Friday, September 17, 2010

Why Employ Genuine MSP Software For Cost Effective Network Management

Using MSP software can ensure more cost-effective network management. In this modern world, efficient network management is a reality because everyone is making use of computers today and it is hard to imagine doing commerce today without using computers in some form or the other. Therefore, each business today is in search of the most outstanding processes with which to achieve efficient and effective financial management. Computing is also very widespread and will touch every business in some way or another. Therefore, modern businesses that wish to thrive have to use the best technologies so that they can make the right decisions. In addition, modern technologies are significantly better and are playing a major role in helping in dealing with higher workloads. The use of MSP software for cost effective network management can provide numerous benefits including helping to earn more profits and this is done without bearing higher costs of operations. The right kind of MSP software will help in monitoring and running management oriented functions in a more effective manner and it also leads to automation of various services. Before actually selecting MSP software it is important to establish that it boasts of appropriate features. For example, it must be able monitor devices, work remotely, and should address issues such as patch and SLA management as well as desktop management and more. Choosing appropriate MSP software does mean having to select a program that can deal with managing customers through remote control and in the most effective manner as well. The right features will mean that customers time and material is handled more efficiently and in a more proactive manner as well, and more importantly response times will be blazingly fast.

Typically, the MSP software must be able to handle more than five hundred customer devices for each technician and it should be able to automate tasks so as to bring down operational costs further. Finally, it should be able to deliver better and more consistent service to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. Some features that are desirable in MSP software include being able remotely patch up servers and desktops. It should also be able to distribute (automatically) software and scripts to remote servers and PCs. It is only necessary that a company uses correct MSP software which will help in reaping numerous benefits such as instant remote control that in turn will lead to connecting various devices in double quick time.

There is in fact nothing better than for companies to optimize their network management capabilities 24/7 and unless these companies achieve these goals they will not be able to grow or realize their full potential. It is absolutely vital to choose MSP software very carefully because only the best software will ensure that results will match expectations and provide your organization with desirable results as well.

Managed Service Provider Software: The Advantages And Features

In a different manner and context the bard of English literature had mentioned about the dilemma mankind faces when up for making a selection. Is this the right choice or not is the question that plagues the mind long even after having finalised the decision. How to choose the best managed service provider software for the network of an establishment is also one such issue that keeps everyone in a dilemma.

The answer to this question of how to choose the best managed service lies in the aspect of what benefits do we wish to accrue from this selection. The basic features claimed in every managed service provider software are something all are well versed with. That it should provide information about the network and its working. That it should help in diagnosing the network problem and offer means to deploy the solution network wide from one single location. That it should be customisable to meet the changing needs of the business house and its operations are all well established facts and known to exist in every MSP software that is available in the market. If these so claimed features were to be changed to reality how then would it effect the real enterprise functioning or the network managers job would be the guiding factor for choosing the best managed service provider. MSP's are third party vendors who carry out the job of managing the client's network against payment by the client. Any and every managed service system works on this basic business principle. It is therefore imperative that the MSP be of such calibre that it can sense the defect of the network even before its actual occurrence. In short a good MSP should be proactive. However effective or proactive the MSP is, given Murphy's laws of probability the chance of a breakdown yet occurring on the network is rife. Quick response and speedy restoration in the event of such an occurrence on the network is the mark of a good MSP.

A network without the data and the application programs running on it is of no use. In case of a crash or break in the network there would be need to restore the complete system to a point where everything was clean. For this reason the MSP should have been taking regular backups which would be used during the restore process. IT field is a volatile and ever changing field. Market changes being brought to the notice of the management as well as advising how the same could be implemented on the existing enterprise wide network is also another factor to be considered while choosing the best managed service provider.

An MSP with lax security features would be very dangerous to the health of the enterprise. Holes in the security of an MSP are vantage points for malicious programs to enter into the network and wreak havoc with the data and the application software too. MSP with high features in its security aspects is to be selected.

Last but not the least, how efficient is the service provider itself and specially if referred by other sites where the provider has implemented some MSP would be a factor in favour of selecting a particular MSP.

As a check off list the ideas stated here could help to choose the best managed service provider.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Different Guidelines To Show You How To Choose The Best Managed Service Provider Software

It makes sense for companies to make an effort to find out how to choose the best Managed Service Provider software because pretty soon it will become necessary to buy protection against fraud. In addition, it is also a good idea to know how Managed Software Provider software can offer a solution to risk management and in any other way help address the company's main objectives. A good reason why it pays to find out how to choose the best Managed Service Provider software is that the right software will help in managing the company online website more efficiently. There are however many things that need to be done including dealing with security and backups as well as data storage. Managed service provider software is able to handle all these issues for the company in the best manner possible. Managed Service Provider (MSP) software can even offer a range of managed information technology solutions that companies of any size can benefit from. Before deciding on the best MSP software it is important to look at how well the software is able to offer solutions for management of web servers, management of IT services for better data storage and also how well they can take care of IT security.

With the help of MSP software it is easier for companies to control customer servers as well as desktops and in addition the software can also take care of networks, and much more. The right kind of MSP software is one that is easily set up and which does not require having to do any staff training or adding hardware before the software will run properly.

It is also a good idea to find and use the best MSP software by looking at how effectively the software can handle the IT security of the company, which of course must be protected to the limit. Any breach in security can lead to problems that can range from small to huge. If the software can minimize such breaches you will have found the right software. In addition to web servers and IT security, before choosing a Managed Service Provider it is also important to look at local options first. This is because local companies will be able to visit the company office and handle any tasks that have to be performed at the company premises at a more reasonable cost as compared to MSPs that have to come from a distance.

The use of Managed Service Provider software will help to solve approximately 80 percent of all regular computer related problems. In addition, the software can provide 24 x 7 monitoring support and it can also help to troubleshoot problems.

As long as one understands just how to choose the best Managed Service Provider software there is a good chance that this software will provide numerous benefits and minimize risks and so will give any company an advantage over its competitors. Such software is also, in most cases, affordable and so this is another good reason why it pays to make use of it.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Finding Locating Many Benefits Of Remote Monitoring And Management Software

Fairly a few companies are contemplating the rewards of remote monitoring and management software from the existing job market. The chance to watch the production of employees and measure the wants of individuals is an crucial enterprise requirement. Firms benefiting from this application are often IT departments, managed service providers or BPO operations. Modest enterprises and independent contractors are realizing the power of management software and investing in integrating this alternative in their everyday operation.

Remote monitoring software delivers the ability to look at all activity by an employee or buyer. This laptop or computer application is usually developed specifically to get a small business based on their requires. The software package program presents insight into the actions frequently used and permits the employer to appearance for methods of advancement which will encourage organization development.

IT departments take advantage of remote monitoring software to assist shoppers with technical troubles. The capability to glimpse at and do the job on a customer's particular laptop or computer remotely is important to some IT pros. People are supplied with more than a resolution but a the peace of mind that the technician is able to view all the errors they've encountered. This selection saves time to the client and also the IT technician.

Managed services providers seek administration software program system to assist making use of the upkeep of quite a few databases of facts. Institutions could possibly acquire administration computer from a third party company that provides technical assistance for just about any issues they may arrive across. Managements software package plan differs dependent upon the enterprise needs on the group, some firms require personal computer application that combines schedules or balances checkbooks. Various application firms provide options that can be individualized.

BPO corporations utilize using monitoring software to monitor their telecommuting employees. Several employees working from house are monitored simply because of the applicant ions they use during business several hours. The software can be mounted concerning the telecommuting representative's laptop computer or computer system and is only activated when the user signs in to work to the BPO company. Using this software might seem to be like spy ware yet it delivers enterprises with the assurance how the customer service representatives are only using accomplish connected supplies from the training course of a specific time.

Other telecommuting positions utilize monitoring software package routine to be used for promoting and marketing reasons. Advertising enterprises seeking to supply info for website views may perhaps make use of a program to count viewers to some certain web page. People implementing social networks have come to be common with this method because they are in the position to enable a similar technique to keep course of the viewers to their tailored page.

Businesses seeking for to enhance market scores, offer a census quantity for purchases or simply retain monitor of business produced to some website or establishment make use of administration application every single and every single day. Professionals are able to acquire certification inside of the accessible application to existing higher assistance for their employer. Very a few applications are made particularly for the business's expectations.

Shoppers are constantly receiving the good features of remote monitoring and management software. Corporations glimpse for the make use of the plans to provide a great deal better customer care or study the desires of buyers. Pretty a few companies may possibly properly ask the customer to participate interior use using the software program to aid with improvements, yet every single customer should understand that some monitoring software can lead to injury to security devices.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Benefits Of Initiating A Remote Network Management System

There are multiple segments of a businesses computer system which keep that business operating correctly. Many companies have been able to become more profitably by utilizing a remote network to manage their computer hardware and software. There are many benefits to allowing a remote network management system supervise ones computer assets.

 

One of the benefits of a remote network is that the system can potentially take care of ones computer network in its entirety. When a remote system manages ones computes, a business can potentially lend more focus to the other areas of business management. A the system monitors things such as the system server, program applications, security, internal connections, external connections, routing and hardware inventory.

 

Another advantage of a remote system is that networks can monitor the system twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. If the remote system encounters trouble, the difficulty is automatically reported. And, most systems can potentially keep track of issues surrounding the computer network which do not receive much attention. Issues which can potentially be monitored include energy levels, the temperature of the operating environment and the quality if the air. Remote networks can even monitor the wind direction.

 

A very great advantage is improved protection. Every user on the network can be closely protected by the management system. The access granted to each user can be changed at ones own discretion. A networking system offers businesses the option to receive a report on each computer or a system-wide usage report. Businesses can perform a system audit or record the actions of each user on a detailed log which shows all of the networks activity. By utilizing these features, a business can enjoy a more enhanced and secured computer network.

 

Also, remote networks offer allows designated individuals to access other computers on the network remotely. The advantage of having the ability to access computers remotely is that technical support can make a diagnosis of a problem without physically going to the place that the computer in need is located. The person designated to receive notification can receive notices well in advance of potential issues on the network. With the ability to access computers remotely, a business can prevent computer interruptions.

 

Yet another benefit of a remote network is gateway networking and mesh networking. Gateway networking gives businesses the ability to securely access and manage files on their internal network. Gateway networking also gives businesses network printing capability. Mesh networking, on the other hand, allows businesses to manage an electronic device such as a kiosk or point-of-sale register. This type of networking of devices can potentially make ones business operation much more seamless.

 

One more advantage is network systems have the ability to oversee numerous computers. The business can store passwords locally to make remote access to individual computers easier. The remote network can view the technological needs of the computer system as a whole allowing the business to respond more efficiently.

 

Remote network management is a way to consistently monitor dozens of parameters surrounding the proper function of ones computer network. The ability to get a remote status at any time allows one to effectively monitor the entire system. Remote networks provide businesses with a level of efficiency that really displays their value.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Possible Benefits Of Using System Management Software

System management software is what is used to implement, manage and monitor distributed systems. The benefits can be massive, subject to the caveat that the company and its operations are big and distributed enough to warrant such a system. At some point of growth, it becomes unfeasible to run around doing manual deployment, collecting paperwork and electronic data, and then have dedicated staff working to maintain centralized records.

 

Bring in system management at this point, and the benefits are massive and will ripple across every part of the company's operations. It reduces staffing needs and IT costs, enhances security and information sharing, and makes it easy to centralize data, monitor employee actions and network usage.

 

Installation & Management: The biggest benefit is in the form of automation of new installations and upgrades. If a company has 10 computers in the same office space, it's not that hard to do installations individually on each station. But that's out of the question for companies with hundreds or thousands of computers housed at different locations. When a company starts using servers and system management software, the whole process suddenly becomes automated, and needs less staff and less time.

 

Cost Reduction: There are no ifs and buts as to the cost reduction capabilities, regardless of the size of the company. Even for small companies, the only caveat is whether or not the company is capable of buying system management software and hiring a sys admin. Once these expenses are taken care of, the benefits in the form of lower IT costs are immediate and long lasting.

 

But the possibilities are much bigger than this, since the system management infrastructure opens up pathways to install enterprise level systems such as ERP and enhance the client server IT architecture. This allows the company to expand its footprint, add new operations to the work flow and open branches which previously would either not have been required or would have been impossible to manage. Bottomline is that this is not just an IT help tool, but something which will ripple through the company's entire operation.

 

Security: System management has a huge impact on IT security. The same security settings are implemented on all stations, and any new policies are remotely implemented instantaneously on all the stations. Users can access any station and get the same settings and data, made possible by settings that apply to specific usernames and job or department levels. This makes the network more capable of withstanding external attacks.

 

Critical security updates and software patches can be administered quickly and simultaneously to all stations, thus reducing chances of the system going down or being attacked. Anti-virus software and malware protection can be installed on an enterprise network level, which provides more protection. Centralized data storage and backups on servers offer greater safety and reduce chances of data corruption or data loss due to hardware problems.

 

Monitoring: Monitoring capability on the network is one of the biggest advantages, in addition to the cost benefits and automation capabilities. The network can be monitored for both network usage patterns and employee behavior. It helps the administrators improve network capabilities, and the management to observe and follow employee work patterns and performance.

 

To summarize, the immediate advantages of using system management are very much real and the possibilities even bigger. End of the day, each company has to make an informed decision about this based on its own size and growth curve. A cost benefit analysis to figure out the ROI of system management software would be a good place to begin.

Friday, September 10, 2010

The Benefits Of Utilizing Automation Programming

Being in business you know that your going to have many different things to do. Some of them are going to require you to manually do all the work, but other types of can allow you to use automation software. If you are able to use this type of software your going to discover many benefits that and know that your going to want to use this all the time.

 

Prior to purchasing this kind of software your going to want to realize that these could cost you some money. So make sure that you find a cost that is affordable for your business type and will allow you to make up the cost quickly so you will not be paying the bill off for months at a time.

 

One positive is that your going to be able just put some information in and click a button to get it to do that action. Then you will be able to use that time to do the other things that you want to do. However, you could find that it will be so easy that you could forget that you even have it set up.

 

Another reason is they can give you more free time to do the things that you cannot automate on your business. For example you might not be able to automate answering the phone. However, this software will be getting the work done that you need to do while at the same time getting the other important things done as well.

 

Something else that will be nice is you can find these programs are readily available. For most of the things that you are going to be doing you will find that you can get the programs easily. However, they might cost some money it will be money well spent since you will be able to get more things done quickly.

 

You can usually find a program that can do whatever task it is that you want to have done. For instance, you could find that if you are in internet marketing that it usually takes you several hours to submit your articles. However, with this you could find a program that can send it out to several thousand places for you in a matter of minutes. So you could easily see that you will be saving quite a bit of time which can help you out to do the other things that you need to do.

 

You could discover that you can complete more things than what you thought you ever could. By having these you can find that you will be able to get more things done than what you could before. Even though you might end up thinking that your not getting as much done you will see that your actually getting more done than what you thought before.

 

While you might have heard of this type of programming before you might not have considered the benefits of using IT automation software. Once you have found the benefits of using this type of software your going to see that it can be a great time saving method for you while your at work.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Take Advantage Of Remote Management Software To Handle Computer Problems

In today's world of quickly evolving computer applications and operating systems, remote management software may be just what you need to solve your computer problems. When computer science was in its infancy remote access seemed impossible. Thanks to the ingenuity of many creative minds the expertise of your computer expert is just a few mouse clicks away.

 

Text books for early versions of computer classes had pictures of main frame computers that took up an entire room. In those days only computer programmers had any real grasp on how the computers functioned. With the advent of the personal computer and the continual refinement of wireless access, things have changed in a big way. The computer user of today is typically pretty savvy when it comes to understanding the basic functions of their computer. Yet sometimes computer applications are changing and being created with such great speed that the typical user may be a little overwhelmed by the new software.

 

The Internet is responsible for many things, both good and bad, and some things that are simply practical and make good old fashioned common sense. One of those common sense solutions is a growing field of service called remote management software, which for the sake of brevity will be called RMS.

 

The remote approach can provide training or the more sophisticated function of information technology IT support. The cost is minimal and the convenience to the consumer is incredible. An online search with your Web browser will reveal RMS systems from several sources. There are programs for personal computers or Apple computers. RMS may not be a one size fits all, but there is something to fit every need.

 

Remote management can be effective for the smallest and largest of businesses. You may be a single user of a personal computer, or you may be the manager of a company with 300 networked computers. In either case, your remote consultant can keep work flow going and train employees to use new and updated applications.

 

Training can also be done remotely. This can eliminate travel time and the costs associated with travel. Once RMS has been configured and the appropriate agreements are in place between the expert entity and the subscribing consumer user, the RMS expert can access the subscribing user's computer and intranet system anytime of the day or night. One advantage is that the subscribing user need not be present for this action to occur. In some instances it may be desirable for the user and the expert to be present at the same time, however it is not necessary.

 

Both the trainer and the trainee will be present for training sessions. Actual conversation between the two can take place as the consultant teaches the software application. And the training is one to one, so the trainee has the consultant's full attention. This process is much more effective than computer manuals that can be confusing and frustrating to the user.

 

Remote management software can be very helpful to individuals and businesses. There is an opportunity for the subscribing user to build an virtual relationship with the computer consultant that makes the next level of training that much easier.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Looking At The Pros And Cons Of IT Managed Services

To understand the benefits and challenges of IT managed services, first one must understand the business that is Internet technology. For, while some individuals have great knowledge of internet technology, many others are looking to enter the field in the near future due to the great success of the Internet over the years. In addition, with so many new applications and services being offered, the more one knows about technology the better chance one has at obtaining such a position in the future.

 

In order to succeed however, one must understand the various applications and processes that the managed services team uses and the service such a team provides. Of course, one function is to upload any security patches or software upgrades so that clients can download such data to their site remotely. In addition, often these individuals are key in staying connected with client personnel through a virtual network. In doing so, both companies can see a great deal of savings on time and travel as a benefit to such application. Of course, with as fast as things change with regards to technology today, one often has to stay on top of new trends twenty four seven in order to succeed. However, there are shortcuts one can use, such as keeping up with technological periodicals and reading updates to various applications and processes online on a regular basis. Also, once one learns the ropes, one most likely has even more job opportunities waiting in the future.

 

 

Although, one must have a clear understanding of both challenges and benefits associated with applications and processes in this area of IT. As such, the more applications and software programs along with hardware knowledge one has the better. For, regardless of the position within an IT department one holds, whether working for a client or a member of a managed services team which works with such a client, an individual is going to gain valuable knowledge over time and as always, knowledge equals power which one can most likely use both now and in the future. As for where the terminology related to this area of IT came about, it is neither copyrighted or proprietary and remains open to use by all. Although, it is a phrase and often a title used quite frequently within the area of Internet technology. Still, as there is no clear ownership, the phrase does a good job of defining the exact responsibility of IT personnel which is to manage IT services which are distributed to clients worldwide. While process improvement and the increase in processing speed of downloads and other functions are a key part of managed services team responsibilities, assistance relating to products from vendors or technical assistance is not. Although, there are also business management functions, methodologies and frameworks associated with same. As such, this area of IT covers a large area, which at times, can be hard to define in its entirety due to the broad scope in which team members operate.

 

Whereas, operational concerns are also key in overall improvement are often related to information technology and are in turn seen as an integral part of operations architecture. Although, one may want to note that this area is different from internet technology development or application support. Still, it is a valid area in which automatic updates and other automatic processing are included. Therefore, it is still relevant when it comes to managed services as related to Internet technology.

 

To this end, software written for sale or development of microprocessors are not often seen as part of managed services team responsibility; However, systems used by business and marketing often are. Regardless, if one has the knowledge and power to withstand employment on a IT managed services team, most likely one is opening to the door to many other future opportunities as well.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Programming In The Software IT Management World

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.

 

Also, while remote applications have existed for some time, now individuals are using these remote assistance programs not only to access data and files but also as a way to create, deliver and manage a variety of software applications through efficient downloads from a variety of servers. However, one must be cautious though and assign password user ids to such a system in order to protect the privacy of the individuals and any data being used at the time. So, while it is a good thing that this software exist, it is also necessary to take extra safety precautions when using same.

 

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.

 

Other features include, the ability to access and troubleshoot customer software from a remote location, the ability to deliver download files of software security patches and upgrades and to have an ongoing virtual relationship with a customer base over time. As such, today there are several companies which offer a variety of IT management software. However, some are no doubt better for some applications than others. Therefore, it is good to know which applications one desires to use form a remote location before installing such software.

 

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.

 

In addition, during this day and age where most individuals live both in a physical and virtual world, individuals often need assistance with a variety issues related to educational, gaming, technical and other applications. Having such software can help one better understand the virtual applications in these and many other areas where technology is heavily used today. Also, if one is having issues and can access and download information along with support files, one has a better chance of being able to both troubleshoot and solve any difficulties one may be having with educational software, gaming software or other technical issues.

 

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

System Monitoring Software Systems For Offices

Network management software is a way to manage all of your internet connections with one system. Your office can connect several computers and wireless devices to one system for efficient and clean operation.

 

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 also issues that may arise that will not be so obvious as a failure to connect. As an IT does routine checks any variance or odd behaviors on the part of any device or system component will show up in the inspection of the data that is recorded. This allows for a proactive role in management. Potential problems can be headed off before they cause real trouble.

 

The role of a network management program is to collect all of the data regarding any devices that are connected. The data is recorded and is accessible to the technicians for analysis. Troubleshooting is easy because there is a viable record of what happened when. Any malfunctions can be flagged and dealt with.

 

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 a good software program to manage the system, though, the IT only needs to retrieve the data for the recent history of the system and should be able to diagnose the problem promptly and get everyone back online and in service.

 

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 Desktop Management Makes Computer Repair Easy

The idea of using remote desktop management is to control PC's from a location other than in front of the computer itself. This method of management is convenient for those that may have trouble with a computer and can't take the computer in to a technician. Since you can count on someone remotely to fix your computers, you will find that you won't have to pack up the machines and haul them down to the repair shop. If you have several computers in your company pool, you won't have to run the IT ragged going from work station to work station.

 

This works well for larger companies, too. Imagine the busy IT having the ability to access the computers used throughout the building to troubleshoot an issue. The problem could be fixed in very short order without him or her having to physically walk across the company campus to access the computer with the glitch. The programs available run on a high transfer speed so the process can be quickly executed. There is access of other computers through network connections. An IT or other person assigned to help with computer issues can remain in place and access your computer remotely. They will see your desktop just the way you see it. Whatever you may have been working on doesn't need to be shut down while the process is in progress.

 

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.

 

When the troubleshooting is complete and the tech knows what should be done to fix the problem, any action needed can be performed remotely as well. The computer can be shut down and restarted, hard rebooted, or whatever needs to be done. You will have the option of choosing from different styles of remote program. The most basic program will allow remote access including the full size desktop that the user is seeing, screen shot captures, and other interactive features. 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.

 

For the best remote desktop management available the premium type has options that will give your IT the best chance of working efficiently and with the least hassle. There are options for OS hotfix, program folders, processor data, printer and device performance and more.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Patch Management Software Gives Update Answers For Today

Patch management software has become more popular over recent years with businesses both large and small. Frequent fixes to the windows operating System fix security issues and sometimes add functionality to the programs. They have also gotten the consumer used to the fact that most programs require patches.

 

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 today there are multiple choices in programs for managing updates and patches automatically or semi automatically. Security of the company assets is a primary source of concern for many businesses and enabling the latest security fixes provides enhanced security and functionality to the programs. Although these patches are essential they can be time consuming in larger operations if patch software management is not used.

 

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.

 

Other types of management programs use a central machine as the controller. This central computer with a program on it scans each of the machines in the system applies the necessary system changes on the targeted computers in the network. This is known as agentless management in that the only requirement for the other machines is that they be connected to the network, instead of the internet as is required for agent based solutions. The agentless type of management software requires more direct supervision than the programs which reside on individual machines.

 

Whichever method is chosen the patch management software alternatives tend to save time and help improve security. This is particularly true when patching a large network with many machines. Before a decision is made in favor of agent or agentless software the business should assess the available work force, security needs and bandwidth of the company. While the agent based solution is more bandwidth intensive, it requires less supervision. The agentless method requires less bandwidth but is ultimately more controllable.