Managed Services
Remote monitoring
by Dan Pocek
CEO, NetQuest Corp.
A greater reliance on IP and Ethernet in
2009 will require additional monitoring of
the network. Network coverage is about
ensuring that all users get the required
services and receive those services with an
acceptable quality. Such service does not
always take the same form, however, as
disparate network technologies often are
employed. From a network-monitoring
perspective, this practice is wreaking
havoc.
Converged Ethernet and IP networks offer
cost benefits because they create a global
framework capable of carrying a multitude of
services, offering what seems like limitless
bandwidth and savings in capital and
operating expenses as a result of a
flattened architecture. These converged
services should be separated prior to the
monitoring and security platforms. This
approach allows for each platform to be
properly sized, which is always less than
the total of the network bandwidth.
Enterprises are faced with an increasing
array of internal and external services,
combined with security threats and
regulatory compliance issues. Network
managers should consider adding another
layer to the network to provide a unified
access that can satisfy all the parties in
an economical way without degrading the
results.
Monitoring access optimizers–devices used
in out-of-band applications that sit between
the actual network and the monitoring
platforms–will gain importance in ensuring
networks are secure and behaving as
expected. These devices distribute traffic
to many monitoring devices, while filtering
unwanted traffic, offloading monitoring
resources to perform high-value functions.
They can bridge the gap by providing
interface translations in industry-accepted
formats to allow further monitoring
investments to be IP-centric.
For more information
(click here)
SaaS to the rescue
by Isaac Garcia
CEO, Central Desktop
IIn 2009, technology trends will be
dictated by economic conditions for buyers
and sellers. Buyers will be seeking low
commitment and quick-to-deploy solutions in
attempts to streamline their businesses and
perhaps do more with less since they may be
forced to reduce their workforce and
operating expenses. They will also be
seeking solutions that provide immediate
value and ROI, rather than justifying large
software deployments as investments. Most
small business owners (and even departments
within larger organizations) will look ahead
12 months and seek solutions that help them
get through what may be difficult times
ahead.
SSoftware-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions
will be the winners in 2009, as they are and
easy way for a business to try a solution
and achieve immediate and measurable ROI.
Many SaaS solutions allow businesses to pay
for services on a month-to-month basis,
giving the buyer the security and lack of
commitment they desire in times of economic
uncertainty.
Virtual presentations, online meetings,
Web-based conferences, and online
collaboration and communication will be at
the forefront of the SaaS wave in 2009.
Business owners and managers do not want to
lay off any of their employees, if possible.
They would rather spend a little money on a
solution to reduce overall operating costs
and make current employees more productive
to save dollars.
For more information
(click here)