Assuming that the best decision-making begins with the end in mind, an IT organization should analyze its capabilities, tools as well as the needs and goals of the organization upfront. For example, what are the requirements, and metrics, and other factors should they get clear on before evaluating monitoring solutions? Network system and solution monitoring has typically been an afterthought, and this is because monitoring, analysis and troubleshooting requires more of an operational skillset and mindset, which needs to be more proactive. Looking for issues before they are business or end-user impacting productivity requires resources that most organizations either have not invested in, or are less willing to fund. Organizations should determine what their key systems are, where their level of risk exists from system failure, and interview end-users, business unit leaders, and system managers to identify and analyze the organizations monitoring requirements.
