Network management is a complex and demanding line of work. IT must ensure everything works as intended, evaluating productivity and security.
Full-stack managed services help IT teams save costs by outsourcing responsibilities and leveraging next-generation tools. This guide will explain the challenges of network management, best practices, and next-generation automation.
Remote Monitoring
Historically, network management has been reactive, with IT support technicians visiting on-site environments and checking equipment health. This approach is often too expensive and prone to error, especially with networks growing in size and complexity.
Remote monitoring is a key component of the modern managed network services model such as Magic Quadrant managed network services. It includes software that identifies and reports on problems with IT infrastructure – such as computers, servers and mobile devices – in real time. It also automates system maintenance and sends IT alerts. Ideally, the system should be intuitive enough to make sense to anyone with basic IT knowledge.
RMM software is typically a small-footprint application installed on client workstations, servers and mobile devices. It collects data and reports it to the MSP’s portal, dashboard or console. This allows the MSP to proactively monitor their clients’ systems rather than waiting for them to call for a service visit. This is a huge win for the MSP, preventing costly downtime. It’s also an opportunity to build a profitable managed services business based on the right technology.
Security
There are a few key components to a complete network management service. The most important is security, encompassing many tools and practices to protect a business’s network from internal and external threats. These tools include firewalls, antivirus, and antimalware software.
These security systems monitor all the hardware and software on a network to prevent malware, viruses, inappropriate web content, spam, and intrusions. Moreover, they help ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all network data. In addition, they enable network teams to automate configuration and policy changes, reducing manual processes that are susceptible to human error.
Businesses of all sizes constantly rely on their IT infrastructure to be up and running. If their network goes down, the company can’t operate and productivity plummets. Organizations can keep their IT systems and employees productive with a well-thought-out network management strategy. It also reduces downtime and associated costs. Ultimately, it’s the best way to safeguard a company’s reputation and bottom line. Integrated with automation and AI/ML, network management can help reduce Opex costs and improve overall business performance.
Automation
Many aspects of business operations are based on computers and automated processes. This includes data storage, security, and management of hardware components such as routers, servers, and firewalls. A network administrator needs to be able to work quickly and efficiently to respond to business demands.
Automation can save time and increase accuracy. It can also free employees from menial tasks that get in the way of reaching their full potential. In fact, according to a WorkMarket study, 53% of workers feel that automation could free up two work hours per day.
IT automation involves converting manual, error-prone, repetitive processes into software without human intervention. This can include everything from a script to a software-based approach that performs multiple steps simultaneously and is designed to repeat them continuously without deviation or rework.
IT automation tools can help reduce security risks. Fewer manual processes mean more irregular configuration and policy errors that can create vulnerabilities. However, it’s important to select the right tool based on its fit to your requirements.
Scalability
Scalability is adapting your company’s operations and performance levels when the workload increases. It’s a crucial aspect of network management that allows companies to handle increased customer demand and maintain product quality while increasing efficiency and competitiveness.
Specifically, a scalable system can promptly add more capacity to its hardware without negatively impacting its function. This could include additional hardware, processing power, or storage space. It’s important to note that scalability can also be applied to hardware and software systems.
As we move into the 21st century, many systems are scalable thanks to technological advances. For instance, the software is often scalable through a Software-as-a-Service model, which helps companies quickly access and deploy new capabilities to meet changing customer demands. In this regard, scalability can also be applied to physical systems such as computer servers and firewalls, as they are easily upgraded with additional hardware components. These systems can then handle more traffic while maintaining functionality and security.
Analytics
Businesses need a network that runs smoothly. And that’s why many clients rely on MSPs to manage their networks. MSPS must provide comprehensive managed network services, including remote monitoring, proactive maintenance, and security. But it’s equally important for those MSPs to do so profitably.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to break down the seven components of a profitable managed network service. In it, we discuss everything from network management functions and techniques to best practices and next-generation technology like AI and ML. Then, we help you understand how to make the most of your managed network services and deliver the best results for your clients. Enjoy.
The most profitable MSPs understand the need for a comprehensive network management strategy. But they also know how to manage the risk and complexity of delivering it.
