Dan Kusnetzky

Author Archives: Dan Kusnetzky

IDG Contributor Network: What is a data fabric and why should you care?

What is a data fabric? The concept of a "data fabric" is emerging as an approach to help organizations better deal with fast growing data, ever changing application requirements and distributed processing needs.The term references technology that creates a converged platform that supports the storage, processing, analysis and management of disparate data. Data that is currently maintained in files, database tables, data streams, objects, images, sensor data and even container-based applications can all be accessed using a number of different standard interfaces.A data fabric makes it possible for applications and tools designed to access data using many interfaces such as NFS (Network File System), POSIX (portable operating system interface), a REST API (representative state transfer), HDFS (Hadoop distributed file system), ODBC (open database connectivity), and Apache KAFKA for real-time streaming data. A data fabric must also be capable of being enhanced to support other standards as they emerge in importance.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: What is a data fabric and why should you care?

What is a data fabric? The concept of a "data fabric" is emerging as an approach to help organizations better deal with fast growing data, ever changing application requirements and distributed processing needs.The term references technology that creates a converged platform that supports the storage, processing, analysis and management of disparate data. Data that is currently maintained in files, database tables, data streams, objects, images, sensor data and even container-based applications can all be accessed using a number of different standard interfaces.A data fabric makes it possible for applications and tools designed to access data using many interfaces such as NFS (Network File System), POSIX (portable operating system interface), a REST API (representative state transfer), HDFS (Hadoop distributed file system), ODBC (open database connectivity), and Apache KAFKA for real-time streaming data. A data fabric must also be capable of being enhanced to support other standards as they emerge in importance.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Sumo Logic wants to make machine data analysis available to companies of all sizes

Kalyan Ramanathan, VP of Product Marketing for Sumo Logic, dropped by to discuss the company's machine data analytics platform and a new pricing/licensing model for large enterprises that the company is calling "Cloud Flex."Ramanathan stressed that Sumo Logic understands that all operational and machine data cannot be treated the same. Some data is highly important while other data is of less importance. Some must be watched over the long term and other data has a very short life expectancy. Some data must be accessible at high speed and with low levels of latency while other data can be accessed at slower speeds.Unified Machine Data Analytics The challenges all organizations face is that their IT infrastructure is increasingly complex and has many moving parts. Each of these parts is generating large amounts of operational and machine data. Analysis of this data can be very challenging because it is stored in many places and kept in many different formats. Sumo Logic's idea is to unify both the storage and to provide equal access to make predictive analysis much easier.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: What secrets does the recent HP Officejet 8715 firmware update hold?

Jumping in the wayback machine and going back to 2015, we all can remember that HP issued a printer firmware update that locked printers into only using HP ink cartridges. This meant that printers would sense the use of recycled cartridges or third party cartridges and would present an error and stop working.When asked, HP offered this comment: HP is constantly improving security for its products and customers. Beginning in late 2015, HP implemented updates to the firmware related to the security chip in HP OfficeJet, OfficeJet Pro and OfficeJet Pro X printers that maintains secure communications between the cartridge and the printer. The purpose of this update is to protect HP’s innovations and intellectual property. These printers will continue to work with refilled or remanufactured cartridges with an Original HP security chip. Other cartridges may not function. In many cases this functionality was installed in the HP printer and in some cases it has been implemented as part of an update to the printer’s firmware.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Veeam aims for continuous availability with Availability Suite v10

Veeam Software has been busy at its VeeamON user conference in New Orleans this week. During the event, the company talked about how it supports the "always on enterprise" and how it is helping enterprises support the transition to supporting the "digital life."The company's new Veeam Availability Suite v10 is designed to, in the company's words, "provide non-stop business continuity, digital transformation agility and analytics and visibility."Veeam Availability Suite v10 Here's what the company has to say about this new version of its software:This platform protects: Physical servers and Network Attached Storage (NAS). Tier-1 applications and mission-critical workloads with NEW Veeam CDP (continuous data protection), bringing recovery SLAs of seconds using continuous replication to the private or managed cloud. Native object storage support, freeing up costly primary backup storage with policy-driven automated data management to reduce long-term retention and compliance costs. This includes broad cloud object storage support with Amazon S3, Amazon Glacier, Microsoft Azure Blob and any S3/Swift compatible storage. The company goes on to describe what's new:To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Veeam aims for continuous availability with Availability Suite v10

Veeam Software has been busy at its VeeamON user conference in New Orleans this week. During the event, the company talked about how it supports the "always on enterprise" and how it is helping enterprises support the transition to supporting the "digital life."The company's new Veeam Availability Suite v10 is designed to, in the company's words, "provide non-stop business continuity, digital transformation agility and analytics and visibility."Veeam Availability Suite v10 Here's what the company has to say about this new version of its software:This platform protects: Physical servers and Network Attached Storage (NAS). Tier-1 applications and mission-critical workloads with NEW Veeam CDP (continuous data protection), bringing recovery SLAs of seconds using continuous replication to the private or managed cloud. Native object storage support, freeing up costly primary backup storage with policy-driven automated data management to reduce long-term retention and compliance costs. This includes broad cloud object storage support with Amazon S3, Amazon Glacier, Microsoft Azure Blob and any S3/Swift compatible storage. The company goes on to describe what's new:To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Can Ansible be the automation platform for the enterprise? Red Hat thinks so

Red Hat presented a vision during today's keynote address at the Red Hat Summit that it believes Ansible can and will be the foundation for enterprise-wide automation. Red Hat, by the way, recently acquired Ansible.Although the vision appears enticing at first glance, the broad statements about unifying the enterprise data center under Ansible really don't ring true.What is Ansible? Ansible describes its technology in the following way:Ansible is the most popular open source automation tool on GitHub today with more than a quarter million downloads per month. With over 2,400 contributors submitting new modules all the time, rest assured that what you are automating is covered in Ansible already, or will be very soon." Ansible was founded to provide a new way to think about managing systems and applications that better fit this new world. Historically, management vendors and home-grown scripting solutions were created to manage stacks of software on servers. In contrast, Ansible was created to orchestrate multi-tier applications across clouds. From configuration to deployment to zero-downtime rolling upgrades, Ansible is a single framework that can fully automate today’s modern enteprise apps. OUR DIFFERENCE Simple, agentless & powerful. Ansible’s simple, YAML-based automation syntax is quick Continue reading

IDG Contributor Network: Can Ansible be the automation platform for the enterprise? Red Hat thinks so

Red Hat presented a vision during today's keynote address at the Red Hat Summit that it believes Ansible can and will be the foundation for enterprise-wide automation. Red Hat, by the way, recently acquired Ansible.Although the vision appears enticing at first glance, the broad statements about unifying the enterprise data center under Ansible really don't ring true.What is Ansible? Ansible describes its technology in the following way:Ansible is the most popular open source automation tool on GitHub today with more than a quarter million downloads per month. With over 2,400 contributors submitting new modules all the time, rest assured that what you are automating is covered in Ansible already, or will be very soon." Ansible was founded to provide a new way to think about managing systems and applications that better fit this new world. Historically, management vendors and home-grown scripting solutions were created to manage stacks of software on servers. In contrast, Ansible was created to orchestrate multi-tier applications across clouds. From configuration to deployment to zero-downtime rolling upgrades, Ansible is a single framework that can fully automate today’s modern enteprise apps. OUR DIFFERENCE Simple, agentless & powerful. Ansible’s simple, YAML-based automation syntax is quick Continue reading

IDG Contributor Network: Why are mainframes still in the enterprise data center?

In the recent past, I've had the opportunity to speak with representatives of Cobol-IT, Compuware, Heirloom Computing, TmaxSoft and a few others who have targeted enterprises still using mainframes.A few of them, such as Compuware, are focused on adding rapid application development and deployment (aka DevOps) to the mainframe, making the environment seem relevant today.+ Also on Network World: Why banks love mainframes + Most of the others, however, are focused on convincing enterprises that it is finally time for them to abandon the mainframe and move those workloads to industry-standard x86 systems running Windows or Linux or, perhaps, to midrange Unix systems.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Why are mainframes still in the enterprise data center?

In the recent past, I've had the opportunity to speak with representatives of Cobol-IT, Compuware, Heirloom Computing, TmaxSoft and a few others who have targeted enterprises still using mainframes.A few of them, such as Compuware, are focused on adding rapid application development and deployment (aka DevOps) to the mainframe, making the environment seem relevant today.+ Also on Network World: Why banks love mainframes + Most of the others, however, are focused on convincing enterprises that it is finally time for them to abandon the mainframe and move those workloads to industry-standard x86 systems running Windows or Linux or, perhaps, to midrange Unix systems.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Can a PC support multiple users? A few suppliers say yes

We have all watched a major cultural shift in the world of IT, from optimizing the use of the computer to optimizing the use of the developer and user.This move makes a great deal of sense. At one time, the computer, its memory and its storage were the biggest costs of supporting an IT solution. Over time, that changed. The drastic improvement in processing power and memory capacity, combined with amazing decreases in system and component prices, changed the ratio so that people, communications and power were all more costly than the machines and their components themselves.These factors, along with users' desire for graphical user interfaces, changed the world of IT. It is not really clear, however, if all of the changes were beneficial.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Serverless computing — new idea or a new implementation of an old one?

My clients have started asking questions about a new industry catch phrase that they've started to hear coming from suppliers of cloud-based computing services. The phrase is "serverless" computing. They've also run into a related phrase, "Function as a Service." Is this really a new idea or a new implementation of an older one?In short, there is little new under the sun in the world of IT and this can be seen as yet another take at supporting a microservice in the context of a cloud computing service.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Resin.IO puts Linux and containers to work for IoT

Resin.IO is working to make the use of containers and microservices useful tools to developers of Linux-based Internet of Things (IoT) applications.CEO Alexandros Marinos said the company has been working for three years to make mainstream containers attractive to developers of embedded workloads, such as those found in IoT applications. The company calls this the "Industrial Internet."What Resin.IO offers Resin.IO offers a development and deployment framework based upon Linux and containers (Docker) that is designed to facilitate control of the on-device environment, provision devices on the network, and manage of what the company calls a "fleet" of systems. These tools also make it possible to automate operations of "the fleet" and keep it secure through the use of encrypted communications to/from devices in "the fleet" that deploys two-factor authentication.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: Compuware Total Test brings unit testing to mainframe Cobol development

Compuware, a supplier known for its focus on making mainframes a home for today's applications, not a hospice, recently announced an enhancement to its Total Test agile development tool. The goal is to provide DevOps tools to the mainframe world.Compuware Total Test Here's what Compuware has to say about Total Test: The world’s largest enterprises run their business on Cobol—but can’t nimbly update that code in response to changing business needs due to quality concerns, antiquated processes and loss of application expertise. Compuware is addressing this critical issue with the first fully automated mainframe unit testing solution that empowers in-house, outsourced, expert and novice developers alike to immediately validate code changes. This Java-like unit testing effectively eliminates the notion of Cobol as “legacy” code that can’t be updated with the same speed and confidence as other code—providing large enterprises with unprecedented agility. The release of Topaz for Total Test underscores Compuware’s leadership of a mainframe renaissance encompassing agile, DevOps, continuous delivery and the generational shift in platform stewardship. As a result of this innovation, enterprise IT organizations can now ease and accelerate the entire mainframe application lifecycle. Features include:To read this article in full or to leave Continue reading

IDG Contributor Network: Compuware Total Test brings unit testing to mainframe Cobol development

Compuware, a supplier known for its focus on making mainframes a home for today's applications, not a hospice, recently announced an enhancement to its Total Test agile development tool. The goal is to provide DevOps tools to the mainframe world.Compuware Total Test Here's what Compuware has to say about Total Test: The world’s largest enterprises run their business on Cobol—but can’t nimbly update that code in response to changing business needs due to quality concerns, antiquated processes and loss of application expertise. Compuware is addressing this critical issue with the first fully automated mainframe unit testing solution that empowers in-house, outsourced, expert and novice developers alike to immediately validate code changes. This Java-like unit testing effectively eliminates the notion of Cobol as “legacy” code that can’t be updated with the same speed and confidence as other code—providing large enterprises with unprecedented agility. The release of Topaz for Total Test underscores Compuware’s leadership of a mainframe renaissance encompassing agile, DevOps, continuous delivery and the generational shift in platform stewardship. As a result of this innovation, enterprise IT organizations can now ease and accelerate the entire mainframe application lifecycle. Features include:To read this article in full or to leave Continue reading

IDG Contributor Network: Red Hat OpenStack Platform 10 targets private cloud

Red Hat just announced that it is making Red Hat OpenStack Platform 10 available. This release is based upon the OpenStack ‘Newton’ release and is designed to increase system-wide scalability, simplify management and improve workload orchestration. It will also enhance both network performance and security. Additionally, Red Hat OpenStack Platform 10 introduces a new software life cycle, with optional support up to 5 years.New features New enhancements and updates to Red Hat OpenStack Platform 10 include: A more streamlined user experience driven by an easier-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) that reduces the complexities of installation and management. Designed for production use, the Red Hat OpenStack Platform director GUI provides several newly integrated functions, such as automatic upgrades and updates (including Ceph), advanced networking configuration, high availability, and the option to deploy file sharing via the Manila service, using the integrated drivers available from NetApp and Red Hat Ceph Storage. Improved flexibility for greater scalability through the introduction of customizable services and administration roles using Red Hat OpenStack Platform director. Cloud operators are now able to control their OpenStack environment at a more granular level by customizing OpenStack services to run and scale independently of each other. This offers greater Continue reading

IDG Contributor Network: Dell Wyse 5060: The thin client for knowledge workers

Dell just released a thin client system that is clearly designed to address the needs of those having heavy computational, graphics and security requirements working in a virtual access/VDI computing environment. The Wyse 5060 comes equipped with an AMD 2.4GHz quad core processor that supports up to 8GB RAM and 64GB flash. The company claims this offering provides "up to 30 percent greater performance over the previous generation."Features of the Wyse 5060 Dell made the following statements about the Wyse 5060: Broad operating system support: The Wyse 5060 is available with a choice in OS, giving customers the ability to configure the thin client based on their specific requirements. At launch, the 5060 can be purchased with Dell’s own Wyse ThinOS software or with Windows Embedded Standard (WES) 7p. In early 2017, an upgrade to Windows 10 IoT will be available for WES customers, and the 5060 will also then be available with Wyse ThinLinux. Innovative security: Dell provides more than one security layer with the Wyse 5060 thin client. The device includes an embedded Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chipset with the ability to recognize if a system’s integrity has been compromised while safely storing encryption keys, Continue reading

IDG Contributor Network: SUSE releases SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 Service Pack 2

While I was off fighting viruses, SUSE released an update to its SUSE Linux Enterprise 12, a popular business Linux operating environment. The focus of this service pack appears to be accelerating network performance, enhancing support for SAP applications and HANA, improving support for IBM Power architecture systems and other important improvements.What SUSE has to say about this release Ten-fold increase in packet processing via software-defined networking (SDN) that combines Open vSwitch with the Data Plane Development Kit. This is a key enabler for telecom providers to efficiently implement virtual network functions. Added to SUSE Linux Enterprise’s broad hypervisor support, the integration of DPDK gives customers a complete virtualization solution for cloud and on-premise deployments. More agile support for SAP applications to ease migration to S/4HANA, accelerate deployment of SAP applications, tune SAP HANA for performance, and create a more resilient and secure SAP environment with enhanced support for SAP HANA clusters, even on geographical levels. Reduced downtime and improved I/O performance through persistent system memory applications using integrated Non-Volatile Dual In-line Memory Modules (NVDIMMs) that save data in seconds and make data immediately available on reboot. Increased ability to implement cost-effective, high-performance data analytics on IBM Power Continue reading

IDG Contributor Network: MongoDB 3.4 accelerates digital transformation in the enterprise

MongoDB just released version 3.4 of its database product. The company states that this release targets enterprises wanting to conduct a "digital transformation."What MongoDB appears to mean is that version of the software extends operational and analytical capabilities with the goal in mind of helping those enterprises select a single database for their "Next-Generation Applications."Here's what MongoDB has to say about version 3.4 The latest version is a major advance that places MongoDB at the center of enterprises’ digital transformation initiatives. Organizations today are focused on delivering new classes of applications, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, which have deep operational and analytical requirements. By further strengthening the product’s always-on operational and real-time analytics capabilities, MongoDB makes it easier for enterprises to consolidate their technology footprint and accelerate their digital transformation with a single database.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

IDG Contributor Network: MongoDB 3.4 accelerates digital transformation in the enterprise

MongoDB just released version 3.4 of its database product. The company states that this release targets enterprises wanting to conduct a "digital transformation."What MongoDB appears to mean is that version of the software extends operational and analytical capabilities with the goal in mind of helping those enterprises select a single database for their "Next-Generation Applications."Here's what MongoDB has to say about version 3.4 The latest version is a major advance that places MongoDB at the center of enterprises’ digital transformation initiatives. Organizations today are focused on delivering new classes of applications, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, which have deep operational and analytical requirements. By further strengthening the product’s always-on operational and real-time analytics capabilities, MongoDB makes it easier for enterprises to consolidate their technology footprint and accelerate their digital transformation with a single database.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here