Articles & guides
Field notes from the SmiKar team.
395 articles on Microsoft 365 archiving, SharePoint storage management, Azure infrastructure and the broader Microsoft cloud.
Latest article
Departing Employee Data Theft: The Microsoft 365 Insider-Threat Guide (2026)
An employee's notice period is the highest-risk window for data theft. How to detect and stop SharePoint and Microsoft 365 data exfiltration by departing staff in 2026.
OneDrive Archiving in 2026: The Options (and the Gaps)
How to archive OneDrive data in 2026. Microsoft 365 Archive excludes OneDrive - here are the real options for active users and departed employees.
How to Archive a Shared Mailbox in Microsoft 365 (2026)
Three ways to archive a shared mailbox: In-Place Archive (licence rules), inactive mailbox retirement, or archiving departed-user mail before converting.
SharePoint Archive Site: Microsoft's Native Feature (2026)
What a SharePoint archive site is, how Microsoft 365 Archive hibernates a whole site, what it costs, and when a file-level alternative fits better.
How Squirrel SharePoint Stubs Work: Technical Reference
How Squirrel stubs behave in SharePoint - filename, extension, metadata, permissions, and restore mechanics. The 2026 technical reference.
Secure SharePoint Document Sharing: 2026 Enterprise Guide
External sharing controls, sensitivity labels, DLP, conditional access, and audit for SharePoint document libraries. 2026 enterprise guide.
How to Replace the SharePoint Preservation Hold Library (2026)
The Preservation Hold Library silently inflates SharePoint storage. Replace it with Squirrel Recycle Bin Capture for compliant retention in your Azure.
SharePoint Archiving Solutions: 2026 Buyer's Checklist
Eight buyer questions for SharePoint archiving 2026. Compares Microsoft 365 Archive, AvePoint Opus, Archive360 and Squirrel on data, Copilot, labels.
Retention Policies vs Retention Labels in SharePoint (2026)
Retention policies apply to locations. Retention labels apply to items. What each does in Microsoft Purview, when to use which, and which wins.
Sensitivity Labels vs Retention Labels in SharePoint (2026)
Sensitivity labels protect access. Retention labels preserve content. Both in Microsoft Purview - what each does, when to use which, what survives archive.
Inactive vs Shared vs Archive Mailbox: Which to Use (2026)
Three Exchange Online mailbox types admins constantly confuse - what each one is for, the licence rules, and which to use when an employee leaves.
Microsoft Copilot and Archived SharePoint Content: The Visibility Gap
Microsoft Copilot cannot see archived SharePoint content in either M365 Archive or standard third-party archives. Why - and how to close the gap.
Find Over-Quota OneDrives and SharePoint Sites with PowerShell
Audit OneDrive and SharePoint sites over their licensed storage quota with PowerShell - useful for MC1310684 remediation and routine ops.
Microsoft 365 Backup vs Archive vs Retention vs Inactive Mailbox
Microsoft 365 Backup, M365 Archive, Purview retention, EOA, and inactive mailbox - what each one actually does, and where third-party archivers fit.
OneDrive Quota Enforcement July 2026 (MC1310684): What to Do
From July 2026 Microsoft puts over-quota OneDrive users into read-only. What MC1310684 means and how to prepare before the cutover.
SharePoint Document Lifecycle: Stages, Tools, and How to Manage It
SharePoint document lifecycle: the stages a document moves through, the Microsoft Purview tools that manage each stage, and where Squirrel archives.
Exchange Online Archiving: Costs, Coverage, and Gaps
Exchange Online Archiving explained. Microsoft's EOA gives users an in-place archive mailbox - the cost, coverage, and gaps.
M365 Departed User Archiving: Save Data Before Deletion
Microsoft deletes departed users' OneDrive, mail and Teams data within 30 days. The 2026 guide to archiving leavers and reclaiming licences.
AvePoint Alternative for SharePoint Archiving (2026)
AvePoint alternative for SharePoint Online archiving 2026. Squirrel writes archives into your own Azure tenant - head to head vs AvePoint Opus.
SharePoint Online Archiving: A Complete Enterprise Guide (2026)
How SharePoint Online archiving actually works in 2026 - what to archive, what it costs, compliance requirements, and how to pick a lock-in-free solution.
SharePoint Preservation Hold Library: Hidden Cost Trap
Preservation Hold Library content inflates SharePoint storage. What it costs, why it grows, and aligning retention with cost control.
SharePoint Preservation Hold Library Explained (2026)
SharePoint's Preservation Hold Library - what it does, why it exists, how it works, and why it silently grows your tenant storage.
SharePoint Storage Limit Reached? Avoid Microsoft Overage Charges
Your SharePoint tenant is hitting its storage limit and overage charges are starting. How to identify what's consuming storage and reclaim space safely.
Microsoft 365 Offboarding Checklist (2026)
The Microsoft 365 offboarding checklist: Microsoft's official 7-step sequence, the real data-deletion timelines, and how to preserve data first.
SharePoint Archiving Best Practices for Compliance
Learn SharePoint archiving best practices to cut storage costs and stay compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and Essential 8.
Stop Paying for Microsoft 365 Licenses After Staff Leave
Still paying for Microsoft 365 licences after employees leave? How to safely archive OneDrive, email and Teams data, reclaim the licence, stay compliant.
Departed Microsoft 365 Users: Archive Data and Reclaim Licences
Find out how Microsoft handles user data after offboarding - and how Chipmunk helps you retain OneDrive, Email, and Teams data automatically.
SharePoint Analytics: What to Track and How to Report on It
Discover SharePoint Storage Explorer, a free tool to optimize storage, track usage trends, and efficiently manage your SharePoint environment.
Microsoft 365 Backup 2026: Coverage, Cost, and Gaps
Microsoft 365 Backup is a paid Microsoft service at $0.15/GB/month with 1-year retention. What it covers, the gaps, and how it compares to archive.
2025 OneDrive Licensing Changes
Navigate Microsoft's new OneDrive licensing changes, avoid fees, and protect your data proactively with our Chipmunk solution.
Squirrel vs M365 Archive 2026: Coverage & Restores
Microsoft 365 Archive file-level preview rolls to GA in mid-2026. How Squirrel compares on policies, coverage, restore speed, Copilot, storage ownership.
How to Restore or Reactivate an Archived SharePoint Site
How to reactivate a SharePoint site archived by Microsoft (the admin-archived warning) and how to restore archived files with Squirrel. Both covered.
How to Archive a SharePoint Site
How to archive a SharePoint site step by step: archive entire sites to Azure Blob with Squirrel, cut storage cost, keep stubs for one-click restore.
SharePoint vs. OneDrive vs. Teams
Where to store files in Microsoft 365 - the key differences between SharePoint, OneDrive and Teams to optimise storage and collaboration.
Mastering Private Teams Channels
Learn how to effectively manage and utilize private Microsoft Teams channels for secure collaboration and data management
File Archiving in 2026: How It Works, What It Costs, When to Use It
File archiving moves inactive content to cheaper storage while keeping it accessible. How it works in 2026, cloud tier costs, and archive vs backup.
Microsoft Purview: A Complete Overview
Discover Microsoft Purview, a unified data governance & compliance solution. Learn how it helps protect, classify & manage data across cloud & on-premises
How to Set Up a Preservation Hold in SharePoint Online
Learn how to create a Preservation Hold in SharePoint Online using Microsoft Purview. Step-by-step guide for ensuring compliance and data retention.
SharePoint and Microsoft Information Protection
Explore how to integrate Microsoft Information Protection with SharePoint for enhanced security and data governance.
Microsoft Teams vs. SharePoint. The Ultimate Guide
SharePoint vs Microsoft Teams: key differences, use cases, and when to choose one, the other, or both for collaboration and document management.
How to Move SharePoint Online Documents to Azure Blob Storage
Cut SharePoint storage costs by moving inactive documents into Azure Blob - how the move works, what it costs, how to keep files accessible to users.
How Many Versions Does SharePoint Keep? (And How to Change It)
Step-by-step guide to changing the SharePoint Online version limit. Reduce runaway version storage from the default 500-version cap.
What Does Archiving Mean? A Plain-English Guide for Enterprise IT
Archiving moves inactive data to lower-cost storage while keeping it accessible. What archived means, how archiving works, and what it means for M365.
SharePoint Microsoft Information Protection
How SharePoint integrates with Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) and how archiving solutions like Squirrel handle MIP-labelled documents.
Securing External Sharing in SharePoint Online
Best practices for securing external sharing in SharePoint Online: policies, MFA, Conditional Access and Azure AD B2B for safe partner collaboration.
Best Practices with Microsoft 365 Compliance Center
Best practices for the Microsoft 365 Compliance Center: retention, compliance, protecting sensitive data, and where Squirrel enhances archive lifecycle.
What is SharePoint REST API? Explained for Beginners
What is SharePoint REST API? Explained for Beginners - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
Enterprise Archiving Software: The 2026 Vendor Guide
Enterprise archiving software compared: AvePoint, Archive360, Commvault, Cohesity, Veritas, Veeam, Rubrik and Squirrel. What each does, when to pick which.
Comprehensive SharePoint Glossary
SharePoint glossary - every term admins encounter across SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365, from Hub Sites to Preservation Hold Library.
Differences Between Microsoft 365 and Office 365
Microsoft 365 vs Office 365: the difference is bigger than a rebrand. Which licences include what, what's exclusive to M365, and how to pick a plan.
Comprehensive Guide to Increasing SharePoint Online Storage
How to increase SharePoint Online storage in 2026: the three real options - buy more, archive cold content, optimise libraries - and how to pick.
How to see the size of your SharePoint Document Libraries
SharePoint document libraries grow faster than admins realise. A practical guide to sizing, monitoring and trimming libraries before they blow the budget.
Office 365 E3 vs Office 365 E5
Compare Office 365 E3 and E5 - the key differences in features, security, analytics and pricing to help pick the right plan for your organisation.
Comparing Manual vs. Automated Archiving in SharePoint Online
Streamline SharePoint archiving with Squirrel, an easy-to-implement solution that reduces storage costs and improves efficiency. Learn more today!
SharePoint Online Document Library Reporting
How SharePoint Storage Explorer enhances document library reporting with customisable search and detailed insights for optimised storage.
Mastering Version Control in SharePoint
Master SharePoint version control - view version history, revert to previous versions, and ensure seamless collaboration without wasted storage.
How to use SharePoint Powershell
How to use PowerShell to manage SharePoint Online - essential commands, task automation, permissions. Ideal for SharePoint admins.
SharePoint Document Archiving: Best Practices for Enterprise IT
Best practices for archiving SharePoint documents at enterprise scale. Automation patterns, retention alignment, and the storage cost tradeoffs IT teams face.
Azure Files vs SharePoint Online
Compare Azure Files and SharePoint Online - the key differences in features, performance, security and cost to pick the right cloud storage solution.
Archiving and Compliance in SharePoint
The future of document archiving in SharePoint Online with cost-effective solutions that ensure compliance and ease of access at enterprise scale.
Master SharePoint Online Storage Consumption
Master your SharePoint Online storage consumption with our expert guidance and tools. Ensure efficient and cost-effective storage management.
How to Check SharePoint Storage Size (Tenant, Site, Library)
Three ways to check SharePoint Online storage size - admin centre for tenant totals, site usage reports for per-site, and SharePoint Storage Explorer.
Improving SharePoint Performance by Archiving Old Documents
Boost SharePoint Online performance by archiving outdated documents using Squirrel. Enhance efficiency and reduce storage costs.
Streamlining SharePoint Archiving with Squirrel
Streamline your SharePoint Online management with Squirrel. Simplify document archiving and retrieval processes effortlessly.
Cut Costs and Enhance SharePoint
Cut your SharePoint Online costs effectively with our innovative solutions. Save on storage and maintenance with SmiKar.
Transforming SharePoint Online
Discover how to transform your SharePoint Online experience with advanced features and enhanced productivity. Learn more at SmiKar.
Understanding SharePoint Online Storage
Understanding SharePoint Online Storage - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
SharePoint Online Document Retention
SharePoint document retention - how Microsoft Purview policies work, the storage cost they create, and how to balance compliance with cost control.
What are the Azure Storage Updates for 2024?
Microsoft's FY24 Azure Storage updates at a glance - new SKUs, performance tiers, cost controls and identity features that reshape storage planning.
SharePoint Document Library Issues
Fix common Microsoft SharePoint document library issues and understand how to secure and organize your files.
What are SharePoint Document Sets?
Explore how SharePoint's Document Sets enhance document management by offering shared metadata, streamlined collaboration, and robust security.
What are SharePoint Online Views?
Master SharePoint Views for optimized document handling with our expert guide on customization and filtering techniques. Click to learn more!
SharePoint Document Library Security
SharePoint's permission levels-Full Control, Edit, Contribute, Read, View Only-through our guide, ensuring security and team collaboration.
Secure External Document Sharing in SharePoint
Explore best practices for secure SharePoint document sharing with external parties, ensuring data protection and collaboration efficiency.
FAQs about Microsoft SharePoint Online
Answers to frequently asked questions about SharePoint online to help you navigate its features and tools and best practices.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies in SharePoint Online
Discover how to safeguard sensitive data in SharePoint Online with DLP policies: a guide on setting up, managing, and enhancing data protection.
Governance Best Practices in SharePoint Online Environments
Explore best practices for SharePoint Online governance to enhance security, collaboration, and efficiency in your digital workspace.
SharePoint Online Pricing 2026: Every Licence Plan, Storage, Real Cost
SharePoint Online pricing for 2026: every licence plan, what's included, storage limits, and how to estimate real per-user cost with a free calculator.
SharePoint Online RBAC: Role-Based Access Control Done Right
How to design SharePoint Online RBAC that scales - built-in roles, custom permission levels, group-based assignment, and how to avoid permission sprawl.
Mastering SharePoint Online Free Ebook
Mastering SharePoint Online Free Ebook - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
SharePoint vs Azure Blob Storage Cost Calculator
Effortlessly compare SharePoint Online and Azure Blob Storage costs with our calculator. Make smarter storage decisions for your business today!
Automating Business Processes with SharePoint and Power Automate
Streamline business processes with SharePoint Online and Power Automate. A step-by-step guide to automating repetitive tasks and boosting productivity.
Optimizing SharePoint Online Performance
Best practices for SharePoint Online performance: content organisation, search optimisation, and managing site collections efficiently at scale.
Confluence vs Microsoft SharePoint Online
Compare Confluence & SharePoint in a unique showdown. Discover key features, integration, and ideal use cases to choose the right tool for you.
How to get SharePoint Online Library Size
Streamline your SharePoint Online management with a tool offering clear insights into document library sizes for efficient data handling
Mastering Workflow Automation in SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online workflow automation. Streamline business processes with Power Automate and implement best practices for efficient workflow management.
Want to learn SharePoint Online Basics?
Want to learn SharePoint Online Basics? - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
Getting Started with SharePoint Online
Discover SharePoint Online with our step-by-step guide for beginners, covering key features for efficient document management and team collaboration.
How to reduce SharePoint Online Costs
How to reduce SharePoint Online Costs - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
Unveailing the ESX API Key Features
Explore the ESX API in VMware vSphere: Automate tasks, secure access, and integrate systems for efficient virtual environment management.
Guide to Office 365 Compliance and Data Governance
Explore in-depth insights on Office 365 compliance and data governance, including DLP, eDiscovery, and best practices for effective management.
Ensuring Robust Security in Office 365
Explore essential Office 365 security best practices to protect your digital workspace. Learn key strategies for robust cyber defense.
10 Tips and Tricks for SharePoint Online Administration
10 Tips and Tricks for SharePoint Online Administration - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better management.
The Limitations of Microsoft Teams
Explore the limitations of Microsoft Teams, including feature restrictions, collaboration challenges, and integration issues in this insightful blog post.
Optimizing Data Management with Azure Files Snapshots
Azure Files snapshots explained - what they are, how to create and restore them, retention strategy, and the storage cost of snapshot-based protection.
Navigating the Migration to SharePoint
Key strategies for successful SharePoint migration - overcoming challenges, ensuring user adoption, and optimising your SharePoint setup.
The Advanced Features of SharePoint Online
Explore advanced SharePoint Online features for data management, BI integration, and custom site design to enhance collaboration and efficiency
Mastering Version Control with SharePoint Online Versioning
Master version control with SharePoint Online. Discover how to track changes, restore previous versions and safeguard your documents. Dive in now! |
Harnessing PowerShell to Optimize SharePoint Online Management
Working with SharePoint Online via PowerShell - installing the module, connecting to a tenant, useful cmdlets, and common scripts for storage and sites.
Optimizing SharePoint Online Costs
Learn effective strategies for optimizing costs in SharePoint Online and make the most of your SharePoint investment.
How to Setup up SharePoint Alerts
Discover how to set up SharePoint alerts efficiently to stay informed about important updates and changes in your SharePoint environment.
Unveiling the Synergy: SharePoint Online with Azure AD
Explore the integration of SharePoint Online with Azure Active Directory and enhance your organization's collaboration capabilities.
Elevating Document Management with SharePoint Document Libraries
Dive into the world of SharePoint document libraries and unlock the potential for streamlined document management and collaboration.
Optimizing SharePoint Security
Enhance the security of your SharePoint environment with expert tips and best practices for optimizing SharePoint security measures.
A Deep Dive into Office 365 Enterprise Licensing
Explore advanced tips and technical guidance in this deep dive on enterprise-level Azure and Microsoft O365 topics.
SharePoint Online Limits 2026: Storage, Files, Versions, Items
Every current SharePoint Online limit Microsoft documents in 2026 - storage per licence, per-site quota, file size, items, versions, sync, and hold limits.
Navigating Common SharePoint Pitfalls
Get solutions and insights into common SharePoint issues, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free experience for your users.
SharePoint against Onedrive Comparison
Explore the differences between SharePoint & OneDrive: from collaboration tools to storage capabilities. Find the best fit for your organization
Exploring the 2023 Enhancements in SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online 2023 updates: improved document management, new Microsoft Syntex features, and enhanced user experience for the modern enterprise.
Mastering Group Creation in SharePoint
See and Learn how to create and manage groups in Microsoft SharePoint to simplify collaboration and permissions.
Unveiling Microsoft SharePoint
Unveiling Microsoft SharePoint - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
Indepth Overview of Microsoft Office 365 Services
Indepth Overview of Microsoft Office 365 Services - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
What is a SharePoint Site Collection?
Understand what a Microsoft SharePoint site collection is and how to manage subsites, storage, and permissions.
Microsoft SharePoint Best Practices
SharePoint best practices for collaboration, analytics and security - strategies for a seamless user experience and organisational efficiency.
Azure File Storage Best Practices
Best practices for Azure File Share - storage tier selection, data protection, AD authentication, and performance benchmarking.
SharePoint Admin Guide for Beginners
SharePoint for beginners - what it is, the core building blocks (sites, libraries, lists), and how it fits with Teams and OneDrive in Microsoft 365.
Unlocking Microsoft SharePoint
Unlock the full potential of Microsoft SharePoint with valuable tips and tricks to improve productivity and collaboration within your organization.
Differences Between SharePoint On-Premise and SharePoint Online
Compare Microsoft SharePoint On-Premise vs Online to see which fits your business structure, budget, and IT needs.
Microsoft SharePoint: From Its Inception to Future Prospects
The ultimate SharePoint guide for IT professionals - history, architecture, Office 365 integration, and future prospects.
Understanding Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)
Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) explained - benefits, how it compares to other backup solutions, and why it's essential for data protection.
Navigating Common Azure Files Issues and Solutions
Explore common challenges with Azure Files and their solutions. A comprehensive guide for IT professionals to optimize their Azure storage experience.
Microsoft OneDrive: Your Ultimate Guide to Cloud Storage
Microsoft OneDrive: Your Guide to Cloud Storage - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
Do you have a Cloud Exit Strategy?
Azure cloud decommissioning and the growing trend of cloud repatriation. Benefits of moving from cloud to on-prem and strategies for the transition.
Azure Key Vault: A Comprehensive Overview
Microsoft Azure Key Vault explained - safeguard cryptographic keys, secrets and certificates while optimising costs and storage.
Using Azure Policy to Enforce Storage Account Compliance
How to set up Azure Policy for storage - policy definitions, assignments and monitoring for a secure and compliant Azure environment.
Understanding Zero Trust Principles
Zero Trust principles - core tenets, benefits, challenges, and how to implement it to boost your organization's cybersecurity today.
Hyper-V Troubleshooting Strategies
Troubleshooting Hyper-V - common errors, effective tools like Snapshot Master, and best practices to keep your virtual environment running.
Hyper-V PowerShell Commands: A System Administrator's Guide
Master essential Hyper-V PowerShell commands to manage your virtualization infrastructure efficiently and effectively.
Mastering the VMware CLI: Tips and Tricks
VMware CLI command guide - manage virtual machines, networks and storage from the command line. Master VMware admin like a pro.
Azure Files: Latest Enhancements and Features
The latest Azure Storage updates. Microsoft continuously improves cloud storage services - here are the most recent enhancements to keep track of.
How to schedule an AzCopy Data Transfer
How to manage AzCopy data transfers - command line, scripting or Task Scheduler for secure and timely cloud data transfers.
How to integrate Azure and VMWare
VMware and Azure integration guide - technical insights, best practices, tools and strategies for a seamless hybrid cloud solution.
Introduction to Azure Files Backup
Backup options for Azure Files. This guide covers what you need to choose the right backup solution for your workload.
Ensuring GDPR compliance with AZCopy
Learn how to ensure GDPR compliance when using AzCopy with our insightful guide. Protect personal data and meet legal requirements. Click now! |
Integrating Azure Files with Windows Server
How to integrate Azure Files with Windows Server - step-by-step setup, configuration, and optimisation for data storage and collaboration.
A Deep Dive into Managing Permissions with AzCopy
Explore AzCopy's intricate permission management with our expert guide. Learn best practices, avoid common mistakes, and master advanced techniques.
Azure Blob Storage Versioning: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about Azure Blob Storage versioning and how it can help you manage and track changes in your cloud storage resources.
The Essential AzCopy Cheat Sheet
Master AzCopy with this complete guide to transfer data between your devices and Azure Storage efficiently.
AzCopy and Azure File Sync: How They Work Together
Explore the capabilities of AzCopy and Azure File Sync for seamless data migration and synchronization in Azure cloud environments.
Common AzCopy Errors and How to Fix Them
Troubleshoot common AzCopy errors and ensure a smooth data transfer experience in your Azure cloud deployments.
Uploading Files Using AzCopy: A Detailed Technical Guide
Explore the detailed technical guide to using AzCopy, a command-line utility by Microsoft Azure, for data transfer.
Upgrading to Azure Data Lake Gen2: A Seamless Transition
How to migrate Azure Data Lake Storage from Gen1 to Gen2 - enhanced performance, security and cost-efficiency in a step-by-step guide.
AzCopy Installation: Simplifying Data Transfers to the Cloud
AzCopy install and usage guide - the basics, examples, troubleshooting, and security hardening for reliable cloud data transfers.
Azure's Robust Journey with GDPR Compliance
How Microsoft Azure supports GDPR compliance - tools, real-world patterns, and step-by-step guides for privacy-first cloud architecture.
Azure Blob Storage Malware Scanning soon to be GA
Discover the power of Malware Scanning in Defender for Azure Blob Storage. Real-time protection, compliance assurance, and enhanced data security
Introduction to Azure Kubernetes Service
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) explained - benefits, use-cases, setup and management of Microsoft's managed container orchestration service.
What is Azure Storage Global Accelerator!
Azure Storage Global Accelerator - high-speed global data delivery for cloud applications. How it boosts performance and reliability.
Introduction to Azure Cloud Services
Microsoft Azure's primary cloud service models - IaaS, PaaS and SaaS - their features, benefits, use cases, and how they transform business operations.
Azure IoT: Enabling the Future of Connectivity
Azure IoT - Microsoft's suite of services powering the Internet of Things. How it unlocks efficiency and drives innovation in a connected world.
Azure Setup Guide: Your Path to the Clouds!
Microsoft Azure setup guide - create your account, understand the portal, deploy your first resource, plus FAQ covering common Azure questions.
Key Security Features of Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure security features - identity management, network security, information protection, threat protection, and security management.
Unleashing the Power of Azure Storage Integration
Unleash the power of Azure Storage integration to optimize your cloud-based storage solutions and boost your organization's efficiency.
Decoding VMware Snapshot Files
Gain insights into decoding VMware snapshot files and improve your virtualization management in VMware environments.
AWS S3: An In-Depth Overview and User Guide
AWS S3 explained - Amazon's scalable, high-speed cloud storage service. Basic concepts, core features and advanced capabilities.
Advanced Azure Networking Techniques
Azure Networking explained - critical components from Virtual Networks and Load Balancer to VPN Gateway and everything in between.
Top 10 Azure Services: Harnessing the Power of Microsoft Azure
The top 10 Azure services that empower your organisation - virtual machines, app services, databases, machine learning and more.
An Introduction to Azure Functions?
Unleash the power of serverless computing with Azure Functions. This guide delves into Azure Functions' capabilities, exploring everything to get started
Azure vs AWS: A Comparative Analysis
Confused between Azure and AWS for your business? Our detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision. Check it out now.
Introduction to Azure Redis Cache
Azure Redis Cache explained - features, benefits, and use cases of Microsoft's in-memory data structure store for application performance.
Choosing the Right On-Premise Hypervisor
How to choose the right on-premise hypervisor - factors to consider, popular options compared, best practices, and FAQs for the decision.
Getting the Most Out of Your Azure VMs
Azure VM optimization strategies for cost and performance, plus cloud repatriation with Carbon for moving VMs back to on-premise.
Which one to chose, Azure Storage vs GCP Storage
Azure vs GCP storage compared - object, block, file, NoSQL and queue storage side by side to help you pick the right platform.
Deep Dive into System Center Configuration Manager
SCCM (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager) explained - features, functionality, architecture and where it fits in modern IT administration.
Demystifying System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM)
Discover the essentials of System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) and how it can streamline your virtualization infrastructure management.
Azure File Storage: A Detailed Examination of NFS and SMB Shares
NFS vs SMB in Azure File Storage - a technical comparison of performance, security, interoperability and cost to inform the right choice.
Hyper-V Explained: Basics and Benefits
Microsoft's Hyper-V virtualization platform - key features, benefits, and how it compares to other hypervisors on the market.
Understanding VMware: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn about VMware tools, features, and how to integrate them with your Microsoft Azure infrastructure.
A Complete Guide to using Azcopy
Explore our comprehensive guide to Azcopy, Microsoft's command-line utility for efficient data transfer to and from Azure Storage.
10 Essential Security Tips for Safeguarding Your Cloud Services
Ten crucial cloud security tips - MFA, regular updates, data encryption, role-based access control and more to safeguard your data.
What are VMware Tools? Features and Installation Guide
Learn about VMware tools, features, and how to integrate them with your Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure.
Azure Data Lake Explained: Your Comprehensive Guide
Explore the capabilities of Azure Data Lake, Microsoft's scalable data storage and analytics service for big data workloads.
Guide on migrating VMware VMs to Microsoft Azure
Discover the comprehensive guide to migrating VMware VMs to Microsoft Azure, the significance of post-migration activities,
Azure Service Bus. Understanding Its Role and Capabilities
Azure Service Bus explained - features, architecture, benefits, pricing, setup, and the real-world messaging patterns it enables.
Azure Storage Queue vs Service Bus
Azure Storage Queue vs Service Bus - key differences, pros and cons, and how to decide which best suits your messaging needs.
Whats new with Microsoft's Hyper-V in 2022?
The latest advancements and new features in Hyper-V 2022 - benefits and improvements from Microsoft's powerful virtualization technology.
Differences between snapshot with memory and without memory
Explore the key differences between snapshots with memory and without memory in virtual machines.
Introduction to Azure DevOps - Key Concepts and Features
Azure DevOps explained - the full suite for the software development lifecycle including Boards, Repos, Pipelines, Test Plans, Artifacts, Dashboards.
What's New with VMware ESXi Version 8
VMware ESXi 8.0 latest features - enhanced scalability, refined device management, and improved security for virtual and cloud environments.
Understanding VMWare Snapshot Quiescing
Delve into the intricacies of VMware vSphere snapshots, with a focus on understanding memory state and quiesced snapshots.
What is VMware's ESXi? A Beginner's Guide
VMware's ESXi virtualization platform - benefits, architecture, installation, and key features that make it the industry-leading hypervisor.
Azure Storage Best Practices for Security & Performance
Azure storage best practices for security, performance, availability, resiliency, cost optimisation and data management.
Understanding Azure Storage SAS Tokens
Azure Storage SAS Tokens explained - what SAS is, its types, how it works, use cases, and best practices for secure delegated access.
Cloud Reverse Migration: A Comprehensive Guide
The trend of cloud reverse migration and how SmiKar's Carbon simplifies moving Azure VMs back to on-premise environments.
Revamping Azure Storage: A Look at the 2023 Updates
Azure Storage updates for 2023 - enhanced security, performance improvements in Azure Files, and dynamic blob containers in Blob Storage.
Azure Files Geo-Redundancy - How It Works and Benefits
Explore the powerful features of Azure Files Geo-Redundancy, a 2023 service release enhancing data storage and accessibility.
The Return Journey: Understanding Cloud Repatriation
Explore the rising trend of cloud repatriation. Learn why businesses are moving data back on-premises for control, security, and cost savings. Dive in now
Active Directory vs. Azure Active Directory?
Active Directory vs Azure Active Directory - differences, benefits, and which is best for your organisation in this detailed comparison.
Microsoft Azure: Unleashing the Potential of Cloud Computing
Explore the limitless potential of Microsoft Azure in this comprehensive guide. Understand its core services, learn how it can benefit your business.
Understanding Azure Blob Storage Soft Delete
Azure Blob Storage Soft Delete - key features, why it matters, and a step-by-step guide to retrieving your soft-deleted data.
Guide to Azure Blob REST API: Upload, Download, Manage, Secure
Learn how to utilize Azure Blob Storage REST API to upload, download, and manage data securely with Shared Access Signature and CORS rules.
Mastering Azure Blob Storage Backups
Azure Blob Storage Backups guide - basics, advanced features, and common issues, so your data is always protected end to end.
Azure Service Principals: The Ultimate Guide
Learn how to create and manage Azure Service Principals, assign roles, and secure them effectively in this detailed guide for Azure users.
Unlocking the Power of Premium Block Blob Accounts
Learn about the benefits of using Premium Block Blob Accounts for storing media files, backing up data, and hosting websites with high traffic volume.
Unveiling the Locked Secrets: Exploring Azure Storage Data Encryption
Azure Storage Data Encryption - types of encryption, key management, compliance regulations, and best practices for implementation.
Mastering Azure VMs: Comprehensive Guide to VM Size Selection
Learn about Azure VMs sizes and how they affect performance. Explore different categories and specific sizes to optimize your cloud computing experience.
Securing Your Cloud Data with Azure Storage Private Endpoints
Learn how to secure your data in the cloud with Azure Storage Private Endpoints. Discover benefits, setup, best practices, and use cases.
Comprehensive Guide to Azure Storage Shared Access Signatures
Learn how to secure access to Azure Storage with Shared Access Signatures (SAS). Discover best practices, tips, and advanced topics in this detailed guide.
Comparing Azure, VMware, and Hyper-V
Azure, VMware and Hyper-V virtualization platforms compared on deployment, networking, performance, security and cost for the enterprise.
Mastering Azure Storage Account Failover
Learn how to set up and test Azure Storage Account Failover with this comprehensive guide. Ensure your data stays safe and accessible during a disaster.
Azure Tenant: Comprehensive Guide to Managing Your Cloud Domain
Learn how to create and manage an Azure Tenant effectively. Secure your tenant, optimize costs, and integrate with other Microsoft services. Start now!
Understanding Azure Subscriptions
Azure Subscriptions fundamentals - types, relationship with resource groups, and best practices for managing multiple subscriptions.
Hyper-V Best Practices - Optimize Your Virtualization Setup
Hyper-V best practices for performance, security and manageability - host configuration, storage, VM optimisation and reliability patterns.
Hyper-V vs VMware: A Comprehensive Comparison
Hyper-V vs VMware - key differences across features, performance, compatibility and cost to inform the right virtualization decision.
Azure Blob Storage Monitoring - Best Tools and Tips
Discover the importance of monitoring Azure Blob Storage to optimize performance, ensure data security, and manage costs.
Azure VM Types - A Comprehensive List and Uses
Explore Azure VM types, General Purpose, Compute Optimized, Memory Optimized, Storage Optimized, GPU Optimized, and High-Performance Computing VMs
How to Protect Your Storage Account Against Blob-Hunting
Protect your Azure storage account against blob-hunting with strong authentication, encryption, access control, monitoring and backups.
Azure Append Blobs - Overview and Scenarios
Discover the use cases of Append Blobs in Azure Blob Storage, ideal for managing log data. Learn about its features, limitations, redundancy options,
Azure Page Blobs Explained - Uses and Advantages
Azure Page Blobs explained - unique features, efficient random read-write access, and use cases for VHDs and databases.
What are Azure Block Blobs? Overview and Use Cases
Azure block blobs explained - components, operations, benefits, and use cases for storing large files in the cloud.
Understanding and Using Azure Blob Storage Change Feed
Azure Blob Storage Change Feed - how to set it up, process data, and apply it to real-world data monitoring and management use cases.
Azure Disk Storage Best Practices
Explore this comprehensive guide on Azure Disk Storage, covering cost factors, best practices, trade-offs, and challenges.
Azure Data Box: Simplifying Data Transfer to Azure
Read our guide on Azure Data Box, covering cost factors, best practices, and a step-by-step guide for efficient data transfer to Azure cloud storage.
Best Practices for Azure Resource Groups
Delve into the world of Azure Resource Groups, and learn to optimize their organization for management, cost tracking, security, and collaboration.
How to Set Up Azure Key Vault - Complete Tutorial
How to integrate Azure Key Vault with Azure Storage for enhanced data security - a step-by-step guide plus encryption key best practices.
How do you secure Azure Blob Storage?
See how to secure Azure Blob Storage with this informative guide, covering access control, encryption, monitoring, disaster recovery, and best practices.
Azure Unmanaged Disks Soon Deprecated
Azure Unmanaged Disks will be deprecated on September 30, 2025. Managed disks are a newer, more efficient option that offers the same functionality.
Managed vs. Unmanaged Disks in Azure
Explore the differences between Managed and Unmanaged Disks in Azure, their key features, trade-offs, and challenges.
Harnessing the Power of AZCopy with Azure Storage
Discover how to effectively use AZCopy, a powerful command-line tool, to transfer and manage data within Azure Storage. See real life examples using AZcopy
Introduction to Azure Storage Service Encryption
Discover the ins and outs of Azure Storage Service Encryption, including server-side and client-side encryption methods, best practices, and data security
Unlocking the Potential of Azure File Sync
Azure File Sync is a cloud-based service that enables seamless file synchronization and tiering between on-premises Windows Servers and Azure Files
Azure Managed Disks - Features and Benefits Explained
Azure Managed Disks. Features and Benefits Explained - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
What are Azure Blob Containers?
Explore this guide on Azure Blob Containers, covering key factors, tradeoffs, challenges, and best practices for efficient storage management in the cloud.
What are Azure Resource Groups?
Explore the fundamentals of Azure Resource Groups, their advantages, and best practices for organizing resources and cost optimisation..
What are Azure Storage Retention Policies?
Discover the essentials of Azure Storage retention policies, including key cost factors, tradeoffs, and challenges. Optimize policies to reduce costs
Azure Blob Storage Types and Cost Factors
Explore Azure Blob storage types, pricing factors, and cost optimization in this analysis. Learn how to balance performance, durability, and cost.
Understanding Azure Blob Storage Pricing
Discover how to optimize your costs for Azure Blob Storage. Our comprehensive analysis explores key factors impacting pricing, tradeoffs involved
Optimising Azure Data Lake Storage
Key cost factors in Azure Data Lake Storage - balance cost, performance and durability trade-offs to optimise your storage spend.
Understanding Azure Cool Tier Storage
Explore Azure Cool Tier Storage and its cost factors, including storage capacity, data transfer, transactions, and redundancy.
Unlock the Power of Azure Storage: Download the Free Ebook
Unlock the full potential of Azure Storage with the free ebook, 'Azure Storage Unlocked.' Explore core services, features, cost and best practices.
What is Azure Blob Hot Tier Storage?
Explore the cost implications, tradeoffs, and challenges of Azure Blob Hot Tier storage, along with tools to optimize storage management.
How to use Azure Blob Storage Reserved Capacity
Optimize your Azure Blob Storage costs with Reserved Capacity, a pricing feature offering significant discounts for long-term storage commitments.
Azure, AWS and GCP Storage Cost Calculator
Use our Cloud Storage Cost Calculator to compare cloud storage costs from Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services.
Azure Storage Account Growth Reports
Track and manage the growth of your Azure Storage Account with advanced analytics and reporting. Discover how to monitor storage account usage and growth
5 Cost-Effective Tips for Azure Blob Storage.
Learn 5 cost-effective tips for Azure Blob Storage management, including how to reduce storage costs and gain insights with Cloud Storage Manager
How to Control Your Azure Storage Costs with Budgets
Learn how to control your Azure Storage costs with budgets, storage tiering, data deduplication, and other optimization strategies.
What is Patch Management? Guide and Benefits
Patch management - why it's essential for cybersecurity, best practices, the risks of not doing it, and its role in a defence posture.
5 Azure Storage Cost Management Tools You Should Know
Learn about the top 5 Azure Storage cost management tools that can help businesses optimize their storage costs and improve performance.
What is Azure Read-Access Geo-Redundant Storage?
Learn about Read-Access Geo-Redundant Storage (RA-GRS) in Azure, its benefits, and how it differs from Geo-Redundant Storage (GRS).
What is Azure Zone Redundant Storage?
Learn about Azure Zone Redundant Storage (ZRS) and how it can improve the resilience and availability of your data in Azure.
What is Azure Locally Redundant Storage?
What is Azure Locally Redundant Storage? - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
Understanding Azure Fault and Update Domains:
Azure Fault and Update Domains explained - what they are, how they work, and why they're essential for high availability and resiliency.
What is Azure Geo-Redundant Storage?
Azure Geo-Redundant Storage (GRS) ensures high availability and durability. Benefits, architecture and best practices explained.
What is Azure Storage Archive?
Learn about Azure Storage Archive features and benefits, and how to retrieve and modify data stored in this solution. Gain insights and optimize your data
90 things about Azure Storage you may not know
90 things about Azure Storage you may not know - blob, file and disk storage, tiering, replication, versioning, encryption and more.
All Azure Storage Accounts listed by Size
View and manage the sizes of your Azure Storage Accounts with this guide. Discover how to optimize your storage environment and ensuring cost-efficiency
How to Recover a Deleted Storage Account
Learn how to recover a deleted Azure storage account with our step-by-step guide. We show you how to use the Azure portal or support to get your data back.
How much Storage are you using in each Azure Region?
Curious about how much Azure storage you're using in each region. This article will explore the different storage options and how to track your usage.
Understanding Azure File Storage Performance Tiers
Learn about the different performance tiers available for Azure File Storage and how you can maximize your cloud storage capabilities with the right tier.
Differences Between Block Blobs, Append Blobs, and Page Blobs
Working with Azure Blob Storage? Understand the differences between block blobs, append blobs, and page blobss and the use cases of each type of blob.
Azure Blob Storage Metadata: 8 KB Limit, Tags vs Metadata
Azure Blob Storage metadata explained: the 8 KB per-blob limit, metadata vs blob index tags, naming rules, and how to query and update metadata.
How do I Access Blob Storage? A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to access Blob Storage in Azure using various methods. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for beginners and advanced users alike.
What's the Difference Between Gen 1 and Gen 2 VMs?
The key differences between generation 1 and generation 2 virtual machines - and how to choose the right one for your organization.
Azure Storage - All Subscriptions listed by Size
Curious how much Azure Storage you use per subscription? How to get the total size of Storage across each of your Azure Subscriptions.
Understanding Hyper-V Checkpoints: A Comprehensive Guide
A comprehensive guide to understanding Hyper-V checkpoints. Learn about what Hyper-V checkpoints are, how they work, and their benefits and drawbacks.
SCCM Software Center Cannot Be Loaded?
SCCM Software Center Cannot Be Loaded? - a detailed look into the tools, techniques, and solutions for better cloud management.
Migrating On-Premises File Shares to Azure File Storage
Migrate on-premises file shares to Azure Files - technical limits, pros and cons, and use cases for scalable cloud-based file storage.
Ensuring High Availability with Azure Datacentre Redundancy
Learn how Azure Datacentre Redundancy can help ensure high availability for your business-critical applications.
Azure Blob Storage vs. Azure Table Storage?
In this article, we will compare Azure Blob Storage and Azure Table Storage, two of the most popular storage options in Azure.
Azure Blob Storage vs. Google Cloud Storage?
Azure Blob Storage and Google Cloud Storage are both popular options for storing and managing data in the cloud.Compare the features, benefits, and pricing
How to Setup Azure Files
If you want to replace your on-premise file servers with a cloud based smb storage, Azure Files is easy to setup and use.
Comparison of GCP, Azure and AWS Cloud Storage
This article will guide you through a detailed comparison of GCP, Azure, and AWS Cloud Storage, so you can choose the best option for your business needs.
What Are Azure Queues and How Do They Work?
Learn what Azure Queues are and how they can be used to create highly scalable, resilient, and distributed applications in the cloud.
Using Azure Storage as a Backup Location: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to use Azure Storage as a backup location for your important data with this comprehensive guide. Understand the benefits and challenges
Best Practices for AWS and Azure IAAS
Get expert insights on AWS and Azure IaaS best practices for ensuring high uptime and availability of virtual machines.
What are the Azure Storage Limits?
Learn about the limitations of Azure Storage including Azure Blob storage, Queue storage, Table storage, and Virtual Machine disk limits.
Understanding Azure Storage Regions: A Comprehensive Guide
Get an in-depth understanding of Azure Storage Regions, its types, benefits, and how to choose the right one for your business needs.
The Ultimate Planning Checklist for Migrating Azure VMs to VMware
Planning to migrate Azure VMs to VMware? Get the ultimate planning checklist and simplify the process with Carbon - the automated migration software.
Why Migrate Azure VMs to VMware: The Benefits
The benefits of migrating Azure VMs to VMware - advantages of transitioning from cloud-based to virtualized on-premise infrastructure.
Efficient VMware Snapshot Management - Best Techniques
Efficient VMware snapshot management - the tools and patterns that let you manage snapshots in your VMware environment with ease.
Azure Storage: Compare Prices and Plans - The Ultimate Guide
Azure Storage plans and the factors that influence storage cost. Compare prices and find the best plan for your business needs.
Azure Storage Security: Keep Your Data Safe
Learn about the security features of Azure storage and how to protect your data in the cloud. Get peace of mind with Azure.
Azure File Shares: A Beginner's Guide
Learn the basics of Azure file shares and how to use them to store and share files in the cloud. Get started with Azure file shares today.
What are Azure Tables and what are they used for?
Understand how Microsoft Azure Tables offer fast, cost-effective NoSQL storage for massive datasets in the cloud.
How can you save money with Azure Files?
Discover how Azure Files can help businesses save on cloud storage costs with scalable, secure solutions for data management.
Azure Data Lake storage Gen2 and Blob storage?
Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 vs Blob Storage - scalability, cost, performance, and security compared to pick the right option.
When should you use VMWare Snapshots?
VMware snapshots are a feature that allows administrators to create point-in-time copies of virtual machine's disk for backup, testing, or other purposes.
Azure Blob Storage vs AWS S3: A Comprehensive Comparison
Want to know which block type storage is right for you, from the two biggest cloud vendors, AWS or Microsoft Azure? Read this arcticle to be more informed.
Azure Blob Storage Tiers Overview
Azure storage tiering is a feature of Azure storage that allows for automatic movement of data between different storage tiers based on usage patterns.
Are VMware Snapshots Backups? Detailed Explanation
A VMware snapshot is a point-in-time copy of a VM's disk and memory state - useful for revert points, but not a substitute for backup.
An In-Depth Overview of Azure Storage Accounts & Services
Get the best out of your Azure storage account with this comprehensive guide! Learn all about storage accounts, services and more.
Azure Native Services: The Microsoft Cloud Building Blocks
Azure native services explained - compute, storage, networking, identity, AI and analytics. What each does and how they integrate without third-party glue.
How do you connect an Azure Storage Account to Active Directory?
Azure Storage authentication - verifying the identity of a user or device attempting to access resources stored in an Azure Storage account.
How to setup and use Azure SFTP Service with Azure Storage.
Step-by-step setup guide for SFTP on Azure Blob Storage - enable the protocol, create local users, configure permissions, connect a client, add auditing.
What is Azure Files and what are they used for?
Learn about Azure Files: a fully managed, scalable cloud file system offering secure file sharing and storage.
Overview of Folders in Azure Blob Storage
How to organise and manage data in Azure Blob Storage using folders - and the important difference between containers and folders.
How to change the Tiering of Azure Blobs
See how to change the tiering of your Azure Storage, either an individual Blob, or multiple blobs to different Azure Storage Tiers with a few clicks
Azure Blob Storage vs Azure File Storage
Azure Blob Storage vs Azure File Storage - which service to use for mapping a drive, dumping large data, and everything in between.
How to create an Azure storage account
Need to know how to create an Azure Storage Account. In this blog post we provide a step by step page showing you how to easy it is to do.
Achieving PCI DSS Compliance in the Cloud
Are you trying to achieve PCI DSS Compliance in the Cloud, Read the guidance and guest post by reciprocity on how to do just that
How Cloud Technology Can Help Your Business
How Cloud Technology Can Help Your Business? See how withg this guest post by Aileen Conner
How to search for an Azure Blob
Do you need to search through all your Azure Storage Accounts, Containers to find the Blob / File you want? See how easy it is to find those Blobs
How to find duplicate BLOBs in your Azure Storage Accounts
Ever wondered how many duplicate blobs you have in your Azure Storage Accounts? In this blog post, we show you how to find all your Azure duplicate blobs
How to see all your Azure VM Snapshots
Ever wondered how to find all your Azure VM snapshots and how much blob storage they are actually using? This blog post shows you how.
How to get the size of all your Azure Storage Accounts
Curious how much Blob Storage you use in Azure? Quick tricks that reduce Azure Blob Storage costs and consumption across your subscriptions.
Minimizing Azure Blob Storage Costs: Tips and Tricks
In this blog post we will show you a couple of quick tricks that can reduce Azure Blob Storage costs, usage and consumption.
How to download an Azure VM
See how to download an Azure VM to your VMware environment. In this blog I will show you how to quickly download your Azure VM easily with Carbon.
How to find Azure BLOB files that haven't been accessed
See how to find your Azure BLOB files that have not been accessed in the last 3,6,12,36 months or longer. Stay up to date with our Azure Blobs and more
How to find the largest Azure Blobs
In this blog post, we will show you how to find the largest blobs in your Azure storage accounts, One of the many features of Cloud Storage Manager
Move users to another domain and retain AD Connect sync
In this blog post, we will show you how to easily move users to another domain while retaining AD connect sync to Azure AD.
How to sync users from a second domain using AD Connect
In this blog post we show you how to sync users from a second AD domain using your existing Azure AD connect sync to Azure AD
How to Get Azure Blob Container Size
How do you find out the size of your Azure Blob Storage Conainers? See how to do just that and more in our latest blog post.
The top Azure Blogs we follow.
Ever wondered what Azure Blogs you should follow? See which ones we do and stay up to date on all the wonderful services in Microsoft Azure.
What is Azure Blob Storage?
Find out what is Azure Blob Storage with details about Blob Storage various options, and see how you can start using it today in this post.
How to view the size of all your Azure Storage Accounts
See how to view the size of all your Azure Storage Accounts and Blobs in our blog post. Gain insights into your Azure Storage Consumption.
How to create an Azure storage lifecycle management policy
See how easy it is to create an Azure Lifecycle Management Policy and start tiering your Azure Storage Blobs to save you money.
How to schedule a snapshot on multiple Virtual Machines.
Do you need to schedule a snapshot of your VMware or HyperV Virtual Machines then auto delete those snapshots after a period of time? See how in our blog
Step by step guide on how to install Microsoft's System Centre Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM)
Step by step guide on how to install Microsoft's System Centre Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM)
Azure vs AWS - Comparing IaaS Resilience
This blog post I compare AWS and Azure from a datacentre persepective with a focus on resilience and how to ensure your IaaS remains available.
Update SCCM to Version 1906 - Easy Update Instructions
Step by step informative guide on how to upgrade to SCCM 1906.
How to clone a Azure VM
See how to easily clone your Azure VMs, or migrate them from Azure Service Manager to Azure Resource Manager with the Azure VM Cloner
How to Schedule Azure VM Deployment - Step-by-Step Guide
See how to quickly and easily schedule the deployment of your Azure Virtual Machines
How to update SCCM 1902 Hotfix Rollup KB4500571
See the functionality and how to update SCCM 1902 Hotfix Rollup KB4500571
How to Update SCCM to Version 1902 - Quick Guide
See the functionality and how to update SCCM 1902 with our Blog Post.
Is Disaster Recovery Really Worth The Trouble (Part 4)
Is Disaster Recovery Really Worth The Trouble - Part 4 of a 4 Part blog by guest poster Tommy Tang
Is Disaster Recovery Really Worth The Trouble (Part 3)
Is Disaster Recovery Really Worth The Trouble - Part 3 of a 4 Part blog by guest poster Tommy Tang
Is Disaster Recovery Really Worth The Trouble (Part 2)
Is Disaster Recovery Really Worth The Trouble - Part 2 of a 4 Part blog by guest poster Tommy Tang
Is Disaster Recovery Really Worth The Trouble (Part 1)
Is Disaster Recovery Really Worth The Trouble - Part 1 of a 4 Part blog by guest poster Tommy Tang
Multi-Cloud Deployment - Are you Ready?
Are you really ready to tackle Multi Cloud with GCP, AWS and AZURE? See our blog post for insights in to a multi cloud deployment.
How to upgrade to SCCM 1810
Want to upgrade your SCCM environment to SCCM 1810? IN this blog post we show you how in a step by step guide to upgrade to SCCM 1810
SCCM Clients re-evaluate software updates
Do you need to change the time for an SCCM client to re-evaluate software updates? See how to in this blog post
Adobe Flash Compromised - Latest Security Concerns
Adobe Flash Compromised, Stay up to date with our blogs about Azure, SCCM, VMware and HyperV.
VMWare – Reverting a Virtual Machine Snapshot
Do you need to revert a VMware virtual machine snapshot? See how to in our blog post
Managing Patching - Who Loves It and Why It Matters
Who loves managing monthly Microsoft patching? See how to reduce your risk and more with our blog post.
Microsoft Azure IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) Overview
An overview of the capabilities of Microsoft Azure's Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering. Read our post to become informed.
Azure AD Connect - How to hard match user accounts
Having trouble matching user accounts in Azure AD. See our informative blog post and learn how to hard match those user accounts.
Snapshot before Patching
Do you want to reduce your Monthy Microsoft Patching risk? See how SnaPatch can help.
MICROSOFT’S March 2017 PATCH RELEASES
MICROSOFT’S March 2017 PATCH RELEASES
SCCM update 1610 Hotfix KB4010155
New features and bug fixes in SCCM update 1610 Hotfix KB4010155, and how to upgrade your System Center Configuration Manager environment.
MICROSOFT’S February 2017 PATCH RELEASES
See the new features of MICROSOFT’S February 2017 PATCH RELEASES
MICROSOFT’S January 2017 PATCH RELEASES
MICROSOFT’S January 2017 PATCH RELEASES, Stay up to date with our blogs about Azure, SCCM, VMware and HyperV.
KB3209501 Update for SCCM 1610
Our how to guide on updating your Microsoft SCCM environment to KB3209501, or better known as Microsoft's SCCM 1610 following our step by step guide.
MICROSOFT’S December 2016 PATCH RELEASES
MICROSOFT’S December 2016 PATCH RELEASE, Stay up to date with our blogs about Azure, SCCM, VMware and HyperV.
Filtering Users and Groups using Azure AD Connect
Do you need to filter your on-premise users within Azure AD. This blog post shows you how to easily filter out both users and groups.
Azure VM Scheduler tasks not running
Azure VM Scheduler tasks not running? Where to find the error in your log files to keep AVMS starting up and shutting down your Azure VMs.
Upgrade SCCM 1610 - A Comprehensive Guide
See the new features of the SCCM 1610 update and learn how to upgrade your System Centre Configuration Manager to release 1610
MICROSOFT’S November 2016 PATCH RELEASES
See the Microsoft's Patch Releases for November 2016
Configuration Manager 1606 Hotfix KB3180992
See how to install Configuration Manager 1606 Hotfix KB3180992
70-534 - Maintaining the Azure Cloud
SmiKar See how to setup your Azure IAAS environment for failure, redundancy and high availability
70-534 - Azure Datacentres
This blog post is to help you understand and pass the Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions exam and gain that sort after certification.
70-534 - Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions
See the skills you will require to know to pass exam 70-534 – Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions Certification
Azure Tools
See our software suite of management tools designed for Azure. From Snapshots, VM Migrations, to saving you money on your Azure Storage Costs.
MICROSOFT’S October 2016 PATCH RELEASES
MICROSOFT’S October 2016 PATCH RELEASES, Stay up to date with our blogs about Azure, SCCM, VMware and HyperV.
Automate Azure Shutdown
See how to save time and money, by scheduling the shutdown, deallocation and then power back on your VMs within Azure without any need for powershell
MICROSOFT’S September 2016 PATCH RELEASES
See the Microsoft's Patch Releases for September 2016
How to Automate a scheduled power down and on of Azure VMs
Automate scheduled Power Down and On of your Azure VMs without PowerShell. How AVMS reduces cost and time in your Azure estate.
KB3176934 breaks Windows 10 Powershell
Microsoft update KB3176934 breaks Windows 10 Powershell. Our blogs on Azure, SCCM and VMware
Microsoft Patch KB3179575 causing authentication issues with Windows 2012 servers
KB3179575 which was in the August Patch Tuesday deployment is to fix issues with the Windows 2012 (not R2) operating system.
Microsoft patches KB3177725 & KB3176493 causing printing issues
If you are having printing issues it could be a Microsoft patch. Microsoft patches KB3177725 & KB3176493 could be causing printing issues.
MICROSOFT’S August 2016 PATCH RELEASES
Microsofts Patch releases for August 2016, so what updates were released for that month. Our blogs on Azure, SCCM and VMware
How to snapshot multiple VMs
Ever need to schedule a snapshot of multiple virtual machines? See how easy this is and more with SnapShot Master.
How to Schedule a VMWare Snapshot
Do you need to schedule a VMware snapshot? See how easy this is to do with a few clicks with SnapShot Master.
Schedule a Hyper-V Checkpoint
Do you need to schedule the creation and deletion of your HyperV checkpoints? See how SnapShot Master can do this and more.
How to upgrade to SCCM 1606
See the new features of the SCCM 1606 update and learn how to upgrade your System Centre Configuration Manager to release 1606
How to Create a Hyper-V Template for Deployment
Do you need to regularly deploy a HyperV VM? See how to create a VM template in HyperV
MICROSOFT’S July 2016 PATCH RELEASES
See the Microsoft's Patch Releases for July 2016
VMWare PowerCLI Installation Failed
VMware PowerCLI installation error 'Setup has detected that the installation package is corrupted' - what causes it and how to fix.
How to Create a VMWare Template for Deployment
Do you need to regularly deploy a Vmware VM? See how to create a VM template in VMware.
How to Deploy a VM and Join a Domain Automatically
If you ever have the need to deploy a Virtual Machine and have some customisations for deployment this post will show you
Deploying a Zero Day Exploit Update Fix with Microsoft SCCM 2012
Zero Day Exploits worrying you? See some best practices to assist you in the analysis and deployment of Zero Day Exploits
Create a SCCM Automatic Deployment Rule for SCEP definition updates
In this blog post, I will show you how to set up a monthly SCCM 2012 Automatic Deployment Rule for SCEP definitions updates.
Create a SCCM Automatic Deployment Rule
Read this blog to learn and see how to create an SCCM Automatic Deployment Rule. Patching has never been easier since SCCM and ADRs.
How to create a Patch Management Process
What is the best practice for developing a Patch Management Process and how do you deploy updates to your infrastructure successfully without the risk.
SCCM Update Deployment Issues?
If you have ever had issues with Update Deployment using SCCM, the first place to start is to look at the various Logs SCCM has.
Configuration Manager did not find a site to manage this client.
See how to fix the dreaded issue with SCCM clients, Configuration Manager did not find a site to manage this client and other handy SCCM information.
Manually download updates with SCCM
See how to manually download Windows updates with System Centre Configuration Manager and get them ready for deployment to your environment.
Microsoft SCCM update deployment best practices
If you are new to setting up Microsoft's SCCM, its beneficial to learn the Microsoft SCCM update deployment best practices. See them in our blog post
SCCM 2012 Installation Prerequisites Tool
A great tool from Microsoft SCCM 2012 Installation Prerequisites Tool, Stay up to date with our blogs about Azure, SCCM, VMware and HyperV.
SCCM build numbers
Microsoft's System Centre Configuration manager (SCCM) version build numbers to help you identify which SCCM version you are on and can go to.
MICROSOFT’S JUNE 2016 PATCH RELEASES
See the Microsoft's Patch Releases for June 2016
How to Assess Your Security Risk - Best Practices
Quick blog post on assessing your security risk with patching of your server environment.
Update rollup for System Center Configuration Manager 1602 - KB3155482
In this blog post you will see the great new features and how manually to install SCCM 1602 - KB3155482. Visit our blog to find out more on SCCM.
SCCM 1602 Upgrade - Step-by-Step Tutorial
See the functionality of SCCM 1602 and learn how to uprade your System Centre Configuration Manager environment to version 1602
MICROSOFT’S MAY 2016 PATCH RELEASES
MICROSOFT’S MAY 2016 PATCH RELEASES, see what KB articles apply for this month here. Our blogs on Azure, SCCM and VMware
MICROSOFT’S APRIL 2016 PATCH RELEASES
The following thirteen Patch Tuesday updates / patches have been released by Microsoft for the April 2016 Update deployment.
Manually download updates with SCCM
See how to manually download selected windows updates within Microsoft's SCCM.
Microsoft's March 2016 Patch Releases
See the Microsoft's Patch Releases for January 2016
Auto Deployment Rule Error 0x87d20415
See how to fix the Microsoft SCCM Auto Deployment Rule Error 0x87d20415 as well as other SCCM tips and fixes
SCCM 2012 Cumulative Update 3 - Upgrade Guide
SCCM 2012 Cumulative Update 3 Overview of the functionality in this release for Microsoft's System Centre Configuration Manager
The trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed.
Revert a snapshot of a virtual machine and you get the dreaded error "The trust relationship between this workstation and the primary domain failed."
Restore a Domain Controller from a Snapshot
Reverting a snapshot of an active Domain Controller can be a risky and problematic issue. See how to restore your DC from snapshot in this blog post
SCCM Log files for Software Updates
Do you need to find issues in your SCCM update deployments? See which log files will show you where in this blog post.
SCCM Clients failing to install windows updates
Are your SCCM clients failing to install windows updates? This blog post shows you a possible issue that can resolve this.
SCCM Version 1511 - New Features
See the update features of Microsoft's System Centre Configuration Manager 1511 in our blog post.
Microsoft's Febuary 2016 Patch Releases
In this blog post, we detail Microsoft's Febuary 2016 Patch Releases. Find what patches Microsoft had released in February 2016
Microsoft's January 2016 Patch Releases
Microsoft's January 2016 Patch Releases
Adobe Flash Player - Critical Security updates released
Theres been an issue with Adobe Flash Player - Critical Security updates released that you should deploy straight away. Our blogs on Azure, SCCM and VMware
Patch Management Pain?
Is patch management causing you pain? With SnaPatch you can automate a snapshot of your VMs prior to pushing Windows Updates.
SCCM - version 1511 New Features
See our blog post on the new features of SCCM 1511. Our blog keeps you up to date with information on Azure, SCCM and VMware
Outlook 2010 only starting in Safe Mode (KB3114409)
Outlook 2010 only starting in Safe Mode (KB3114409) Our blogs on Azure, SCCM and VMware
Microsoft's December 2015 Patch Releases
See the lMicrosoft's Patch Releases for December 2015
Important update for WSUS 4.0 - KB 3095113
Microsoft has released an Important update for WSUS 4.0 - KB 3095113. See information about this update in this blog post.
Microsoft’s October 2015 Patch Releases
Microsoft’s October 2015 Patch Releases
VMWare – Snapshot Consolidation
Snapshot consolidation is useful when snapshot disks fail to compact after a Delete or Delete all operation or if the disk did not consolidate.
Microsoft’s September 2015 Patch Releases
See the Microsoft's Patch Releases for September 2015
Microsoft patches KB3177725 & KB3176493 causing printing issues
Microsoft patches KB3177725 & KB3176493 causing printing issues, Stay up to date with our blogs about Azure, SCCM, VMware and HyperV.