Network Monitoring

Denver Abernathy

What would be the value of knowing ahead of time that your server hard drives were about to fail? Would it be valuable to know that your server’s processor is reaching 100% utilization every time someone prints a report from your database?

There is virtually no limit to the data that can be captured through network monitoring. Things like bandwidth utilization, web-browsing habits, hardware errors, security breaches and attempts can all be “watched” by software programs which can alert you if pre-set thresholds are surpassed (e.g. 90% of a user’s available hard drive space has been utilized), key services have stopped, etc., etc.

So how does it work? Of course the answer to that question is that it can work in many ways. Operating Systems have some monitoring tools built in. Several of your third-party software packages have monitoring tools included, and some IT companies, like Promethius Consulting, offer complete monitoring services.

So how do you choose? The key is to determine which services are critical for your business and to find a comprehensive plan that automates as much of the monitoring as possible. Here are some tips:

1. Don’t over-monitor – Little networks that cry wolf will assure that you don’t notice the really important alerts.
2. Don’t skip the unseen items – This is not one of those tasks to use the squeaky-wheel method on. File servers don’t make a lot of noise, but you definitely want to know the moment they go down (and before if possible), for example.
3. Don’t settle for simple reporting when automated fixes are possible – There are many programs that can alert you to problems as well as automate routine tasks, etc.
4. Have a plan in place for what to do with the alerts that are generated – It doesn’t help to be alerted that your hard disk is filling up if you don’t make any changes as a result of the new information.

If you have questions about how network monitoring can help protect your business, please give Promethius a call at 317-733-2388.
 

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Is Your Newsletter Really Working for You?

Tony Valle

It’s generally accepted that a newsletter is a great way to market your organization. If you aren’t “on board” the newsletter bandwagon, you should seriously consider starting one up this year. Be careful, though, as all newsletters are not created equal.

I put together the following points to help you make sure your newsletter is as effective as possible. We all fear creating a newsletter that nobody reads or appreciates. Let’s make sure YOUR newsletter doesn’t end up in the “dead letter” pile.

Track Your Data – If you don’t have a way to track how many recipients are opening and reading your newsletter, how do you know what effect it is having?! Any reputable email delivery system will give you detailed statistics about the readership of every issue you send. Keep an eye on these numbers. Don’t stress, by the way, if you are only getting a 35% open rate. Do pay attention to what’s working and what isn’t. That’s pretty much hitting it out of the park in today’s world. Just think of the trees you’re saving!

Be Consistent – A newsletter issue is an easy thing to put off while you attend to your “real business.” This is natural. Nobody likes to write under deadlines. Just know that by repeatedly putting things off, you run the risk of being totally inconsistent with your marketing. Just commit. If you plan to do a monthly newsletter, actually send one EVERY month.

Don’t Write a Novel – These days, people are pressed for time like never before. Studies show that internet reading patterns differ greatly from other media. People prefer concise, targeted copy when reading on their computers. They like bullets and lists especially. This makes your job a bit easier as writing in this more direct style tends to take less time.

Focus on Value – Don’t waste people’s time. Try your best to provide information that is of real value. People aren’t expecting you to give away the keys to the kingdom with every article, but they expect to glean at least a few nuggets of insight from each newsletter. Otherwise why would they spend their valuable time reading it?!

Keep it Fresh – You would be shocked to learn the common “hook” that all of our most-read newsletters share. They contain recipes. That’s right, recipes. We are a technology company and we consistently get the most favorable comments and highest read rates every time we insert a simple recipe. We never would have stumbled upon this little gem if we hadn’t been willing to be a little adventuresome with our content. What might you offer in your own newsletter to stir the pot a bit? I can’t wait to find out!

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