Network management is the continuous support and maintenance of your practice’s network, often taken care of by an outsourced IT service provider. This involves a variety of services from network design to cybersecurity, to troubleshooting. Managing your network of connected users and platforms is essential to keep it and your business running smoothly. No matter the size of your practice, it’s important to manage your network. It’s even more important to get the right tools and people to do so.
Set-Up
Before you can maintain your network, it will need to be configured. This involves more than you might think. Luckily, managed network services include installing the network’s servers, routers, switches, hubs, cables, and computers. After the physical devices are set up, the network software, operating systems, and management tools will need to be installed. All of these devices must be installed properly as they work together to create a seamless network your employees can access and work across.
Network Monitoring
Network management systems have built-in functions to make sure things are running smoothly. This includes monitoring your network activity. Think of it as proactive measures to protect your network ahead of time. By watching how users interact with the network, management systems can identify and address problems before they get out of hand. This can be anything from necessary upgrades, to repairing switches, routers, and workstations. It’s also important to have a managed services provider who monitors your network 24/7. Something could go wrong at any time and it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible.
Designate Resources Accordingly
In addition to monitoring issues, network administrators can also look out for ways to optimize their performance. Just because the network is running and there are no problems preventing users from working, doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. It’s also important for network management to be flexible with their resources to match the practice’s evolving needs.
For example, with more and more businesses switching to hybrid or completely remote work this could put a strain on your network. By reviewing the network’s performance your network management provider can stop any laggy video calls, lost connections, disruptions in the cloud, or other potential network related issues.
Secure Your Network
Perhaps one of the most important elements of network management is its security. Your network contains a plethora of sensitive information on it related to your practice such as HIPAA and PHI related data. Luckily, network management systems are constantly scanning your network. Which means they are constantly on the lookout for cyberthreats.
Instead of waiting for someone to realize that email link they clicked on may have infected their computer and therefore all the company files, these network programs stop cybercriminals in their tracks. Network providers can do this in any number of ways like using identity verification programs, VPNs, and the Zero Trust model.
Automated Systems
All of the above systems are only effective so long as they are automated. Yes, an IT team could manually analyze and monitor every part of the network every day. But that is a waste of time and resources. By automating your network management system, you free up your IT team’s time to focus on more productive tasks. If an issue does arise, the network management system will notify the IT specialists who can then fix the problem and move on.
Now, if you are a small business, you might not have an entire IT team at your disposal. Perhaps one of your workers has taken on the added responsibility of handling network issues. This is not a long-term solution, and it may severely impact your practice’s productivity. With network management software, you can free up your employees’ time to do their primary job instead of trying to keep up with the demands of network maintenance.
Need Help with Network Management?
For businesses big and small, remote or in-person, industries of all kinds, it is imperative to have a good network management system. The network is what connects employees and their work and is what stores the company’s private information. So why wouldn’t you do everything at your disposal to keep it organized and secure? From the very first time you set up your network and log-in, a network manager should be there making sure everything is running and remains secure. This ensures continuity as well as organization and performance optimization. And since these systems are automated, they free up your IT department’s time to work on other more pressing tasks.
Need help with your own network management? Schedule a free consultation with Strategy IT today! Let’s discover what network and management type will work best for your business!
