Operations | Monitoring | ITSM | DevOps | Cloud

DORA Metrics in perspective

A friend of mine once had an annual appraisal where his manager blithely declared to him that his target for the next year was "to exceed his targets". Rather than spend the next year screaming silently whilst trapped inside an MC Esher-esque cycle of infinite recursion, my friend politely demurred and requested a more achievable goal, such as building a time machine out of jellybeans.

Advanced Open edX Monitoring with AppSignal for Python

In the first part of this series, we explored how AppSignal can significantly enhance the robustness of Open edX platforms. We saw the challenges that Open edX faces as it scales and how AppSignal's features — including real-time performance monitoring and automated error tracking — provide essential tools for DevOps teams. Our walkthrough covered the initial setup and integration of AppSignal with Open edX, highlighting the immediate benefits of this powerful observability framework.

Optimize Database Performance in Ruby on Rails and ActiveRecord

In Rails, we're more likely to use SQL databases than other frameworks. Unlike NoSQL databases, which can be scaled horizontally with relative ease, SQL databases like PostgreSQL or MySQL are much less amenable to easy scaling. As a result, our database usually becomes the primary bottleneck as our business grows. Although SQL databases are very efficient, as our growing customer base puts an increasing load on our servers, we begin scaling our instance counts, workers, etc.

Digital Workspace Sustainability: Tracking Carbon and Energy Consumption for IT Sustainability Goals

As the world moves towards sustainability, IT operations and digital workspaces are becoming critical in achieving corporate sustainability goals. The digital transformation of businesses—especially in light of hybrid and remote working models—has increased the demand for IT infrastructure, which in turn raises concerns about energy consumption, carbon emissions, and environmental impact.

Complement Your Monitoring: Making Logs Readable for Humans & Machines

‍ While Scout provides powerful monitoring tools (try it now!) mastering logging is an awesome complement to these skills. In this post, we’ll see how to create readable, actionable logs for both humans and machines. You’ll improve your logging strategy, drastically reduce troubleshooting time, and put yourself in the best possible position for maximum observability. As a starting example, let’s take this error log.

Mastering the Art of Creating Short, Shareable URL Links

In the world we live in today, URL links are essential for directing users to specific websites. Long web addresses can look messy and cumbersome on social media platforms. Short and easy-to-share links present a quick fix for boosting visibility and making content more user-friendly. This article delves into the advantages of crafting URLs and offers tips for effectively using them.

Achieving Your Goals with SMART Objectives: How to Plan Effectively Using Adobe Templates

Setting clear, structured objectives is crucial for effective project planning, especially in IT. SMART objectives provide a simple yet robust framework, making goal-setting more straightforward and practical. Adobe's SMART objective templates are handy tools for structuring and tracking objectives, boosting clarity and team coordination. IT professionals and DevOps engineers can use these templates to establish consistent project goals, enhance team efforts, and monitor progress across various IT and infrastructure projects.

Cybersecurity Lessons from the Most Devastating Malware Attacks

Malware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and damaging, targeting individuals, businesses, and governments. The consequences of these attacks can be catastrophic, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. Learning from past incidents is crucial for strengthening cybersecurity measures. This article explores key lessons learned from some of the most devastating malware attacks in history and offers actionable insights to enhance your organization's defenses.

How to Safeguard Your Superannuation During a Divorce: A Must-Know Guide for Australians

Divorce is never easy, and amidst the emotional whirlwind, it's vital not to lose sight of your financial future. One of the most significant assets many Australians hold is their superannuation. Whether you're in your 30s or approaching retirement, knowing how to protect superannuation in a divorce can make a world of difference in securing your financial well-being.