Containers and virtualization
Containerization software is taking over across the IT industry as the new favored IT infrastructure, as it enables high-speed and high-efficiency platform and software performance. Learn about the technology, its leading tools and how to use it from experts.
Top Stories
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Tip
04 Dec 2023
An IT ops guide to Kubernetes Job vs. CronJob
Jobs and CronJobs both execute tasks in Kubernetes. Their key difference comes down to frequency, and matching a task with the wrong Job type can lead to unsuccessful execution. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Dec 2023
11 real benefits of microservices
There's a reason why so many vendors have moved from monoliths to microservices. Here are 11 real benefits microservices bring to companies. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Nov 2023
Key takeaways from KubeCon + CloudNativeCon 2023
Over 14,000 attendees took in KubeCon + CloudNativeCon 2023 from Chicago and saw major announcements across the board in observability, sustainability and more. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
17 Nov 2023
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon 2023 news coverage
Trying to keep up with the latest news out of KubeCon + CloudNativeCon? Use this comprehensive guide to stay updated and informed on both the European and North American events. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2023
IT pros size up Microsoft Radius app developer platform
As the platform engineering era dawns, enterprises seek better ways to tie apps to distributed infrastructure across clouds. But can Azure's owner build multi-cloud consensus? Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Nov 2023
WebAssembly vs. Kubernetes: Understand the relationship
WebAssembly provides an avenue for the creation of highly portable web applications. Pairing Wasm with Kubernetes can make that process easier to orchestrate and manage. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2023
Rancher founders' new venture recasts Kubernetes management
While Rancher focused on simplifying Kubernetes management, Acorn Labs looks to remove it entirely from developer workflows by embedding it within a new kind of application image. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2023
Docker enters GenAI development fray with new tools
Docker jumps aboard the generative AI bandwagon with a pre-built set of tools to jump-start app development using LLMs and a Docker AI productivity tool. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2023
Docker Scout GA leads 'local plus cloud' push
Docker Scout replaces open source Docker Scan with an event-driven vulnerability management system in a bid to boost the vendor's value beyond developers' local laptops. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2023
Now a graduated CNCF project, Istio contests complexity rep
Boasting a broader contributor base, including Microsoft, and with service mesh on the verge of going fully mainstream, Istio advocates look to shake the project's early image. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Sep 2023
Get started with Argo CD workflow examples for Kubernetes
Argo CD workflows can make managing Kubernetes clusters simpler and more efficient. Learn how to install Argo CD and set up an application to get started. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
Cisco Full-Stack Observability draws on channel clout
Cisco's latest tie-in between app security and observability doesn't break new ground, but the vendor can use its network security cachet and partners to woo enterprise buyers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
22 Aug 2023
How to run ML workloads with Apache Spark on Kubernetes
IT staff looking for ways to maintain ML workloads with ease are increasingly turning to Apache Spark. Follow these simple steps to set up a Spark cluster on Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Jul 2023
How to configure SELinux for applications and services
Admins need to follow six steps to configure SELinux properly to run applications and services. This tutorial walks you through how to configure the security system. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jul 2023
Tips and tools for collecting helpful Kubernetes metrics
Metrics are an integral part of any Kubernetes deployment. But teams often struggle with identifying the right metrics and choosing the right tools to gather the most helpful data. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2023
Chainguard automates SBOMs, but has Images-based agenda
Container images, that is. Chainguard Enforce now automates SBOMs, but execs and an early customer say they aren't the ultimate answer to software supply chain security. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2023
Practice troubleshooting Kubernetes clusters using log data
Knowing how to interpret application logs is essential for successful Kubernetes troubleshooting. Get hands-on practice with this walkthrough from Kubernetes expert Chad Crowell. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2023
A Kubernetes expert shares CKA exam preparation tips
Kubernetes admin and author Chad M. Crowell discusses how to prep for the Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam, whether getting a Kubernetes certification is worth it and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2023
What is the best OS for Docker?
Admins that want to run Docker containers can choose from Linux distros, including Ubuntu Core, RancherOS and others. Compare options for Docker OSes. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2023
Handling Kubernetes challenges in complex cloud environments
Multi-cloud Kubernetes deployments present management, operations and cost issues for even the most seasoned cloud teams, but the right strategy can combat those challenges. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jun 2023
When should you use K3s vs. MicroK8s?
Looking for an efficient, user-friendly alternative to traditional Kubernetes? Compare the popular lightweight distributions K3s and MicroK8s to decide which is best for you. Continue Reading
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Quiz
20 Jun 2023
10 WebAssembly questions to test your Wasm knowledge
Test your knowledge of WebAssembly with this tough, ten-question quiz on the benefits and applications of the new Wasm standard. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jun 2023
When and how to run databases on Kubernetes
Deciding whether to move your database onto Kubernetes requires careful consideration, especially when choosing among deployment options. Here's what to keep in mind. Continue Reading
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Video
12 Jun 2023
Install Calico for Kubernetes in this video walkthrough
In this video tutorial and demo, a DevOps engineer explains how to manage network traffic in Kubernetes clusters with Calico, a Container Network Interface plugin. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jun 2023
Kubernetes networking 101: Best practices and challenges
Before jumping into the landscape of CNI plugins for Kubernetes, it's important to understand the basic elements of Kubernetes networking. Follow this guide to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2023
Manage complexity in Kubernetes with AI and machine learning
Learn how DevOps teams can enhance performance and observability in Kubernetes with AI and machine learning techniques. Evaluate pros, cons and use cases. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 May 2023
Manage IT infrastructure with NSX's multi-tenant features
VMware NSX now supports multi-tenancy, which can help admins manage complex IT environments. Explore what's new and get started with this step-by-step walkthrough. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 May 2023
Now a DevOps platform, OpenShift ups value -- and complexity
Red Hat raises OpenShift's profile as a DevOps platform with software supply chain security but faces questions about networking strategy and observability staff departures. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2023
Evaluate Google Anthos for Kubernetes management
Discover the benefits and drawbacks of the Google Anthos platform, and compare it to other options for managing Kubernetes deployments in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
15 May 2023
Red Hat Summit 2023 news and conference guide
Use this Red Hat Summit conference guide to stay up to date on current trends, emerging technologies and information from keynote speakers and industry experts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 May 2023
Can you use Kubernetes without Docker?
Although Docker and Kubernetes are often used together, the two serve different roles in IT environments -- and Docker containers aren't the only option for Kubernetes deployments. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 May 2023
Improve Kubernetes network performance with Cilium and eBPF
Learn how the Cilium Kubernetes plugin and eBPF framework can improve network efficiency and security, then walk through installing Cilium on a K3s cluster with sample code. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2023
Sidecarless eBPF service mesh sparks debate
As cloud-native service meshes expand beyond Kubernetes, open source community members raise concerns about the security and suitability of eBPF in sidecarless architectures. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 Apr 2023
Set up a machine learning pipeline in this Kubeflow tutorial
For teams running machine learning workflows with Kubernetes, using Kubeflow can lead to faster, smoother deployments. Get started with this installation guide. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2023
Server-side Wasm boosts K8s bonds, devx ahead of key update
Early adopters await a WASI update this year before server-side Wasm can be ready for wider production use. For now, PaaS vendors have begun to bridge some of the gaps. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2023
Istio service mesh doyen departs Google, touts Ambient Mesh
After 16 years at Google, Istio's co-founder takes over as CTO at Solo.io and goes all in on a project he believes will determine the future of cloud-native networking. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2023
Kubernetes operator vs. controller: What's the difference?
Kubernetes operators and controllers both manage cluster resources but play distinct roles in the Kubernetes ecosystem. Explore their differences and learn when to use each. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2023
Oracle OKE takes on Azure, AWS with serverless Kubernetes
Oracle added serverless Kubernetes and a financially backed SLA to its OKE managed service, playing catch-up with AWS, Google and Azure and taking a swipe at them on pricing. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
Boost cluster security with Kubernetes vulnerability scanning
Performing vulnerability scans on Kubernetes clusters can help keep container environments secure and running smoothly. Learn what risks to look out for and compare tool options. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
09 Mar 2023
Step-by-step guide: Get started with Weave for Kubernetes
Looking to streamline network management for Kubernetes clusters? Learn when and how to use CNI plugins, then walk through the steps of a Weave installation for Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Feb 2023
How to set and manage environment variables in Kubernetes
In this tutorial, learn when to use -- or not use -- environment variables in Kubernetes, and compare methods for setting and updating their values with example code. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2023
Strategies for Kubernetes multi-cluster management
Running multiple Kubernetes clusters has numerous advantages, but it also introduces technical complexity. Keeping these tips in mind can simplify multi-cluster management. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2023
How much does a VM cost? A guide for IT ops
VM prices can vary widely depending on factors such as resources and use, making it challenging to predict spending. Use this VM cost guide to estimate pricing for your organization. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2023
Kubernetes platforms and the hazy fate of cloud portability
Whatever happened to Kubernetes for cloud portability? Some market research suggests the dream still lives, but platform engineering further complicates matters. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2023
What to keep in mind when securing virtual environments
Virtual environments can contain numerous vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit -- with potentially devastating results. Use these tips to select security tools and strategies. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jan 2023
The evolution of containers: Docker, Kubernetes and the future
Container technology is almost as old as VMs, although IT wasn't talking about the topic until Docker, Kubernetes and other tech made waves that caused a frenzy of activity. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 Jan 2023
How to set up autoscaling in Azure Kubernetes Service
Explore scaling options in AKS, such as the horizontal pod and the cluster autoscaler. Then, follow a step-by-step tutorial on how to manually and automatically scale resources. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
18 Jan 2023
Map physical GPUs to VMs with this GPU passthrough guide
Learn how to set up GPU passthrough -- a useful technique to support graphically intensive apps and machine learning models -- with a step-by-step tutorial for VMware environments. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2023
Startup's eBPF APM tools turn up heat on Datadog
Lemonade plans to put tools from eBPF startup Groundcover in production this year in a bid to reduce instrumentation work and other overhead for its small DevOps team. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2022
When not to use Docker and how to choose an alternative
Docker might be the default for container orchestration, but what if it doesn't meet your needs? Explore why Docker might not be the right fit and what might be. Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2022
GitOps hits stride as CNCF graduates Flux CD and Argo CD
Flux and Argo CD earned graduated status within CNCF after a year in which platform engineering adoption and DevOps advances put both in the enterprise spotlight. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2022
Manage application storage with Kubernetes and CSI drivers
Container Storage Interface drivers offer IT ops teams increased autonomy and flexibility in deploying and managing persistent storage on Kubernetes clusters. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2022
Explore network plugins for Kubernetes: CNI explained
With Container Network Interface plugins, IT teams can create and deploy network options for diverse Kubernetes environments. Learn how CNI works and compare top network plugins. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2022
How does Kubernetes use etcd?
Etcd is a lightweight, highly available key-value store accessible to each node in a Kubernetes cluster. Find out how etcd works and learn how to use it inside Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2022
Compare Kubernetes StatefulSet vs. deployment vs. DaemonSet
Kubernetes has several ways to deploy applications, including deployments, DaemonSets and StatefulSets. But each resource type has unique benefits, drawbacks and use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2022
Make a business case for VMware training
You can outsource infrastructure management to a third party or you can get IT admins the VMware training they need to install, manage and troubleshoot your environment. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Nov 2022
Manage Kubernetes clusters with PowerShell and kubectl
Learn how to use the Kubernetes tool kubectl in PowerShell, including setting up aliasing and tab-completion, parsing JSON output and searching logs with the Select-String cmdlet. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Nov 2022
Looking back on KubeCon + CloudNativeCon 2022
With this year's KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America over, review vendor updates on topics ranging from cloud-native adoption to AIOps approaches and ease-of-use offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2022
Why and how to use container malware scanning software
Malware is on the rise, and containers are potential attack vectors. Learn why it's crucial to check containers for vulnerabilities and compare container malware scanning tools. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2022
Sidecarless service mesh: Fad or the future?
Istio's experimental Ambient Mesh is gathering buzz with the promise of simpler operations, but Linkerd loyalists contend that the sidecar itself isn't the real problem. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2022
Kubernetes data protection heavy on automation, integration
Kasten, CloudCasa, Portworx and Trilio launched updates to their Kubernetes data protection and management platforms. Backup is critical for Kubernetes workloads in production. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2022
OpenShift roadmap preps for Kubernetes multi-cluster sprawl
OpenShift now supports Kubernetes deployments from data centers to edge devices, which calls for fresh ways to scale out multi-cluster control planes. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2022
Learn how to bootstrap Kubernetes clusters with kubeadm
In this guide, learn to create, configure and run a Kubernetes cluster from scratch with kubeadm, a command-line tool that simplifies and automates cluster setup and management. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Oct 2022
Streamline Kubernetes deployments by using a service mesh
Implementing a service mesh could be well worth the time and effort for organizations looking for ways to manage their Kubernetes and cloud-native application deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2022
How to integrate and monitor Kubernetes with New Relic
New Relic might be best known as a DevOps monitoring tool, but it can also help improve observability into your Kubernetes clusters. Follow this tutorial to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2022
Compare container orchestrators Apache Mesos vs. Kubernetes
Exploring options for container orchestration? Kubernetes' popularity doesn't mean it's always the best choice. Discover the tradeoffs and use cases of Mesos vs. Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2022
Terraform Cloud continuous validation inches toward GitOps
Terraform is already part of the GitOps workflow for some enterprises, but a new continuous validation feature could increase its overlap with tools such as Argo CD and Flux. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Oct 2022
How to manage stateful containers with Kubernetes
Organizations can reap the benefits of containers for stateful applications by using Kubernetes to maintain state in application processes and components. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Sep 2022
How do I maintain an Azure VM static IP during a reboot?
Microsoft Azure users can assign static IP addresses to VMs, but doing so has notable downsides as well as benefits. Learn how and why to assign static IPs to Azure VMs. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2022
5 vSphere 8 features to know about
The latest vSphere release offers expanded lifecycle management features, data processing unit hardware support and management dashboards for admins to track deployment metrics. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2022
Aqua adds software supply chain security to DevSecOps mix
A new software supply chain security module for Aqua's platform correlates runtime security monitoring with pre-deployment scans as IT pros look to merge disparate tools. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Sep 2022
Learn to manage Kubernetes costs with this Kubecost tutorial
Managing Kubernetes environments can be complex -- and expensive. Find out how to get started with Kubecost, a tool to monitor costs and capacity in Kubernetes clusters. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2022
Dell Apex joins with OpenShift, deepens VMware uncertainty
Dell jumps on the Red Hat OpenShift bandwagon with its Apex container management products, intensifying uncertainty about the future of VMware Tanzu under Broadcom. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2022
How to use Kubernetes' self-healing capability
Self-healing is a quality that enables software to autonomously resolve issues based on a desired state. Kubernetes' self-healing is built in, but it demands observation. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
14 Sep 2022
Kubernetes clusters multiply like Tribbles -- but why?
Like the U.S.S. Enterprise faced a rapidly compounding Tribble problem, Kubernetes admins find themselves in a similar situation with clusters. What do you do now? Continue Reading
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Tutorial
12 Sep 2022
How to set up external authentication in Rancher with GitHub
Local authentication is the default, but configuring Rancher to use external authentication services makes it easier to manage large, complex Kubernetes environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
What is K3OS and how does it relate to K3s?
Discover the potential benefits of adopting K3OS, a lightweight Linux distribution developed to run Kubernetes workloads in low-resource environments. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2022
VMware Tanzu sets up edge computing showdown with OpenShift
Enterprise edge computing is still at a nascent stage, but a battle is brewing between Kubernetes platforms such as VMware Tanzu and OpenShift to support the emerging trend. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2022
VMware Tanzu teases vSphere, PaaS tie-ins -- but doubts linger
VMware said enhanced Kubernetes integrations for vSphere and Cloud Foundry, some in the works for years, will ship soon, but the pending Broadcom deal gives some observers pause. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2022
Kubernetes security reaches maturity milestone with v1.25
Kubernetes Pod Security Admission has reached stable status, replacing Pod Security Policies, as the core Kubernetes framework delegates advanced features to the wider community. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2022
Compare running Kubernetes on VMs vs. bare-metal servers
Planning to run a cloud-native application with Kubernetes? Compare the advantages and drawbacks of deployments on VMs and physical servers. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2022
How to establish a Kubernetes governance strategy
Because Kubernetes is a large, complex tool that touches so much of the IT ecosystem, governance policies are important to meet both internal and external standards. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2022
What to do when a VM is compromised
When security incidents arise -- and they will -- IT administrators can restore, reset or completely wipe VMs to return them to health and get them back into production. Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2022
Sigstore co-creator talks GitHub, Kubernetes and next steps
Dan Lorenc reflects on a whirlwind year for his open source project, now officially incorporated into Kubernetes and GitHub's npm registry, and his plans for the year to come. Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2022
Researchers reveal Kubernetes security holes, prevention
Researchers with Palo Alto Networks took the stage at Black Hat to explain how configurations and system privileges in Kubernetes clusters can allow container escape and takeover. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2022
Docker's rootless mode a welcome security update
Docker containers have root privileges by default -- a known security issue for several years. Now Docker's rootless mode separates containers from underlying infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jul 2022
Is Kubernetes a hypervisor? How do they differ?
Kubernetes, on the surface, appears to perform the same task as a hypervisor. Does that make Kubernetes a hypervisor? The short answer: No. Let's clarify why it's not. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2022
Mirantis Kubernetes deployment buy ups DevOps platform ante
The Mirantis Lens IDE will integrate the Lagoon Kubernetes deployment project to provide a self-service DevOps platform alternative with no developer Kubernetes training required. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2022
Compare Docker vs. Podman for container management
Docker and Podman offer similar capabilities to manage containers, but Docker's security vulnerabilities might make Podman more appealing for some admins. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2022
New Red Hat CEO faces hybrid cloud challenges
Matt Hicks, now Red Hat CEO, and newly appointed Chairman Paul Cormier discuss the links between open source security and sustainability and Red Hat's hybrid cloud mission. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jul 2022
Secure your infrastructure against VM ransomware
More hackers are using VMs as an access point to install and deploy encrypted ransomware. Make sure your security strategy includes prevention, response and analysis. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2022
Podman: A worthy alternative to Docker for containers
Podman has long stood in Docker's shadow, but 'Podman in Action' author Daniel Walsh hopes to shine a light on Podman within the container market. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Jun 2022
Do hypervisors limit vertical scalability?
Knowing hardware maximums and VM limits ensures you don't overload the system. Learn hypervisor scalability limits for Hyper-V, vSphere, ESXi and Red Hat Virtualization. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2022
An introduction to VMware KVM mode
VM management often requires multiple monitors. KVM mode lets you set hot keys to navigate between VMs and the OS, so no task -- or workflow -- is lost among application windows. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2022
An overview of hardware support for virtualization
Intel, AMD and Arm processors optimize virtualization in multiple ways. Read up on the features for Intel VT, AMD-V, Armv9, Intel APICv, and AMD AVIC tech, as well as how they support VMs. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2022
Tanzu vs. OpenShift vs. Ezmeral: 3 rivals' Kubernetes offerings
Learn how container management products from VMware, Red Hat and Hewlett Packard Enterprise compare when it comes to their overall Kubernetes strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2022
Address Hyper-V VM network issues for peak performance
Microsoft Hyper-V can sometimes experience poor network performance or connectivity problems. When that happens, there are several things you can do to resolve the problem. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2022
Kubernetes multi-cluster users tap service mesh alternatives
Istio service mesh is back in the spotlight since joining the CNCF, but the foundation's existing projects are preferred by IT pros focused on multi-cluster Kubernetes resiliency. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
02 Jun 2022
How to set up a K3s cluster
Admins have choices when it comes to selecting a Kubernetes distribution. One such option is K3s, which can be used for development or production. Here's how to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2022
A beginner's guide to Hyper-V checkpoints
Hyper-V checkpoints help mitigate problems with upgrade rollouts. They can pile up, so they require some storage space and management. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2022
5 best practices for VM patch management
'Patching is my favorite!' said no IT admin, ever. Reduce the headache by patching everything -- even the hard-to-reach components -- and testing patches before rollout. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 May 2022
Highlights from KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2022
Now that KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe has come to a close, check out these updates from vendors across the conference floor. Continue Reading