The last few years have seen significant interest and effort in integrating the many tools large enterprises use to manage their IT infrastructure and applications. Central to this integration effort is the concept of a Configuration Management Database (CMDB). Read this whitepaper to learn a best practices approach. 

This white paper provides an overview of recommended servers, storage, software, and services. It can be used to plan, scope, and procure the required components to set up a virtualization infrastructure. 

SAP upgrades are a perennial challenge - especially for organizations with many instances or customizations. The struggling economy has also made it difficult to make a case for a technical SAP ERP upgrade. Read this paper to learn about six SAP upgrade tips and best practices for global environments which can help avoid costly downtime and issues. 

This paper describes the Dell Reference Architecture, a blueprint or a starting configuration, for Microsoft® Exchange Server 2007 in a virtualized server environment and provides guidelines for designing and sizing the storage for the same using Dell EqualLogic PS Series storage systems. 

This paper outlines the steps that organizations must take to improve their systems and software development processes, including key best practices. It discusses solutions for unifying fractured, global development groups with existing infrastructures. 

This white paper presents an example configuration and best practices for deploying and configuring a highly available architecture using an example solution configuration and then discussing how the configuration helps in maximizing uptime. 

Dell's Hyper-V Technology Introduction for Windows Server® 2008 is a rapid approach to the deployment and configuration of a Hyper-V and SystemCenter Virtual Machine Manager 2008 (SCVMM) based Proof of Concept (POC) into your pre-production test lab. 

This white paper describes the CMS (configuration management system) as emphasized in ITIL V3, and explores how it differs from a CMDB. Further, it shows how a CMS increases your ability to make better IT decisions that impact business agility, productivity, and quality of service. 

This document describes the results of work done by VMware in conjunction with Dell to create a scalable server and storage architecture for VMware View environments. 

These eight best practices and maintenance tips will keep BlackBerry Enterprise Server running properly in your Lotus Notes Domino environment. 

Service Operation, the fourth book in the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Version 3 publications, assists readers in developing management practices to ensure customers are satisfied and receive the value they expect. BMC experts have compiled an overview based on Service Operation, including valuable commentary, practical guidance and examples. 

The Microsoft® Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008 provides unified processes and tools for desktop and server OS deployment using a common deployment console and a collection of best practices. The toolkit provides a single mechanism for image creation and an automated installation process to reduce deployment time. 

This podcast explores how IT pros can better align their departments with the scope of the business.  Learn how business service management can enhance customer service, improve service availability, and optimise performance of critical systems.