Server and Network Management Challenges

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?

Management Challenges for IT Administrators

IT administrators are responsible for the backbone of modern information technology systems which are reliant on complex network infrastructures. For medium to large-sized companies there can be literally hundreds of thousands of devices which are mission critical to company operations.  The server and network devices can include many different types of hardware from a variety of vendors, security components, switches, routers, and other components that make up the infrastructure.  Here are some of the challenges in terms of a manual approach to managing server and network infrastructures.

• Configuration Tasks: When using the conventional approach to network administration IT personnel typically invests a lot of time into performing configurations which are repetitive and time consuming.  This takes time away from planning for future innovations that increase productivity.
• Network Growth: As a company expands so does the number of devices and applications. This means additional tasks in terms of configuration. IT administrators end up prioritizing according to business task importance which increases the risk of errors and network outages.
• Network Security: The tasks associated with network security can be monumental in terms of patching, firewalls, intrusion detection monitoring, and other security measures which are used to secure data on a server.  This leaves a lot of room for error which increases the risk for data breaches.
• No Centralized Management: When you use the conventional approach to server and network management there is no centralized control for keeping track of configuration changes, updates, and other mission critical steps which are required to meet compliance regulations.  Performing each management task separately is time consuming and repetitive.
• Lack of Accountability: With most network infrastructures there is no way to ensure accountability for device configurations and user actions.  If a security breach occurs or there is an unauthorized configuration change there is typically no way to trace the action back to a specific user.

How to Conquer Server and Network Management Issues

Thanks to a higher availability of solutions providers and automated tools, server and network management can be simplified. This leaves more time for IT administrators to focus on new company innovations instead of performing time consuming and repetitive tasks.  Automated tools provide a way to keep track of configurations, reduce the possibility for human error, improve policy compliance, and reduce operational costs.

Additionally, many companies choose to use a virtualization solutions provider that can oversee and manage server and network infrastructures either onsite or from a remote location.  Most solutions providers offer configuration, change, and compliance management services.  They are also equipped with the necessary automation tools to reduce errors and perform audits and reports on the status of network configurations.

With a quality virtualization solution  in place companies can make the best use of their resources and time.  To learn more about how you can improve productivity and business continuity while cutting costs contact Thrive Networks today for a consultation.