The problem with becoming too comfortable with built-in SQL Server monitoring tools is that they're often used after problems have already arisen. Read this paper to discover how event notifications and extended events can help you drill down into SQL Server and proactively monitor your databases. 

Read this paper to discover the top four tactics employed by best-in-class companies of varied sizes and industries to elevate procurement proficiencies in today's recalcitrant economy, along with the metrics they use to measure their success. 

Master data management (MDM) tools are on the rise as more companies look toward ways to solve all their data needs through one system. This expert e-guide from our editorial team features two articles with exceptional insight on what vendors and trends are prevailing in the current MDM market. 

In the cover story of the April 2012 issue of Storage magazine, Lauren Whitehouse outlines best practices for cloud backup integration and the various methods for doing so. Also included in this issue are articles regarding virtual server management, storage for big data, the rising cost of disk drives and more. 

Purchasing a server is a big ordeal for any business. It's costly, time-consuming and can sometimes be disruptive, but that initial investment in time and money usually pays off - and fast. Read this article to find out when it’s time to purchase a server and why you need to purchase one. 

This edition of BI Trends and Strategies opens with a piece by Lou Agosta on the need for data warehouses to adapt to new data types, innovation and big data. Alan R. Earls also offers advice for incorporating spreadsheets into your BI programs without problems and Richard Herschel calls for universities to step up their BI and analytics programs. 

<p>Read this expert article to discover exactly what your managers needs to know about software testing. Find tips on how to make processes run more smoothly and ways to make sense of large quantities of data to make the most informed decisions possible.</p> 

<p>Read this expert article to find best practices for keeping your iteration and release cycles in sync even as your Agile development projects becoming increasingly complex.</p> 

This paper outlines the things you must consider when thinking about the feasibility of replacing a WAN provider’s provider (P) and provider edge (PE) devices with routers. This paper examines these considerations in greater detail, to see where any potential problems might arise. 

Over the past 18 months we have seen the irresistible rise of a new phenomenon, cloud computing. This term is given by the IT industry to a new business model for computing, one where capacity for computer, storage and networking can be dynamically acquired, on demand,and paid for according to usage. 

Troubleshooting is a necessary evil. Where does one start when the operating system does not start, the application does not load or run correctly, the network hangs or a network service does not listen or perform? Linux is noted for being rock solid, stable, and easy to manage but not as user friendly. 

This report from Deloitte argues businesses are again investing in IT to provide the differentiation and innovation critical from their competitors despite the downturn.