Profile of Andrew Froehlich
President & Lead Network Architect, West Gate Networks
News & Commentary Posts: 143
Andrew has well over a decade of enterprise networking under his belt through his consulting practice, which specializes in enterprise network architectures and datacenter build-outs and prior experience at organizations such as State Farm Insurance, United Airlines and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Having lived and worked in South East Asia for nearly three years, Andrew possesses a unique international business and technology perspective. When he's not consulting, Andrew enjoys writing technical blogs and is the author of two Cisco certification study guides published by Sybex.
Articles by Andrew Froehlich
2/26/2020
While a software-as-a-service model leaves processing in the service provider's hands, there's plenty of work left for the IT group when it comes to administering the relationship and in supporting employee users.
1/31/2020
While there are a few specifics that IoT manufacturers will have to adhere to, the remainder of the law is a bit fuzzy in terms of consequences.
12/23/2019
While many emerging technologies are still in the conceptual stage, the following are some that could realistically be considered over the coming year.
11/26/2019
The idea of a companywide, 4-day workweek seems to have appeal to organizations and employees. But does it make sense for the IT department?
11/21/2019
The variety of siloed IT monitoring tools in an enterprise -- many of which overlap in terms of functionality -- makes the case for consolidation of the tools into a single package.
10/9/2019
With a wave of acquisitions going on across the managed service provider market, enterprise IT leaders have to rethink where they get their own services.
8/13/2019
IT managers once and for all should recognize that hacker conferences can be highly educational and beneficial from a corporate IT perspective.
7/31/2019
Will AI and automation eliminate the need for the people who now keep IT infrastructures in operation? Not if those people take charge of their own futures.
5/28/2019
There is value in IT adopting the Lean concepts established in manufacturing, but do so with care, particularly is you are heading through digital transformation initiatives.
5/10/2019
Digital transformation isn't about making incremental improvements on the status quo but using emerging technology to be a leader.
5/1/2019
A returning visitor to Interop in Las Vegas outlines what sets the conference apart from so many other technology events.
4/17/2019
For all the buzz about artificial intelligence and machine learning, there has been surprisingly little real progress with adoption in the enterprise.
4/1/2019
When your systems slow to a crawl it's easy to blame the technology, but some of the causes -- and fixes --may relate to how enterprises do business these days.
3/7/2019
For organizations that are having trouble recruiting IT professionals with in-demand skills, some options have become available in the cloud and gig economy.
11/23/2018
Research shows that banks have been slow to embrace the cloud, but maybe the reasons behind their reluctance don't apply any more.
11/5/2018
The largest cloud providers may be familiar names, but their offerings are changing and the cloud marketplace is rapidly evolving. Browse our list of cloud vendors to watch in 2019.
10/15/2018
Imagine an Internet where each individual has control over their own personal data and privacy. Web pioneer Tim Berners-Lee has a plan for just that approach.
10/2/2018
As AI technology evolves it's worth a closer look at what chatbots can do to provide better end user support on help desk requests.
9/24/2018
It may sound radical, but one way to deal with increasing cloud complexity is a complete reboot of your cloud architecture.
9/5/2018
The best intentions of an IT group can end up coming back to bite them, leading their projects to fall short of expectations or to fail outright.
8/16/2018
Develop a multi-cloud strategy that can genuinely benefit your organization by following these recommendations.
8/8/2018
If you need to show executives and department heads what AI can do for your company, IT automation is a great proof of concept.
7/16/2018
Sure, you want to innovate with IT, but will your organization's server, network, and software infrastructure support that initiative?
7/5/2018
Follow these four steps and you can better position yourself for a management role by shifting from a technology-first to a business-first perspective.
6/13/2018
While Alibaba is on the radar as a global Infrastructure-as-a-Service player, several factors can make US companies wonder if the Chinese firm is a match for them.
4/17/2018
An IT professionals maps out his tour of Interop ITX, coming up in two weeks.
4/5/2018
IT leaders face a tornado of vendor news and business user demands relating to emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and augmented reality. Those leaders need to put those technologies and the business need in perspective.
3/27/2018
As cloud offerings evolve and enterprise organizations look to do more in the cloud, IT professionals need to add new cloud-related skills.
3/15/2018
Do you ever wonder why software licenses are so complicated, and what you can do about them?
2/14/2018
While some aspects of the cloud, such as migrations, are rapidly coming to a close, new avenues are beginning to open.
2/5/2018
So, the question arises: Is digital transformation good for the IT professional's career?
1/16/2018
While strides are indeed being made in the world of cloud computing, the most recent mergers and acquisitions show a marketplace that is beginning to mature.
1/4/2018
Activity on the cloud adoption front throughout 2017 set the stage for some dramatic changes in how enterprises use the cloud in 2018.
12/22/2017
Project managers on the IT team don't need to be the all-knowing tech expert, but there are key tech skills that help them succeed.
12/5/2017
Utilizing managed services can be cost efficient for an enterprise, but be sure to look beyond cost to how you manage those managed service providers.
11/28/2017
The more companies rely on cloud applications, the more important it becomes to be proactive in ensuring that latency and quality issues are kept to a minimum.
11/6/2017
Keep your organization's expectations for artificial intelligence within reason, and keep your initial AI projects manageable.
10/26/2017
We share 9 steps you can take to save on the cost of cloud services, with the keywords being shop around, planning, and diligence.
10/2/2017
We will soon reach the point where connectivity to cloud resources is going to become a serious issue in terms of real-time computing functions. So, how do we bring the cloud closer to us?
9/21/2017
As with other emerging tech concepts, big data and analytics are haunted by myths. Here are eight such myths that you will want to dispel as you advance your analytics strategy.
9/14/2017
The new enterprise IT help desk features bots, cloud monitoring, and consolidated views into problems, and it can be implemented today.
8/25/2017
IT spending patterns make it clear that we are in a software and cloud-based world.
8/17/2017
IT organizations struggling to transition to DevOps should take heart. Serverless architecture can provide many of the same benefits without the steep learning curve.
8/14/2017
For IT professionals who want to advance their careers with new skills, certifications in cloud technology and management are a good bet.
7/28/2017
Whether the cause is immature technology, outdated processes and skills, or a shift in corporate mindset, IT projects can go wrong at midstream.
7/19/2017
Cloud outages do happen. So, how can you and your IT group minimize the impact on the company?
7/17/2017
Think you've seen changes in your IT group over the years? Well there have been just as many changes in the job market. Here's some advice to help you find that next great job.
7/5/2017
It may be time to rethink where you want to support a big data initiative.
6/26/2017
With new tools appearing, automation and orchestration are having a major impact on easing the burden of moving to the cloud.
6/19/2017
There are several options for those companies that want a public cloud environment but also want to keep compute gear in house.
6/6/2017
Your company's success in securing its data and network could depend on how the CIO delivers security messages to their peers in the C-suite.
5/30/2017
Digital transformation, think of it as a shift in philosophy within your organization, not just a tech project.
5/23/2017
New technology breakthroughs plus the IoT are driving new interest in edge computing.
5/12/2017
Systems do go down, and sometimes the cause seems obvious, but it may be too obvious. Employ root cause analysis methods to find the real cause of failure.
5/4/2017
Sometimes the barriers to success with DevOps can't be blamed on poor tools or poor workmen, but on the managers who are in charge.
4/26/2017
IT consultant and blogger Andrew Froehlich outlines a full-week educational experience at the upcoming Interop ITX conference.
4/17/2017
In an atmosphere of fear about IoT security and privacy business should be aware that if an IoT project seems promising, it may be worth the risk to push on, as long as security is at the forefront.
4/6/2017
Enterprise IT needs to rethink the scope of the cloud-first mindset.
3/30/2017
Telecommuting can be a useful concept for an organization, but you have to put the right tools in place to support remote workers.
3/24/2017
Enterprise IT managers have to accept that cloud outages will occur, and have strategies to keep core systems running.
3/15/2017
Data centers are only getting more complex, but you can get a handle on them with the combined use of data center analytics and automation.
3/13/2017
With Docker having announced a more enterprise focused product line, now is the time to compare each of the Docker platform versions so you have a better sense of your options.
2/27/2017
The anti-cloud grew is still out there. Here are some helpful tips to show them how the cloud has evolved and why it might be right for your organization.
2/21/2017
Many companies are turning to virtual desktops in the cloud to support end user computing, and they have multiple models to choose from.
2/16/2017
Many big data analytics teams choose to not use DevOps methodologies, but there are real benefits to applying DevOps concepts to those big data initiatives.
2/14/2017
If the IT group isn't up to the task of implementing analytics, it's worth checking out the possibilities of outsourced analytics.
1/27/2017
Even though your infrastructure, applications, and data are off in the cloud, don't assume that you are off the hook when it comes to compliance. You are still responsible for that data.
1/24/2017
IT organizations need visibility into the cloud when their applications and infrastructure are out there. Without such visibility, well, you are flying blind.
1/19/2017
While containers offer an organization technical benefits, don't overlook their business benefits, such as cost savings and flexibility.
1/11/2017
While many enterprise needs will require the use of a private or hybrid cloud architecture, there are some uses that truly take advantage of the benefits that only the public cloud can deliver.
1/6/2017
The dawn of a new year brings hope of great things to come. But there also are challenges that are sure to keep IT executives awake with worry.
12/28/2016
Competition and price cutting might be good for cloud customers, but the glory days of low prices might not make it into 2017.
12/21/2016
If you’ve been holding off your legacy application migration to the cloud over fear of support and migration issues, 2017 may very well be the time to look at your options.
12/14/2016
Learn what you should realistically expect from your multi-cloud management solution in 2017 -- and what you may have to wait for until 2018 and beyond.
8/24/2016
If you're looking at infrastructure-as-a-service options, you're already aware Gartner has declared Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure as the Big 2 in the market. And, in many cases, they're all you'll need. But sometimes, your unique business requirements will make an alternate IaaS provider a better fit for your organization. Here, we outline 10 benefits to help you decide what's right for your needs.
8/11/2016
The rise of cloud computing has been a game-changer for not only businesses, but also IT pros looking to stay relevant. Here are 9 must-have skills in different aspects of cloud technologies needed to compete.
8/2/2016
We've identified seven key innovations being integrated into data centers to further expand capabilities -- or to provide vastly improved efficiencies in terms of energy consumption. Here's what you need to know.
7/13/2016
Leveraging cloud-based security services is helping to solve some major stumbling blocks when it comes to providing a robust architecture for organizations. To help you navigate your options, we're spotlighting 10 SaaS security startups whose tools are worth a look.
7/6/2016
One of the biggest challenges in IT security is determining whether the tools and configurations you have in place are giving your organization the level of security you require. Here's how penetration testing can help.
6/22/2016
Often thought of as a small-business tool, Software-as-a-Service offers plenty of potential for large enterprise customers, as evidenced by the 10 startups we're exploring here. Our list includes SaaS applications for big organizational challenges, such as supply-chain, payroll, sales, recruiting, and company-wide collaboration.
5/31/2016
As virtualization advancements such as container technologies emerge, PaaS is hitting its stride. While you may have heard of a couple of the PaaS providers on our list, we're betting there are a few more here that aren't on your radar yet. Here's why these seven firms are worth your attention.
5/8/2016
A spate of high-profile public and private cloud security breaches is helping to push advancements in security such as encryption. Here's a look at 7 ways the cloud may be the largest driver of IT security today.
5/4/2016
Working for a cloud provider instead of taking a traditional enterprise IT position has its advantages. But there are plenty of pitfalls to consider. Here's a look at some pros and the cons of making the leap to a job with a cloud service.
4/27/2016
In an effort to gain enterprise interest, Google announced changes to its cloud platform last month that would beef up machine learning and big data capabilities. Still, many questions remain about whether Google's cloud will ever be a serious enterprise contender.
4/6/2016
The Internet of Things is poised for exponential growth, and all that software and data has to live somewhere. Here's why we think that place will be platform-as-a-service.
3/30/2016
If you're considering -- or merely curious about -- converting your data center to a private cloud, we'll help you learn about the management, scalability, and efficiency improvements you may gain.
3/17/2016
If your view of the cloud marketplace is dominated by the Amazons and Googles of the world, you may be missing out on solutions that better target your needs. Here's our list of 10 up-and-coming cloud providers worth a look.
3/10/2016
If you're looking for places to cut IT spending due to the sluggish economy or other factors, here are 8 projects you need keep on your to-do list no matter what.
3/1/2016
Unlike PCs and mobile devices, there's a wide variety of commercial and open source operating systems powering the IoT. Here are eight leading contenders and the best use-cases for them.
2/22/2016
If you've been dragging your feet on migrating your company's email to a cloud service, here's why it's time to reconsider.
2/17/2016
Platform-as-a-Service has a bit of an identity crisis compared to the more popular SaaS and IaaS, but in the right circumstances it's the superior choice.
2/10/2016
Managing a modern data center is a daunting -- and expensive -- task if you go it alone. But partnering with Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) providers can help. Here are seven ways IaaS can pay off for your organization.
1/26/2016
Sure, software as a service still offers an easy point of entry for small and midsized businesses that need to upgrade their software. But today's cloud-based options offer even more for businesses of all sizes.
1/20/2016
Today's cloud storage is more than simply a low-cost alternative to on-premises options. In many ways, the cloud delivers business value that can't be matched with comparable in-house solutions. Here's how.
1/18/2016
The words "change control" may seem like an oxymoron, but that is exactly what IT is charged with doing each time the business asks for a new application, service, or device. But IT change control processes are often mired in an outdated culture that's not in line with today's business technology reality. Here's what you can do to bring your IT change control processes up to date.
1/18/2016
Any infrastructure projects that can either cut costs or improve data protection should be tops on your list. Here, we look at five infrastructure trends that will help CIOs determine the best places to invest their budget dollars wisely in the next 12 months.
1/15/2016
Figuring out a corporate-wide PC upgrade timetable has never been easy for enterprise IT managers. These days, cloud-based applications and evolving Bring Your Own Device policies are among the factors complicating your decision-making process. Here are four tips to help you determine the best PC refresh strategy for your enterprise users.
1/11/2016
Security challenges facing CIOs will continue to escalate because the payoffs are high for perpetrators, and risks are relatively low. Here are four tips to help turn your organization -- and your data -- into less appealing targets for the bad guys.
1/8/2016
IT professionals have a lot to consider when contemplating a migration to Windows 10. These four tips will help make upgrading as smooth as possible for yourself, and your enterprise end users.
1/4/2016
Governments want access to encrypted communications to prevent terrorist attacks, but IT professionals and tech vendors say any weakening of encryption is a threat to privacy and data security.
State of the Cloud
Cloud has drastically changed how IT organizations consume and deploy services in the digital age. This research report will delve into public, private and hybrid cloud adoption trends, with a special focus on infrastructure as a service and its role in the enterprise. Find out the challenges organizations are experiencing, and the technologies and strategies they are using to manage and mitigate those challenges today.
IT Careers: Tech Drives Constant ChangeAdvances in information technology and management concepts mean that IT professionals must update their skill sets, even their career goals on an almost yearly basis. In this IT Trend Report, experts share advice on how IT pros can keep up with this every-changing job market. Read it today!
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