The 6 Key Features of a Good Server Environment Monitor

What would happen if your servers were to unexpectedly shut down, causing your network to come to a halt? How much would it cost in repair bills and labor to get your equipment up and running again? The answer is probably, "a lot".

It's critical that you protect your investment. Leaving your gear unmonitored leaves you exposed to unnecessary risk. At best, your equipment will experience a thermal shutdown and will power down when overheating. At worst, your equipment will fry and you'll be stuck with giant repair bills. Fortunately, many of these network outages are easily prevented by using the right server environment monitor.

The TempDefender IT remote terminal unit (RTU) is used in this diagram to monitor temperature, humidity, water, smoke, and motion. Measuring these variables is critical to protecting your valuable gear.

Not all monitoring systems are created equal. Many fail to see the big picture and leave out critical features. A limited system will only give you a false sense of security - you'll think your gear is protected but in reality it's far from it. Here are the 6 key features your monitoring system needs if you want to be adequately protected:

1. Live analog monitoring - Basic discrete sensors can't provide you with the meaningful information you need to make the right decisions. Discrete sensors can only tell you when the temperature has risen above a certain point. That's why you need analog sensors. These advanced sensors output at a continuous rate, which allows you to receive a precise temperature reading. Analog sensors give you the level of detail you need to make the best decisions.
2. 24/7 alert capabilities - You can't sit at your desk and monitor the temperature of your server environment 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Doing so would be such a waste of time, especially when you can have a monitoring system that will alert you, no matter where you are, any time there's a critical issue in your server room. You need versatile alert methods that can notify you no matter where you are, or the time of day. Look for a monitoring system that can alert you via email, pages, SMS text messages, or voice alerts to your phone.
3. Escalation list - Having a backup plan is always the smartest way to guarantee protection. With an escalation list, if the first person notified of a threat is too distracted, too busy, or too deeply asleep to respond, a second person will be notified, and so on. Ideally you'll want your escalation list to feature at least 5 people, that way you can guarantee someone will get the alert.
4. Easy to set up and use - What's the point of having a monitoring system if you can't even figure out how to use it? Setting up your server environment monitor shouldn't leave you confused and disgruntled. Look for devices that are easy to set up and simple to manage. You can't afford to waste time trying to operate a needlessly complex interface - so never settle for anything less than an easy-to-use graphical web interface.
5. Rugged durability - The last piece of equipment to fail in your server environment should be your monitoring gear. Too many devices are cheaply built and are destined to fail. If you're not using industrial-grade hardware to monitor your valuable equipment, you're taking an unnecessary risk.
6. 7x24 tech support - You never know when you'll need assistance monitoring your network, so it's essential to have access to support all day every day. It's a shame that so many vendors only offer support during standard business hours. A good vendor will always be available to offer emergency assistance and support.

Without these critical features you're not really protected. Having a false sense of security is very dangerous - it leaves you vulnerable to a network outage.

Your server environment guardian...

Where do I find the right monitoring system?
Monitoring the valuable equipment in your server environment is a serious job that requires a serious solution. You need a quality system with the right features if you want the job done right. That's why I recommend the TempDefender IT. This device is powerful, easy to use, and compact. You get tons of value out of this little box. You get 8 discrete sensors, 4 analog inputs (daisy chainable up to 16), an escalation list of 8 people, plug 'n' play design, and an easy to use web interface. You'll be monitoring in minutes with the TempDefender IT.

This device also comes standard with first-tier 7x24 tech support and a 30 day risk free guarantee - if the TempDefender IT doesn't tackle your tough monitoring challenges, return it for a full refund.

Don't leave yourself exposed a minute longer - call (1-800-693-0351) or email (sales@dpstele.com) the monitoring specialists at DPS Telecom. These experts can answer your questions and concerns, and even provide you with a free Return-on-Investment (ROI) analysis - so you can see just how much you're saving.

You may also use the form below to get in touch with Mac Smith, who can help you get started designing the right monitoring system for your needs.