Data Center Management Articles
Attachmate Corporation announced that Attachmate INFOConnect as well as the Attachmate Reflection 2008 and Attachmate EXTRA! solutions have received the "Compatible with Microsoft Windows 7" logo. This certification enables Attachmate to offer its customers a seamless, easy-to-manage IT environment, robust desktop security features and enhanced end-user productivity.
Posted October 14, 2009
Unisys Corporation has introduced Unisys End-User Productivity Services, a suite of services designed to provide organizations with the ability to support an increasingly mobile workforce that values integration of consumer technologies into the workplace. The new Unisys services will enable CIOs to reduce end-user costs by providing support for devices, desktops, applications and mobility through a flexible mixture of traditional, virtualized and secure cloud-based service delivery models.
Posted October 14, 2009
The idea of "virtual" reality—immersive computer simulations almost indistinguishable from reality—has been a mainstay of modern "cyberpunk" science fiction since the early 1980s, popularized in movies such as The Thirteenth Floor and The Matrix. Typically, a virtual reality environment produces computer simulated sensory inputs which include at least sight and sound, and, perhaps, touch, taste and smell. These inputs are presented to the user through goggles, earphones and gloves or—in the true cyberpunk sci-fi—via direct brain interfaces.
Posted October 13, 2009
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) can be considered the most significant compliance standard of our time. Since the passing of the legislation 7 years ago, companies have had to rethink the way they use technology to store company data. This transformation has been anything but an easy ride for companies today, and has significantly impacted the role of the CIO within an organization.
Posted October 13, 2009
High-profile data breaches at major corporations and the usual assortment of state government agencies and educational institutions have highlighted the value of encrypting data. Yet, breach numbers continue to spike and big losses are becoming more common; according to Verizon's 2009 Data Breach Investigations Report, which looks only at breaches that resulted in stolen data being used in a crime, the total number of records breached in Verizon's 2008 caseload—more than 285 million—exceeded the combined total from 2004 to 2007. Apparently the market is now so saturated with stolen data that the price of each record has dropped from a high of $16 in 2007 to less than 50 cents today. But the intensifying number of successful attacks isn't the most distressing part of data breach reports: the Identity Theft Resource Center reports that only 2.4% of the companies involved in all reported breaches utilized encryption.
Posted October 13, 2009
The rising popularity of web 2.0 and cloud computing services has prompted a reexamination of the infrastructure that supports them. More and more people are using web-based communities, hosted services, and applications such as social-networking sites, video-sharing sites, wikis and blogs. And the number of businesses adopting cloud computing applications such as software as a service and hosted services is climbing swiftly.With all this growth, internet data centers are struggling to handle unprecedented workloads, spiraling power costs, and the limitations of the legacy architectures that support these services. The industry has responded by moving towards a "data center 2.0" model where new approaches to data management, scaling, and power consumption enable data center infrastructures to support this growth.
Posted October 13, 2009
In art, the expression "less is more" implies that simplicity of line and composition allow a viewer to better appreciate the individual elements of a piece and their relationship to each other to make a whole. In engineering, "less is more" when you accomplish the same work with fewer moving parts. And when dining out, "less is more" when the portions may be smaller, but the food is so much better and satisfying. In IT, the adage is more accurately stated today as "less does more." As IT increases in complexity, mainframe organizations are being asked to handle greater workloads, bigger databases, more applications, more system resources, and new initiatives. All this, without adding—and sometimes while cutting—staff. In addition, IT is undergoing a serious "mainframe brain drain," as the most experienced technicians retire, taking with them their skills and detailed knowledge of the mainframes' idiosyncrasies.
Posted October 13, 2009
Progress DataDirect, the data-infrastructure division of Progress Software Corporation, has entered into a strategic partnership with Mainline Information Systems, Inc., a provider of IBM servers, storage and software solutions, to offer mainframe data integration solutions.
Posted October 12, 2009
Compuware Corporation has announced the release of Hiperstation 7.8, which the vendor considers to be the centerpiece of its Application Auditing solution. This latest version expands Hiperstation's capabilities with the integration of Vantage, Compuware's application performance management solution, and the addition of WebSphere MQ and TCP/IP protocols. The new functionality enables organizations to more effectively protect against internal data breaches-across platforms-averting monetary losses and meeting regulations such as PCI DSS and HIPAA.
Posted October 12, 2009
Bus-Tech, Inc., a provider of modular, scalable Virtual Tape Library (VTL) controllers for IBM and compatible mainframes, announced it has partnered with Hitachi Data Systems to provide support for IBM's Transaction Processing Facility (TPF). When coupled with Bus-Tech's Mainframe Data Library (MDL), the Hitachi Adaptable Modular Storage 2000 family and Hitachi High-Performance Network Attached Storage (NAS) Platform, powered by BlueArc, will provide high-capacity storage systems for the virtual tape volumes.
Posted October 12, 2009
OpTier, a provider of business transaction management tools, launched OpTier Experience Manager, a product that measures the volume, performance, service levels and availability of all business transactions, alerts IT in real time to developing issues and provides ongoing reporting and analysis of the user experience. With a real-time view of the IT environment, organizations can ensure that the level of service delivered to the business is meeting expectations.
Posted October 12, 2009
SHARE recently announced its 2009-2010 Board of Directors, following elections which took place during its summer conference in Denver, Colo.
Posted October 12, 2009
Extending the Oracle Enterprise Sign-On Suite, Oracle announced Enterprise Single Sign-On (ESSO) Anywhere, a comprehensive offering that lets enterprises host single tenant ESSO in a private cloud to provide users with secure access to heterogeneous enterprise resources from anywhere, anytime.
Posted October 08, 2009
Zmanda, a provider of open source backup and recovery software, has introduced the second generation of its Zmanda Cloud Backup (ZCB) product, which provides new features such as cloud backup of MySQL and SharePoint; geography control; selective restore; and security and performance enhancements.
Posted October 08, 2009
Craig Mullins, a longtime contributor to Database Trends and Applications magazine and highly regarded authority in data management issues, says IBM's mainframe specialty processors—the zIIP and zAAP engines—are great solutions for shifting workloads to lower-cost platforms. Specialty processor workloads are not subject to mainframe-based IBM or ISV licensing charges. But the question that has been on everyone's mind is: "Why doesn't IBM just decrease the price of the hardware instead of introducing new processors that only run certain workloads?"
Posted October 05, 2009
Alchemy Solutions, a provider of legacy modernization solutions, today announced the general availability of NeoServices, a Windows-based system for service-enabling mainframe business logic and integrating with modern application and web environments.
Posted October 05, 2009
Attachmate Corporation announced that Attachmate Reflection 2008 along with Attachmate EXTRA! and INFOConnect solutions have received the Compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 logo. This certification enables Attachmate to offer its customers a seamless, easy-to-manage IT environment, robust desktop security features and enhanced end-user productivity.
Posted October 05, 2009
Micro Focus, a provider of enterprise application modernization, testing and management solutions, announced the signing of the 75th academic institution in the U.S. to its Academic ConnecTION (ACTION) program. Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., became the latest American university to join the ACTION program, which is designed to ensure that future generations of IT workers are equipped with the vital COBOL-programming and core IT skills required by major corporations, both in the U.S. and across the globe.
Posted October 05, 2009
IBM announced the launch of its New York-based IBM Business Analytics Solution Center, part of a network of global analytics centers addressing the growing demand for the complex capabilities needed to build smarter cities and help clients optimize all manner of business processes and business decisions.
Posted October 05, 2009
Clerity, a provider of mainframe modernization solutions, announced a complimentary, on-demand webinar entitled "Adabas Natural Migration: Map the Right Path Forward for Your Valuable Mainframe Assets." Available now, this webinar discusses how organizations can evaluate and execute comprehensive, low-risk migration and modernization solutions to enhance IT flexibility and lower maintenance costs by as much as 70% in a 12- to 18-month period.
Posted October 05, 2009
Progress Data Direct, a division of Progress Software Corporation, announced the latest release of its Progress DataDirect Shadow mainframe integration platform, which includes an enhanced engine for relational to non-relational data processing on IBM's System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP). The new release addresses the issue of cost-effective access to mainframe data that continues to be a key requirement for organizations and technology providers that rely on, or integrate with, legacy data stores.
Posted September 29, 2009
Sonasoft Corp. recently announced the availability of its email archiving solution for Microsoft Exchange server. The new offering is an affordable and easy to use solution specifically designed for addressing the pain points of SMB customers.
Posted September 29, 2009
Xerox Corporation announced today that it intends to acquire Affiliated Computer Services, Inc., a business process outsourcing provider, in a cash and stock transaction valued at $6.4 billion. With this acquisition, Xerox says it will position itself for a leading role in document and business process management.
Posted September 28, 2009
Progress Data Direct, a division of Progress Software Corporation, announced the latest release of its Progress DataDirect Shadow mainframe integration platform, which includes an enhanced engine for relational to non-relational data processing on IBM's System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP). The new release addresses the issue of cost-effective access to mainframe data that continues to be a key requirement for organizations and technology providers that rely on, or integrate with, legacy data stores.
Posted September 28, 2009
Veryant, a COBOL modernization vendor, announced two new products in its isCOBOL Application Platform Suite (APS), which helps businesses develop, deploy, and modernize COBOL applications. isCOBOL Web Direct 2.0 connects business applications to the cloud, offering the ability to deploy fully interactive Web 2.0 applications on demand as part of Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings. isCOBOL SQL Server adds a flexible relational database engine to ISAM files without changing current program code or data. This eliminates the need to choose between maintaining ISAM files or moving to a mainstream RDBMS to meet evolving requirements.
Posted September 28, 2009
Eucalyptus Systems, an open source cloud infrastructure provider, announced the company's first commercial offering, the Eucalyptus Enterprise Edition (EEE), which enables customers to implement an on-premise cloud with VMware's virtualization technologies, including vSphere, ESX and ESXi.
Posted September 28, 2009
Image Control Environment 8.0 (ICE 8.0) is now generally available from NewEra Software. ICE 8.0 includes same-day support for IBM Corporation's z/OS V1R11. "This is the 12th year in a row that we have been able to meet same-day delivery of our Image Control Environment with a new release of the IBM z/OS operating system," Paul Robichaux, CEO of NewEra Software, tells 5 Minute Briefing. Additionally, with the release of ICE 8.0, he points out, "we entered the CICS market, which was a new market for us." ICE now provides support for CICS TS V4.1, the transaction-processing environment that is used on large IBM computers, Robichaux states.
Posted September 28, 2009
According to new IDC survey conducted to gain insight into usage of IBM System z mainframes, almost 50% of the 300 respondents are planning to increase their spending annually on mainframe hardware and software. The study, "Mainframe Directions in the Multi-Platform Data Center 2009-2013: Today's Workloads and Future Outlook," was conducted during the winter and spring of 2009 all participants were IBM mainframe users.
Posted September 24, 2009
More and more companies are turning to Linux to help simplify systems management for better results. Learn about the advantages of Linux applications integrated with System z and the capabilities that make Linux on System z, the perfect platform for deployment of business-critical workloads in this 1-hour teleconference.
Posted September 24, 2009
Linux is at the center of computing now as well as computing that is being built for the future, emphasized Bob Sutor, vice president of Open Source and Linux, IBM, in his Monday keynote address at the first annual LinuxCon in Portland, Oregon, hosted by the Linux Foundation.
Posted September 24, 2009
IBM has opened a new Africa Innovation Center in Cape Town to foster the development of information technology and business skills and to expand its customer and business partner ecosystem in the region. The IBM Africa Innovation Center in Cape Town will provide local customers, business partners, start-up companies, ISVs, IT professionals, and the academic community with access to training workshops, consulting services, a broad technical infrastructure, as well as hands-on assistance to help solve business challenges and bring new technologies to market.
Posted September 24, 2009
Inna Kuznetsova is Director, IBM Linux Strategy. Her team drives Linux business across IBM, sets business goals and ensures business management system support for them. The team also follows the market trends and identifies key short- and long-term strategies; and works across the broad IBM organization to provide proper coverage of Linux in sales, marketing and product management. Kuznetsova recently talked with Linux Executive Report about IBM's Linux strategy, how the approach has evolved, and what she sees ahead for Linux in the enterprise.
Posted September 24, 2009
Inna Kuznetsova is Director, IBM Linux Strategy. Her team drives Linux business across IBM, sets business goals and ensures business management system support for them. The team also follows the market trends and identifies key short- and long-term strategies; and works across the broad IBM organization to provide proper coverage of Linux in sales, marketing and product management. Kuznetsova recently talked with LinuxLine about IBM's Linux strategy, how the approach has evolved, and what she sees ahead for Linux in the enterprise.
Posted September 24, 2009
CA, Inc. today announced CA Database Management r12 for DB2 for z/OS, and CA Database Management r12 for IMS, the latest versions of its mainframe database management solution. The new versions feature enhancements for performance management, database administration, and backup and recovery.
Posted September 21, 2009
SOA Software's Repository Manager 6.1 product has been certified by SAP AG as "Powered by SAP NetWeaver." The solution provides SOA governance of enterprise services exposed and consumed by SAP solutions.
Posted September 21, 2009
Teradata Corporation, a provider of enterprise data warehousing solutions, was invited to provide testimony before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, joining a panel of experts and stakeholders on the topic. The hearing, titled "Utilizing Technology to Improve TARP and Financial Services Oversight" was largely focused on driving accountability and transparency through database technology. Dow Jones & Company, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the SAS Institute, Inc, and the Center for Democracy and Technology were also among the witnesses.
Posted September 21, 2009
Netcordia, a provider of network management solutions, announced a strategic partnership with Hitachi Data Systems intended to help companies identify problems lurking across their network, before they slow performance and compromise application availability or data center operations. Through this partnership, Hitachi Data Systems has integrated Netcordia's NetMRI with its Hitachi IT Operations Analyzer version 1.2, creating one of the first available integrated infrastructure monitoring and management solutions for the mid-market.
Posted September 21, 2009
A member of the Quest International Users Group and IT specialist at Shell Canada Ltd., Sue Shaw took on the role of president of the users group in June. She talks with Database Trends and Applications about what drew her in as a member and her goals for the PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, and Oracle Utilities association now that she is at the helm.
Posted September 14, 2009
This year, despite a turbulent economy marked by painful layoffs in many sectors, database professionals appear to be weathering the storm. In fact, database professionals reported higher incomes and bonuses this year over last. Still, a sizeable segment of professionals saw changes in their jobs as a result of economic conditions, and many are concerned going forward about the impact of tighter budgets on their departments' performance.
Posted September 14, 2009
If you use an IBM z Series mainframe you've undoubtedly heard about zIIPs and zAAPs and other specialty processors. But maybe you haven't yet truly examined what they are, what they do, and why they exist. So, with that in mind, let's take a brief journey into the world of specialty processors.
Posted September 14, 2009
Clerity Solutions, a provider of mainframe migration and modernization solutions, today introduced the Clerity Migration and Modernization Analysis Process (MMAP) for Adabas Natural environments. The new service is targeted at helping companies analyze migration options for Software AG environments, including the business impact and implementation requirements involved in moving to other platforms and application architectures.
Posted September 14, 2009
IT management software company CA, Inc. today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held NetQoS Inc., a provider of network performance management and service delivery solutions, for $200 million.
Posted September 14, 2009
AES, a mainframe systems management vendor, announced the release of CleverView for cTrace Analysis 6.1, which is designed to better equip IT shops to meet the challenges of managing virtualized environments. CleverView for cTrace Analysis includes diagnostic capabilities that enable companies to simplify and automate the trace collection, enhance diagnostic efforts, and accelerate virtualization deployment, while reducing costs and improving network service level performance.
Posted September 14, 2009
CiRBA, Inc., a provider of data center intelligence software, has announced the release of CiRBA Version 5.2, which features a six-step process and templates for virtualization analysis to ensure that organizations can transform infrastructure safely and cost-effectively. Version 5.2 also provides enhanced data collection management features for improved analysis.
Posted September 14, 2009
At the Red Hat Summit 2009 in Chicago last week, Red Hat announced the availability of the fourth update to its Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 platform. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.4 is the integrated platform foundation of the Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization portfolio of solutions and delivers expanded virtualization capabilities with the inclusion of kernel-based virtual machine (KVM) technology and Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (Intel VT-d) and PCI-SIG SR-IOV, allowing multiple virtual machines in an Intel Xeon Processor 5500 Series-based platform to directly share I/O devices. The release also features improved I/O throughput and the inclusion of additional tools for developers.
Posted September 09, 2009
In his keynote address at the Red Hat Summit 2009 in Chicago last week, "Linux Everywhere? Matching the Workload to the Computer," Bob Sutor, vice president of Open Source and Linux at IBM focused on the varied use of Linux on a wide range of devices, computers and mainframes, and the benefits of technologies including virtualization, cloud computing, horizontal clusters and grids, and centralized computing.
Posted September 09, 2009
Red Hat, a provider of open source solutions, announced availability of JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 5.0, which the vendor says will be integral to Red Hat's cloud foundation.
Posted September 08, 2009
At VMworld 2009 HP introduced new management and service solutions to extend the benefits of virtualization beyond servers to infrastructure.
Posted September 08, 2009
Information Builders (IBI), a provider of business intelligence (BI) solutions, announced support for IBM System z/OS computer Integrated Information Processor (zIIP) in Focus 7.6.10 and WebFocus 7.7. Information Builders says that its zIIP chip support represents the first and only BI platform optimized for the mainframe environment.
Posted September 08, 2009
Stratavia, a provider of data center automation and cloud enablement software solutions, announced the release of the Sybase Migration Data Center Automation Application, a software solution aimed at enabling organizations to make an error-free migration from Sybase database environments to their choice of IBM DB2, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server database platforms. Stratavia customers can now automate the migration of Sybase database objects, code and data from a centralized location, while also enabling self-service access for application teams to begin their testing without impacting migration timelines.
Posted September 08, 2009