At SPK and Associates we are often asked for direction with respect to versioning control systems. The management of software and related artifacts is core to your development process and a key factor in determining the operational productivity of your...
Infrastructure
10 Step Process for Deploying User Workstations using Clonezilla
One of the most time-consuming tasks as an IT Administrator is setting up a new workstation for a new user. A workstation is typically a laptop these days, but could still be a traditional Windows desktop or possibly a Linux-based workstation. As part of SPK's...
How to Monitor NetApps with Nagios
I just came to the realization that I've been working with Network Appliance filers for over a decade now. They're great -- rock solid stability, an ever expanding feature set, excellent tech support, and they're certified against many enterprise applications...
Five Reasons To Use Application Management Services
The term Application Management can sometimes be too generic for many business users, so let’s first ensure we’re defining what we are talking about. Application Management Services refer to the ongoing management, maintenance, and support of software applications in...
How to Deal with Single Points of Failure: Software (Updated 2023)
There are plenty of false economies that place your business at risk, For example, leaving system administration to engineers and the vulnerabilities tied to hardware failures. However, hardware isn't the sole point of failure. Software and the unpredictable human...
What is Observability And How Can It Optimize IT?
Your IT architecture is anything but simple. In fact, it’s more like the complex, yet silent spinal cord of your business functions. But what can you do when something goes wrong? Monitoring tools give you a partial view into business performance (or issues),...
Top 5 Challenges Of Infrastructure Management (Updated 2023)
Managing infrastructure comes with unique challenges. Lab network, computer farm, load-balancing app, build-and-release system - each is distinct. "IT" is a broad term, but it comprises separate realms that are easily overlooked. But, understanding the uniqueness of...
Using Jira Advanced Roadmaps for Program Management
. Here is the VLOG transcript for Carlos Almeida, Vice President of Engineering, SPK and Associates discussing Jira Advanced Roadmaps. For the best experience, we recommend watching the video so you can follow along with any instructions. Introduction Today we're...
Configuration Management: The Heart of Your Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Does your software development organization have a well defined and implemented configuration management (CM) process? For many organizations, they equate the CM process with having a revision control tool in place. While versioning is a necessary prerequisite to...
2022 Technology Year in Review
In the past 3 years, our world has definitely changed. This year was no exception. From the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to the great resignation, businesses have had to adapt to changing government regulations, employee needs, and methods of doing business. ...
How Microsoft Azure Cloud Solutions Can Help Your Manufacturing Enterprise Maintain Its Competitive Edge
Executive Summary In 2020, public and private cloud-based solutions are set to surpass traditional data centers in terms of overall spending. In 2017, nearly two thirds of spending went toward private cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure. Cloud usage exploded in 2017,...
Back to the Basics of IoT
Consumers have taken a vanguard role in pushing innovation. IoT is changing the face of data collection, analytics and transmission. The field continues to evolve as new applications for smart devices develop. Download this white paper to learn more about how the...