AKIBIA'S PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY
Monday, October 25, 2010
How to Ensure a Successful Monitoring Implementation
When considering embarking on a monitoring solution, it is probable the scope of need is already defined because “something” occurred. Was it a down server that cost the company revenue? Was there a staff reduction and increasing technology requirements? Did an office move and customers are complaining things are slow? Or a server was down and the CTO was the first to notice? Embarking on a monitoring initiative for your department or company, on the surface, is a fairly straightforward task. But, digging deeper in the world of monitoring, above and beyond functionality, there are several keys factors to consider for success.
An important first step in any monitoring initiative is understanding that it is an on-going process with no finish line. It begins at setup- design architecture, installation, asset discovery and implementation. It is important the on-going tasks/requirements after go-live date are included in the proposal. The latter includes, but is not limited to, ensuring the right alarms, SLAs, escalation paths, etc. are set up-tailored to the specific needs of the company. Also consider if the same resources (people) required for the initial implementation as the people required for the care, feeding and evolution of the solution for the overall ROI? The most important monitoring resource is always the human resource for the implementation and on-going operational requirements. Roles include, but are not limited to:
- Monitoring Solution Uptime
- Backups of schedules
- Database maintenance
- Patching and Upgrades of the monitoring solution
- Add/Move/Deletes of servers, network devices, applications
- Development for new initiatives
- Modifications of monitoring metrics
- Reporting
- Service Level Objectives and Agreements
- On-going Training on the software
- Delivering a high level of service and support to the customer
Lastly, take into consideration the processes involved in the establishment and continuation of a successful monitoring solution. In monitoring requirements documentation, simple tasks are often overlooked. Establishment of a game plan from the onset is critical for success; this is comprised of pre-installation meetings to discuss the monitoring objectives, equipment list, identify Subject Matter Technical Experts (SME), and a detailed, measurable implementation plan. A proper game plan also entails the creation and development of RunBooks, customized with information to identify expectations, SLAs, escalation paths, technical contacts, and change control procedures. Finally, be sure to clearly define an Event Escalation procedure that documents customized monitoring profiles for internal processes.
Ensuring Success
The number one recommendation for success is to stick to the basics and keep it simple. There are hundreds of monitoring solutions ranging from simple ping tools to complex business rules with root-cause analysis capabilities. The combination of the right tool, right people and right plan are crucial to the success of the project.
It is also very important to stay focused on the problem and on the process required to ensure success. Be an involved leader and care about the problem, the improvement of the process and know your customers. A cross -functional team is required from the onset of the process, and you must keep the big picture in focus.
If you have these things in place, then you are on a good path to a successful monitoring engagement. Good luck!
