What is Code Modernization?

Modern high performance computers are built with a combination of resources including: multi-core processors, many core processors, large caches, high speed memory, high bandwidth inter-processor communications fabric, and high speed I/O capabilities. High performance software needs to be designed to take full advantage of these wealth of resources. Whether re-architecting and/or tuning existing applications for maximum performance or architecting new applications for existing or future machines, it is critical to be aware of the interplay between programming models and the efficient use of these resources. Consider this a starting point for information regarding Code Modernization. When it comes to performance, your code matters!

Building parallel versions of software can enable applications to run a given data set in less time, run multiple data sets in a fixed amount of time, or run large-scale data sets that are prohibitive with un-optimized software. The success of parallelization is typically quantified by measuring the speedup of the parallel version relative to the serial version. In addition to that comparison, however, it is also useful to compare that speedup relative to the upper limit of the potential speedup. That issue can be addressed using Amdahl's Law and Gustafson's Law.

Good code design takes into consideration several levels of parallelism.

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Ten Disciplines to Measure IT Performance

“You can only manage what you measure.” Peter Drucker

In today’s rapidly changing environment, information & technology becomes more invaluable asset for business to survive and thrive, on the other hand, many IT organizations are struggling with the image as cost center, intend to improve reputation as service center and value center through high IT performance.

When you think of "IT performance," what comes to mind? Operational excellence such as customer satisfaction, IT effectiveness or efficiency, or strategic value such as competitive advantage, leadership edge, cultural agility

How to measure IT performance more effectively may base on the audience, the nature and size of your business, here are some new year resolutions and general evaluation and principles.

IT Mantra: Running IT as Business; Doing More with Less

IT Performance Motto: Measure what Matters.

IT Performance Principle: SMART which stand for specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time-bound.

IT Performance Disciplines: IT Operational Excellence, IT Strategic Value

1. Reliability & Security - infrastructure running 24/7
2. IT Capacity & Capability
3. Customer/Vendor Relationship Management
4. IT Fiscal Health
5. IT Application Portfolio Management
6. Innovation Capability with Revenue Generating Initiative
7. Talent Competency
8. Optimize business processes
9. IT Agility.
10.IT Sustainability

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How Microsoft Lost Its Mojo: Steve Ballmer and Corporate America’s Most Spectacular Decline

Once upon a time, Microsoft dominated the tech industry; indeed, it was the wealthiest corporation in the world. But since 2000, as Apple, Google, and Facebook whizzed by, it has fallen flat in every arena it entered: e-books, music, search, social networking, etc., etc. Talking to former and current Microsoft executives, Kurt Eichenwald finds the fingers pointing at C.E.O. Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates’s successor, as the man who led them astray.

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10+ Windows 7 services you may not need

Every version of Windows has shipped with a core set of system services that must run so that the system can perform basic operations. However, your organization may not necessarily need to have all the services running, and disabling unnecessary services can enhance performance and security. The author, Scott Lowe, of the blog has put together a list of 13 services you can disable on your Windows 7 systems that will probably not negatively affect your business operations at all.

1: IP Helper
2: Offline Files
3: Network Access Protection Agent
4: Parental Controls
5: Smart Card
6: Smart Card Removal Policy
7: Windows Media Center Receiver Service
8: Windows Media Center Scheduler Service
9: Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
10: Fax
11: HomeGroup Listener
12: HomeGroup Provider
13: Tablet PC Input Service

This is not a definitive list of services that can be disabled; these are just some obvious ones. Read carefully and make sure you test changes before deploying them across your organization.