97% of IT leaders have encountered performance issues in the last six months, according to Forbes. A network monitoring software is a tool that provides IT teams and businesses enormous flexibility. Gone are the days when you had to stay glued to a computer screen monitoring your company’s network. These tools allow us to keep track, analyze, and manage end-to-end network processes effectively.
Thanks to technological advances, the latest monitoring tools maximize the network’s uptime, identify potential risks, streamline troubleshooting, collect performance metrics, track trends, assist in capacity planning, and examine devices. Whether you are a small business, a large company or an IT administrator looking for your first tool or seeking to upgrade your current solution, here’s what you need to consider when looking for a network monitoring software.
Identify Your Requirements
Without defining your needs, it’s difficult finding the best network monitoring software. Before you start searching and comparing products, create a clear list of requirements. First, the tool you pick should be capable of overseeing your entire network infrastructure and solving the issues you currently face. Ask yourself what performance insights you want to get from the software and whether it will help you accomplish your business goals.
Your company’s size also has a significant influence on the tool you are going to pick. Ask yourself how many sites you want the solution to cover, and the type of devices and equipment you want to monitor. Most tools are either designed for small businesses or large enterprises. Typically, SMBs need network monitoring software that is easy to use, simple to configure, and provides alerts whenever an issue occurs. Large enterprises have more complex needs, and they require tools that are packed with more features.
Familiarize Yourself With the Solutions on the Marketplace
Once you are aware of the needs of your company, now it’s time to learn about the solutions available in the market. To be sure of what to look for, start by learning the different terminologies. There is a wide array of products in the market, and it can get a bit confusing. Through careful evaluation, you will find a solution that will offer you the type of oversight you need.
Some are created mainly for network monitoring purposes, while others offer network management solutions. If you have cloud resources, look for a tool that can effectively monitor both your on-premise and cloud resources. Since not all organizations have the time or capability to manage the software, learn the various options available such as cloud-based monitoring or service providers.
Must-Have Features
The must-have core elements of a monitoring software are the ability to track a network’s bandwidth, usage, and availability. Look for a solution that has features such as intelligent network activity alerts, automatic discovery of new network components, visual representation of the network, capacity planning, customizable notification settings, and provide remote monitoring. The ideal software should also be able to work on devices of different vendors.
Scalability
Businesses constantly evolve. Since you are expecting your company to expand, you want a tool that will grow with you. Instead of having to replace the software each time you make additions to your network infrastructure, look for a solution that is scalable. Be sure to ask the software provider the amount of load that the tool can handle, and what path you should take when you hit the limit.
Wrapping Up
Today, a network is the lifeblood of every business. Major and minor operations across any organization depend on it. With a good network monitoring software, your company will perform better and at a lower cost. Make sure you select a software that will address your requirements, that has the right features, and is scalable.
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