Being proactive is the way to get the most out of your IT and avoid problems arising. IT monitoring does just that. Here are some different monitoring systems that could be useful, or even vital, for your business.
Monitor Your Network
IT technicians monitoring a network can see if there’s anything out of the ordinary going on, and identify whether it’s something external or internal. Although network monitoring is usually used to make sure that all the components are functioning optimally and that there are no hardware rf software problems developing. Remote monitoring software allows technicians to check endpoints, networking equipment and server functionality, but it can identify other issues too.
Security threats can potentially be spotted quickly with network monitoring, and it’s also possible to keep tabs on how the network is being used. That will allow you to keep a check on your productivity. If your network is being used by employees in undesirable ways, such as visiting dangerous or time-wasting websites that aren’t part of their work, that can also be identified. It can alert you that maybe it’s time to update your usage protocols.
Monitoring of Applications
There are some applications that generate activity logs that can also provide useful information on how specific applications are being utilized. You don’t want to become the spymaster, placing your staff under tight surveillance, but you do need to keep an eye on things and do sporadic checks. For example, you can check how your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and instant messaging applications are being used. You can also monitor calls with customers so you can make sure you’re doing the best you can in your customer relations and interactions with clients.
Monitoring use of your cloud applications can help you to streamline your operations and maximize efficiency. Especially if you’re paying for a service, you need to make the most of it. Software or applications that aren’t being used can go, with a view to future savings.
Monitoring Mobile Devices
When your employees are out and about, mobile devices are a wonderful aid, keeping them connected to the data and information they need. They can be a distraction, however, and are also prone to security breaches (such as use over insecure public network connections). This can be especially hard to manage if you have a Bring Your Own Device policy. If you’re not in a position to issue employees with dedicated mobile devices to be used for work purposes only, make sure that they know what the usage rules and requirements are, to enhance security and productivity. Knowing that there are limits is half the battle.
Security Monitoring
Because your data and your hardware are valuable, physical monitoring may also be something for some organizations to consider. You don’t want unauthorized persons in your server room, which is the heart of your IT system and, if you were to have a break-in, security cameras can act as a deterrent, or as a way of recording suspicious activity.
Could your business take advantage of IT monitoring? To find out, reach out to us at (973) 882-4644.