It’s no secret that enterprise networks have grown more distributed and complex over the past few years. On top of this, conventional network monitoring tools are struggling to keep up with the rapid growth of IoT, new tech advancements, and intricate network architectures. A recent study by Enterprise Management Associates underscores this challenge, revealing that nearly 74% of IT organizations plan to replace their existing network management tools within the next two years.
It’s essential for network admins to thoroughly analyze network outages, minimize network troubleshooting, and monitor resources to mitigate significant financial and operational impacts. When switching between different tools or choosing a new one, it is crucial for network teams to select an advanced network monitoring tool that offers comprehensive visibility, real-time analytics, and automated management capabilities.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to choose a network monitoring solution in 2024 and why OpManager is an ideal choice for monitoring modern IT networks.
Selecting the best network monitoring tool for your organization: Key features to consider
Choosing the best network monitoring tool is a crucial part of your organization’s growth and success. “CTOs should think about network monitoring as the blood vessels and arterial system for their entire organization,” says Shankar Somasundaram, CEO of Asimily, a leader in IoT device security solutions. Therefore, when selecting a network monitoring tool in 2024, carefully analyze it and look for the following features:
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Auto-discovery and performance management: Network monitoring tools should be able to automatically discover new devices and their dependencies in an enterprise network. This feature can simplify the manual process of discovering new devices and enable hassle-free monitoring. Additionally, a network monitoring tool should also be able to monitor network performance in real time and forecast performance issues.
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Integration capabilities: An advanced network monitoring tool should be compatible with various devices, protocols, and ITSM platforms.
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AI and ML integration: It should be able to detect anomalies and proactively monitor your network devices.
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Comprehensive reporting and visualization: A network monitoring tool should be able to generate detailed and customizable reports with a comprehensive dashboard that centralizes monitoring. It should map network devices, provide an overview of your network, and generate threshold-based alerts.
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Security and compliance features: It should provide strong security measures, including detailed logging, compliance, rogue detection, and user access control.
When selecting a network monitoring tool, it’s also important to consider the non-technical aspects that contribute to a successful implementation:
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24/7 support and maintenance: Ensure the company offers around-the-clock support and maintenance. Reliable support is crucial for addressing any issues promptly and maintaining network performance.
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Pricing and licensing: Evaluate the pricing structure and licensing options to ensure they align with your budget and organizational needs. Transparent pricing can help in making informed decisions. Additionally, check for the pricing history of the product to understand how the costs have changed over time and to anticipate future pricing trends.
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Company stability: Network administrators should consider the stability of the company providing the product. A bootstrapped company with a solid record can often provide reliable service and support.
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Product reviews: Check out reviews on sites like Gartner, IDC, Forrester, and TechRadar to compare products and see user feedback. This helps you make an informed decision about purchasing the product.
Why OpManager is one of the best network monitoring tools in 2024
ManageEngine OpManager stands out as one of the best network monitoring tools in 2024, thanks to its robust feature set designed to address the diverse needs of modern IT environments.
Key features of OpManager
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Automated network discovery and topology mapping
OpManager can automatically discover and map network devices and its dependencies, providing a comprehensive view of the network infrastructure. It includes over 11,500 device templates that classify device types automatically. This feature simplifies network management and ensures accurate documentation.
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Real-time monitoring and proactive alerts
OpManager offers network engineers instant and proactive alerts via various channels like email, SMS, chat, tickets, and more. These alerts notify network admins about any network issues, including device failures or performance bottlenecks, allowing network admins to respond quickly, minimizing downtime and maintaining optimal network performance.
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Adaptive thresholds
OpManager leverages AI and ML to set thresholds based on the performance of your enterprise network. This predictive analytics feature helps prevent issues before they can cause major impact on the network.
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Performance forecasting
OpManager forecasts the performance trends of your enterprise network. This feature allows you to identify and troubleshoot performance issues proactively.
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Integration with ITSM platforms and other network tools
OpManager integrates seamlessly with third-party network tools and popular ITSM tools like ServiceNow. Additionally, it offers REST API, enabling network admins to seamlessly integrate OpManager into their existing IT infrastructure.
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Aggregated network health reporting
OpManager generates detailed and customizable reports on network performance and health. Network admins can combine multiple reports and analyze network performance with ease.
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Root cause analysis
The root cause analysis feature of OpManager enables network admins to streamline fault identification and network visualization for optimum network uptime.
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Security and compliance features
OpManager has robust security measures such as detailed audit logs, role-based access control, and compliance tracking. These features help ensure network security and adherence to industry regulations.
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Scalability
OpManager is designed to scale with growing networks, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises. Its flexible architecture supports distributed monitoring for complex environments.
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Stability
ManageEngine OpManager has been a reliable presence in the network monitoring field for over 15 years. As a bootstrapped company, ManageEngine has demonstrated consistent stability and a commitment to providing robust network management solutions.
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24/7 support and maintenance
OpManager offers 24/7 support on demand. The support technicians are available to help you set up the product, assist with changes, and resolve any queries related to network management.
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Pricing and licensing
OpManager provides transparent and flexible pricing and licensing options based on the number of devices and interfaces. This ensures that organizations can find a plan that suits their financial and operational requirements, making it an affordable and practical choice for network monitoring.
OpManager stands out as a top choice for network administrators seeking a comprehensive network monitoring tool in 2024. Its advanced capabilities in automated discovery, real-time monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and seamless integration make it an indispensable asset for maintaining optimal network performance and health.
If you are considering replacing your conventional network monitoring tool, OpManager is your go-to network management solution. Schedule a personalized demo with our product experts to learn more about OpManager’s features and discover why it surpasses other network monitoring tools available in 2024.
Try our 30-day, free trial or our free demo to experience the product firsthand. Stay vigilant when choosing a network monitoring tool for your enterprise. Try OpManager today for hassle-free monitoring and management of your complex networks.
