Tips
Tips
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How to avoid the pitfalls of VM thin provisioning
While thin provisioning can be a valuable resource for optimizing efficiency, if you don't monitor array capacity, it can come at a serious cost to your virtual environment. Continue Reading
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VMware Integrated OpenStack 2.0 turns up the heat
The latest version of VMware Integrated OpenStack makes it clear that VMware takes OpenStack development and implementation seriously. Continue Reading
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VMware plays its part in the evolution of storage
As IT storage evolves, vendors compete to invent new storage technologies to meet enterprise demands. Who will be the victor of the storage wars? Continue Reading
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Scripting workflows with the VMware vRealize Orchestrator
Understanding the essential elements of how vRealize Orchestrator workflows work is just the first step to increasing functionality, simplicity and compartmentalization. Continue Reading
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Automating physical infrastructure in your data center environment
When it comes to working with management tools in a data center, physical infrastructure automation is as essential as workload automation. Here's how to avoid common automation pitfalls. Continue Reading
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Methods for installing VMware Tools 10 on your ESXi host
Updates to the VMware Tools platform, including separate management and an independent release cycle, simplify the installation process and offer admins greater efficiency. Continue Reading
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How to install VMware's Photon OS
Join IT pro Stuart Burns as he takes us through the installation process for the foundation of VMware's Photon Platform, Photon OS. Continue Reading
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Troubleshooting vCSA root password failure
VMware's default password policy for vCSA has many users between a rock and a hard place. Anthony Poh shows us how to correct a common root lockout issue. Continue Reading
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Can your company develop its own platform on top of a free hypervisor?
Apple recently dumped VMware in favor of building its own platform. Tools like open source software and free hypervisors are useful for building a private cloud infrastructure, but at a cost. Sometimes all you really need is a little automation. Continue Reading
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VMware container platforms offer increased flexibility
Between Photon Platform and vSphere Integrated Containers, VMware covers all the bases when it comes to containerization for enterprises and cloud scale businesses alike. Continue Reading
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Why OpenStack users might be interested in VMware Integrated OpenStack
With the new VMware Integrated OpenStack, users can easily scale SDDCs up to the IaaS cloud -- but for major companies, is increased scalability worth the cost? Continue Reading
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VMware Photon Controller makes VMware containers a reality
VMware's Photon Platform, consisting of Photon Machine and Photon Controller, represents a change towards a service-oriented DevOps model of management. Continue Reading
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Breaking down the varying levels of data center automation
Administrators will no longer focus on individual applications and servers thanks to automation. However, there are different levels of automation that admins should understand. Continue Reading
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VSAN 6.1 boasts new features, promises greater protection
As VMware continues its expansion into the virtual storage market, updates to its Virtual SAN model promise exciting new features to improve shared storage solutions. Continue Reading
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Creating virtual machine blueprints with vRealize Automation
In this installation of our VMware vRealize deployment guide, we take an in-depth look at creating virtual machine blueprints and servers with vRealize Automation. Continue Reading
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VIO IaaS cloud computing expands the boundaries of vSphere
VMware vSphere has been the standard for virtualization for years now but there are some benefits to IaaS cloud computing that could draw users. Continue Reading
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VMware vSphere 6 Update 1 brings technical improvements for ESXi, VSAN
It's not just vCenter that boasts new features with Update 1. Technical improvements were also made to ESXi, VSAN and vSphere Replication. Continue Reading
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VMware vSphere 6 Update 1 brings new features to vCenter
Now that vSphere 6 Update 1 has been out for some time, here are all of the new features and improvements it brings to vCenter. Continue Reading
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Configuring VMware vRealize's appliance settings
Once vRealize has been deployed, there are certain settings you should take advantage of, including setting up tenants and adding business groups. Continue Reading
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What's required for VMware Virtual Volumes?
Before you deploy VVOLs to help address storage management issues, there may be some upgrades you need to take care of -- including to vSphere. Continue Reading
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A walkthrough of IaaS server installation using vCAC
Installing the IaaS server can be a daunting task if it's not done properly and the prerequisites aren't fulfilled beforehand. Continue Reading
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Understanding the virtual building blocks of VMware vRealize
Before you install vRealize, make sure that you have met all of the requirements to avoid possible headaches down the road. Continue Reading
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Making vSphere integration with OpenStack work
While developers are working to get VMware vSphere integrated in the cloud, there are some issues to iron out when it comes to how things work with OpenStack. Continue Reading
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Are containers the new virtual machines?
Virtual machines were once the hottest new technology, but now containers are gaining more and more steam in the data center. Continue Reading
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Tips on how to run Linux in a virtual machine
Here are some tips and tweaks on how to get the most out of running Linux virtualized in a VMware environment. Continue Reading
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How admins can avoid making VMware errors
We often see tips on what administrators should be doing inside a VMware environment, but here are some things that you should avoid doing. Continue Reading
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Balance your data center skills to keep up
As technology evolves, data center admins need to keep their skill set up to date or suffer the same fate as most COBOL programmers. Continue Reading
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Best practices and techniques for VMware templates
VMware templates are known to save administrators time, but there are some tips and techniques you should follow to get the most out of them. Continue Reading
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Approach VMware vSphere maximums with caution
Make sure to avoid reaching the limits set by vSphere, you could experience poor performance. Continue Reading
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Breaking down the basics of VMware vRealize
VMware vRealize gives admins the ability to fully automate deployments, approvals and manage machine lifecycle management with one interface. Continue Reading
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Correcting your cables with PCI bus enumeration
Sometimes, fixing cables is as easy as making sure they're plugged in correctly. Other times, it might be an issue with the server. Continue Reading
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Steps to take in order to secure virtual machines
Something as small as a flash drive can be a danger to your virtual machines and the data inside them. Make sure to keep your info secure. Continue Reading
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Five useful PowerShell resources and tools – for free
If you want to manage your vSphere environment more efficiently, these five tools and resources will help and they're free too. Continue Reading
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Where qualified partners stand with EVO:RAIL
There are certain hardware requirements that companies must meet to become a Qualified EVO:RAIL Partner, and only a few companies exceed them. Continue Reading
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What the future holds for VMware EVO:RAIL
Although VMware announced the next version of EVO:RAIL, there are still some concerns from customers on what's to come. Continue Reading
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Next top data backup strategy could feature hyper-converged technology
The next big data backup strategy could involve hyper-converged offerings because of the options its software and hardware provide. Continue Reading
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How to handle a virtual attack
Make sure your comprehensive security design also includes an incident policy to help react to an online security breach. Continue Reading
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Containerized applications pose challenges for vSphere admins
Containers have introduced a new way for developers to produce code -- and more anxiety for administrators who need visibility for troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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How will vSphere admins handle container virtualization?
The latest wave of virtualization is poised to sweep through data centers, but questions swirl around the ownership and management of these applications. Continue Reading
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VMware vCenter Converter adds longevity to legacy OSes
Microsoft no longer supports Windows Server 2003, but virtualizing that OS in vSphere offers several advantages. Continue Reading
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Why production environment testing is better than a lab setting
Should you test a monitoring tool in your production environment? Only if you want it to get an accurate look at the infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Using VMWare vMSC with legacy applications for a more flexible data center
The need for higher availability with legacy applications makes for a significant design challenge when using the vSphere Metro Storage Cluster feature. Continue Reading
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How to sell your company on the merits of virtual apps
The vSphere platform is solid but operations teams still have to persuade in-house clients from requesting physical servers to run applications. Continue Reading
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Blurred lines: Who will own the VMware NSX platform?
Using VMware's NSX to lift networking functions from hardware brings with it questions on which team should step in when "the network" has issues. Continue Reading
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Comparing VMware EVO:RAIL vs VSAN
VMware's VSAN and EVO:RAIL are entwined but there is some misunderstanding about the capabilities of each. Continue Reading
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Is VMware NSX the key to container networking?
VMware's microservices architecture projects indicate the company is prepared to be the infrastructure provider for containerized applications. Continue Reading
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VMware certification changed with release of vSphere 6
To obtain the VMware Certified Professional certification, applicants will have to take an additional training course. Continue Reading
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VMware's vSphere 6 release keeps content under control
The content library feature in vSphere 6 brings centralized management of templates and other items to businesses running multiple vCenter Servers. Continue Reading
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Sizing up vCloud Air DRaaS for midmarket companies
VMware's DR cloud service may be one viable alternative for an organization that can't afford to double its hardware setup. Continue Reading
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Is software-based replication better for your DR setup?
Keeping your data safe from disaster with an on-premises product means deciding if hardware-based replication or software-based replication is a better fit for your company. Continue Reading
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How vRealize Orchestrator delivers enhanced administrative powers
The enhanced automation capabilities of vRealize Orchestrator can give administrators more flexibility when dealing with complex tasks. Continue Reading
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VMware angles for control of containerized applications
VMware built its business on its hypervisor, but its new infrastructure offerings are positioned to keep it relevant in the container world. Continue Reading
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Updated vCenter Server Appliance fuels speculation
The latest version of vCSA comes with hints that the services of the Windows installation version of vCenter Server may no longer be required. Continue Reading
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How the balloon driver helps VM performance
Using the balloon driver in VMware Tools is a better option for reclaiming RAM from a VM; otherwise there may be a bigger performance issue. Continue Reading
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Laying the groundwork for the VMware SDDC
VMware has been steadily adding policy-based features into its products, making it easier for operations teams to catch up with development. Continue Reading
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Hyper-converged infrastructure presents operational challenges
Bringing in a hyper-converged platform can present a complication in the data center where networking, virtualization and storage teams were once separated. Continue Reading
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Putting that zombie VM out to pasture
There are many VMs that may wander your virtual environment, sucking up resources while providing no real purpose. Here are some ways to track them down. Continue Reading
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Higher requirements may put damper on vSphere 6 lab plans
Setting up a vSphere 6 lab may prove to be a challenge for users in smaller environments who want to run tests on the virtualization platform. Continue Reading
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How to avoid a zombie VM infestation
Prevent your environment from turning into the virtualization version of "The Walking Dead" by removing VMs after finishing a project. Continue Reading
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Make vSphere more robust by backing up the SSO server
A failing SSO server will cause numerous problems in your vSphere environment. Here's how to set up a load-balanced SSO server to avoid a crisis. Continue Reading
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How to keep virtual machine snapshots in check
While using snapshots can help undo a bad patch or faulty configuration change, they need to be controlled before they become a source of trouble. Continue Reading
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Using PCI DSS for a secure virtual machine setup
When plotting out your VMware environment, think about using PCI DSS requirements to secure data in a virtual machine. Continue Reading
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Mixing PowerShell and VMware for potent possibilities
VMware provides its own tools for monitoring and other tasks, but what if you could automate those tasks to save yourself time? Continue Reading
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How to build your own virtual test lab
A virtual test lab can give you a place to test patches and configuration changes -- and avoid the potential for downtime in the production environment. Continue Reading
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Adding storage to your personal virtual test lab
After putting together the basic setup of a home lab for nested virtualization, here's how to add the storage. Continue Reading
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vRealize Orchestrator helps IT do more with less
Using an automation tool such as vRealize Orchestrator can help a busy vSphere administrator deal with the increased complexity of the virtual environment. Continue Reading
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VMware Integrated OpenStack lifts workloads into cloud
OpenStack requires a significant investment of time and technical expertise to get running, leading to VMware's development of its own distribution. Continue Reading
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Horizon View Direct-Connection Plugin streamlines configuration
The Direct-Connection Plugin lets Horizon View users connect to a virtual desktop without connecting to a Connection Server first. Continue Reading
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VMware forges own microservices architecture
After seeing the rapid adoption of application virtualization, VMware brings its own Linux distribution into the cloud mix and adds the missing security ingredient. Continue Reading
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Need directions for the VMware certification roadmap?
What do you need to do if you are already certified and want to update your qualifications in light of the recent changes by VMware? Continue Reading
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Considerations when moving VMs from VMware Workstation to vSphere
There are some networking choices to ponder before importing a VM from VMware Workstation into vSphere. Continue Reading
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Working with the vSphere 6.0 Web client
Your stance on the vSphere Web Client may determine your level of happiness with VMware's latest server virtualization platform. Continue Reading
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Avoid CPU affinity if a VM needs a performance bump
Setting CPU affinity on a VM will probably cause performance to degrade and make the VM much harder to manage. Continue Reading
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Right some wrongs with that Windows 2003 VM
Microsoft will end support for Windows Server 2003 on July 15. Moving a physical to a virtual server provides the opportunity to improve performance. Continue Reading
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Testing, testing -- anyone need a vSphere home lab?
To stay on top of the latest changes and new features in vSphere, there are several options for lab environments. Continue Reading
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VMware Horizon 6 dukes it out with Citrix Workspace Suite
In the end-user computing arena, which virtualization suite has the edge in key areas, such as VDI and mobile management? Continue Reading
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What a desktop assessment can do for you
Is every physical desktop a candidate for virtualization? A desktop assessment can help make this determination before a major VDI investment is made. Continue Reading
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Tighten up security with the vSphere hardening guide
Administrators can tweak the security settings in their vSphere environment with help from a spreadsheet from VMware. Continue Reading
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Toggling between VMware virtual switch options
VMware offers two options for virtual switches that share basic functions, but only one comes with the top-of-the-line license option. Continue Reading
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Restore VM back from the dead with this utility
It's not often that a systems administrator gets a broken virtual machine that needs to be imported, but the recovery effort helps reinforce a few important lessons. Continue Reading
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Modern VMware administration gets makeover
The evolution of IT as a service has resulted in the development of products that help ease the growing demands on the busy systems administrator. Continue Reading
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VMware's EVO:RAIL steers IT to ponder hyperconverged path
The need for easier-to-deploy and simpler-to-manage infrastructures have many IT shops considering the benefits of a hyperconverged infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Can the perks in Fusion 7 Pro persuade you to upgrade?
With Fusion 7, VMware split the desktop hypervisor product into a standard and a pro version. Should you get the more expensive professional version? Continue Reading
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VMware VCAP changes highlight a necessary evil in IT
Change is the only constant in IT, which means workers in this field need to show now more than ever they have the qualifications to run the data center. Continue Reading
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Using SSD cache can extend storage array lifespan
Administrators in a vSphere environment can improve workload performance using SSDs, but knowing your workload needs can prevent spending more than you should. Continue Reading
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How to execute a virtual hardware upgrade -- and Ctrl-Z a faulty one
Administrators who want to get the most out of their virtualization investments will need to perform an upgrade to the virtual hardware, and know how to undo the change if problems arise. Continue Reading
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Avoiding obstacles to keep vSphere environments secure
When new vulnerabilities arise in your data center, you may surprise yourself at how staying creative and adaptable can sometimes reveal the best solution to the problem. Continue Reading
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How are SSD garbage collection, wear leveling and TRIM different?
While using solid-state drives in a vSphere environment can give a boost to VMs that require high performance, it's important to know how certain longevity features function in the storage hardware. Continue Reading
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How to troubleshoot VMware vCloud Automation Center issues
Deploying vCloud Automation Center -- now called vRealize Automation -- may not go smoothly, but there are several key areas to look over when troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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VMware expands the options to manage vSphere from a Mac
While VMware has progressed in its efforts to make the vSphere platform more OS neutral, there is still some work that needs to be done to assist administrators who prefer to use a Mac. Continue Reading
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How vSphere Replication backs up, stacks up to the competition
The backup market has many third-party vendors available to protect VMs, but is vSphere Replication the right fit for your environment? Continue Reading
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How to set up an ESXi shared virtual disk
An administrator with high-availability needs in vSphere can configure storage that different VMs can share in a clustered environment. Continue Reading
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How to fix a vSphere vCenter server outage
When best practices aren't followed, it means there is typically more work involved to get a balky vCenter Server functioning properly. Continue Reading
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Monitoring virtual CPU states to improve performance
A good understanding of vCPU run, wait and ready states can help deliver more responsive VMs. Continue Reading
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VMware changing vCenter architecture in vSphere 6
The new version of vSphere will not arrive until 2015, but VMware previewed some of the revisions to single sign-on and other services in vCenter. Continue Reading
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Comparing EVO:RAIL with top hyper-converged offerings
VMware took the wraps off its hardware offering at VMworld 2014, but how does EVO:RAIL stack up against the top players, such as Nutanix and Simplivity? Continue Reading
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VMware releases certification track for NSX platform
VMware took the wraps off its certification track for NSX, making it eligible for IT professionals desiring recognition in the network virtualization field. Continue Reading
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How will VMware VVOLs affect you?
With Virtual Volumes in vSphere, policy-based storage management promises to give admins a better grip on VM data stores. Continue Reading
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Tune up the vSphere Web Client for better performance
Many IT administrators prefer the vSphere desktop client, but VMware is slowly phasing it out in favor of the vSphere Web Client. Continue Reading
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How to create a VMware OVF virtual appliance
Vendors can reduce potential issues by packaging VMs into a virtual appliance for customers. Here's how to create and modify the resulting OVF file. Continue Reading