Connectivity has become crucial for today’s businesses, largely because many essential operations are now conducted online. Employees use collaborative software to connect, customers seek support and place orders online, and suppliers and partners exchange data digitally. The success of these activities hinges on network capacity and reliability. Additionally, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing has increased the demands on network management.
Challenges in Network Management
Network managers face difficulties in aligning network bandwidth with demand and understanding what devices are connected to their IT networks. This complexity is driving many enterprises to adopt managed services for network management. Managed network services offer better control over network issues and provide the expertise needed to mitigate risks.
Understanding Network Management Services
Network management involves monitoring and maintaining a business’s IT infrastructure. This can be handled by an in-house team or outsourced to network management providers. These providers offer a range of services, including:
- Implementing upgrades
- Monthly status reporting
- User administration
- Network maintenance
These services help assess network performance and optimize operations.
Examples of Managed Network Services
Managed network services encompass several key areas:
- Network Administration: Involves tracking network resources like switches, servers, and routers, along with software updates and performance monitoring.
- Network Maintenance: Includes fixes and upgrades to network resources, proactive measures, and remediation activities, such as replacing network equipment.
- Network Operation: Ensures the network runs smoothly by closely monitoring activities and addressing issues as they arise.
- Network Provisioning: Configures network resources to meet specific service requirements, such as increasing bandwidth to accommodate more users.
Is Network Management Worth It?
Effective network management is essential for maintaining the performance and reliability of business operations. By adopting managed network services, businesses can ensure their networks are well-maintained, secure, and capable of supporting their needs.
The Benefits of Network Management Services
Effective network management is crucial for maintaining system performance, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring availability. Here are some key benefits of network management services:
1. Ensuring Data Safety
Data loss can have severe consequences. A robust network management system creates automated, centralized backups for network systems, ensuring data safety. These solutions keep backups synchronized across different locations and allow team members to access servers in real-time through secure protocols.
2. Enhancing Network Security
With the rise of cybercrime, especially in remote and collaborative work environments, it’s vital to detect and mitigate network threats promptly. Continuous updates of security patches and standardized security settings are essential. Managed network services offer comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, inappropriate web content, spam, and intrusions, safeguarding business-critical applications, transactions, and data.
3. Cost Savings
Network management systems monitor all software and hardware within a network environment, saving time and allowing teams to focus on core business goals. Providers of network management services bring expertise and up-to-date knowledge, preventing IT infrastructure downtime and enhancing productivity. According to Gartner, the average cost of network downtime is $5,600 per minute, highlighting the importance of effective network management.
4. Proactive Network Management
Misconfigured software, security breaches, power outages, and faulty hardware can all disrupt operations. Network management systems use proactive monitoring and responsive maintenance to prevent such issues. System administrators can quickly identify and resolve problems like abnormal network traffic before they escalate. Managed network services also use historical and real-time data to identify and address network infrastructure weaknesses.
Best Practices for Network Management Services
Choosing the right network management services is economically sensible for quickly addressing network challenges. However, implementing best practices can further enhance your IT network experience. Here are some key practices to consider:
Plan for Future Growth
Many large enterprises began as small businesses, focusing on growth. It’s crucial to plan how your network will handle this growth. Assess future bandwidth requirements, especially as your organization adopts more complex applications that handle large file sizes. Ensure your network’s storage capacity can scale accordingly.
Maintain an Accurate Network Topology
Managing an IT network involves numerous components. Keeping an accurate and updated network topology is essential. Document your network topology and update it whenever you introduce new devices into your infrastructure. This practice ensures your network remains efficient and manageable.
Prepare for Failovers
While network downtimes can’t be entirely avoided, they can be minimized. Ensure your operations can continue during network interruptions by setting up failover mechanisms. This involves configuring your network to transfer traffic from a failed or degraded connection to a redundant component, preventing disruptions and minimizing revenue loss, productivity decline, and client frustration.
Common Mistakes in Network Management
To keep your network running smoothly, avoid these common mistakes:
Overlooking Network Device Logs
Network devices generate logs containing valuable data for managing your IT network. Ignoring these logs means missing out on insights into device and network performance. Use a network management solution to examine event logs, track user activity, troubleshoot device issues, and analyze performance and security events.
Neglecting Automation
Network management is complex, involving device provisioning, malware protection, and more. Relying on manual solutions can be time-consuming and less effective. Automated tools provide real-time notifications, helping you address network issues before they impact your business. Automation enhances efficiency and predictive insights into device, user, and network issues.
Failing to Set Access Controls
In today’s hyperconnected ecosystem, with various devices constantly connecting, robust access controls are essential. As businesses move applications to the cloud, innovative access controls are needed to strengthen cybersecurity. Ensure your network infrastructure has strong access controls to protect against unauthorized access and potential breaches.
By following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance your network management, ensuring a reliable and efficient IT environment.
Final Thoughts
Effective network management is essential for maintaining a robust IT infrastructure in your SMB. By grasping its key components, benefits, and challenges, you can make informed decisions and implement strategies that ensure your network’s optimal performance and security.
Choosing the right network management solution helps you anticipate and address potential issues, reduce costs, and boost overall business productivity. As the digital landscape evolves, proactive network management is vital for sustained growth and competitiveness.
For more insights on network management and how Excale can assist your business, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts. We’re here to ensure your IT infrastructure operates at its best.