50 Must-Read IT Blogs 2015
In the spirit of Star Wars, why don't we start with a twist on a memorable line from the series: "These are the blogs you've been looking for."
For the past four years, BizTech has recognized the best and brightest IT blogs in business and we're proud to present this year's list of 50 Must-Read IT Blogs.
With the help of our readers during the nominations round and through some good old fashioned sleuthing on the Internet, we believe we've pulled together an all-star list of blogs. Some of the names on the list will be familiar, as they've appeared on previous Must-Read IT lists, but most are new, fresh and interesting faces.
The blogs selected this year cut across various industries and even IT roles. Some of our blogs are hyperfocused in one industry, such as retail, sports or manufacturing. Others are focused on specific technology topics, such as networking or security. Some of the blogs on our list are perfect for system administrators while others will appeal to IT managers, such as CIOs and chief technology officers. In short, there's something here for everyone.
If you'd like to check out the Must-Read IT Blogs from previous years, you can view our lists from 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Please enjoy the 2015 BizTech Must-Read IT Blogs below. If your blog is one of this year's honorees, be sure to grab a badge and share the news with your readers.
Tao Security
Richard Bejtlich has his ear to the ground when it comes to cyberthreats and data protection. Thanks to his background in military intelligence and his position as chief security officer of network security company FireEye, he can offer endless insights into digital security, strategy and military history on his 15-year-old blog.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which offers Bejtlich’s take on the OPM breach and suggestions for avoiding a similar incident.
Follow: @taosecurity | Read the blog: taosecurity.blogspot.com
Enterprise Irregulars
For the consultants, investors, journalists and analysts who contribute to this enterprise-focused blog, technology is more than an interest — it’s a passion. They breathe new life into near-daily posts about digital culture, technology trends, business applications and more.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which describes the digital mindset and offers key considerations for CIOs striving to meet business users’ changing expectations.
Follow: @irregulars | Read the blog: enterpriseirregulars.com
Software Research and the Industry
Holding a doctorate in computer science, Dirk Riehle helped develop a unified modeling language virtual machine starting in the late 1990s. He also co-founded a software startup and now teaches open-source software at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. His blog covers all things computer science, as well as software system architecture and design.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which explains the strategic benefits of open-source business models.
Follow: @dirkriehle | Read the blog: dirkriehle.com
Network Security Blog
As a security advocate, Martin McKeay travels throughout Europe attending conferences and speaking with IT security and privacy stakeholders. He’s spent the last 12 years blogging about industry issues, and he often posts short audio clips of his interviews with global experts.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which discusses the evolution of IT security training and the next generation of professionals.
Follow: @mckeay | Read the blog: mckeay.net
ZDNet Mobile News Blog
A prolific writer, mobile aficionado and member of the ZDNet family, James Kendrick shares Windows Mobile, Android and iOS news weekly. He also tests out the latest mobile tech, apps and accessories so his readers don’t have to.
MUST-READ POST: This post, in which James spells out the features of and improvements to Microsoft’s Edge browser.
Follow: @jkendrick | Read the blog: zdnet.com/blog/mobile-news
Cisco Retail Blog
As the world’s leading vendor of network and Internet technology, Cisco is home to innovation experts with decades of combined experience. They come together on the Cisco Retail Blog to offer unparalleled advice on navigating the changing retail landscape.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which details the in-store analytics tools omnichannel retailers use to collect and use customer data.
Follow: @ciscoretail | Read the blog: blogs.cisco.com/retail
Coding Horror
Beginning his career in software development in the 1980s, Jeff Atwood worked for a California software design and development firm before moving on to pursue his own projects. Since then, he’s founded a network of online Q&A communities and continued managing his programming blog, which he kicked off in 2004.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which details the pitfalls of short passwords and offers tips for choosing a password that can hold its own against crackers.
Follow: @codinghorror | Read the blog: blog.codinghorror.com
The Networking Nerd
Considering that Tom Hollingsworth bills himself as the “token networking guy,” it should come as no surprise that his blog showcases a bit of his humor and personality, even as it talks tech. This 12-year IT veteran has a background in both enterprise and education and offers his take on industry trends and networking news.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which includes a short video clip of Tom breaking down the myths and truths of software-defined networking.
Follow: @networkingnerd | Read the blog: networkingnerd.net
Small Biz Labs
If you’re into numbers and data, this is the blog for you. Written by Steve King and Carolyn Ockels — partners at a California-based research and consulting firm — it pulls from recent publications and industry research when discussing issues pertinent to the small business sector.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which investigates the driving reasons consumers share goods and services as part of the collaborative economy.
Follow: @smallbizlabs | Read the blog: smallbizlabs.com
Moving Packets
The minutiae of moving packets have always interested John Herbert, which is why he’s devoted his blog to discussing networking “protocols, technologies, vendors and architectures.” Check out his opinion pieces, industry news and reviews of networking solutions.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which outlines five OpenSSL commands that help network engineers troubleshoot SSL certificates and connections.
Follow: @mrtugs | Read the blog: movingpackets.net
IT Pro Guru
Dan Stolts, the IT Pro Guru, has a mission: advance the IT community through problem-solving advice and expert insights. And as chief technology strategist for Microsoft, he has plenty of insights. Read his posts on systems management, technology strategy and security, and get how-to tips for using Azure and other Microsoft solutions.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which marks the start of a series of cloud computing interviews featuring expert and blogger Blain Barton.
Follow: @ITProGuru | Read the blog: itproguru.com
A Think Tank of Softwarization
The handful of IT enthusiasts who run this blog focus on three transformative technologies: network functions virtualization, software-defined networking and the cloud. Their posts look at how softwarization affects telecommunications and information and communications technology and the blog itself operates as an extension of the broader IEEE SDN initiative.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which recommends that softwarization be confined to sandboxes so as not to disrupt legacy infrastructure.
Follow: @IEEESDN | Read the blog: ieee-sdn.blogspot.com
The Transformational CIO
Technology has transformed business, and the C-suite must do more than play catch-up. The experts at CIO network HMG Strategy blog about everything from collaboration to cloud evolution and cybersecurity to give engaged, forward-thinking CIOs the tools they need to lead.
MUST-READ POST: This post, in which Hewlett Packard CIO Ralph Loura explains the CIO’s role as a creator of business value.
Follow: @HMGStrategy | Read the blog: hmgstrategy.com/blog
Troy Hunt
As a five-time Microsoft MVP award winner, web security specialist Troy Hunt stays active in software development, so he’s always in touch with today’s security needs. He’s known for blogging about ways to break software so that it can be rebuilt better and more securely.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which lists all the security resource links that Troy references during his presentations.
Follow: @troyhunt | Read the blog: troyhunt.com
Chaotic Flow
On-demand services are the name of the game for blogger Joel York. Backed by 20 years of experience in B2B software, he breaks down practical go-to-market business strategies for executives involved in Software as a Service, Platform as a Service and Infrastructure as a Service.
MUST-READ POST: This post, in which York argues that Software as a Service providers should prioritize agile management practices.
Follow: @chaoticflow | Read the blog: chaotic-flow.com
Stephenson blogs on Internet of Things
As a recognized thought leader and the principal of his namesake strategic consulting firm, W. David Stephenson is your go-to source for deep insights into the Internet of Things. His blog hits on the technology’s applications, challenges, regulatory outlook, evaluation criteria, and privacy and security concerns.
MUST-READ POST: This post, in which David geeks out about Amsterdam’s free citywide Internet of Things district.
Follow: @data4all | Read the blog: stephensonstrategies.com
Keith Mayer
Have cloud, will travel. Keith Mayer, a technical evangelist for Microsoft, offers lots of advice and tactical tips for Microsoft Azure cloud enthusiasts. Mayer's blog is definitely a great resource for Microsoft shops.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which is proof that storage size does matter in the cloud.
Follow: @KeithMayer | Read the blog: blogs.technet.com/b/keithmayer/
Future of CIO
Chief information officer, chief integration officer, chief inspiration officer — those are just a few interpretations of the CIO’s role within an organization, and these experts speak to all of them. Turn to them for advice on fostering a positive culture, mastering innovation management, acting as a business strategist and more. Pearl Zhu is the main blogger behind this blog and she's a published author, IT thought leader and former analyst at HP.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which summarizes four views of KPIs that help demonstrate IT’s business value.
Follow: @PEARL_ZHU | Read the blog: futureofcio.blogspot.com
CTO Vision
Offering context to CTOs, CIOs, CISOs and data scientists, this blog discusses the relationship between regulatory compliance and security, big news in the federal technology landscape and the business impact of cloud solutions, big data and other technologies.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which looks ahead to the future of enterprise technology, including artificial intelligence and interactive advertising displays.
Follow: @ctovision | Read the blog: ctovision.com
Cuddle Tech
After starting his career as a systems administrator, Ben Rockwood later found his passion for operations management. “It was clear that technology comes and goes,” he explains, “but the way in which we run a shop is a more fundamental challenge.” His blog of 16 years now focuses on DevOps topics and Lean IT.
MUST-READ POST: This post, in which Rockwood writes a DevOps equivalent of the Agile Manifesto.
Follow: @benr | Read the blog: cuddletech.com
iHeavy
As a consultant, Sean Hull helps businesses identify and correct issues with website performance; as a blogger, he distills the ideas of industry experts and offers his perspective on top technology brands, solutions and news.
MUST-READ POST: This post, in which Hull compares the management structure of open-source projects with different forms of government.
Follow: @hullsean | Read the blog: iheavy.com/blog
DevOps Reactions
Why use words when a gif will do? This quirky blog uses pop-culture imagery to illustrate the day-to-day work, successes, failures and frustrations of sysadmins.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which is sure to make nerds smile.
Follow: @devopsreactions | Read the blog: devopsreactions.tumblr.com
Standalone Sysadmin
System administrators are responsible for everything imaginable, which is why blogger and fellow sysadmin Matt Simmons covers all the bases when writing his 7-year-old blog. Check here for tips and insights on networking, security, storage and more.
MUST-READ POST: This inspirational post, which uses a comic-book comparison to motivate sysadmins to keep plugging away at their work, even if they aren’t happy with the initial results.
Follow: @standaloneSA | Read the blog: standalone-sysadmin.com/blog
Manufacturing Business Technology
As is true for just about every industry, manufacturing is evolving alongside technology. This blog is designed to keep stakeholders up-to-date on the latest news and ideas. It particularly focuses on highlighting the business implications — and applications — of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which explains the importance of having a solid business plan before deploying cloud technology.
Follow: @mbtwebsite | Read the blog: mbtmag.com
Wahl Network
While fresh perspectives are always welcome in IT, there’s definitely something to be said for a veteran’s eye. Chris Wahl is a networking guru with years of insights and experience to share. Thankfully, he isn't shy about rolling up his sleeves and getting down and dirty when it comes to handling IT situations and he shares his useful IT advice on his blog.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which advises IT workers on how to make lemonade out of lemons in a professional situation.
Follow: @chriswahl | Read the blog: wahlnetwork.com
Geek Speak
This multiauthor blog is where the geeks come out to play. Head over to score straightforward coding and IT advice, comment on thought-provoking opinion pieces and read through software and solution reviews written by people who love talking tech.
MUST-READ POST: This post about the IT ninja star, which is essentially a decision matrix that helps organizations achieve IT transformation.
Follow: @thwack | Read the blog: Geek Speak
Forrester Blog for CIOs
Written by the analysts behind leading research company Forrester, this blog provides actionable insights designed to help technology executives lead the way on digital strategy. These pros wax on about collaboration, smart cities and emerging markets, plus top IT solution providers and tech news.
MUST-READ POST: This forward-looking post, which names top technology trends to watch between 2016 and 2018.
Follow: @forrester | Read the blog: blogs.forrester.com/cio
SportTechie
The good ol' ball game is fast becoming about much more than just the balls and the bats. IT is playing an increasingly larger role in baseball and other professional sports, and SportTechie tracks all the changes. Whether it's data analytics, virtual reality or mobile devices, SportTechie is on top of the latest tech trends in the sports industry.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which explains how the St. Louis Cardinals are using iPads to boost their recruiting efforts.
Follow: @sporttechie | Read the blog: sporttechie.com
iPhone J.D.
How many lawyers does it take to run a blog devoted to iOS devices? Just one: Jeff Richardson. While this Apple fan started out in 2008 by writing solely about iPhones, he’s expanded his reach to iPads, Apple watches, legal technology news and all sorts of device, app and accessory reviews.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which explains how lawyers can make the most out of the Markup feature in Mail in iOS 9.
Follow: @jeffrichardson | Read the blog: iphonejd.com
The Droid Lawyer
On the other side of the mobile coin, Oklahoma-based attorney Jeffrey Taylor is looking out for the lawyer who prefers Android. He writes product reviews, app recommendations, weekly news roundups and basic tech tips, plus a bit of commentary on technology within the legal industry.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which lists dozens of Android apps that are specifically designed for attorneys.
Follow: @jeffrey_taylor | Read the blog: thedroidlawyer.com
I, Cringely
Throughout his 30-year tech career, Robert X. Cringely has cultivated relationships with both well-known and up-and-coming Silicon Valley experts. He divulges their insights on his I, Cringely blog and offers his own opinions on some of the biggest names in technology.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which discusses the widespread implications of the theft of fingerprint records from the Office of Personnel Management.
Follow: @cringely | Read the blog: cringely.com
emtunc's Blog
You know you've come across a good blogger when you get a dose of their sense of humor right off the bat. Mikail Tunç is a systems administrator, or as he likes to call himself a "sithadmin," at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and his blog is a great resource for practical and how-to sysadmin content.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which demonstrates Tunç's sithlike ways with Google Apps for Work.
Follow: @emikailt | Read the blog: emtunc.org/blog
Anoop’s
For those who rely on Microsoft's SCCM, getting started with the software can be daunting. But the benefits of mastering SCCM are immense, since it helps IT professionals make sense of enterprise IT systems management. Anoop Nair, a Microsoft MVP, keeps what he calls a "technical notebook" for other IT professionals who are looking to get started with SCCM or to up their game.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which offers SCCM admins hope and advice on how to overcome the most challenging parts of their job.
Follow: @ anoopmannur | Read the blog: anoopcnair.com
Mick's IT Blog
Sometimes, your first love is really the only love you need. Mick Pletcher is an SCCM administrator for a Tennessee law firm, and he first fell hard for IT back when he was 10, when he wrote his first programs on a TRS-80 Model III. Now, as a seasoned IT professional, Pletcher writes a blog in which he offers technical advice to fellow SCCM administrators.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which highlights how to use PowerShell and SCCM to track down unlicensed software like an IT ninja.
Follow: @mick_pletcher | Read the blog: mickitblog.blogspot.com
CTO/CIO Perspectives: Peter Kretzman
According to 25-year industry vet Peter Kretzman, technology makes up only 10 percent of a chief technology officer’s or CIO’s job; that’s why he dedicates little time to writing about out-and-out tech solutions and instead focuses on more general topics, such as aligning business and IT, choosing metrics and managing employees.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which offers Kretzman’s take on three common behaviors observed among IT professionals.
Follow: @PeterKretzman | Read the blog: peterkretzman.com
MSFT Scripting Guys
It's a scripting world; IT just lives in it. For some system administrators, using scripts in tools like PowerShell is the only way they can manage sprawling IT environments. Microsoft TechNet's Hey, Scripting Guy! blog gives IT pros the script secrets they need to keep on winning.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which shows that even though the scripting guys are very much experts, they're not above helping newbies find their way. Script on, young Padawan.
Follow: @scriptingguys| Read the blog: technet.microsoft.com
GFI Blog
This is not your typical vendor blog. GFI Software's blog, chock-full of useful tips and advice for sysadmins, has a wicked sense of humor and a confidence-boosting editorial voice that helps make IT pros feel like the lifesaving, miracle-making superheroes they really are.
MUST-READ POST: This post, a love letter to the oft-forgotten Commodore Amiga, which proves that GFI's blog isn't afraid to get real geeky with it.
Follow: @gfisoftware | Read the blog: gfi.com/blog
Neville Hobson
The way we work has changed a lot over the past 25 years, and Neville Hobson has kept pace. He now blogs about technology, digital communication and social media, to help organizations stay up-to-date on the latest trends, behaviors and best practices.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which features a podcast discussion of how brands can get involved in podcasting.
Follow: @jangles| Read the blog: nevillehobson.com
Virtually Cloud 9
The cloud is full of IT riches and wealth, but without a good treasure map, it's not always easy to find the cloud jewels. Tommy Patterson is the cloud's Indiana Jones, and he's not afraid to lasso experts and good conversation to help IT pros make the most of their virtualized and cloud environments.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which offers an audio guide to rolling out business intelligence in your company.
Follow: @Tommy_Patterson | Read the blog: lvirtuallycloud9.com
Yung Chou
Taking the cloud transformation in IT by the horns, Yung Chou is an excellent and reliable expert on cloud and IT infrastructure. He's a frequent speaker and writer, with a writing style that makes complex topics palatable and understandable.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which takes the form of an official memorandum as it explains the power of declarative scripting.
Follow: @yungchou | Read the blog: yungchou.wordpress.com
Tech Bunny
Jennelle Crothers is the woman behind Tech Bunny, and her blog is a refreshing and welcome treat that mixes anecdotes with technical tips and advice. We recommend that you hip and hop with this Tech Bunny any day.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which offers a colorful but incredibly valuable lesson on business continuity and the cloud.
Follow: @jkc137 | Read the blog: techbunny.com
Adam the Automator
In the Star Wars universe, jedis must learn to trust the Force. In IT, administrators must learn to trust automation. Adam Bertram offers useful how-to content and advice on implementing IT automation to ensure maximum success and efficiencies.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which points out that the key to good IT automation isn't necessarily tech but trust.
Follow: @adbertram | Read the blog: adamtheautomator.com
Howfunky
No, this blog isn't a Bruno Mars fan site. It's actually a hub for networking pro Ed Horley's musings. As an expert on various networking topics (in particular IPv6) and a published author, Horley is definitely not faking the funk here.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which highlights the end of IPv4 addresses and the need to get comfortable with IPv6 addresses now.
Follow: @ehorley | Read the blog: howfunky.com
Complete IT Professional
IT is a profession that requires continual education. While the Complete IT Professional is certainly not the Harvard of the web, the reality is that there's a lot you can learn from self-taught materials and online. This is real advice for real IT pros.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which explains how to find the right job in the IT industry.
Follow: @complete_it_pro | Read the blog: completeitprofessional.com
My Thoughts on IT
Sometimes, the right perspective is all you need to make the right decision. Brian Lewis, a Microsoft IT evangelist, is ready and willing to share his thoughts on a number of IT subjects, answering the questions that IT pros are asking.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which offers a simple guide to understanding which version of Office is installed on your computer.
Follow: @brianlewis_ | Read the blog: mythoughtsonit.com
Krebs on Security
As the Internet's IT security detective, Brian Krebs seems to have an unbelievable knack for sourcing out and explaining the biggest security quandaries of our times. If there's a hack or a data breach that you want to know the big secrets of, Krebs will dig up the intel for you.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which attempts to pin down who the Ashley Madison hacker may be.
Follow: @briankrebs | Read the blog: krebsonsecurity.com
Data Center Knowledge
As the CNN of the data center world, Data Center Knowledge keeps its finger on the pulse of the industry. It's a vital resource for news, insights and opinions on data center management and best practices.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which data center managers can use to ensure that their consolidation projects go smoothly.
Follow: @datacenter | Read the blog: datacenterknowledge.com
PwC Emerging Technology Blog
One of the most exciting things about technology is the perpetual innovation and creation cycle. The bleeding edge of tech is where new ideas and inspiration come to life. PwC's Emerging Technology blog does an excellent job of tracking trends and new-tech implementations.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which highlights how manufacturing has truly embraced the Internet of Things.
Follow: @PwCAdvisory | Read the blog: usblogs.pwc.com/emerging-technology
How-to Geek
There's a lot of good how-to advice out there, but sometimes a geek is the best person to advise another geek. The How-to Geek site is essentially a brain dump of all the small but troubling tech questions that run through your mind. Now you know you're not the only one struggling with how to navigate the latest software upgrades.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which provides a list and explanation of multiple methods of two-factor authentication.
Follow: @howtogeeksite | Read the blog: howtogeek.com
Adventures in Automation
The life of a QA specialist isn't easy. But automation can help make the processes easier. Software quality-assurance engineer Thomas Maher Jr. catalogs his adventures with automation and offers QA best practices and insights for companies that do software development.
MUST-READ POST: This post, which raises the question of whether QA departments should include dedicated automation teams.
Follow: @tjmaher1 | Read the blog: adventuresinautomation.blogspot.com
If your blog is one of those featured in our 2015 Must-Read IT Blog list, you can grab a badge here.
