What is network management?
Today’s digital infrastructure has permanently transformed the use of technology in business. IT services and network administration have become crucial components of information security in this new era of complex device ecosystems. Regular network monitoring is required to ensure your network operates at its best. But let’s start from the beginning before we proceed any further.
Let’s start by defining a network. A network is a collection of two or more cooperating computer systems or connected devices. Think of it as a group of linked computers, servers, and other hardware that enables data sharing. Networks can be managed either by your internal IT staff or a managed network service provider. One fantastic feature of managed network services is that they are often provided through a cloud infrastructure service. This means that you can control your network from any location as long as you have a reliable internet connection. Networks are commonly used for:
- File exchange
- Platforms for email and instant messaging communications
- Sharing of resources and data
- Accessibility from a distance
Now, let’s delve into network management.
Various network management procedures play crucial roles in every business:
- Security oversight: Security is one of every business’s most crucial network administration procedures. It aims to keep your company’s data safe and secure while ensuring the security of devices and applications. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the six subprocesses of security management are policy, awareness, strategy, compliance, access, and monitoring. A network security management plan is fundamental to keeping your network operational and safeguarding against cyberattacks, power outages, and natural disasters.
- Configuration control: Configuration management involves procedures used by administrators to maintain systems functioning properly and consistently. Since every company’s setup is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all method for configuration management. A well-designed configuration plan improves a company’s efficiency, reduces risk, and maximises system and process efficiency through increased security monitoring and auditing.
- Accounting Administration: Accounting management allows for the fair allocation of network services among users while minimising network congestion. It involves regulating how specific users or user groups utilise network services according to available resources. Accounting management primarily focuses on recording all network consumption data for cost control.
- Performance supervision: Performance management in network management refers to the techniques used to oversee and ensure that a company’s operates optimally. It involves proactive solutions that aid in identifying problems that could impact overall network performance. A sound performance management strategy improves end-user productivity and ensures smooth business processes.
- Data recovery and archiving: Every company’s network management strategy should include a backup and disaster recovery plan. This plan serves as a roadmap for restoring data during unexpected events. By having a disaster recovery strategy, you can minimise downtime, hasten recovery, restore data, and secure sensitive information.
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The question arises: Should you employ IT personnel in-house or outsource to a managed service provider (MSP)? Small to medium-sized organisations looking to reduce expenses, expand quickly, or meet increasing IT demands are more likely to engage in outsourced IT services. Even if you already have an internal IT department, consider using managed IT services to handle more complex IT tasks such as backup and disaster recovery procedures, network management, cybersecurity procedures, data management services, and server management. Your internal IT department can focus on providing daily IT support.
There is a variety of approaches to this question. The best course of action is thoroughly understand your business and determine your investment in its operations, capabilities, and demands. This will help you determine whether a single IT professional or a large group of managed service providers can meet your needs effectively.
What makes network management crucial? What benefits can network management offer your company?
Network administration is a crucial part of your organisation’s daily operations. With the right plan, businesses can ensure efficient IT operations and quickly identify software failures, infections, and other dangers. Here are some key reasons why network management is crucial to your company’s operations:
Performance: Performance issues can occur at any time. Effective network administration allows you to focus on more important aspects of your business, such as expanding, while ensuring that all critical components of your network are carefully monitored. Additionally, proactive support should be accessible in case issues develop. Like any other IT service, a network maintenance plan improves your company’s dependability and offers peace of mind.
Cost-effectiveness: Network management increases the productivity of your company’s operations and offers predictable expenses and scalable expansion. This means that costs remain stable and are not affected by the state of the economy.
Connectivity: Well-maintained networks optimise the connectivity between multiple networks and devices, making it simple for staff members, clients, and other stakeholders to access necessary data quickly. While infrastructure affects how quickly data moves, an extraordinary network management system should guarantee that your devices operate at peak performance. Like any other IT service, a network maintenance plan improves your company’s dependability and offers peace of mind.
Reliability: It’s unrealistic for any IT professional or managed IT service provider to guarantee 100% service uptime. However, having a great network management strategy enables you to address issues before they become outages.
Security: Securing operations, infrastructure, and assets is a top priority for every business. While primarily intended for monitoring, a network management plan is an excellent deterrent for most cybersecurity threats. Contrary to popular belief, cyberattacks are avoidable problems that can be stopped before they affect you.
