Server and network availability is an essential aspect of maintaining business productivity and continuity. IT administrators face many challenges and responsibilities when it comes to maintaining the network and keeping downtime at a minimum. Depending upon the size of the organization there are many components to keep track of such as device management, updates, patching, new application configurations, compliance requirements, and issues that arise as the result of human error or environmental factors. So, what are some of the challenges that IT administrators face and what are some of the ways you can overcome these issues?
Every company is aware that the proper data protection measures are of utmost importance. Yet many businesses still utilize older methods of data backup such as tape systems, costly onsite backup methods, and offsite systems that may mean several days until recovery takes place. These methods consume resources and pose more risks of failure in addition to being complex, costly, and labor intensive.
New data backup and recovery technologies eliminate (more…)
Thoughts on Reducing IT Capital Expenditures
In the current economic downturn where IT budgets are declining and the demand for IT resources is increasing, the expectations for many companies are you must accomplish more with less. As a result, many businesses and enterprises are working to find ways to cut costs without compromising productivity while remaining competitive. With all of these pressures and responsibilities how do you ensure ongoing growth while meeting compliance requirements and your service level agreements?
The answer to this dilemma is the incorporation of new technologies into your IT infrastructure. Although this may sound like you are increasing IT capital expenditures you are actually cutting costs while increasing productivity in response to the ever changing market. Here are some thoughts on how to reduce costs while still maintaining the competitive advantage. (more…)
What is Regulatory Compliance?
Regulatory compliance can take on different definitions according to the industry in which you are applying the policies. Since compliance means incorporating standards that conform to specific requirements, regulatory compliance is the regulations a company must follow to meet specific requirements.
When you apply regulatory compliance to IT, the regulations apply to two different aspects of company operations which include the internal requirements for IT and compliance standards that are set forth by external entities. Both types of regulatory compliance affect IT company operations and can potentially restrict (more…)
Network Monitoring Methods
Network monitoring is an essential responsibility for businesses of all sizes. Medium-sized and large companies typically have a network monitoring system in place either onsite or offsite in the cloud but what about small businesses? This is exactly what hackers are asking when they are seeking to breach a network.
In the last few years small businesses have become (more…)
How Hackers Use Backdoors to Access a Network
Backdoors are a method that hackers use to establish unauthorized access to a network from a remote location. Hackers use backdoors as a means of gaining repeated access to a network without being logged by the systems administrator. This type of network intrusion hides its presence while the hacker is actually using the network without the knowledge of others.
How Backdoors Work
Hackers gain access to a network by (more…)
Key Metrics You Should Use when Measuring IT Service Delivery
There is an old adage in business success that says, “You cannot manage what you fail to measure.” This is a valid point when it comes to focusing on a set of metrics that provide the best solutions in IT service delivery. The type of metrics which are used will depend upon the needs of the enterprise. However there are key metrics which should be used across the board regardless of business objectives.
Many companies that have a series of branch offices or a staff that works remotely deploy what is known as a virtual private network or VPN. The primary purpose of a VPN is to allow business partners to communicate over a secure network from a remote location via IPsec or Internet Protocol Security. By using a VPN companies view this as one of the safest ways to link users together that are distributed across multiple locations.
Not only are VPNs used to communicate securely over a public network such as the Internet VPNs are also (more…)
Protecting Your Inbox from SpamOpening your mailbox only to find it filled with spammed mail can give you a real headache. It is a real nightmare to sort through your valuable mail when you have tens or hundreds of spam messages in the mix. Spam is an unsolicited email, usually used for commercial purposes such as advertisement of a product or a service.
There are several ways to get rid of these nuisances.
Using Internet Security or Anti-Spam Software
One of the best ways to stop spam is to (more…)
Tips on Assessing the Health of Your Network
Most people only regard bandwidth and latency as the health of a network. They don’t realize the importance of security and loads on servers. Viruses and bugs decrease the quality of your network. High load on servers can lead to high response time or sometimes poor internet speed.
First thing you should analyze is (more…)