Opinion

Opinion

• Remote access is just one of many COVID-19 IT challenges

  The coronavirus outbreak stretched many in IT to the limit of their abilities to find ways to accommodate the surge in remote workers.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server certifications retirement plan a blow to admins

  This latest decision by Microsoft to drop the MCSA, MCSD and MCSE certifications is another step to push customers toward the cloud, but it's not an option for many in IT.  Continue Reading

• Lessons learned from PowerShell Summit 2019

  Want to refine your automation abilities? Learn about some of the insights gleaned from the advanced sessions held at the PowerShell Summit.  Continue Reading

• Tech communities offer more than just a quick fix

  IT professionals who join tech meetups and online communities might find there's more than just troubleshooting help available when they invest their time in a group.  Continue Reading

• How to compare Windows and Linux for enterprise workloads

  How do Windows and Linux rank when it comes to running production workloads? Organizations should consider more than just the initial cost.  Continue Reading

• How is the future of PowerShell shaping up?

  Microsoft no longer develops PowerShell behind closed doors. While there are perks to the tool's move to open source, users must cope with the consequences of the shift.  Continue Reading

• Breaking down the Exchange Online vs. on-premises choice

  The continuous feature release model of Exchange Online might be a boon for some, but others might consider the need for constant training to be a detriment.  Continue Reading

• Will Exchange Server 2019 address admin issues?

  As Exchange Server 2019 draws closer, one administrator hopes Microsoft will incorporate some of the feature requests from the Exchange technicians in the field.  Continue Reading

• Upgrade your IT admin career options with these tips

  Don't get stuck with habits from a time when Microsoft released updates every few years. Admins need to build their proficiency in PowerShell and cloud products to remain relevant.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Nano Server overhaul a disappointment to some

  Microsoft's course reversal on Nano Server in Windows Server 2016 will make some Windows administrators hesitant to come along for the ride in the next server-related innovation.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 changes prompt a new look at management

  Microsoft caters to both traditional server admins and automation experts in Windows Server 2016, but there will come a time when IT won't have a management choice.  Continue Reading

• Navigate the Microsoft roadmap and keep IT pros challenged

  Microsoft wants Windows shops to get on board with all of its latest technologies. But that ideal doesn't always mesh with the realities that admins face.  Continue Reading

• Lack of agility with Windows Server licenses hamstrings cloud hopes

  The sales pitch from public cloud providers is strong, but challenges with Windows Server licensing and other hang-ups have dulled enthusiasm for hybrid cloud deployments.  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

• How to step up your Microsoft Exchange security game

  Your Exchange environment is a key component in your organization's communication platform, so shouldn't protecting it get the highest priority?  Continue Reading

• Newer Windows Server versions won't fix security issues

  While surrounding the data center with an assortment of hacker prevention tools can look impressive, it doesn't mean Windows Server security has been improved.  Continue Reading

• Will Windows Server 2016 licensing change drive Azure adoption?

  With the looming increase to Windows Server pricing coupled with lower Azure costs, Microsoft continues to steer customers to the cloud. Here's how the costs compare.  Continue Reading

• Does Linux SQL Server hint at further disruption in Redmond?

  Many longtime IT professionals are wondering if Microsoft's plan to release SQL Server on Linux means other products may be ported to the open source platform.  Continue Reading

• New technology competes to become email replacement

  Many email alternatives have emerged over the years, yet it continues to reign supreme despite musings to the contrary. Will email hold its crown or be toppled by new technology?  Continue Reading

• Microsoft sends Exchange Online plans to the cloud

  Exchange Online and compatible third-party options for Office 365 brought Exchange in the cloud closer to the forefront, especially with hybrid workloads.  Continue Reading

• Why Microsoft continues to buoy the Windows Server GUI

  The graphical user interface delivers a familiar environment for many administrators, but it may not have much of a future.  Continue Reading

• Dell acquisition of EMC could jostle Microsoft's plans

  Microsoft's alliance with Dell may begin to crumble now that the two will be circling the same customers in multiple areas.  Continue Reading

• Nano Server benefits means big changes for Windows Server

  Windows Nano Server offers many benefits over traditional Windows Server deployments, including the ability to run multiple instances on a single host.  Continue Reading

• Move to Azure cloud services inevitable for Windows shops

  Microsoft continues to stress its cloud message -- increasing capabilities for Office 365 and Azure cloud services. Have its cloud offerings turned into an offer IT pros can't refuse?  Continue Reading

• Advanced threat protection add-on comes to Microsoft EOP

  The ATP add-on for Exchange Online Protection gives on-premises Exchange Server and Office 365 customers another layer of security.  Continue Reading

• Why it will be easier to deploy Exchange Server 2016

  There are three new deployment experiences admins should prepare for in the upcoming Exchange 2016 release.  Continue Reading

• Cloud grabs limelight at Microsoft Ignite conference

  Exchange Server 2016, cloud and hybrid Exchange options were highlights from Microsoft Ignite, says one MVP.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft rolls out new MDM for Office 365

  Microsoft's entry-level mobile device management option for Office 365 could kick things up a notch for BYOD shops.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Ignite sessions Exchange admins should attend

  Attending the upcoming Ignite conference? One MVP explains which sessions Exchange admins should go to and what takeaways to expect.  Continue Reading

• Following the SharePoint Online collaboration evolution

  Microsoft continues to aggressively develop SharePoint Online as it attempts to create an essential collaboration tool for the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• What a hybrid setup means for Exchange's future

  Organizations that don't want to move entire workloads to the cloud have another option that's gaining popularity.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 Clutter brings order to disorderly mailboxes

  Clutter, one of the newest Office 365 features, learns email habits to help end users create more space in their inboxes.  Continue Reading

• Can SharePoint keep up with collaboration competition?

  Collaboration tools like Dropbox and Google Drive are taking SharePoint's share of the market, but what can Microsoft do to bolster functionality?  Continue Reading

• Does 2015 signal an Exchange in the cloud movement?

  There are three important areas in Exchange and Office 365 that all admins should keep an eye on this year, according to one MVP.  Continue Reading

• Should you care about the MS enterprise social strategy?

  One expert takes a look at Microsoft's efforts to create tools and apps that help organizations work more like a network.  Continue Reading

• The significance of Windows Server in a changing IT landscape

  Windows Server was once a dominant force in the IT landscape, but is now fighting for market share as more and more companies move to the cloud.  Continue Reading