Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Using Remote Operations With Software IT Management Software

While there are times no doubt when an IT Manager or a member of an IT support team must be away from the office, this does not necessarily mean one can not still have access to files located at the location where a personal computer or laptop resides. Therefore, today one does not have to carry around a number of files as one can still gain access to information stored on a personal hard drive or company computers and servers. This is thanks to the advancement in Software IT Management and remote software technology which is now available for home, network and office computers worldwide.

 

Of course, those in the field of internet technology know that some aspects of remote software applications first made their way into research and development in the 1990s, today this software has many features which far surpass the simple ability to access a laptop or personal computer from a remote location. For, today, not only can this software be used in this fashion but also by individuals who may need to download application security patches and upgrades from the company from which such products were purchased. Although, if one is going to use any form of remote application software, either as an individual or an employee of a company, one needs to be very cautious in doing so. This is where the importance of user ids and passwords comes into play which is more important in today's technological age than ever before.

 

Regardless, such software can be very beneficial in relation to having access of such information while away from the workplace. For, it can allow individuals more freedom in scheduling along with the ability to access such data rather than having to carry heavy files around to a number of customer locations, or spend long hours upgrading software while at a customer site. So, while it may take a little more effort when it comes to security, the extra effort is easily worth the sacrifice.

 

Applications for such software often include, but not are not limited to, software which allows a company to stay connected to their customer base by providing automatic software updates to products which a user has purchased. However, it is advised when using such a feature that one also include the ability to turn off automatic updates when desired, such as during heavy downloads or software upgrades. Still, if one is going to use a software package on a long-term basis, it is often good to accept automatic updates to assure one does not miss any important security patches or other software updates over time.

 

While these are the basic features of such remote software, other features include, access and troubleshooting of customer software from a remote locale, delivery of application files, security patches and software upgrades through a secured network and the ability to maintain a virtual relationship with the company customer base regardless of where such a business or office may be located.

 

In addition, when one uses such software, one often sees greater flexibility in scheduling, higher speeds of processing and an overall competitive nature when it comes to supplying such software. In addition, one can also see greater manageability, security and customer service by using such management software. To this end, this can often be important software for anyone working as an IT Manager or as part of an IT management team.

 

So, today one has far more opportunities in relation to maintaining a long distance business relationship through this IT management software than has anyone ever before. As such, there are more and more companies offering remote software applications worldwide. However, some IT management software is no doubt better than others. Therefore, one may want to look at the various applications both one's company and one's client base are using before making a final decision on which one may work best for overall company needs.

 

To this end, while one can always download applications to a laptop or personal computer from a variety of websites, it is the company providing such downloads who most likely is going to be using IT Management software. However, there are also features on many such products which also allow one the ability to access personal files from a remote location in case one is on the road and discovers that one needs additional information or discovers a document or document requires revisions before one can deliver a final copy. Therefore, whether IT Management Software is being used in order to keep in touch with customers and provide automatic updates to security patches, software and other information or whether one needs to access files from a remote location, this is definitely the software one needs to look for if one is involved in an IT department which requires one to stay connected while both at the office and during times away.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Network Management Software Plans For Companies

Make managing your network systems easier with the use of software programs. Network management software is especially designed to ease the connections of your devices into one easy to operate tracking system. The IT can easily take care of the whole company or office with this method.

 

Protocols are kept track of in the software and any discrepancies or issues found by the software will be recorded and the data kept. The IT can then make an easier determination regarding the component that is not connecting properly and why. Any trouble that the program sees with a device will be isolated and the appropriate data recorded.

 

There are routine things that are checked by the company IT or technical team. The recorded data can alert the IT of any existing or potential future problem facing a device. The specific device will also be noted. The IT will be able to retrieve the information as needed and can use it for reference to fix a problem.

 

NMS software is responsible for gathering all data regarding the devices that are connected to the network and recording it for analysis and research. Anything that occurs within the system can be traced back to the data presented. The data will specify the exact error message, if there was one, or code for the performance of the device at the time of the malfunction.

 

Managed devices, or the specific components that are connected to the system, are the computers, laptops, printers, and any other electronic office machines that are used together and may be linked to each other. When you connect them all they are capable of receiving data from each other automatically. For example, if you have three computers on the network and all all entering bookkeeping data, you can go to any one of the computers and have all of the information viewable on that computer. When something is entered into one, they will all receive and display that data as long as they are linked and synced properly.

 

As you might imagine, this is a relatively complex system and when it runs smoothly it's very convenient and efficient. When one or more of the machines goes offline, or has a connectivity issue, you can only guess that this could be a nightmare for the IT that has to search out and discover the errant computer.

 

 

With the right software you will see that your employees responsible for keeping the machines running smoothly will have an easier time doing so. With the information at their fingertips they will be able to collect the data and find out which component is causing the error. Then they'll be able to diagnose the exact problem as it relates to the whole system.

 

NMS, otherwise known as network management software, will become the core of your device pool. You won't know how you managed without it. Your connected devices will be monitored and analyzed on a regular basis to create a troubleshooting and proactive problem solving climate for the information technologists. Data relative to the performance of your electronic devices will be collected, stored, and placed in an accessible position for easy retrieval by the technical team responsible for your IT issues.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Remote Computer Management Enhances Expedience

When using remote desktop management programs you can free up your IT for other tasks. It will be much easier to fix and improve the performance of the computers in your network. Computers outside of the network can be repaired as well if they are set up on the system. The IT or repair person will be troubleshooting remotely but will see the same desktop screen that you have up on your computer.

 

Someone can access your computer from afar and troubleshoot, change settings, or anything else that needs to be done to get the machine up and running again. The ability to share control will free you up from disassembling your PC and hauling it into the tech shop.

 

Companies with multiple computers are perfect candidates for this type of management program. The IT seems to be the busiest employee in the company no matter where you work. A good deal of time is spent in walking from office to office to help with computer issues. Imagine the ability to resolve most problems remotely. The time saved could be significant.

 

These tasks can be more efficiently accomplished with the use of a high speed transfer rate that's available in the remote programs. The applications on a computer can be updated or changed, performance checks performed, or downloads can be deposited onto the recipient desktop. The user doesn't need to close what is being worked on for the tech to access the computer. A full desktop screen can be observed by the technician to make it easy to see what may be happening. Screenshots can be captured and kept for reference or research, as in the case of an error message or other special information that may be needed to do a diagnostic on the computer. Remote computer performance can be watched by the tech and any information that is relevant to the problem can be recorded. The IT will be able to discover what the user is experiencing, which is much easier and more effective than the user trying to explain the problem to the tech. Once the trouble has been identified, the tech can then perform any action necessary to get the computer back to its running state. It can be shut down or restarted if necessary. It can be powered off completely or a hard reboot can be performed. Other possible functions are locking and unlocking, logging on or off, and launching or killing applications. There are different types of remote desktop control software. Some provide only the simplest access and some provide full access including the override of a computer completely. Basic access levels include the interactive access and the capture capability for screen shots. The next level program might also have the ability to chat with the computer user, monitor speed and performance, and access the inventory of the computer and print it all out. It would also include the features in the basic model.

 

If you are interested in using a remote desktop management program to expedite your company's computers, the premium type program may be what you need. This type will cost a bit more, but will include all of the features of the basic and medium feature programs plus PC scheduling capabilities, inventory of processor data, printer performance, disk drive data, OS hot fixes, and folders containing programs.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Patch Management Software Gives Update Choices For Now

Patch management software has become a growing choice of corporations and businesses over the last few years. The Windows operating system and the frequent fixes got the consumer used to the idea of updating, and to limited automated software patch programs. The new patch management solutions bring this to businesses in a way that meets their security needs.

 

A computer user in a home environment will often allow Windows to automatically search for, and apply patches or security packs on an automatic basis. In the corporate or business environment, the same is true, however there are additional programs running that must also be fixed in order to ensure a system is up to date and secure. Taking the time to research and assess each program on each machine could be a task that consumed labor and expense for businesses prior to the introduction of patch software.

 

However the software patch management programs have taken much of the burden off the workforce and allow these operations to be configured and executed automatically. Whether a company has two machines or an entire network of machines spanning the nation, the need is the same, to keep up to date. While formerly one or more employees might be dedicated strictly to updating and securing all the machines in a location, new software programs have freed them for more profitable duties.

 

This type of software will utilize a console usually on a single machine of a network. That console can control what fixes or patches are scanned for and how the patches are deployed throughout the system. Included in these software consoles are options also specify which from which sites a patch should be downloaded. Some management software companies maintain their own database of patches and fixes.

 

Not every machine on a large network will have identical software installed. These machines all may be used for different purposes and this influences what programs are installed. Patch management programs for businesses are able to scan each machine and identify what programs are present and may need patches as opposed to simply applying a set number of fixes or patches to all machines regardless of content.

 

There are generally two types of management software for patches. The first type is an agent based management solution. Management programs that use the agent have a program installed on each machine, which performs a scan of the machine. This agent then downloads and installs necessary fixes and then sends a message to the central machine concerning what programs are installed and updated.

 

The other type of common program is that which is in one central location with a single machine managing all aspects of the updates. It will scan each machine on the network, determine the needs of the machine, retrieve the fixes and apply them. While this solution is located in a single machine and configurable it usually requires much more supervision than the agent based solution.

 

These alternatives have cut the cost of maintaining some security aspects of a large network. It has become popular even among home users. However, a business should consider their available bandwidth, work force, and corporate needs before deciding upon particular management program, since the differences are so striking.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Software Patch Management To Improve Efficiency

The best way to distribute problem fixing patches is with the use of software patch management software. These programs are able to update multiple computer at one time across one or several networks. Third party software providers are always fixing problems with their product. It has become a fact of life to expect there to be something wrong with a software. Some of these problems are openings into your network that can be exploited. Patching those holes is very important to security.

 

Trying to perform a patch on every terminal in your company manually is a lengthy, time consuming process. It is also completely unnecessary and problematic. Instead of having an IT staffer waste another employees time by taking up the computer, the IT tech can automate the process with a program.

 

There are several problems with trying to do each installation manually. The computer has to be taken up by an IT worker and this means that two workers are having to wait for the installation. This can all be resolved with automatic scripting so that both the IT worker and the office worker can continue doing other duties. There are many programs to select from. This selection process should be directed at fitting your business needs. Many programs have different features and those are what should be looked at. You want a software that is customizable to your needs as well as easy to use and maintain. Managing patches is one of the many ways to protect your systems from malicious intruders. Hackers are able to get past firewalls and security if one terminal on the network is compromised. This can be an easy fix as long as the patches are maintained.

 

If your computers are not properly protected, viruses are only minor problem people and companies have to worry about. Hackers can steal company secrets, employee information, personal information. This can lead to loss of sales and profits and possibly identity theft.

 

These attacks can be prevented and stopped by continually checking the terminals on your network. If one fails to meet the patch update standards then it will be immediately patched. This means that the opening that was left for the hacker is no longer open and the system is once again protected. The best part about software patch management is that it is done almost completely without your knowledge, and without interfering with an employees workload. Just like with many updates, in order for it to take effect occasionally the computer may have to be turned off and then on again. Of course, the system would never automatically turn itself off without some sort of warning. That would partially defeat the purpose of the software.

Friday, August 27, 2010

How You Can Streamline Your Network Management Tasks With MSP Software

MSP software is a must for all managed service providers. Managers who have this type of software, can instantly access pertinent information about the networks they are monitoring. Whether you are monitoring a LAN network for a small business, or you are attempting to monitor the routers within a large enterprise, MSP software can make the process of monitoring networks seamless and very easy to handle overall.

 

Since the task of managing multiple networks is almost impossible to handle for most network managers, this device is an absolute must for most network managers today. Network managers who utilize MSP software can make their services more efficient and effective by assessing the problems a network is facing in a very simple manner.

 

This type of software can provide detailed information about a number of different aspects of a network as well. So, whether you are monitoring many networks, or you are monitoring only one network, you can access detailed information about the networks you are viewing with the click of a button when you have this type of software in your possession.

 

Network managers who do not take advantage of this type of software often miss major problems that are occurring within entire networks. When devices within a network cannot sufficiently handle the capacity and demands that are being placed on them, network managers have no idea that these difficulties are occurring if they do not have this type of software in their possession. Network managers who do have access to MSP software though, can utilize the tools and monitoring capabilities of MSP software to quickly and easily assess the congested portions of a network and fix those problems immediately.

 

In fact, this software is so advanced today that it can even alert network managers when a congestion problem is arising within a network. By receiving an alert about a congestion problem within a network before any actual problems arise within a network, network managers can fix it difficult these were congestion issues that may be occurring within a network before they cause any serious setbacks within a network's activities.

 

Network managers rely on all of these features, but one of the most useful features provided by this type of software is the remote access capability. This remote access capability allows network managers to access devices without actually being physically present at the location the devices reside in. By being able to remotely access devices, network managers can fix problems instantly and efficiently in order to provide higher quality and more effective services to their clients.

 

This software generally helps improve the overall efficiency of an entire network, and it can even improve the efficiency of individual devices within a network as well. Network managers can use tools provided by MSP software to assess the overall efficiency of individual devices and provide recommendations to companies about how they should proceed with their software and hardware upgrades in the future.

 

So, MSP software can assist network managers in a variety of different ways. Network managers who use this type of software can improve the overall efficiency of the networks they manage by assessing the efficiency of individual devices and the communication connections between those devices. If any issues ever arise within the network, network managers will be notified immediately by their MSP software about any serious issues that may affect the efficiency of the network.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Cost-effective Network Management: The Advantages And Features

Automation entered our lives with the entry of Information Technology. The ambit of automation was not enclosed to a single entity or realm but encompassed realms outside the immediate vicinity of the base or formulating entity. Networks came to be in this manner. With distanced and disparate networks all in the hierarchy of one single project, managing the network became essential. With cost factor being a key factor for any process worth its mention a Cost-effective Network Management System was the demand for the day. Individual objects make up the network in totality. These objects are both hardware and software components. It needs practical experience to be able to appreciate the large number of objects and their variety that form a network. Uncanny problems are faced by the Network administrator in his day to day work that makes his job extremely demanding. A visual picture of the complete network becomes a necessity for any network manager to be able to work out a solution imposed upon him by some client at a remote site. Volatile is the market and so is the functioning of a business house to cater for these market changes. The network being used by the business house in turn also faces a rapidly changing scenario. The network map drawn on the hard board one day would turn, out of place, in a few days span.

Given this scenario, there is need for such a tool that provides a continuous updated view of the complete network components to the network manager as also allow the network manager to manage the components from a remote location.

Software tools that provide this type of facility to the network administrator is called Managed Service Provider. This tool provides a complete overview of the network along with the various programs that are running at each location. It could be a fully automated software, in which case no human intervention is necessary, or it could be a fully manual system. It could also be a mix of the two that is a hybrid between automatic and semi automatic. The choice of which version is to be used would depend on the availability and ability of the network administrator on the company's payroll.

Cost saving factor of such software requires no amplification. Rather than having individual network manager at each individual physical location trying to talk with each other, one network manager sitting remotely is able to monitor and provide solutions to the individual network system.

To judge the ability of an MSP solution, two major issues are taken into consideration. How deep and wide does the software present the network hierarchy to the network administrator and how strong is its reporting process. Makers of the software would however attach various other features to their product to add selling value to it. Ease with which the MSP software itself could be deployed across the network or how demanding is the software on system resources are such additional features that the makers claim while marketing their products.

The prime factor on which would depend the success story of a business house today is how cost-effective a network the house is able to sustain. Managed Service Provider helps is lowering the cost incurred by the business house towards its e-business venture and therefore it can be termed as the most Cost-effective Network Management tool.