IT Infrastructure
How to develop SMCLI commands for IBM Systems Director
TechTip: Sun's Open-Source VirtualBox Rivals VMware Workstation
Sun's free VirtualBox is a great product for desktop virtualization, and you can't beat the price!
Written by Max Hetrick
Originally released in January of 2007 by a company called innotek, VirtualBox is an open-source desktop virtualization product. In 2008, the company was acquired by Sun Microsystems, and since then, Sun has spent an incredible amount of time developing a very stable, easy-to-use virtualization platform.
Simplifying the Management of IBM i Environments
IBM i provides a wealth of valuable system management information, but third-party tools are required to put it to effective use.
Written by Bill Hammond
Editor's Note: This article is extracted from the white paper "Executive Overview: Simplifying the Management of IBM i Environments" available free at the MC White Paper Center.
Despite being one of the easiest systems to administer, IBM i is neither self-managing nor self-optimizing. Consequently, even a formerly well-tuned IBM i system may develop bottlenecks over time.
For the Next Generation Comes a Newer, Faster USB Standard
For the non-gamers in the crowd, however, USB 2.0 may be good enough.
Written by Chris Smith
There is a distinct downside to being a cheapskate: one is always buying technology that is behind the power curve. Just once in my life, I'm going to go and buy a computer with the fastest processor available just for the sheer thrill of knowing what it feels like to have the best.
Experience the Power of IBM Systems Director
Not sure you want to buy? Take it for a test-drive!
Written by Greg Hinter
When evaluating systems management software, it can be very easy to focus on the low-level technical details to decide if it can provide your business with what is required to make your data center run smoothly. However, at some point, you need to ask yourself the question: "Does this software support the real-world scenarios I need to make my business better?" In this article, I describe some of the features that IBM Systems Director provides to help you decide where it fits in your data center's future.
TechTip: Installations and Upgrades Become Much Simpler with IBM i Network Install
Install IBM i over a Network File System (NFS) server using virtual optical media and enjoy the freedom of automation!
Written by Dan Boyum and Dave Snyder
The IBM i Network Install process uses virtual optical devices within a Network File System (NFS) network for installation. With new enhancements in IBM i 6.1, users now have the ability to perform installations and operating system upgrades across their networks to other IBM i partitions. In addition, users can also load PTFs or restore data via a Virtual Media Image (VMI), all without having to manually FTP the data to additional partitions. This huge advance in the IBM i installation realm will provide users with even more efficiency and flexibility in managing today's complex system environments.
Why should you use IBM i Network Install? It's quick, easy, and efficient.
TechTip: Need a Project Management Tool? Open Workbench Is the Answer
Why pay for a project management tool when you can get a better one for free?
Written by Laura Ubelhor
Do you ever have a need for a project scheduling and tracking tool? If so, this article is for you!
My organization often deals with projects that require a means of organizing tasks, scheduling, and tracking project activity. The need is common in businesses. Projects require proper management to be successful, and having tools to assist makes management much easier.