Your company's computer network is the heart of your business, and a vital network administration software system is the heart of your network. Information flows through your network's arteries to each individual organ (computer station), and this uninterrupted flow of your business's lifeblood is what helps to ensure the health of your enterprise. When this critical information flow is interrupted, compromised or hampered by breakdowns or blockages, your business fails to thrive. So, it's critically important to choose the most appropriate network management software for your company's needs.

Among others, the right network admin software can do the following great things for your company:

1. Facilitate effective collaboration on individual projects by various members of your organization

2. Coordinate your company's varied functions

3. Keep the lines of communication open between staff members and management

4. Maintain the security of your network, preventing unauthorized access to privileged information

5. Enable effective remote oversight of all your company's operations

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do some digging for background information on computer network administration software

Building up a little background knowledge on network administration issues and topics, as well as on the various types of network administrator software available, will help prepare you for the all-important decision about which software to choose for your company.

I recommend: Find White Papers offers a host of informative content on topics related to your company's software-for-network-administration requirements, and Microsoft TechNet provides comprehensive information on network administration.

Learn about the variety of available network administration systems

Different companies have much to offer in network administration program applications, many of which are targeted to specific industries. Most contain an interesting mix of features that can help you choose the network management software that will best address your company's own needs.

I recommend: For those who need help desk software, Numara offers its TrackIt! network admin software and also provides software consulting services. EMCO provides remote administration software, and CRC (Castle Rock Computing) offers two network administration software options: its SNMPc Windows-based network management system and its SNMPc OnLine reporting engine add-on module. A Windows-based security administration suite also comes compliments of netiQ.

Check comparative-pricing sites to contrast the cost of different network admin software products

Websites that line up similar network monitoring software products side by side make your job of checking price-to-feature ratios of various products much easier.

I recommend: Comparison shopping sites like NextTag and FindStuff offer product descriptions, pricing and links to vendor websites.

Find online resources for network administrators to improve your network administration program

Tools, tool suites and other types of network administration software found online can help make your network monitoring and administration activities more effective. Some websites feature a wide variety of network management software tools, many of which are offered for download free-of-charge.

I recommend: PacketTrap tools and tool suites can supplement and improve either current or newly-purchased network administration systems. The pt360 tool suite is free, as are the individual network monitoring software tools; and the pt360 Pro suite is available for purchase. WindowsNetworking.com also offers a comprehensive array of software helpful to network administrators.

Consider freeware for your network administration program if your budget or your business is small

Free administrator network software and software tools can be a real boon to the small business network administrator, particularly when a company's budget is small. Look into these complimentary offerings to see whether they might not have something of value to offer your company.

I recommend: Pure Networks offers its Network Magic software for home or small office networks, and NetworkActiv provides several freeware options for your remote administration and maintenance programs. SpiceWorks also offers free network management software.

Outsource your network administration program for greater convenience and less hassle

Remote administration software services can improve the management of your company's computer network, saving you time, trouble and costly mistakes.

I recommend: CPI Solutions and external iT provide complete network administration systems services, taking the responsibility for network management entirely off your shoulders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for computer network administration software that fits your industry and company purpose, size and budget. Consider it an investment in the success of your business, and don't skimp on needed features just to save money. If money is a problem, rather than buying software that doesn't fully address your company's needs, try using freeware until your budget issues have been resolved. This will prevent the need for a greater financial outlay later, as you attempt to make up for the shortcomings of the administrator network software that never met your needs in the first place.