Using network performance monitoring software can help you stay abreast of slow or failing devices included in your business’ local area network (LAN). In case of outages, network monitoring software is designed to alert network administrators immediately.

Network monitoring solutions focus exclusively on network activities and help administrators gain a better understanding of traffic and functionality of components connected to your company’s LAN. Consider the following tips on using network performance monitoring software to monitor and detect problems on your network.

1. Outline your goals for using network performance monitoring software.

2. Evaluate application performance monitoring software options.

3. Learn what to look for when choosing performance monitoring tool providers.

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

Assess your need for network performance monitoring software

You can use network performance monitoring software to diagnose problems when computer devices aren't communicating properly. You can also use application performance monitoring software to debug and track network applications during the development process. A great feature of performance monitoring tools is that you can easily copy and paste a network activity log into a file and send it to an outside network analyst for troubleshooting assistance.

I recommend: Check out Network Monitoring to read more about using system performance monitoring software. Learn more about the benefits of using network monitoring tool software by visiting Microsoft TechNet.

Learn more about network monitoring software functionality

Network monitoring software allows businesses to effectively track all information shared over their network. Using network performance monitoring software programs offer advanced solutions that allow businesses to monitor network performance and relate the results to overall business service performance, which can improve efficiency throughout the organization.

I recommend: Learn more about using network performance monitoring software by visiting Network Performance Daily. Check out Jackson Thornton Technologies to read more about using remote network monitoring solutions.

Compare providers of performance monitoring software

When you're ready to start using network performance software, there are numerous providers. Network performance monitoring software helps companies solve network issues and risks faster and use resources in the most efficient manner. With a variety of software options ranging from out-of-the-box network monitoring software solutions to customized web-based application monitoring tools, you have the choice of purchasing software that directly addresses your company's unique needs.

I recommend: When you're ready to start using performance monitoring software, check out WindowsNetworking.com from TechGenix to review a list of network performance monitoring software providers. You can also visit The Software Network to review a list of performance monitoring tool providers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To ensure you purchase a network performance monitoring software program that can keep your company data safe, it's important that you inquire about security features. For example to protect your network from unauthorized use, some network monitoring software features include the capability of detecting and tracking internal and remote access to your network. Other features include detecting and tracking any other installed application monitoring tools running on your LAN.

As your network goes, so goes your business. It's important to use the right network performance monitoring software to make sure you don't have problems later that could result in loss of time and money.

With their ability to track everything from security to reliability, these software packages, when installed and maintained properly, are worth their weight in gold.

Good network monitoring software can either be provided by the manufacturer of your servers or operating system, or you can purchase third-party packages. All of these packages should:

1. Diagnose system problems.
2. Track system capacity, so you'll know when it's time to expand.
3. Monitor website activity, including visitors, pages hit and referrers.
4. Monitor employees' use of the computer system by tracking every keystroke.
5. Scan for viruses and other harmful programs.

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

Use the right network monitoring solutions

Install the network performance monitoring software that works with your operating system. Most networks are based on Microsoft Windows, Unix, Linux or Macintosh operating systems.

I recommend: Manufacturers of network monitoring solutions such as Cisco and Symantec provide specific performance monitoring tools for every network operating system. Others, such as Sun and Apple only provide performance monitoring software for their own systems.

Consider using third-party network monitoring tool software

There are many network monitoring software developers that can provide the correct network monitoring application for your system.

I recommend: Developers of application monitoring tools such as FalconStor, SolarWinds, Numara, and NetQoS can provide application performance monitoring solutions to fit almost any situation.

Demo before you buy

Many network performance monitoring software developers allow you to demo their software on-line before installing it.

I recommend: All of the companies listed above have a demo program, but there are others you may want to look into, such as NetScout, Zenoss, Prism Microsystems and GFI.

Consider using free software

There are several network monitoring packages available at no charge. Many of these tools give you remote access to your servers via the Internet.

I recommend: Spiceworks monitors your whole network at no cost and can monitor networks using any operating system, including Linux, Unix and Windows, but must be run from a PC. You can also get tons of free network monitoring tools through Softex that show you activity on everything from Internet messaging systems to a complete inventory of PCs connected to your servers. Another great source for free tools is Network Uptime.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Research all of the options available before deciding on the right product for your network.
• •  Read your operating system's requirements before deciding on a network monitoring tool.
• •  Take advantage of any training offered to you by the software developer or provider.
• •  Make sure you have a help desk number handy and an email address for someone that can provide immediate support.
• •  Install a backup system in case disaster strikes. Also store backup data off-site.

Your manager mentioned you need to have network performance monitoring software education and training. You agree. However, your manager didn't offer any suggestions on where you can get this training. You don’t necessarily need to learn how to do specific tasks, but you do understand how the network monitoring tool can perform network analysis.

The good news is that you don’t have to go to school. There are other methods of getting network performance monitoring software education by doing the following:

1. Take web-based courses or watch video tutorials to understand performance monitoring software.

2. Learn how to use webinars to understand network performance monitoring software.

3. Listen to podcasts in order to learn about network monitoring solutions.

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

Learn about performance monitoring software through web-based courses or video tutorials

Web-based courses or tutorials can be just as effective as taking courses in person. There are two advantages to learning this way. First, it's inexpensive. You don't have to worry about travel, lodging or meal costs. Second, web-based courses and tutorials are flexible in that you can participate on your own time and study at your own pace. For example, you can learn how to create KPIs (key performance indicators) or set up alerts in your network performance monitoring software.

I recommend: You will want to check out IBM’s Tivoli software. You can take this web-based course to set up KPIs (key performance indicators). This course lasts approximately two hours. SolarWinds has a tutorial section that shows you how to create alerts. The online demonstration, which lasts for approximately three minutes, walks you step-by-step on how to set up the alert.

Take part in webinars to understand network performance monitoring software

You can get network performance monitoring software education and training through webinars. Webinars allow you to interact with the presenter in going over the presentation. These sessions are brief and might show you why and how the vendor's network performance monitoring program is better than the competitors. The webinar may not necessarily focus on a particular task. Instead, it may show you how this network monitoring application can analyze IP applications on your network.

I recommend: NetQos offers webinars on its application monitoring tools. You’ll learn how the performance monitoring tool can help increase your staff’s efficiency and reduce outages. In addition, this webinar will show you how the software identifies the root cause of the problem; thereby, helping you make better investment decisions. NetScout also provides webinars. This webinar, for example, will show how this network monitoring software analyzes IP applications on the network.

Use podcasts to listen to network monitoring solutions

Although you may not be able to see any presentations or interviews, podcasts allow you to listen to them. Podcasts are flexible in that you can listen to them on your computer, portable player, such as an MP3 player or Apple iPod, or mobile phone, such as the Apple iPhone. With podcasts, you might listen to the company's executive talking about how its network performance monitoring tools can help a company be more efficient and productive.

I recommend: PodcastDirectory offers podcasts on system performance monitoring software. You can download the presentation onto your computer or else listen to it on your iPhone. DABCC Radio also provides podcasts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you download any documentation that pertains to the network monitoring software. If you're listening to a podcast, for example, you can follow along with the presenter.