Keeping an eye on network infrastructure involves a lot more than one might expect. There are plenty of aspects to consider, from security, data usage, maintenance and alerts, to name a few. For most large organizations, this is manageable with proper IT resources. But for smaller businesses, managing networks may prove to be an incredible challenge.
To lighten the load, many smaller companies turn to outsourced management. This allows them to achieve all necessary monitoring responsibilities, but with the resources of experts and focused third-parties. Those third parties have access to various IT staff, powerful hardware and software and the ability to keep an eye on networks 24/7 – vendor depending.
Because of this, there are quite a few things a business can rest easy on with outsourced network monitoring.
1. Security Alerts
Third parties are capable of keeping tabs on network activity at all times of the day. As such, they can ping administration and IT about potential red flags and respond accordingly. This can range from login intrusions to malware activity, as well as internal weaknesses such as firewall gaps or “flat” network security structuring (where all users have the same tier of access).
2. Updates and Maintenance
Updates to network infrastructure can be deployed through third parties. This process, which is typically time consuming and costly, makes sure that all software is up to date, further securing the virtual barriers of a network. This is additionally useful when third parties can deploy updates to multiple managed networks, cutting down on potential or other errors.
3. Enhanced Monitoring
Outsourced providers are capable of looking at all aspects of a businesses’ network at once. This includes server activity, website usage and business applications. Each can be flagged for various types of abnormal activity, as mentioned. But, this also creates in depth performance reports, which can be used to better respond to high volume demand or other problems.
4. Fast Deployment
Depending on services, a vendor can deploy all necessary services within the day of hiring. This eliminates the need to hire staff, install new hardware, upgrade facilities, or manage areas of security. Most monitoring vendors handle all processes and allow smaller companies to focus on their specialties and various business models.
5. Cost Reduction
Lastly, the biggest point every business must consider is cost and capital. Because of the demands modern network infrastructure creates, this generates enormous expenses. Sometimes it exceeds the ability for a small business to sufficiently handle, creating issues.
Because most modern companies are in some way reliant on powerful network infrastructure, they must have monitoring to secure and update their valuable resources. Because a third party service handles all staff, updates, access to hardware and more, these severe costs are reduced for any small business.
Outsourcing network monitoring is not about cutting jobs or losing employees. Rather, it is allowing your own staff – IT or otherwise – to prioritize company tasks and avoid critical downtime caused by network errors.
If you’re currently facing an unstable network environment, or unable to monitor its’ entirety effectively, consider an outsourced partner. Stratosphere Networks is a leading provider in managed services and is dedicated to the success of your business. Contact us today for information about our round-the-clock monitoring, and other services that make us a leader in the business.