Sun T1000 testing overview

After my post on the Sun T1000 and the subsequent podcast interview, I noticed this comment on the T1000 post from David Halko:

Please run some tests and take the T1 to the breaking point... total number of requests, total number of failures, latency... and compare it to something else.

This is, of course, exactly what I'm doing!

I've developed a simple quite of functionality that I'll be testing. I have a comparison against Sun's own X2100 (based on the AMD) using a combination of static and dynamic elements. From that, I'll be able to extract all of the above and show the detail, as well as some graphs, on that output.

Alternative IT management methods

In my very first post here at Computerworld I comment on the use of RSS feeds as an administration technique (RSS as an administration tool).

It caused quite a stir at the time amongst fellow bloggers at CW and how useful and practical that was. I've finally been able to put that into more detail through a tutorial at IBM's developerWorks site. Since I posited the thought here first, I thought I should let the readers here know about it too.

You can get some summary information on the tutorial here, or jump straight to the tutorial: Use alternative methods to manage and monitor your UNIX servers.

Alternative IT management methods

In my very first post here at Computerworld I comment on the use of RSS feeds as an administration technique (RSS as an administration tool).

It caused quite a stir at the time amongst fellow bloggers at CW and how useful and practical that was. I've finally been able to put that into more detail through a tutorial at IBM's developerWorks site. Since I posited the thought here first, I thought I should let the readers here know about it too.

You can get some summary information on the tutorial here, or jump straight to the tutorial: Use alternative methods to manage and monitor your UNIX servers.

Dr Johnson and his dictionary

I am at the moment reading the story of how Dr Johnson developed his original English dictionary (through Dr Johnson’s Dictionary: The Extraordinary Story of the Book That Defined the World, by Henry Hitchings), and it should really be required reading for all writers because it contains some amazing insights and examples for methods of working that apply just as much today as they did in the 18th century.

First   (more...)

Using alternative methods to manage and monitor your Unix Servers

I have for a long time been using a number of non-typical solutions for the management of my internal servers and, up until recently, those of my clients. I mentioned this in one of my first posts at Computerworld (RSS as and administration tool), so it was only a matter of time before I shared the techniques with others.

You can now read my new tutorial are developerWorks on using alternative methods to manage and monitor your Unix servers. There are a number of key elements here:

  • Using a blog to record changes and important events
  • Using a Wiki to record configuration and setup information
  • Using Subversion to record configuration history
  • Some other, related, points such as security, onsite/offsite considerations and how to combine services to simplify the process even further.

Go and read the full article for more information: Use alternative methods to manage and monitor your UNIX servers.

Virtualization pitfall warning

You don't have to read my blogs for long to know that I'm really keen on virtualization, so I was fascinated by this story on potential pitfalls: Experts Warn of Virtualization.

I say fascinated not because I think it's wrong - I think it's completely right. Virtualization has lots of benefits - better hardware utilization is the main one, lower running costs is another, and all this is usually coupled with easier and more centralized management - but it isn't a cure all for all processes and environments, and if done badly, creates more problems than it solves.

Virtualization pitfall warning

You don't have to read my blogs for long to know that I'm really keen on virtualization, so I was fascinated by this story on potential pitfalls: Experts Warn of Virtualization.

I say fascinated not because I think it's wrong - I think it's completely right. Virtualization has lots of benefits - better hardware utilization is the main one, lower running costs is another, and all this is usually coupled with easier and more centralized management - but it isn't a cure all for all processes and environments, and if done badly, creates more problems than it solves.

Cool tools for hot laptops

Belkin have announced two cool tools for using your hot laptop - and I’m talking about the temperature here.

You can see them at Gizmodo: Belkin Releases Lap-Friendly CushTop, PocketTop Laptop Accessories.

The CushTop is the one I’m most interested in. I have a wooden unit that I’ve been using for the last seven or eight years that Sharon bought for Christmas. It’s great, particularly on the sofabed here in the office, or the bed proper, but it doesn’t work so great with the new squishy leather sofa. There’s a better description of the CushTop on the Belkin website (Belkin: CushTop). The price is good too, but I guess I’ll have to wait a bit for it to hit the UK.

The PocketTop looks good too, and I like the ability to keep all the cables with the laptop, but it’s not going to work with the 17″ MBP…

HP head does the decent thing

As reported here by the BBC, and a myriad other places, Patricia Dunn has resigned as Chairman (Chairwoman?) of HP, effective from January 2007.

She is not going immediately, and only stepping down from the top position; she will remain at HP.

The whole situation is bad for HP, and bad press for corporations and directors of many companies, because it gives the impression that others would be willing to do the same in similar circumstances.

The delay to me seems strange, although it seems to be a common practice in companies (and politics) that when something goes wrong, you stick it out and hope you can carry on as if nothing happened. It used to be that once discovered, the person would resign and leave immediately.

Longer term, it will be interesting to see how this affects HP. It might not change what people buy their machines, but it will unnerve investors and that will affect HP's position in the marketplace, which will undoubtedly have a longer lasting effect on how HP applies itself in the years to come.

See more coverage:

HP head does the decent thing

As reported here by the BBC, and a myriad other places, Patricia Dunn has resigned as Chairman (Chairwoman?) of HP, effective from January 2007.

She is not going immediately, and only stepping down from the top position; she will remain at HP.

The whole situation is bad for HP, and bad press for corporations and directors of many companies, because it gives the impression that others would be willing to do the same in similar circumstances.

The delay to me seems strange, although it seems to be a common practice in companies (and politics) that when something goes wrong, you stick it out and hope you can carry on as if nothing happened. It used to be that once discovered, the person would resign and leave immediately.

Longer term, it will be interesting to see how this affects HP. It might not change what people buy their machines, but it will unnerve investors and that will affect HP's position in the marketplace, which will undoubtedly have a longer lasting effect on how HP applies itself in the years to come.

See more coverage:

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