Many network management systems profess to accomplish everything, but they can be costly and time-consuming.
These types of solutions can be a pain in the neck when trying to figure out how to implement them. As a result, your money may end up being squandered.
Therefore, before considering investing in any network management system, why not consider a network management service? The types of services deal with all your networking needs, so you can go about doing what you do best in your industry.
This post lists some important considerations about how you, or a service provider, can manage your network effectively.
Make a List of Your Critical Systems
There are a variety of ways for you to get this information.
You could start by logging what you have system by system. But this can be a tedious process. A much quicker method is to use software to scan your network.
If you are going to check your network manually, begin by finding out what systems are connected to the core switch.
Include the following:
- Distribution switches
- Servers
- Firewalls
- Routers
And also, add in any other equipment that keeps your network and users up and running.
Setup a Change Control Process
After documenting your network’s most important systems, consider using a change control process that fits the needs of your network.
Too often, workers re-enact change management techniques from past employment or do something simple to appease their managers. Therefore, you should keep track of all modifications made to each system on your essential infrastructure list, as well as who made them.
Be Aware of Compliance Standards
Check to see if you need to adhere to any compliance rules before installing or trailing network management solutions.
Examples of organizations that set compliance standards include the following:
- PCI
- Sarbanes-Oxley
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
You may need to purchase separate systems to accomplish compliance. As a result, separate solutions for compliance and network troubleshooting may be necessary.
Status Icons
When selecting network solutions, ensure they can produce a map with status icons.
All the devices you have on your important systems list should have an icon. Plus, you should show your map in the same location as your helpdesk.
Check Your Dependencies
Specific systems in a network are reliant on others.
A good idea is to specify dependencies in your network monitoring software so that if a router fails, you don’t get a slew of alarms. Instead, you can set the system up to alert you that the site is down.
Other Key Considerations
Here are a few other vital things to add to your checklist if you’re looking at managing your network effectively:
- Set up alerts to go to the relevant personnel
- Decide your security levels for retrieving network data
- Consider supplemental data
- Keep checks on your network’s perimeter
- Have user and device tracking enabled in some way
And we must say, there’s a lot more detail in all these points that need a lot of time and attention. Therefore we recommend you get professionals to come in, like this management service.
Services like these will connect network infrastructure in a way that makes sense. They’ll be able to do things like a network speed test, for example.
Have Your Network Managed for You
Instead of painstakingly trying to set up your network management in-house, we recommend you outsource the process to people who deal with these things daily.
By letting experienced pros deal with your network, you can focus on your business’s success.
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck with setting up your network management. Also, please check out our blog for helpful advice and tips.