12 December 2024
Peter Savereux, Marketing Manager, Highlight
Investing in network monitoring equipment is a critical decision that can impact the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation’s IT operations. Choosing the right solution requires careful consideration of current needs, future goals, and the primary purpose of the monitoring system. Here are some key factors to consider:
Define the purpose
The success of a network monitoring solution hinges on a well-defined purpose. Businesses must clearly identify what challenges the tool will address and how it will contribute to operational improvements. With a defined purpose, decision-makers will then be able to evaluate vendor claims and focus on solutions that can deliver measurable results.
The starting point is to understand the technologies that need to be monitored such as hardware, applications, and services critical to your operations.
Beyond the present, also consider your future needs. Do you expect your network to expand? Are you planning to adopt new technologies like cloud services or IoT? The chosen solution should be able to meet both current requirements and those of an evolving IT landscape.
Prioritise data usability
Monitoring solutions can provide vast amounts of data, but their true value lies in how that data is utilised. Before selecting a solution, establish clear processes for using the data to enhance your business operations.
Look at who will benefit from access to the information. Will the users be engineers, support teams, customer account teams or management? Different audiences require the data to be presented in formats tailored to their needs. If the audience goes beyond technical engineering teams, a solution that simplifies the data into a visual presentation that can be understood by non-technical stakeholders will significantly enhance adoption and deliver a return on investment.
Match the solution to your business format
When evaluating a system, consider whether its focus aligns with your organisation’s goals, technical requirements, and size. Different network monitoring tools cater to varying organisational structures and priorities.
Network monitoring and observability have distinct purposes but are complimentary tools. Traditional monitoring emphasises specific hardware metrics, ideal for engineering teams diagnosing system issues. Observability, an emerging trend, emphasises a holistic approach to network monitoring that focuses on user experience and overall business impact, alongside more specific hardware metrics. Understanding your organisational focus will ensure you can maximise the full benefits from both systems.
Evaluate setup and maintenance
Ease of setup and ongoing maintenance are also vital considerations. Some systems offer plug-and-play functionality with minimal configuration, while others demand extensive customisation and setup time. If the effort required to integrate a solution into your network to too time consuming or complex, it may damage its overall value.
Some solutions offer a streamlined deployment process and automatically capture data from applications, underlay connectivity, overlay MPLS or SD-WAN, switch or Wi-Fi LAN infrastructure and then format the data for clarity and usability. Conversely, more technically-focused solutions, while powerful, require a more intricate setup and the data presentation is tailored to engineering needs.
Analyse total cost of ownership
Price is another multifaceted consideration. The initial licensing or purchase cost is only one part of the equation. Factor in setup, maintenance, training, and the potential cost of integrating the system with existing infrastructure. Also calculate the potential savings or revenue generated by resolving issues like downtime or inefficiency. Tools with token-based pricing models can lead to unpredictable costs as monitoring requirements increase. In contrast, others will charge based on the number of devices monitored, providing a more predictable pricing structure.
Embrace innovation and future-proofing
Modern network monitoring solutions are evolving to incorporate cloud capabilities, vendor APIs, and AI-driven analytics. When assessing options, inquire about the vendor’s innovation roadmap. Will the system leverage cutting-edge technologies, and are upcoming features relevant to your organisation’s needs?
Selecting the right network monitoring equipment is more than a purchase; it’s a strategic investment in your organisation’s infrastructure and future. By aligning your choice with your current needs, future ambitions, and broader goals, you can ensure that your chosen solution delivers maximum value, driving both operational efficiency and business growth.
