Understand both what your challenges are, as well as what the solution(s) you have licensed can do for you.
So, if you're here you've either decided to look into obtaining a new network monitoring solution (NMS) or have already licensed Opmantek's solutions and you're looking for where to start. This is as good a place as any to begin.
If you have not yet selected an NMS solution, please see our online guide: How To Select a Network Monitoring Solution
The more honest and detailed you are in the answers the more satisfying the outcome.
Here are some answers we often hear -
Now, why is answering this question important? Because the answers you give here help drive where you place your emphasis during the first round of implementation. Yes, I said the first round of implementation. Implementing a new NMS, even one for a relatively small network, is not a "one and done" thing. Your NMS is a living, breathing solution that grows and improves with time and usage. As a result, you'll need to adjust how it works, and how your team uses it, in order to get the most from it.
You'll learn more about what we refer to as "Crawl->WalkâRun" in the Planning section of this guide.
Take the list you just made and prioritize it; top to bottom, everything in order and in its own place. Now, take everything below the top three items and sweep them into a drawer. We'll come back to them in a minute, but for now, set them aside. You don't even want them where you can see them.
Whatever these are, these three answers to "why are you looking for a new NMS?" are your focus.
If you're still in the selection process make sure you discuss these requirements/concerns with your account executive or presales engineer.
Technical Solutions
Identify the Products and Solutions you Need
Next Up
Plan - Architect your solution, determine initial configuration/setup, create processes for deployment and rollback.