Chapter 8: 8 Pitfalls When Integrating Incompatible Network Monitoring Systems and Protocols

1. An alarm master that does not support multiple protocols.
2. A vendor that does not have the engineering resources to support nonstandard interface protocols.
3. A vendor that does not have the ability to do a site survey and determine a solution based off of an evaluation of my network.
4. You end up $250K into your installation and nothing works (and no refund!)
5. You select a system that has never been tested in YOUR network.
6. You select a system that does not come with a money-back guarantee.
7. You are proposed a buy-it-all-at-once solution instead of an incremental solution.
8. You are proposed a system that does not have engineering flexibility.

How to Avoid These 8 Pitfalls ...

1. 
   T/Mon NOC supports hundreds
   of different devices - can your
   alarm monitoring system do the
   same?
   Be tough with every alarm equipment vendor you're considering. Be skeptical. Ask the hard questions, and don't be satisfied with anything less than an honest, straightforward answer.
2. Demand nothing less than a perfect fit solution - an alarm system that works with your existing equipment AND provides a long-term upgrade path.
3. Make sure your next alarm system supports all the protocols and devices that you use. (For a sample of the kind of versatility you should expect, please see this list of protocols and devices supported by T/Mon NOC.)
4. Don't waste your time on vendors who immediately tell you to buy their product, without getting to know you or your specific requirements.
5. Make sure your alarm monitoring equipment vendor can custom engineer a solution to meet your exact requirements.
6. Look for equipment that supports gradual upgrade paths, so you can replace old equipment over several budget cycles.
7. Ask all vendors you're considering if they guarantee their product - and then ask if that means you get all your money back if you're not satisfied for any reason.

Want more information on selecting a perfect-fit alarm monitoring system?

Visit www.dpstelecom.com/white-papers for a series of comprehensive guides to alarm monitoring issues and best practices.