Network Computing Buyer's Guides

IMMERSE YOURSELF:

Which PDA To Buy?:
What I needed was a new PDA. What I had was a lot of questions, so I asked for help from my blog readers.
By David DeJean / May 9, 2006

Performance Monitors that Get Results: The Metrics Make the Difference
Performance products take the pulse of your systems, network, applications and clients. We'll help you understand the pros and cons of different measurements to determine which tool is right for you.
By Bruce Boardman / Nov 28, 2005

All-In-One Security Appliances: Security Comes Complete
An all-in-one security appliance provides protection against a multitude of threats without adding to your device-management burden. Here's how to choose the right model for your organization.
By Curtis Franklin Jr. / Oct 31, 2005

Buyer's Guide: HIPAA Compliance Products: Let's Get Physical
It's time to get serious about satisfying HIPAA's physical-safeguard standards. We'll guide you in choosing hardware and software that satisfies those intricate requirements.
By Sean Doherty / Oct 3, 2005

Application Service Providers: Business Apps on Demand
Outsourcing business functions to an application service provider can save both time and money. Our checklist helps you select the right ASP for your needs.
By Lori MacVittie / Sep 12, 2005

All-In-One Gateways: Quest for the Magic Box
<A single gateway that can handle all routing, switching and security functions is the Holy Grail of network infrastructure. We'll help you attempt to grasp it.
By Curtis Franklin, Jr. / Aug 22, 2005

Vulnerability Assessment Scanner: Enhanced Vulnerability Detection
A comprehensive security program should include a vulnerability assessment scanner, which can help decrease IDS false positives as well as with asset tracking. Here's what to look for.
By Jordan Wiens / Jul 26, 2005

Replication Products: Ease Backup Pain
Replication systems provide safe, simple copying to multiple locations in near real time. We highlight the hot features.
By Don MacVittie / Jun 27, 2005

SOHO Wireless Gateways: Wi-Fi Becomes Part of SOHO Furniture
Wi-Fi is quickly becoming a fixture in a growing number of SOHO environments. Many of the devices are used for remote access into enterprise networks, and protecting them from wireless attacks is crucial. We explore your wireless gateway options.
By Dave Molta / May 31, 2005

Data Center Racks: Data Center in a Box
With space at a premium while demand for sophisticated data centers grows, some vendors are offering alternatives.
By Don MacVittie / May 16, 2005

Buying an IP Phone: "FLIP" Out
The price tag of a new VoIP system depends on the IP phone you choose. And the phone quality directly relates to end-user acceptance of the system. We show you how to "FLIP"--consider the form, location, interoperability and performance of phones--and choose your devices.
By Sean Doherty / May 2, 2005

Network Management on the Cheap: Inexpensive, Yet Sophisticated
With some research and planning, you can find reasonably priced management apps that will suit your needs. We'll give you the facts and figures to help your decision-making.
By Bruce Boardman / Apr 4, 2005

Closet and Edge Switches: Junction Functions
With advanced feature sets and prices ranging from about $27 to more than $340 per port at 100 Gbps, what exactly does your money buy? What functions does your new edge/closet switch need to provide? We'll show you.
By Joe Hernick and Dean Ellerton / Mar 7, 2005

Gateway To Security: A VPN device will let remote users log in without putting your data at risk
A VPN gateway provides three essentials for your data: authentication, confidentiality and integrity. We show you what to look for in an enterprise-class device.
By Mike DeMaria / Feb 7, 2005

SAN Switches: Not Just for Storage Anymore
It's not only your SAN that must support exponentially growing storage needs--your switches must be able to handle every possible protocol and application too. We define areas of growth, so you can determine which switch is right for your SAN.
By Don MacVittie / Nov 30, 2004

Served Just Right: For your data center, a 1U server is not too much and not too little
Competition and developmental cost reductions have resulted in low-cost servers with more CPUs, memory and hard disks as well as USB connections and support for Gigabit Ethernet. But before you buy, you should consider both short- and long-term goals.
By Don MacVittie / Nov 8, 2004

Video Server Appliances: The Right Gear for Your Video Needs
Video server appliances have a long way to go before they are plug-and-play. And although industry standards make it easier for products to interact with each other, be sure you research before you buy.
By Darrin Woods / Oct 18, 2004

Wireless-Enabled PDAs and Smart Phones: Converged, Smarter Devices
When prepping your network for wireless-enabled PDAs, it's important to develop constructive policies that provide a reasonable amount of user choice within a manageable environment capable of supporting enterprise apps.
By Dave Molta / Sep 20, 2004

Network-Attached Printers: Paperless Office Be Damned!
These printers now offer advanced features, such as wireless connectivity and multifunctional capabilities. We'll help you find the right option for your needs.
By Christopher McQueeney / Aug 9, 2004

Online Conferencing Services: Not Just Idle Chatter
Poll participants during a live meeting as well as share documents and slides, all for less than conventional telephone costs. We'll tell you which features are most critical.
By Mike DeMaria / Jun 28, 2004

HIPAA Compliance: Medical Records Stay Safe
Protecting health-related data is the law. Here are the tools you'll need to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
By Sean Doherty / Jun 2, 2004

Content Switches: Boost Performance and Reliability
These intelligent devices improve network performance, increase application reliability and more. Here's what to look for.
By Peter Morrissey / May 4, 2004

Automating Tape Backups: Autoloaders increase backup capacity
Tape Autoloaders eliminate errors and free up staff for other projects. Before you buy, however, you'll need to consider speed, size, space and other factors.
By Steven Schuchart Jr. / Apr 5, 2004

Laptops with Embedded Wireless Technology: Untethered Notebooks
We walk you through the key features needed for the ultimate embedded wireless notebook experience.
By Derrick Dicoi / Mar 9, 2004

SOHO Firewalls For Enterprise Access: SOHO Firewalls stave off security threats posed by remote and branch-office workers.
SOHO firewalls must provide adequate security and be manageable and easy to deploy.
By Curtis Franklin Jr. / Feb 12, 2004

Linux Support Services: Help When You Need It
Linux support services are available from independent vendors, software distributors and the open-source community. Know what each service covers and how much it costs before you sign up.
By Christopher T. Beers / Jan 26, 2004

Handheld Storage: Storage in Your Hands
New handheld storage devices offer increased capacity, but IT faces new compatibility, cost and business suitability challenges. Read up before you buy.
By Steven Schuchart Jr. / Jan 15, 2004

Thin-Client Computing:
Is your enterprise ready for a lean machine? If your users work predominantly on tasks that do not require intense processing, server-based computing should be on your wish list.
By Sean Doherty / Nov 18, 2003

Navigating Wireless AP Options:
Today's wireless market sports a lot of variety. But when shopping for access points and gateways, remember: Let functionality and reliability--not price--dictate.
By Dave Molta / Oct 23, 2003

iSCSI SANs:
Fibre Channel isn't your only option. iSCSI SAN offers lower cost, easier deployment, and greater distance.
By Steven Schuchart Jr. / Sep 25, 2003

XSLT Editors:
Consistency is key with these XML tools.
By Lori MacVittie / Sep 10, 2003

Intruder Alert:
Arm yourself with Locks and Cameras.
By Mike DeMaria / Aug 27, 2003

The Future of Wireless:
Multimode 802.11 NICs Lead the Way.
By Dave Molta / Jul 1, 2003

Choosing a VoIP PBX:
Know your business processes and end-user needs.
By Peter Morrissey / Jun 3, 2003

Linux Distributions:
Follow a process of elimination to select the vendor that best satisfies your needs.
By Lori MacVittie / May 8, 2003

Invest in a Cable Tester:
The best insurance for your network is testing, cable by cable. Today's slick standards-based Cable testers ferret out bad wiring.
By Lee Badman / Apr 8, 2003

Network Management On the Cheap:
You don't need to break the bank to get quality network-management products. Here's what to look for in inexpensive tools, from functionality to support.
By Bruce Boardman / Mar 13, 2003

Are Biometrics The Answer?:
Biometric authentication looks sexy, but before you start scanning, consider some of its negatives.
By Mike Fratto / Feb 12, 2003

Equipment Racks:
Picking out a rack might seem like a no-brainer, but you must mind even the smallest details.
By Steven Schuchart Jr. / Jan 13, 2003

Shopping For An SSL Accelerator:
Whether you opt for an internal or an external solution, don't forget to look at the big picture before making a purchase. We factor in hidden costs and security considerations.
By Lori MacVittie / Oct 29, 2002

Desktop Firewalls:
Today's hottest firewalls offer policy protection, definable event filters, automatic policy and software updates, and integration with VPNs and antivirus software.
By Mike DeMaria / Sep 18, 2002

Gigabit Ethernet NICs Toe the Line:
Got an overburdened network? Take a load off using NICs plus TCP/IP offload engines.
By Sean Doherty / Aug 21, 2002

Networking in the Palm of Your Hand:
As PDAs move beyond the personal space and into the enterprise, you need to get a firm grip on the options available for your users.
By Sean Ginevan / Jul 30, 2002

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