Monitoring the Windows devices in a network is difficult yet essential since the devices are tasked with the critical functioning of the network. The challenges and complexity increase multi-fold for an enterprise network because each device is associated with many events, services, and processes that must be monitored to ensure the hassle-free operation of both the devices and the network.
The devices should be monitored constantly by a network monitoring tool. In the event of a malfunction, suitable actions must be taken according to the criticality of the situation. This way, you can avert downtime, stay on top of your network, and react quickly to your network’s dynamic changes.
There are a lot of Windows network monitoring tools out there, creating a dilemma as to which one to choose. Let’s take a look at some of the features to consider before choosing a Windows network monitoring tool.
Comprehensive performance monitoring
Enterprise network monitoring and management is quite complex. While the ultimate goals are to prevent network downtime and drive down network operating costs, it is also important to make sure that the devices are performing at the optimal level. High uptime and optimal performance are what all networks must strive to have. Having a comprehensive overview of a network’s performance is essential.
A Windows network monitoring tool must help network admins monitor critical performance metrics, such as the partition details of a device, mounted partitions, used disk space, I/O read and write, free disk space, and memory utilization. By providing in-depth visibility into such critical metrics, a Windows network monitoring tool allows network admins to dive deep into a network’s performance.
Automation
An enterprise network is hard to monitor considering its colossal size. Manually discovering and setting thresholds for every device is easier said than done. You also have to get acquainted with the device’s past performance and current statistics to set a baseline for monitoring. This requires strenuous manual effort that could be better spent on other critical aspects of the network. With automated discovery and adaptive thresholds, the discovery and monitoring processes can be entirely automated. This eases the work of network admins and prevents human error.
Proactive monitoring
Network downtime is disastrous since it affects the performance of the network, drives up network operating costs, and affects the brand value. Acting on downtime after its occurrence does no good. With a Windows network monitor, you can constantly keep an eye on your network and identify areas of probable faults. This way, you can proactively monitor the network and prevent faults before they happen, thereby ensuring high uptime and driving down operating costs.
Virtualization
To match the dynamic nature of networks and address scalability issues, organizations are turning to cloud-based solutions since they are easier to deploy and improve resource allocation and utilization. With more organizations moving towards cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Hyper-V to scale their networks, it is only logical for a Windows network monitoring software to offer in-depth monitoring of and visibility into virtual machines.
Alerts and notifications
Monitoring devices for optimal performance is only the beginning. To ensure high uptime, a fault must be conveyed to the right person at the right time through the right channel for swift rectification. A Windows network monitoring software must not only send alerts to the respective person but also prioritize them according to the criticality of the situations so that the network admin is not bombarded with alerts without knowing which one to deal with first. Prioritizing alerts allows admins to focus on the most troublesome alerts first and then later move on to the less pressing issues.
Flexibility
Enterprise networks are very complicated, and each has unique monitoring needs. This calls for a custom monitoring solution specific to the network. Thus, a Windows network monitoring software must not limit its scope but rather provide out-of-the-box monitoring that gives users plenty of flexibility for monitoring their networks.
Scalability
Enterprise networks are becoming increasingly dynamic. The load on the devices changes due to varying traffic, and thus the layout of the network changes. This calls for scaling the network in accordance with the traffic for high uptime. A Windows network monitoring tool must take into account network scaling while monitoring devices to ensure high uptime.
Visualization
A picture is worth a thousand words. A network admin has to be on top of the performance and real-time status of devices. This is nearly impossible without visualization considering the sheer number of devices in a network. To cope with the data from all of these devices would be a laborious task, paving the way for manual errors.
Visualizing the data in the form of reports and dashboards gives network admins critical insights and in-depth visibility into their network. The gathered insights can be used to make well-informed decisions about the network. A Windows network monitoring tool must have powerful visualization features to help network admins quickly gather insights at a glance.
Compatibility
Enterprise networks are comprised of devices from different vendors. Thus, a Windows network monitoring tool must be compatible with other vendors to discover and monitor their devices. It must also be compatible with third-party applications, such as ITSM tools, that enable hassle-free fault rectification. Compatibility with the devices and applications of other vendors is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Windows network monitoring tool.
User-friendliness
A poorly-designed user interface will only complicate the already overwhelming work of network admins. With an easy-to-use user interface, a Windows network monitoring software can help network admins carry out their complex network monitoring tasks without hassles.
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