Why network monitoring?

Modern IT systems are so complicated that solving any problems must be based on proper data provided in real-time. However, data alone is not enough. What matters is not only access to them but also the ability to interpret them thoroughly and select them properly. The times when the problem could be traced based on several possible causes have gone forever. Today’s standards are higher.

Contemporary tools supporting the work of administrators have enormous potential — data about the work of networks and IT services support the work of the company, and the information collected by them helps other decision-makers in managing the entire company. Who and how exactly can use the data collected by the network monitoring system, and how much can a company gain by using the appropriate functions?

IT administrators

The benefits of using IT network monitoring by IT administrators seem to be the most obvious. Monitoring systems support their daily work and automate activities that take time and engage attention daily.

Constant insight into the network. Because the monitoring covers all equipment, servers, applications, and other devices connected to the company network, the administrator, thanks to the use of such a system has constant insight into the operation of all its elements. He can see if and how parts of the infrastructure operate, where the problem occurs, and which equipment needs repair or replacement. He can also more easily capture mutual dependencies and cause-effect relationships.

Quick diagnosis of problems. Thanks to continuous network observation, the administrator can immediately detect emerging issues, recognize their symptoms, and react before bad equipment or a disabled application cause problems that disrupt the company’s operations or limit the possibility of providing services to the company’s clients.

Automatic troubleshooting. Many of the common problems can be avoided by removing the faults that arise immediately. Good monitoring systems eliminate repetitive simple faults automatically, without having to intervene in this process by an IT department employee. Thanks to this, the administrator is informed only about the more serious alerts, requiring his direct interference or decision.

Clear charts and reports. Administrators need to know what is happening in it. Thanks to reports and clear charts illustrating the functioning of the company’s IT infrastructure, they get complete information on the current state of the network and actions taken by the system recently.

The right decisions. IT department employees are not only responsible for the efficient operation of the infrastructure, but also for investments that will improve its efficiency and reduce defects. Network monitoring systems allow you to select the equipment that causes the most problems and should be replaced, and will help determine what type of hardware breaks down most often, and thus avoid unsuccessful investments in the future.

Financial Directors

CFOs control company budgets, and they want the expenses to be justified and bring benefits to the company. Network monitoring systems avoid unnecessary costs.

Expense control. A positive impact on the budget is also the ability to accurately settle third parties on the implementation of contracts, especially those related to the provision of continuous services (Internet services, VOIP, online applications, etc.). Network monitoring allows you to check whether the time of unavailability of the service was within the time allowed in the contract.

Management

Managers must be sure that their company works efficiently, without stoppages, and thereby carries out all its tasks, meets customer requirements and allows them to run a business without problems. Network monitoring systems ensure the continuity of operation of the entire infrastructure and affect the efficiency of decisions made.

Business peace. No company can afford network, computer, or application failures that support the core business. Each disruption means extra costs, upset customers, or irritated employees. Network monitoring guarantees management peace — they will not be surprised by any unforeseen failure that could damage their company image.

Company security. In times of heightened cyberattacks, bosses of companies without hesitation invest in security to protect them against hacker activity and loss of data, reputation, and customer confidence. However, for all programs protecting against cyber threats to be effective, they must function efficiently themselves. On the other hand, the company is required to act by auditing or security requirements — their verification must be documented. The monitoring system constantly watches over the efficiency and timeliness of security, contributing to the improvement of the company’s security.

Savings. Thanks to the information flowing from the monitoring system, company managers can make justified purchasing decisions, avoid paying fines in the event of failure to provide appropriate services to their clients and receive compensation from suppliers who fail to comply with their contractual obligations.

Small business owner

Small business owners often think that their network monitoring issue is not relevant — there are only a dozen computers, a few servers, and printers. Nothing could be more wrong! Even a network of several dozen devices is worth monitoring — especially since, in such cases, the administrator often does not work full-time.

Image building. Almost every company has a website. In the event of any problems with its functioning, the monitoring system will allow you to quickly answer the question of whether the website, the webserver, or applications running the WWW have failed. It is equally important to monitor e-mail boxes, online stores, mass e-mail correspondence, or storage systems.

Business support. The same applies to services offered to other companies via the Internet. To ensure that we give our customers what they pay for and what they expect, we need to constantly check that our applications, servers, and network connection are working fine. Only this will eliminate the problem before customers notice it and report it.

Network monitoring is not a toy for administrators, but a tool that allows them to maintain constant control and response before a problem arises, which translates into continuous and high availability of services. Modern monitoring also helps other decision-makers in the company to constantly update information about the company’s work status, which helps in making informed decisions and predicting the future. It is also the first stage in the process of automation of network infrastructure, and most importantly — an indispensable educational tool for the entire company, gathering knowledge about the company’s network and application work, development trends and relationships between them and various company departments.