Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• How to use Azure Active Directory differently than classic AD

  Windows administrators can't just whip up an Azure Active Directory deployment and expect it to mimic the classic AD, but Azure AD has several meaningful uses. Continue Reading

• Microsoft ReFS tuned for Hyper-V, but be aware of hazards

  Microsoft positions its Resilient File System to replace the venerable NTFS, and it does increase resiliency and storage, but there are caveats that might limit its adoption. Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of Office 365 ATP

  Email attacks are getting more intricate, forcing Microsoft to reinforce its security services to protect end users. How well do you know the Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection features? Continue Reading

• Azure Resource Manager templates ease private cloud struggles

  Azure Resource Manager aims to streamline cloud application deployment and management. But do admins have to jump through hoops to use this feature? Continue Reading

• Weigh Windows Server 2016 new features before committing

  As older versions of Windows Server age, businesses will consider a Windows Server 2016 upgrade. Containers and application compatibility are two areas to be aware of. Continue Reading

• Know what Windows Server 2016 benefits can do for your business

  Windows Server 2016 has some features -- including software-defined storage capabilities and Nano Server -- that are worth learning, even if your business isn't interested.Continue Reading

• Why Microsoft Azure Stack is destined to fail

  Microsoft touts Azure Stack as a way to bring public cloud benefits to on-premises environments. But, for many businesses, the sales pitch doesn't match their needs.Continue Reading

• More Exchange backup options cover various deployment types

  Exchange administrators can choose from numerous backup offerings from Microsoft and third parties to restore individual emails or entire servers.Continue Reading

• What improved in Service Management Automation, Orchestrator 2016?

  Migrating to Service Center 2016 requires a good deal of preparation and work. Are the features in Orchestration and Service Management Automation better in Service Center 2016?Continue Reading

• Email options: Upgrade Exchange or go another way?

  Staying with Exchange Server is a valid choice. But there are other email options that deserve consideration.Continue Reading

• Dig into the Exchange 2016 hardware requirements

  A move to Exchange 2016 may mean increased costs to hardware that can support the latest Microsoft messaging platform.Continue Reading

• Beware of these six Office 365 cons for IT shops accustomed to on premises

  Office 365 offers many benefits, but there are plenty of cons to consider before leaping to this cloud-based productivity suite that includes Exchange Online.Continue Reading

• Pester PowerShell unit testing ensures quality code

  PowerShell jockeys can turn to the Pester unit testing framework to ensure the code they write is up to snuff.Continue Reading

• Five reasons for an Office 365 hybrid deployment

  Not all organizations can go all-in on cloud. There are five reasons why a hybrid Office 365 arrangement makes sense for those companies.Continue Reading

• Microsoft software-defined networking gets baked into Windows Server

  The Microsoft SDN technology that comes in the Windows Server 2016's Datacenter edition features a range of basic to nuanced virtual control options.Continue Reading