 lists go, it is worth listening to what Gartner has to say:
“Gartner senior analyst and mobile guru, Nick Jones, presented the strategic technologies, and defined them as the ones which will impact CIOs within the mainstream enterprise between the next 12 to 36 months.
‘Strategic technologies will drive significant change, disruption, modifications to your strategy,’ Jones said, urging all CIOs to explicitly address them in their strategy, plans and IT architecture.”
Gartner’s Top 10 Strategic Technologies for 2010 include:
*Cloud computing
* Advanced analytics
* Client computing
* IT for Green
* Reshaping the data centre.
* Social software and social computing
* User activity monitoring (security)
* Flash memory
* Virtualization for availability
* Mobile applications
Check out the article for more about each strategic technology.
Jones did mention that cost is still a factor when thinking about green decisions, which answers a question from an earlier post.
“Gartner senior analyst and mobile guru, Nick Jones, presented the strategic technologies, and defined them as the ones which will impact CIOs within the mainstream enterprise between the next 12 to 36 months.
‘Strategic technologies will drive significant change, disruption, modifications to your strategy,’ Jones said, urging all CIOs to explicitly address them in their strategy, plans and IT architecture.”
Gartner’s Top 10 Strategic Technologies for 2010 include:
*Cloud computing
* Advanced analytics
* Client computing
* IT for Green
* Reshaping the data centre.
* Social software and social computing
* User activity monitoring (security)
* Flash memory
* Virtualization for availability
* Mobile applications
Check out the article for more about each strategic technology.
Jones did mention that cost is still a factor when thinking about green decisions, which answers a question from an earlier post.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Pros and Cons of a Lights-Out Data Center
This article on ServerWatch by Kenneth Hess poses the question, “Is It Lights-Out for Your Data Center?”
Hess explains this new data center trend in the following terms:
“The question is how many IT, facilities and security people does it really take to operate a data center? Should you always go with the bare minimum? Many newer data centers operate with the following premise: Security staff is a primary requirement, and IT staff is dispensable.
Does this surprise you? It shouldn't. The trend is to do everything remotely that you can do remotely. Cabling, racking and provisioning are still hands-on tasks, but the staff members who perform those functions are often contracted on an as-needed basis. The few remaining hands-on activities occur less frequently these days through the magic of virtualization and the ability to perform remote power-off and -on tasks.”
Hess goes on to explore the upside (financial savings) and downside (no hands-on staff) of a lights-out data center. On the whole, he comes down on the side of a lights-out data center as an option worth exploring.
Minicom’s remote access solutions can be a valuable component of lights-out data center, as administrators can access, control and monitor their IT infrastructure from any location.
Hess explains this new data center trend in the following terms:
“The question is how many IT, facilities and security people does it really take to operate a data center? Should you always go with the bare minimum? Many newer data centers operate with the following premise: Security staff is a primary requirement, and IT staff is dispensable.
Does this surprise you? It shouldn't. The trend is to do everything remotely that you can do remotely. Cabling, racking and provisioning are still hands-on tasks, but the staff members who perform those functions are often contracted on an as-needed basis. The few remaining hands-on activities occur less frequently these days through the magic of virtualization and the ability to perform remote power-off and -on tasks.”
Hess goes on to explore the upside (financial savings) and downside (no hands-on staff) of a lights-out data center. On the whole, he comes down on the side of a lights-out data center as an option worth exploring.
Minicom’s remote access solutions can be a valuable component of lights-out data center, as administrators can access, control and monitor their IT infrastructure from any location.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Video: Shooting and Blowing up a Computer Server
Promotional video: A company that wants to show that they can back-up and keep the information on your server even when it gets destroyed to the degree shown here.
Pretty funny to see grown men shooting an inanimate object with such concentration and intensity – as if the server is going anywhere…
Pretty funny to see grown men shooting an inanimate object with such concentration and intensity – as if the server is going anywhere…
Sunday, November 22, 2009
11 Rules for IT Delivery Success
Kudos to the author, Thomas Hoffman, for not rounding up or down, but sticking to the number eleven.
His short, concise list of 11 Rules for IT Delivery Success are somewhat general. However, if applied consistently and thoroughly, these rules can be good guidelines for what needs to happen when new systems are introduced or old systems are upgraded.
The somewhat general nature of the rules can also be explained by the following bit of background:
“Because developers, operations staffers and engineers all work in different groups, ‘you need to have a way to establish parameters that everybody can work off of and understand what their expectations are,’ says Martin Gomberg [Senior Vice President and CIO, A&E Television Networks]. ‘We use this as a lens to measure every critical component.’ "
How close is this list to the one hanging on your wall?
His short, concise list of 11 Rules for IT Delivery Success are somewhat general. However, if applied consistently and thoroughly, these rules can be good guidelines for what needs to happen when new systems are introduced or old systems are upgraded.
The somewhat general nature of the rules can also be explained by the following bit of background:
“Because developers, operations staffers and engineers all work in different groups, ‘you need to have a way to establish parameters that everybody can work off of and understand what their expectations are,’ says Martin Gomberg [Senior Vice President and CIO, A&E Television Networks]. ‘We use this as a lens to measure every critical component.’ "
How close is this list to the one hanging on your wall?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Industry Leaders Form The Data Center Alliance
The Data Center Alliance was formed with Minicom, Wright Line, ServerTechnology, Uptime Devices, and Digi International to fill the information gap in the marketplace by providing a centralized, comprehensive source for building successful IT infrastructures.
The mission of the DCA is to serve as a central repository of data center/server room products and services and to provide IT decision makers with a clear understanding of the different solutions available for their IT infrastructures.
Because each organization has unique IT challenges, whether they are with physical space, power consumption, remote access, or budget, there is no generic solution that adequately meets the requirements of every CIO. Mixed IT environments demand specialized solutions in order to optimize resources.
The Data Center Alliance brings together the best in class IT infrastructure manufacturers into one place where IT decision makers can find the data they need to make smart decisions about their growing data center needs. For companies looking to improve productivity in the fields of power, KVM, network management, remote access, environmental monitoring and air flow, the Data Center Alliance is the answer.
“The Data Center Alliance helps companies find what they need quickly and easily. In today’s complex IT environment, customers welcome simplicity. The program lets companies see all the puzzle pieces in one place. The value of the program is having quality offerings from all aspects of the IT infrastructure in one convenient location,” explains David Zucker, Minicom’s Director of KVM Business Development.
In addition to the value they bring to their customers, members of the Data Center Alliance benefit from joint marketing efforts such as webinars, podcasts, trade shows, and cross promotion via social media marketing. Members also enjoy increased exposure to the right channels through lead generation and heightened brand awareness. By capitalizing on mutual interests, the program opens doors for new business opportunities and market penetration.
“The alliance is the next step in bringing Digi closer to other data center solution providers,” said Brian O’Rourke, principal product line manager, Digi International. “We are integrating each other’s products and working together to provide ‘best of class’ solutions for customers. We provide industry leading console management solutions, and we are pleased to partner with other organizations to help customers better manage their data centers.”
“Wright Line is pleased to continue its long-standing relationship with Minicom and looks forward to participating in the Data Center Alliance. The
“This
Technology. “We are proud to be part of this new effort to provide infrastructure monitoring, management and control solutions that increase data center efficiency.”
To learn more about the Data Center Alliance, visit http://www.minicom.com/dca-partners.htm
Green Data Centers: Good for Pocketbook, Good for Planet, or Both?
Green IT has taken off, with many products and services dedicated to saving energy in data centers.
Some green initiatives are strictly ideological, with an eye towards doing what is best for the environment without addressing the financial cost.
In Europe, a group of global IT firms are pooling their knowledge to create a green guide to all aspects of the data center (full article here). No mention is made in the article about where these environmentally-friendly practices fall on the spectrum in terms of price tag (more than standard, less than standard, same as standard).
Some green strategies only focus on how to save money, without a particular emphasis on the environment, although the two are obviously linked. The story How to Green Your Data Center without a Forklift, by Wayne Rash, makes the following case:
“Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to cut your energy consumption for maximum impact and with minimal attention and effort. Even better, some of the most effective areas of energy savings don’t involve expensive new servers and upgraded cooling.”
The green IT company Viridity approached the issue from both perspectives, making the case that green IT is better for wallets and the environments. According to this article on eWeek:
“Viridity officials say their software will be able to reduce operational costs of data centers by as much as 40 percent and extend the life of data centers by several years.
Major tech players—including IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Dell—are rolling out their own green data center services, aiming to help businesses reduce energy consumption and cut costs.”
This argument is obviously the most compelling, as it speaks to the moral ground as well as bottom line savings.
Is it true? In your experience, does going green for your IT needs make sense financially, or does it necessarily come with a higher price tag?
Some green initiatives are strictly ideological, with an eye towards doing what is best for the environment without addressing the financial cost.
In Europe, a group of global IT firms are pooling their knowledge to create a green guide to all aspects of the data center (full article here). No mention is made in the article about where these environmentally-friendly practices fall on the spectrum in terms of price tag (more than standard, less than standard, same as standard).
Some green strategies only focus on how to save money, without a particular emphasis on the environment, although the two are obviously linked. The story How to Green Your Data Center without a Forklift, by Wayne Rash, makes the following case:
“Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to cut your energy consumption for maximum impact and with minimal attention and effort. Even better, some of the most effective areas of energy savings don’t involve expensive new servers and upgraded cooling.”
The green IT company Viridity approached the issue from both perspectives, making the case that green IT is better for wallets and the environments. According to this article on eWeek:
“Viridity officials say their software will be able to reduce operational costs of data centers by as much as 40 percent and extend the life of data centers by several years.
Major tech players—including IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Dell—are rolling out their own green data center services, aiming to help businesses reduce energy consumption and cut costs.”
This argument is obviously the most compelling, as it speaks to the moral ground as well as bottom line savings.
Is it true? In your experience, does going green for your IT needs make sense financially, or does it necessarily come with a higher price tag?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Remote Access as Part of Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan
This article on SearchCIO-Midmarket.com, 9 steps to business continuity strategy: Remote access solutions, more, looks at remote access readiness for companies as part of a business continuity strategy. Through a series of questions, companies can determine where they fall on the spectrum in terms of remote access readiness.
One key question:
“How well can you manage your data centers remotely?
A properly designed and executed data center can be 99% lights out, Berger said. However, few organizations make full use of remote management, often because of the culture or the pace of change. Rapidly changing organizations may feel they need to take a hands-on approach to their data centers. But as companies move toward virtualized environments, change is effected through software and thus can be handled remotely.”
Don’t let a hurricane or other natural disasters interrupt your business. Minicom’s AccessIT is a remote access solution that you can use even when it is sunny outside for accessing, controlling and monitoring your IT infrastructure.
One key question:
“How well can you manage your data centers remotely?
A properly designed and executed data center can be 99% lights out, Berger said. However, few organizations make full use of remote management, often because of the culture or the pace of change. Rapidly changing organizations may feel they need to take a hands-on approach to their data centers. But as companies move toward virtualized environments, change is effected through software and thus can be handled remotely.”
Don’t let a hurricane or other natural disasters interrupt your business. Minicom’s AccessIT is a remote access solution that you can use even when it is sunny outside for accessing, controlling and monitoring your IT infrastructure.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Swine Flu = Increased Demand for Secure Remote Access
The H1N1 pandemic is having a direct effect on IT infrastructure decisions.
According to InfoWorld:
“The H1N1 pandemic is pushing companies to upgrade their secure remote access capabilities in order to enable more employees to work out of their homes and other remote locations in an emergency.
Vendors of remote access technologies are reporting an unexpected increase in demand for their products over the past several months as a result of H1N1-related concerns.”
It makes sense, as offices may close if the number of sick employees is too high, or if healthy parents of sick children want to work from home.
Don’t get caught without a plan. The RSA on-demand authentication system described in the article is fine for emergencies, but does not sound ideal, long term.
Minicom has a number of secure remote access solutions, including AccessIT, that can help your company get ready in the unfortunate event that swine flu rears its ugly head.
According to InfoWorld:
“The H1N1 pandemic is pushing companies to upgrade their secure remote access capabilities in order to enable more employees to work out of their homes and other remote locations in an emergency.
Vendors of remote access technologies are reporting an unexpected increase in demand for their products over the past several months as a result of H1N1-related concerns.”
It makes sense, as offices may close if the number of sick employees is too high, or if healthy parents of sick children want to work from home.
Don’t get caught without a plan. The RSA on-demand authentication system described in the article is fine for emergencies, but does not sound ideal, long term.
Minicom has a number of secure remote access solutions, including AccessIT, that can help your company get ready in the unfortunate event that swine flu rears its ugly head.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Quick Tips and Checklists for Common IT Tasks
TechRepublic was kind enough to consolidate their quick tips and checklists for common admin tasks.
Some topics include:
10-point cleaning checklist for keeping equipment health
Office relocation check list
Windows laptop specifications check list
The TechRepublic Spyware Removal Checklist potential for security breaches
10 cool things you can do with a USB flash drive
Are these checklists useful for you?
What other kind of checklist would you like to see?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Prognosis Poor for Enterprise Infections
This article on CIO Today, Security Report Finds Enterprise Infections Up 100 Percent, paints a bleak picture of the current state of enterprise security. With an almost 100 percent rise in enterprise worm infections in the first six months of 2009 from the previous half year, companies need to be proactive in order to escape the clutches of worms like Conficker and Taterf.
According to the article:
“Microsoft outlined four key security best practices: Understand the Microsoft security-update process and terminology, make sure all third-party applications are being updated regularly by the vendor, make sure a customer's development team is using a software security assurance process, and, finally, put policies in place to help secure all file shares and regulate the use of removable media.”
Which of these four best practices have you found it most difficult to implement (assuming you have implemented them)?
According to the article:
“Microsoft outlined four key security best practices: Understand the Microsoft security-update process and terminology, make sure all third-party applications are being updated regularly by the vendor, make sure a customer's development team is using a software security assurance process, and, finally, put policies in place to help secure all file shares and regulate the use of removable media.”
Which of these four best practices have you found it most difficult to implement (assuming you have implemented them)?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Five Strategies for Building Your 2010 Data Center
In light of data center design being listed as one of Gartner’s Top 10 Technologies to Consider for 2010, it seemed appropriate to mention this article on Data Center Journal about Five Strategies for Building Your 2010 Data Center.
No news flashes here, but a nice succinct recap of five strategies that you probably use already:
1. Assess your assets
2. Try to leverage what you already have
3. Prioritize projects that will improve efficiencies and help save you money in the long run
4. Consider outsourcing certain mission-critical applications to realize additional cost savings
5. Don’t trade long-term risk for short-term savings
What would add or subtract from this list?
No news flashes here, but a nice succinct recap of five strategies that you probably use already:
1. Assess your assets
2. Try to leverage what you already have
3. Prioritize projects that will improve efficiencies and help save you money in the long run
4. Consider outsourcing certain mission-critical applications to realize additional cost savings
5. Don’t trade long-term risk for short-term savings
What would add or subtract from this list?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Slideshow: Gartner’s Top 10 Technologies to Consider for 2010
Hard to resist the allure of the Top 10 lists that are cropping up daily as the end of the year approaches. This slideshow, which lists Gartner’s Top 10 Technologies to Consider for 2010, features all the favorites you would expect (i.e. cloud computing and mobile applications), with some dark horses thrown in for good measure.
For example, the approach to data center design is interesting. Instead of figuring out data center needs for the next 20 years and building, they advocate a modular approach, only looking five years ahead and doing additional building as necessary.
Not sure why data center design on the list – it isn’t really a technology but it is affected by technology.
There are also some reruns from years past (social computing) and some technologies with a specific twist (virtualization for ability).
For example, the approach to data center design is interesting. Instead of figuring out data center needs for the next 20 years and building, they advocate a modular approach, only looking five years ahead and doing additional building as necessary.
Not sure why data center design on the list – it isn’t really a technology but it is affected by technology.
There are also some reruns from years past (social computing) and some technologies with a specific twist (virtualization for ability).
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ideas for 40% Energy Savings in Your Data Center
eWeek’s article on How to Achieve 40 Percent Energy Savings in Your Data Center has an alluring angle that makes sense, given the state of the world economy today:
“Instead of focusing on the exotic technologies used by newly constructed, ultra-efficient data centers such as those used by Google, this article will deal primarily with the best ways to improve the efficiency of the many middle-aged and older facilities that still constitute the majority in use by enterprises, universities and government agencies. Since most real-world facilities have finite budgets and cannot afford downtime, we'll pay special attention to upgrades that offer fast payback periods and pose a minimum of disruption to normal operations.”
It delivers. The strategies outlined here are long on time but do not require major expenditures at the outset, with an eye towards practical implementation.
One particularly valuable gem which should be intuitive but still helps to hear:
“Don't believe vendors' marketing hype; analyze their claimed benefits within the context of your own data center's needs and ‘personality.’ "
This way, even if you have chosen to go with a certain product, you can get an accurate assessment of how their offering integrates with your set-up.
Energy is getting tons of airtime these days. A new company called Viridity is the newest player in the growing market of companies who specialize in how to help data centers save energy (full story here). Their approach is pragmatic rather than idealistic, and speaks to pocketbooks vs. consciences:
“While Viridity is striking a mildly green pose—the company logo features a little green leaf sprouting from the ‘V’—Rowan [the company’s founder and chief technology officer] thinks it’s the high cost of electricity, rather than concern about carbon emissions or climate change, that will ultimately send customers his way.
‘“You can put a business case around everyone of these decisions,’ he says. ‘Why overtly talk about how it’s the right thing for the planet, when there’s a business case around it? You will get more done with less cost and less power.’ ”
On a related note, click here to read about the EPA’s energy saving initiatives.
“Instead of focusing on the exotic technologies used by newly constructed, ultra-efficient data centers such as those used by Google, this article will deal primarily with the best ways to improve the efficiency of the many middle-aged and older facilities that still constitute the majority in use by enterprises, universities and government agencies. Since most real-world facilities have finite budgets and cannot afford downtime, we'll pay special attention to upgrades that offer fast payback periods and pose a minimum of disruption to normal operations.”
It delivers. The strategies outlined here are long on time but do not require major expenditures at the outset, with an eye towards practical implementation.
One particularly valuable gem which should be intuitive but still helps to hear:
“Don't believe vendors' marketing hype; analyze their claimed benefits within the context of your own data center's needs and ‘personality.’ "
This way, even if you have chosen to go with a certain product, you can get an accurate assessment of how their offering integrates with your set-up.
Energy is getting tons of airtime these days. A new company called Viridity is the newest player in the growing market of companies who specialize in how to help data centers save energy (full story here). Their approach is pragmatic rather than idealistic, and speaks to pocketbooks vs. consciences:
“While Viridity is striking a mildly green pose—the company logo features a little green leaf sprouting from the ‘V’—Rowan [the company’s founder and chief technology officer] thinks it’s the high cost of electricity, rather than concern about carbon emissions or climate change, that will ultimately send customers his way.
‘“You can put a business case around everyone of these decisions,’ he says. ‘Why overtly talk about how it’s the right thing for the planet, when there’s a business case around it? You will get more done with less cost and less power.’ ”
On a related note, click here to read about the EPA’s energy saving initiatives.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Tech Pros Seek Certification
According to an article in InformationWeek, IT professionals are looking for certification in a number of areas:
“While security-related certifications topped the list of credentials IT pros are seeking, a few new areas of IT specialties also popped up among respondents' five-year career plans--including green IT (7%), healthcare IT (5%), mobile (5%), and software-as-a-service (2%) certifications.”
Healthcare seems to be the hot new niche as the result of a big fat check from the government for IT healthcare initiatives.
Are you jumping on the healthcare bandwagon, or is your eye on a tried-and-true security certificate? How much value do you feel certificates bring to the table?
“While security-related certifications topped the list of credentials IT pros are seeking, a few new areas of IT specialties also popped up among respondents' five-year career plans--including green IT (7%), healthcare IT (5%), mobile (5%), and software-as-a-service (2%) certifications.”
Healthcare seems to be the hot new niche as the result of a big fat check from the government for IT healthcare initiatives.
Are you jumping on the healthcare bandwagon, or is your eye on a tried-and-true security certificate? How much value do you feel certificates bring to the table?
Sunday, November 08, 2009
InnoTech Conference & Expo - Ricardo Mendes Reporting
Watch this KOKH FOX 25 :: Morning News Clip from Oklahoma morning show where the 4th annual InnoTech conference just took place.Minicom's own Ricardo Mendes was at Innotech and had this to say about it:
We shared the booth with Wright Line and Eaton.
The representatives from each company were: Terri Marroquin; Sr. Account Manager from Wright line John McIlwain; Account Sales Manager from Eaton Ricardo Mendes; Sales Rep from Minicom Advanced Systems
We were showing our management platform AccessIT and KVM.net II where we shared a booth with Wright Line and Eaton.
It was a great local show. The attendees were from local business, local government and federal government.
*****A new social network for Oklahoma's Tech Community was launched last year, membership is growing so if you are in the area - be sure to sign up!
Hot Topic: Data Center Security
According to this article on eWeek.com, the majority of data centers do not have adequate defenses in place in the event of a cyber-attack. A study by AFCOM, the world's largest data center industry association, found that:
“Sixty-one percent of survey respondents said they see cyber-terrorism as a threat they need to deal with, but only a little over one-third of data center managers actually have included it in their disaster recovery plans, AFCOM said. Only 25 percent have addressed cyber-terrorism in their policies and procedures manuals, and only 60 percent have a written policies and procedures manual, AFCOM said. Only about 20 percent provide any cyber-terrorism employee training. On the other hand, 82 percent report that they perform background security checks on all potential new employees—another solid defense against cyber-terrorists, AFCOM said.”
There is an obvious gap between the perceived need for a deterrent for cyber-terrorism and what actually is actually done to prevent attacks.
Laziness? Lack of time? Lack of money? Don’t really believe it is necessary?
How do you explain this gap?
Channel Insider’s slideshow, Top Reasons SMB Security Still Sags, seems to provide some answers to this conundrum.
“Sixty-one percent of survey respondents said they see cyber-terrorism as a threat they need to deal with, but only a little over one-third of data center managers actually have included it in their disaster recovery plans, AFCOM said. Only 25 percent have addressed cyber-terrorism in their policies and procedures manuals, and only 60 percent have a written policies and procedures manual, AFCOM said. Only about 20 percent provide any cyber-terrorism employee training. On the other hand, 82 percent report that they perform background security checks on all potential new employees—another solid defense against cyber-terrorists, AFCOM said.”
There is an obvious gap between the perceived need for a deterrent for cyber-terrorism and what actually is actually done to prevent attacks.
Laziness? Lack of time? Lack of money? Don’t really believe it is necessary?
How do you explain this gap?
Channel Insider’s slideshow, Top Reasons SMB Security Still Sags, seems to provide some answers to this conundrum.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
10 Common Network Security Design Flaws
Brian Posey’s article on TechRepublic highlights 10 common network security design flaws. The list has clear headings, with practical advice on how to fix these flaws.
Read more about each one to get the full story, but here is the short list:
1. Set it and forget it
2. Opening more firewall ports than necessary
3. Pulling double duty
4. Ignoring network workstations
5. Failing to use SSL encryption where it counts
6. Using self-signed certificates
7. Excessive security logging
8. Randomly grouping virtual servers
9. Placing member servers in the DMZ
10. Depending on users to install updates
You don’t need to do a public mea culpa, but take a look at your network – is your company at risk as a result of any of these practices, or are these flaws so basic that only a novice would find them on his or her network?
Read more about each one to get the full story, but here is the short list:
1. Set it and forget it
2. Opening more firewall ports than necessary
3. Pulling double duty
4. Ignoring network workstations
5. Failing to use SSL encryption where it counts
6. Using self-signed certificates
7. Excessive security logging
8. Randomly grouping virtual servers
9. Placing member servers in the DMZ
10. Depending on users to install updates
You don’t need to do a public mea culpa, but take a look at your network – is your company at risk as a result of any of these practices, or are these flaws so basic that only a novice would find them on his or her network?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Green Homeland Security Data Center
Congress requires Homeland Security's data center to go green
Homeland Security has a nice fat budget for expansion and upgrades for its data center, but it is conditional.
According to the article on nextgov:
The fiscal 2010 Homeland Security appropriations bill requires the department to spend $38.5 million to upgrade the power capabilities at the National Center for Critical Information Processing and Storage, known as Data Center One and based at NASA's Stennis Space Center, near the Gulf Coast in Mississippi. Homeland Security cannot spend the remaining $45 million on building out the data center, which will provide information processing for the entire department, until DHS officials can make certain the data center has enough power and uses green technologies to reduce demand.
Will green considerations help maximize the budget, or does it mean getting less bang per buck?
Homeland Security has a nice fat budget for expansion and upgrades for its data center, but it is conditional.
According to the article on nextgov:
The fiscal 2010 Homeland Security appropriations bill requires the department to spend $38.5 million to upgrade the power capabilities at the National Center for Critical Information Processing and Storage, known as Data Center One and based at NASA's Stennis Space Center, near the Gulf Coast in Mississippi. Homeland Security cannot spend the remaining $45 million on building out the data center, which will provide information processing for the entire department, until DHS officials can make certain the data center has enough power and uses green technologies to reduce demand.
Will green considerations help maximize the budget, or does it mean getting less bang per buck?
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Creating a CIO Profile
Two interesting pieces on the ideal CIO:
One man’s take on Tomorrow’s CIO and the Implications for SMBs
It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s CIO Superman!?
The first piece talks about the importance of having a CIO who is receptive to technology innovations, particularly those he identifies as the “Big Four”:
Cloud computing
Software As a Service (SAAS)
Open source
Web application hybrids (aka mash-ups)
The author argues, “Each of these innovations is or will be disruptive to your business, much like the Internet itself. However unlike the Internet, which was relative easy to understand and to envision its role in the future of your business, The Big Four are more arcane conceptually, more complicated technically and more difficult to envision. Consequently, businesses with the new brand of technology leadership are pursuing these approaches, whereas those that don’t are not.”
He also claims that these innovations are technology’s “certain future” which SMBs cannot afford to ignore.
A persuasive argument, especially convincing since the author acknowledges that he usually does not necessarily recommend new technologies for SMBs.
Is a CIO who does not embrace these innovations by definition “Yesterday’s CIO?” Does a reluctance to adopt these innovations necessarily mean a company will get left behind?
The second piece talks about the difficulties of finding a CIO with ideal qualifications, which include:
Leadership abilities
Hands-on technology background
Experience in leading large change programs
Experience in running successful IT infrastructure operations
Management experience in a non-IT function
Innovative thinking that can solve relevant industry and business issues
The ability to understand how projects and operations impact corporate financials
The fact that talent with these credentials is hard to find seems to indicate that if a CIO is of a certain caliber, he or she does not need to follow any proscribed mandate. A strong CIO can pick and choose which, if any, new technologies are appropriate for their company.
One man’s take on Tomorrow’s CIO and the Implications for SMBs
It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s CIO Superman!?
The first piece talks about the importance of having a CIO who is receptive to technology innovations, particularly those he identifies as the “Big Four”:
Cloud computing
Software As a Service (SAAS)
Open source
Web application hybrids (aka mash-ups)
The author argues, “Each of these innovations is or will be disruptive to your business, much like the Internet itself. However unlike the Internet, which was relative easy to understand and to envision its role in the future of your business, The Big Four are more arcane conceptually, more complicated technically and more difficult to envision. Consequently, businesses with the new brand of technology leadership are pursuing these approaches, whereas those that don’t are not.”
He also claims that these innovations are technology’s “certain future” which SMBs cannot afford to ignore.
A persuasive argument, especially convincing since the author acknowledges that he usually does not necessarily recommend new technologies for SMBs.
Is a CIO who does not embrace these innovations by definition “Yesterday’s CIO?” Does a reluctance to adopt these innovations necessarily mean a company will get left behind?
The second piece talks about the difficulties of finding a CIO with ideal qualifications, which include:
Leadership abilities
Hands-on technology background
Experience in leading large change programs
Experience in running successful IT infrastructure operations
Management experience in a non-IT function
Innovative thinking that can solve relevant industry and business issues
The ability to understand how projects and operations impact corporate financials
The fact that talent with these credentials is hard to find seems to indicate that if a CIO is of a certain caliber, he or she does not need to follow any proscribed mandate. A strong CIO can pick and choose which, if any, new technologies are appropriate for their company.
Monday, November 02, 2009
CASE STUDY: Ohio's Area Agency on Aging District 7
We recently installed AccessIT in the Area Agency on Aging District 7 in Ohio. Here's what Charlie Maillet, IT engineering and operations specialist for the Agency had to say about it: “Minicom’s KVM IP solution is very appealing because I can manage my whole network from my desk,” stated Charlie Maillet.“They offered the most cost effective solution with the best technology to simplify management of our network.”
The Challenge:
Due to budget cuts, Ohio's Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) was challenged to do more with less. Rather than cut programs that keep seniors in their homes longer, the organization looked to improve their operations by enhancing IT efficiency and implemented a KVM IP solution from Minicom that would save money, enable remote access and provide a more efficient method to manage their distributed network.
The Solution:
Using AccessIT™, AAA7 system administrators gain centralized remote access and power control that enhances IT efficiency & productivity, improving their ability to serve the community’s population
The Products Used in this installation were: AccessIT, Smart 116 IP, & IP Control
Learn more about remote server access, watch this short webcast now: Achieving Remote Server KVM Access to your data center
Red Flag: No Money = Server Failure, According to Gartner
Read Gartner’s doom and gloom predictions about how not replacing servers could result in increased server failure over the next two years.
According to the article:
“In round numbers, the scheduled replacement of some three million servers worldwide, or about 3% of all servers, has been delayed, Peter Sondergaard, Gartner's global head of research, said today at the research firm's Symposium/ITxpo 2009 conference here. He added that the number of delayed replacements should reach 10% of all servers by 2010.”
The general tone of the article is that even though this past year was the worst in terms of IT budgets, things will not stabilize for a few more years.
If your servers are nearing the end of their run, will you make noise to get what you need, or will you accept that shrinking budgets mean less than optimal data center equipment?
According to the article:
“In round numbers, the scheduled replacement of some three million servers worldwide, or about 3% of all servers, has been delayed, Peter Sondergaard, Gartner's global head of research, said today at the research firm's Symposium/ITxpo 2009 conference here. He added that the number of delayed replacements should reach 10% of all servers by 2010.”
The general tone of the article is that even though this past year was the worst in terms of IT budgets, things will not stabilize for a few more years.
If your servers are nearing the end of their run, will you make noise to get what you need, or will you accept that shrinking budgets mean less than optimal data center equipment?
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Slideshow: Industry Graveyard 2009
2009 is not over, but these products, companies and events are.
Network World’s slideshow has spooky images of all that has passed to the other side in the last year such Goodbye SOA, Circuit City, GeoCities Web hosting service, and domain tasting.
Network World’s slideshow has spooky images of all that has passed to the other side in the last year such Goodbye SOA, Circuit City, GeoCities Web hosting service, and domain tasting.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Turning Up the Heat on Data Centers
Keeping data centers at the right temperature is a continual challenge. The Data Center Journal’s article “Chill Pill for Hot Data” talks about a system which claims to have gotten the balance just right. How did they do it? According to the article:
“The research team merely wrote software to connect the gap between management systems that otherwise run separately for IT and facilities management. Traditionally speaking, companies have otherwise kept both these realms separate. And now the team has connected up these systems resulting in huge savings.”
Definitely intriguing, especially the bit about big savings, with the projection that most data centers will see ROI within a year.
Does the article’s claim that at least 90% of data centers maintain a temperature that is five degrees cooler than necessary ring true, in your experience?
“The research team merely wrote software to connect the gap between management systems that otherwise run separately for IT and facilities management. Traditionally speaking, companies have otherwise kept both these realms separate. And now the team has connected up these systems resulting in huge savings.”
Definitely intriguing, especially the bit about big savings, with the projection that most data centers will see ROI within a year.
Does the article’s claim that at least 90% of data centers maintain a temperature that is five degrees cooler than necessary ring true, in your experience?
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