IBM Z/VM 6.4 DELIVERS INDUSTRY-PROVEN ADVANCED VIRTUALIZATION

A fundamental strength of z/VM is the ability for virtual machines to share system resources with high levels of resource utilization. z/VM V6.4 provides even greater levels of scalability, security, and efficiency to create opportunities for cost savings, while providing a robust foundation for cloud computing on z Systems servers. z/VM V6.4 provides support for simultaneous multithreading (SMT) technology that extends per-processor, core capacity growth beyond single-thread performance for Linux on z Systems running on an IBM Integrated Facility for Linux (IFL) specialty engine on a z13 or z13s server. z/VM multithreading technology support can enable additional price/performance benefits over previous hardware generations and can meet workload requirements transparently. Improvements made in the areas of reliability, availability, and serviceability allow low-end devices such as IBM Storwize V7000, V840, and V9000 to be attached to a z/VM host removing the need for a SAN Volume Controller.

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AmZetta Technologies

AmZetta Technologies, located in Norcross, GA, is focused on helping midmarket companies and organizations (public sector, education) design, implement and manage highly secure virtual workspaces to give remote workers the best possible work-from-anywhere experience, Our Digital Workspace solution.

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Server Hypervisors

Addressing Multi-Cloud Complexity with VMware Tanzu

Article | September 9, 2022

Introduction With cloud computing on the path to becoming the mother of all transformations, particularly in IT's ways of development and operations, we are once again confronted with the problem of conversion errors, this time a hundredfold higher than previous moves to dispersed computing and the web. While the issue is evident, the remedies are not so obvious. Cloud complexity is the outcome of the fast acceleration of cloud migration and net-new innovation without consideration of the complexity this introduces in operations. Almost all businesses are already working in a multi-cloud or hybrid-cloud environment. According to an IDC report, 93% of enterprises utilize multiple clouds. The decision could have stemmed from a desire to save money and avoid vendor lock-in, increase resilience, or businesses might have found themselves with several clouds as a result of the compounding activities of different teams. When it comes to strategic technology choices, relatively few businesses begin by asking, "How can we secure and control our technology?" Must-Follow Methods for Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Success Data Analysis at Any Size, from Any Source: To proactively recognize, warn, and guide investigations, teams should be able to utilize all data throughout the cloud and on-premises. Insights in Real-Time: Considering the temporary nature of containerized operations and functions as a service, businesses cannot wait minutes to determine whether they are experiencing infrastructure difficulties. Only a scalable streaming architecture can ingest, analyze, and alert rapidly enough to discover and investigate problems before they have a major impact on consumers. Analytics That Enables Teams to Act: Because multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud strategies do not belong in a single team, businesses must be able to evaluate data inside and across teams in order to make decisions and take action swiftly. How Can VMware Help in Solving Multi-Cloud and Hybrid-Cloud Complexity? VMware made several announcements indicating a new strategy focused on modern applications. Their approach focuses on two VMware products: vSphere with Kubernetes and Tanzu. Since then, much has been said about VMware's modern app approach, and several products have launched. Let's focus on VMware Tanzu. VMware Tanzu Tanzu is a product that enables organizations to upgrade both their apps and the infrastructure that supports them. In the same way that VMware wants vRealize to be known for cloud management and automation, Tanzu wants to be known for modern business applications. Tanzu uses Kubernetes to build and manage modern applications. In Tanzu, there is just one development environment and one deployment process. VMware Tanzu is compatible with both private and public cloud infrastructures. Closing Lines The important point is that the Tanzu portfolio offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of where applications operate and how they are controlled. We observe an increase in demand for operating an application on any cloud, and how VMware Tanzu assists us in streamlining the multi-cloud operation for MLOps pipeline. Apart from multi-cloud operation, it is critical to monitor and alarm each component throughout the MLOps lifecycle, from Kubernetes pods and inference services to data and model performance.

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Server Virtualization

How virtualization helped Dell make a pandemic pivot

Article | May 17, 2023

Danny Cobb, fellow and vice president of engineering for Dell Technologies’ telco systems business, remembers his company cruising into early 2020: Kicking off a new fiscal year with its operating plan in place, supply chain nailed down and factories humming; people coming into the office each day to the usual routine of looking for parking spots and taking laptops down to the cafeteria. Then came March, and the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hit U.S. shores. In the course of one weekend, Dell pivoted to having more than 90% of its workforce working from home. That meant a dramatic shift in its network needs and operations – one that was only able to be accomplished so quickly because of virtualized infrastructure.

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Virtual Desktop Tools, Virtual Desktop Strategies

Managing Multi-Cloud Complexities for a Seamless Experience

Article | June 8, 2023

Introduction The early 2000s were milestone moments for the cloud. Amazon Web Services (AWS) entered the market in 2006, while Google revealed its first cloud service in 2007. Fast forward to 2020, when the pandemic boosted digital transformation efforts by around seven years (according to McKinsey), and the cloud has become a commercial necessity today. It not only facilitated the swift transition to remote work, but it also remains critical in maintaining company sustainability and creativity. Many can argue that the large-scale transition to the cloud in the 2010s was necessary to enable the digital-first experiences that remote workers and decentralized businesses need today. Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud setups are now the norm. According to Gartner, most businesses today use a multi-cloud approach to reduce vendor lock-in or to take advantage of more flexible, best-of-breed solutions. However, managing multi-cloud systems increases cloud complexity, and IT concerns, frequently slowing rather than accelerating innovation. According to 2022 research done by IntelligentCIO, the average multi-cloud system includes five platforms, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM Red Hat, among others. Managing Multi-Cloud Complexities Like a Pro Your multi-cloud strategy should satisfy your company's requirements while also laying the groundwork for managing various cloud deployments. Creating a proactive plan for managing multi-cloud setups is one of the finest features that can distinguish your company. The five strategies for handling multi-cloud complexity are outlined below. Managing Data with AI and ML AI and machine learning can help manage enormous quantities of data in multi-cloud environments. AI simulates human decision-making and performs tasks as well as humans or even better at times. Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that learns from data, recognizes patterns, and makes decisions with minimum human interaction. AI and ML to help discover the most important data, reducing big data and multi-cloud complexity. AI and machine learning enable more simplicity and better data control. Integrated Management Structure Keeping up with the growing number of cloud services from several providers requires a unified management structure. Multiple cloud management requires IT time, resources, and technology to juggle and correlate infrastructure alternatives. Routinely monitor your cloud resources and service settings. It's important to manage apps, clouds, and people globally. Ensure you have the technology and infrastructure to handle several clouds. Developing Security Strategy Operating multiple clouds requires a security strategy and seamless integration of security capabilities. There's no single right answer since vendors have varied policies and cybersecurity methods. Storing data on many cloud deployments prevents data loss. Handling backups and safety copies of your data are crucial. Regularly examine your multi-cloud network's security. The cyber threat environment will vary as infrastructure and software do. Multi-cloud strategies must safeguard data and applications. Skillset Management Multi-cloud complexity requires skilled operators. Do you have the appropriate IT personnel to handle multi-cloud? If not, can you use managed or cloud services? These individuals or people are in charge of teaching the organization about how each cloud deployment helps the company accomplish its goals. This specialist ensures all cloud entities work properly by utilizing cloud technologies. Closing Lines Traditional cloud monitoring solutions are incapable of dealing with dynamic multi-cloud setups, but automated intelligence is the best at getting to the heart of cloud performance and security concerns. To begin with, businesses require end-to-end observability in order to see the overall picture. Add automation and causal AI to this capacity, and teams can obtain the accurate answers they require to better optimize their environments, freeing them up to concentrate on increasing innovation and generating better business results.

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Virtual Desktop Tools

Evaluating the Impact of Application Virtualization

Article | August 12, 2022

The emergence of the notion of virtualization in today's digital world has turned the tables. It has assisted the sector in increasing production and making every activity easy and effective. One of the most remarkable innovations is the virtualization of applications, which allows users to access and utilize applications even if they are not installed on the system on which they are working. As a result, the cost of obtaining software and installing it on specific devices is reduced. Application virtualization is a technique that separates an application from the operating system on which it runs. It provides access to a program without requiring it to be installed on the target device. The program functions and interacts with the user as if it were native to the device. The program window can be resized, moved, or minimized, and the user can utilize normal keyboard and mouse movements. There might be minor differences from time to time, but the user gets a seamless experience. Let’s have a look at the ways in which application virtualization helps businesses. The Impact of Application Virtualization • Remote-Safe Approach Application virtualization enables remote access to essential programs from any end device in a safe and secure manner. With remote work culture developing as an increasingly successful global work paradigm, the majority of businesses have adapted to remote work-from-home practice. This state-of-the-art technology is the best option for remote working environments because it combines security and convenience of access. • Expenditure Limitations If you have a large end-user base that is always growing, acquiring and operating separate expensive devices for each individual user would definitely exhaust your budget. In such situations, virtualization will undoubtedly come in handy because it has the potential to offer all necessary applications to any target device. • Rolling Out Cloud Applications Application virtualization can aid in the development and execution of a sophisticated and controlled strategy to manage and assure a seamless cloud transition of an application that is presently used as an on-premise version in portions of the same enterprise. In such cases, it is vital to guarantee that the application continues to work properly while being rolled out to cloud locations. You can assure maximum continuity and little impact on your end customers by adopting a cutting-edge virtualization platform. These platforms will help to ensure that both the on-premise and cloud versions of the application are delivered smoothly to diverse groups sitting inside the same workspace. • Implementation of In-House Applications Another prominent case in which virtualization might be beneficial is the deployment and execution of in-house applications. Developers often update such programs on a regular basis. Application virtualization enables extensive remote updates, installation, and distribution of critical software. As a result, this technology is crucial for enterprises that build and employ in-house applications. Closing Lines There is no doubt about the efficiency and advantages of application virtualization. You do not need to be concerned with installing the programs on your system. Moreover, you do not need to maintain the minimum requirements for running such programs since they will operate on the hosted server, giving you the impression that the application is operating on your system. There will be no performance concerns when the program runs. There will not be any overload on your system, and you will not encounter any compatibility issues as a result of your system's underlying operating system.

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Spotlight

AmZetta Technologies

AmZetta Technologies, located in Norcross, GA, is focused on helping midmarket companies and organizations (public sector, education) design, implement and manage highly secure virtual workspaces to give remote workers the best possible work-from-anywhere experience, Our Digital Workspace solution.

Related News

Server Virtualization

New 10-Gigabit Ethernet XMC Module Features Dual 10GBASE-KX4 Ports and Conduction-Cooling Support

Acromag | December 06, 2021

Acromag's new XMC633 module offers two independent 10-gigabit Ethernet interface ports with 10GBASE-KX4 protocol. The XMC mezzanine card mounts on VME, VPX, PCIe and other embedded computing carrier boards. An industry-leading Intel XL710 Ethernet Controller provides high-performance network connectivity with advanced off-load and virtualization capabilities. The rear I/O model XMC633 routes two KX4 interfaces to the P16 connector and is compatible with conduction-cooling frames. Two other models are available. Acromag's XMC631 has four SFP+ front panel connectors for fiber optic or copper media transceivers, while the rear I/O XMC632 routes two XAUI interfaces to P16. Optional VITA 61 connectors enable PCIe Gen3 data rates across eight high-speed serial lanes on the XMC P15 connector. Designed for COTS applications, XMC630s are ideal for use in defense, aerospace, industrial, and scientific computing systems. Extended temperature operation is supported. Acromag responded to requests for additional 10GbE interface protocols. Using the latest Intel Ethernet Controller technologies, we now support 10GBASE-KX4 and XAUI backplane interfaces." Robert Greenfield, Acromag Business Development Manager Employing Intel's XL710 4-port 10-gigabit Ethernet controller, these modules optimize network performance with intelligent off-loading, innovative virtualization, and advanced traffic direction. When paired with a Xeon-D processor, the two Intel devices provide a balanced hybrid solution of compute and off-load for optimal performance and reduced bottlenecks. For example, with TCP stateless off-loads, the XL710 demonstrates leading performance vs. TOE solutions without restricting feature usage. Other features include precision timing, Energy Efficient Ethernet, and dynamic load balancing. Advanced traffic steering capabilities increase transaction rates and reduce latency. In rugged systems, the dual KX4 or XAUI interface offers low-cost, low-power 10GbE chip-to-chip communication over the backplane. The four front I/O SFP+ ports support 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-T and 10GSFP+Cu connections. Linux and Windows software support is available. About Acromag Founded in 1957, Acromag designs/manufactures hi-tech electronics, offering a complete line of embedded computing and I/O solutions, including; general purpose I/O boards, single-board computers, FPGA modules, embedded computers, COM Express products, mezzanine modules, wiring accessories, and software. Industries served include military, aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and research laboratories.

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Server Virtualization

New 10-Gigabit Ethernet XMC Module Features Dual 10GBASE-KX4 Ports and Conduction-Cooling Support

Acromag | December 06, 2021

Acromag's new XMC633 module offers two independent 10-gigabit Ethernet interface ports with 10GBASE-KX4 protocol. The XMC mezzanine card mounts on VME, VPX, PCIe and other embedded computing carrier boards. An industry-leading Intel XL710 Ethernet Controller provides high-performance network connectivity with advanced off-load and virtualization capabilities. The rear I/O model XMC633 routes two KX4 interfaces to the P16 connector and is compatible with conduction-cooling frames. Two other models are available. Acromag's XMC631 has four SFP+ front panel connectors for fiber optic or copper media transceivers, while the rear I/O XMC632 routes two XAUI interfaces to P16. Optional VITA 61 connectors enable PCIe Gen3 data rates across eight high-speed serial lanes on the XMC P15 connector. Designed for COTS applications, XMC630s are ideal for use in defense, aerospace, industrial, and scientific computing systems. Extended temperature operation is supported. Acromag responded to requests for additional 10GbE interface protocols. Using the latest Intel Ethernet Controller technologies, we now support 10GBASE-KX4 and XAUI backplane interfaces." Robert Greenfield, Acromag Business Development Manager Employing Intel's XL710 4-port 10-gigabit Ethernet controller, these modules optimize network performance with intelligent off-loading, innovative virtualization, and advanced traffic direction. When paired with a Xeon-D processor, the two Intel devices provide a balanced hybrid solution of compute and off-load for optimal performance and reduced bottlenecks. For example, with TCP stateless off-loads, the XL710 demonstrates leading performance vs. TOE solutions without restricting feature usage. Other features include precision timing, Energy Efficient Ethernet, and dynamic load balancing. Advanced traffic steering capabilities increase transaction rates and reduce latency. In rugged systems, the dual KX4 or XAUI interface offers low-cost, low-power 10GbE chip-to-chip communication over the backplane. The four front I/O SFP+ ports support 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-T and 10GSFP+Cu connections. Linux and Windows software support is available. About Acromag Founded in 1957, Acromag designs/manufactures hi-tech electronics, offering a complete line of embedded computing and I/O solutions, including; general purpose I/O boards, single-board computers, FPGA modules, embedded computers, COM Express products, mezzanine modules, wiring accessories, and software. Industries served include military, aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and research laboratories.

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