IT Support Monitoring is a tool that allows the provider to set up alerts, patch, report, automate, program custom scripting, catch issues early on, and prevent future problems. There are two types of monitoring: network and desktop. Both are equally important to the health and safety of the IT environment of your Atlanta company. They also both protect expensive assets that should be taken seriously.
First Line of Defense for Your IT Assets
Computer systems are not cheap, and you need to keep them healthy if you want a good return on your investment (ROI). It’s well known that unresolved issues, like missed updates or patches, can escalate into much bigger problems, such as viruses or leaving a door open to hackers.
Network Monitoring
Network monitoring tools alert, audit, patch, report, automate, allow custom scripting, catch issues early on, and prevent future problems. However, only quality MSPs have access to robust monitoring systems called Remote Monitoring and Management System (RMM), which monitors servers, routers, and firewalls 24 hours a day.
Benefits of Remote Monitoring & Management Systems (RMM):
RMM enables MSPs to oversee the network infrastructure for failures to ensure maximum uptime. For instance, the network engineer can set up thresholds to notify them of any issues.
There are many other benefits to using an RMM, including:
- Monitor operating system event logs
- Program to automatically apply fixes
- Provide system failure alerts to the network operations center (NOC) for immediate response
- Scan the network for any areas of weakness
- Allows security IP monitoring over the telephone network
- Notify the NOC of assets that require maintenance or replacement
- Automate Windows updates and patches to secure your network
- Create custom scripts across multiple devices during large deployments
- Schedule reboots to keep the systems updates
- Monitor configurations of Microsoft applications to keep the system healthy
- Prevents malicious attacks through antivirus updates
- Manage the backup and disaster recovery to ensure recovery in the event of a disaster
What Does Desktop Monitoring Software Do?
Desktop monitoring allows MSPs to protect clients against common hardware issues, prolong the computer life cycle, and improve ROI. Since 80% of your IT issues are desktop-related, protecting your network environment is essential. In addition, desktop monitoring helps MSPs remotely monitor computers and endpoints and perform checkups on the CPU, memory, hard drives, utilization, and many other things. Most importantly, it detects issues early on.
Monitoring is Not a Full Security Program
Monitoring provides essential ingredients to protect your network. However, it is not a security program, and does not protect against all security threats. So, if you would like 24/7 security monitoring, log management, and response, you will need INSIs Managed Security program instead.
Make Sure Monitoring is Part of Your IT Support Package
You may ask yourself why an IT support provider would not provide their clients network or desktop monitoring software. Clearly, it all boils down to time and money. RMM software is expensive to license and maintain and take several years before an IT support company is profitable. Therefore, smaller companies may skip on this until they are prosperous. As a result, you should make sure this service is part of your IT support agreement. In fact, you should demand it.
Don’t Be Fooled
It also must be noted that I have also seen several providers charge extraordinary amounts for desktop monitoring. In one case, they charged $42 more monthly on their premier package. In this example, the desktop monitoring was the primary difference between the premier versus base package. Of course, they had several other things lumped into the package to make it seem like there was a major difference, but there really wasn’t. However, you should know the average monthly cost is typically around $3 per computer. So, don’t be fooled.
INSI’s Goal is to Protect Our Clients
INSI uses a robust remote management monitoring tool called ConnectWise Automate that ties into our ticketing system. Formerly known as LabTech, Automate is a leading global RMM provider for IT service providers. Automate helps us significantly improve our operational productivity and efficiency by leveraging the power of IT automation. In addition, it serves as the first line of defense against security threats for our clients. Contact us today if you would like to know more about INSI IT Support service.
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to get notified when a new article is posted, click here.
