Monitoring and Managing IT

“Already, a new generation of technology is transforming expectations for how we will conduct business, communicate, access entertainment, and much more. Increasingly, people envision a world of anywhere access - a world in which the information, the communities, and the content that they value is available instantly and easily, no matter where they are.” (Bill Gates via Tweblog)

The above quote from Bill Gates is part call to arms, part sales pitch for Vista. However, the point he raises is one that we’ve discussed frequently over the last two months. It’s no longer a localized world. Businesses, employees, and consumers require connectivity from remote locations at any time. With the greater need for connectivity and the growing number of remote devices in use, comes the need for comprehensive asset management and monitoring. Effective management software solutions ensure that regardless of what devices or which locations are in use, data remains secure and users remain protected.

“…assuming that an enterprise wants to improve its service, monitoring makes all the difference. Success stories abound of monitoring solutions cutting response times and system downtime by factors of ten, streamlining the tracking process, and improving customer satisfaction. Implementing a monitoring solution with the support to optimize the network and fix any problems that occur can be an effective way to cut costs and boost productivity.” (IT Management)

Comprehensive management software like ClearCube Sentral™ allows for dynamic reallocation, which enables roaming users to reconnect to their existing sessions without having to restart applications or endure lengthy login processes each time they arrive at a new location. It also provides clientless access for remote desktop connectivity from laptops, PCs, and other Ethernet-based devices through a browser. The result of all of this is easier, more secure access in a shorter period of time.

In order to be truly effective, management software must monitor the performance and health of all systems. It must also provide IT with the ability to take over control of those systems from a remote location. This ensures that reallocation can take place almost instantly and that maintenance can occur without interrupting the user. Along with a broad reach, management software requires flexibility. It must stretch across platforms, supporting other vendor’s products.

The essence of the connectivity problem is this:

“‘You don’t know what you don’t know.’ That is so true any time your business takes you outside of your traditional core competencies.” (Medical Connectivity Consulting)

As demands for “anytime, anywhere” connectivity increase, the need for effective IT management and monitoring escalates. While the hardware must be in place to accomplish this, the right management software is just as important.