Slow networks can kill cash flow. Breached networks can derail your business. Networks, as you might be aware by now, are prone to attacks, hackers, malware, and many other problems. How do you know your network is intact? Network management is never complete without routine network diagnostics. Here are some smart ways to go about it:
Network threats are imminent. Keep watch
There’s a wash of network diagnostics tools and protocols in place to help you keep watch on your network at all times. Starting with a SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), SINEMA servers – an offering Siemens Industry Automation Systems, and our very own “Eyes on your Network” , Net Central Monitoring System ( NCM) – you do have the tools at your disposal.
Are you keeping watch?
Know what to do next
Loki Jorgenson puts it well in a feature titled “The Truth about Network Diagnostics ” and relates to a doctor telling you that you’re sick, a fact that you already know. As a bottom line, Loki suggests proper identification of exact problems, a bias for action, choosing appropriate “enabling” technologies, picking up solutions that meet your expectations, and finally use remedies that are long-term – those that can scale up with your organization’s growth.
Maintain Visibility
Managing network performance and doing network diagnostics is impossible without maintaining proper visibility (ever drove through thick fog?) . Who uses your network? Who has access to what parts of your network, and to what extent? Would you know if there’s a breach? Are your routers and switches running within their limits?
What do you know about your data, traffic flow across network, end-to-end response time, your resource constraints, etc.?
Identify and monitor this information at all times. Gain visibility so that you can perform root cause analysis, take action, and mitigate risks.
Let experts handle it for you
If you are a small or medium enterprise, you’ll be hard pressed to find time, resources, and the expert ‘know-how’ to monitor networks, run network audits, and conduct routine network diagnostics. For years, we’ve been helping our clients effectively relegate network management and strategic IT management, disaster recovery, and continuous IT support. Gain access to our servers, keep on top on information on demand, and achieve peace of mind while letting us handle network management for you.
If you’d like to know how it works for your business or if you’d like to chat up with us, please don’t hesitate to give us a tinkle.