What can actually cost a low purchase price
Nagios vs. PRTG: network monitoring on the cost-test
A comparison of the total cost may be worth before buying a monitoring tools thoroughly. (Picture: Paessler)
In the range of network monitoring solutions, the range is wide: open source, commercial products or island solutions of individual hardware manufacturers.But what fits best and is cheapest? But beware: Too strong a focus on savings in the acquisition does often not paid - on the contrary!
For smooth business operations, internal and external communications and the use of all IT systems trouble-free operation of the entire IT's infrastructure is a prerequisite in the company. Any failures in business processes become noticeable within a short time by time and especially financial losses.
So that it does not come that far, the use of a network monitoring solution is recommended. It monitors the availability of systems, services and applications as well as bandwidth consumption and informed immediately in case of emergency, the IT staff. This relieves administrators and noticeably improves efficiency, allowing them to use their know-how and time for the really important IT projects.
There is already a monitoring solution installed in the corporate network, a comparison is worthwhile: For surely there was at the time of purchase good reasons why the choice fell on this same product. But perhaps today to meet other requirements better solutions, for example in terms of monitoring performance, etc. In addition, of course, the budget plays a crucial role, which is why often as possible cheap or even free solutions given preference.Also, "handmade" systems consisting of different point solutions are not uncommon. What options do IT managers now if the existing monitoring solution or renewed for the first time such a system should be purchased?
Open Source: sticking point cost
Open-source software is widely used due to the ease of availability. Users cherish the hope of being able to cost-effectively set a proper solution in a short time. Such systems can usually customize and are royalty-free available. However, may be associated with above-average effort, the implementation and configuration, but also the operation of the open-source software.An open-source product can usually not be used without background knowledge, or alternatively an external service take care.
Welcome to the self-help group "Open Source Administration"
From a technical perspective the often high implementation and adaptation needs is a major drawback of open source solutions. As a rule, only basic functions in the freely available software are included which are not sufficient to monitor an IT infrastructure in detail.
In a network monitoring solution means: Too many processes and parameters remain unobserved and the network is still vulnerable to undetected faults. An example of a popular open-source solution is Nagios. The software offers many different modules for monitoring of networks, hosts and special services. Through a web interface, the admin view the collected data, however, make any adjustments. In addition, look for users of open source solutions, often in vain for product support. IT managers need to find the solutions to problems even then. While there are about network monitoring some online forums or communities, although this does not guarantee that specific responses are present. Users are therefore not always able to efficiently monitor their network and promptly integrate new devices into the monitor.
Another weak point may be the development of the solution: Based on the open source design, the user must rely on the fact that members of the community feel called to update the product continuously.
The option: the all-in-one package
Go another way commercial "out-of-the-box" solutions such as PRTG Network Monitor by Paessler. They provide for a general monitoring functions and other special features for individual areas.
For example, these systems dominate conventional protocols such as SNMP , WMI, HTTPand xFlow. They offer it in most cases a wide range of pre-configured monitoring capabilities and functionalities (eg POP3, Exchange, SQL , Virtual Server, etc.). If new equipment or expanding the network, they can be integrated into the monitoring and the new elements with a few clicks. In addition, usually a professional and timely technical support is available, as well as continuous updates.
Costs calculator makes thought tangible Games
For professional All-in-One solutions companies need - other than perhaps feared - not spend a fortune. An example calculation has shown that it is possible with the introduction and operation of PRTG against Nagios savings within the first 12 months, more than 5,000 euros.
The basis for the calculations an IT infrastructure with redundant virtualization , easy storage, associated networking components including Wi-Fi and of course common applications for email , database, ERP and Web-Site/-Shop. This saving corresponds to approximately 52 hours of work, which may invest a capable Linux expert within the company makes more sense than in the establishment and operation maintenance of a software that actually easy to run in the background and there is also finished as All-in-One Solution .
If you want to understand the calculation or recalculate the scenario for themselves, may be under http://www.de.paessler.com/nagios-alternative further information and to download an excel sheet for calculation.
Conclusion
When purchasing a network monitoring solution not only the purchase price should be at the forefront. Because this often important functions fall by the wayside. The result is high, internal programming, there is a lack of professional support and conscientious updates. It must also often must not be so deep into the pocket as expected, to obtain a comprehensive, high quality product with manufacturer support.
About the Author
Sebastian Kruger is a Partner Account Manager at Paessler AG.