Network configuration and change management (NCCM) is indispensable for maintaining healthy, secure infrastructures. Like other aspects of an infrastructure, network configurations are never static; they evolve, and proactively maintaining a watch on this dynamic environment is a daunting task.
In the second part of our “Full-stack monitoring” blog series, we will delve into how an advanced NCCM module can transform the way you manage your network, ensuring streamlined operations and compliance across the board.
Why network configuration management is crucial
Modern networks are getting ever more complex, transcending on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Every network device, switch, router, and firewall has configurations that define its role and functioning within the infrastructure. Misconfigurations, outdated firmware, or human error can lead to downtime, security breaches, or poor network performance. This is where the network configuration management function comes in, helping you with:
- Reducing network downtime: You can swiftly identify issues and resolve configuration errors.
- Maintaining compliance: Adherence to regulations and standards is monitored continuously along with device configurations.
- Streamlining network operations: Automated backups, audits, and configuration updates contribute to a disruption-free network.
Without an effective NCCM tool, IT teams face numerous challenges:
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Manual configuration management: NCCM becomes a tedious, labor-intensive task amid an already hectic set of responsibilities for IT personnel. This overload can also eventually lead to errors.
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Security vulnerabilities: Improper configuration or delayed firmware upgrades open up security vulnerabilities through which potential network breaches can happen.
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A lack of visibility: Poor visibility into all the devices in the network makes troubleshooting and maintaining network health daunting and time-consuming.
What OpManager Plus’ NCM capabilities bring to the table
OpManager Plus’ robust configuration management capabilities form a part of its full-stack monitoring suite, empowering IT teams to manage configurations from the same console without needing a stand-alone tool. OpManager Plus’ powerful capabilities ensure the integrity and smooth running of infrastructures:
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Automated configuration backups: One of the most important aspects of NCCM is having up-to-date backups of all network device configurations. OpManager Plus offers scheduled and automated backups to ensure every device’s configuration is stored securely. In the event of an unexpected failure or misconfiguration, you can quickly restore the last known reliable configuration, reducing downtime significantly.
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Compliance audits: Compliance with regulations is a major concern for industries such as healthcare, finance, and telecommunications. OpManager Plus helps ensure that your network adheres to compliance standards by auditing device configurations and identifying deviations. Whether it’s PCI DSS, HIPAA, or ISO standards, OpManager Plus presents detailed reports enabling seamless review and analysis of configurations’ compliance statuses.
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Change management and alerts: It is critical to track the changes that are made,who made them, when, and why. With OpManager Plus’ detailed logs of all configuration changes, administrators can track, review, and approve modifications. The solution also triggers real-time alerts if unauthorized or suspicious changes are detected, ensuring security is never compromised.
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Configuration comparison and versioning: Tracking different versions of configurations can be cumbersome, especially in large networks. OpManager Plus offers version control, allowing you to compare configurations across different devices or timeframes. This feature helps you identify differences and revert to previous versions if the latest one is causing issues, all with just a few clicks.
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Automated configuration rollbacks: When a newly implemented configuration is faulty or causes issues, you can roll back to a known stable version using OpManager Plus’ automated rollbacks. This minimizes the time required to troubleshoot errors, helping you swiftly restore network functionality without prolonged outages.
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Role-based access control (RBAC): Configuration management requires continuous oversight into user access to ensure security. OpManager Plus provides RBAC to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to critical configuration settings. This prevents accidental or malicious configuration changes and enhances the overall security posture of your network.
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Firmware management: Regularly updating device firmware is crucial for maintaining security and performance. OpManager Plus offers firmware management capabilities, enabling administrators to monitor firmware versions across all network devices and schedule updates when necessary.
The value of deep NCCM capabilities in an infrastructure monitoring solution
When integrated within a comprehensive solution like OpManager Plus, network configuration management becomes more than just a safeguard against errors; it evolves into a proactive, streamlined approach to managing and maintaining your entire network infrastructure. Here’s why:
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Time savings: Automating tasks such as backups, rollbacks, and compliance checks saves IT teams hours of manual effort, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.
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Improved security: Real-time alerts and change management logs ensure that potential security risks from misconfigurations or unauthorized changes are minimized.
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Enhanced visibility: With OpManager Plus, administrators have a centralized view of all device configurations, helping them identify performance bottlenecks and security gaps more efficiently.
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Compliance with regulations: Automatically auditing configurations against regulations and standards helps you ensure your network remains compliant, preventing costly fines and reputational damage.
Looking ahead
In today’s complex network environments, having an advanced NCCM solution is essential. As part of OpManager Plus’ full-stack monitoring solution, the NCCM module contributes to the big picture: full-stack observability that is comprised of network performance management, firewall management, bandwidth management, and IP address and switch port management. All of this gives IT teams a holistic view and control over their infrastructures.
In the next blog of our series, we will explore how OpManager Plus’ bandwidth management capabilities help IT administrators optimize network performance and prevent bandwidth bottlenecks. Take a closer look at OpManager Plus’ NCM capabilities right away. Connect with our experts to guide you through the features tailored to your needs. Visit our pages for an in-depth overview, request a personalized quote, or start your free trial to experience the difference.
Stay tuned as we continue our deep dive into OpManager Plus’ full stack monitoring capabilities!
