Improve services with enhanced server uptime. One way is to implement reliable server monitoring. What exactly is server monitoring and why does server uptime need to be improved? Also check out how to improve it below. 

What is Server Monitoring?

Server monitoring is the process of collecting and analyzing data from the server. The data collected ranges from CPU usage, memory usage, disk space, network traffic, services, logs, and much more. Server monitoring helps identify and diagnose problems, optimize data sources, plan capacity, and prevent failures. 

Server monitoring can be done manually by logging into the server and checking its status. Of course, it can also be automated, with the help of software that collects and displays data on a dashboard, and notifies the software user if there are any errors. 

Why Servers Need to Increase Uptime with Monitoring?

The uptime of a company’s network is very important in today’s digital business era. A smooth network will support and improve customer satisfaction, communication with clients, and the overall work process of the company in general. High uptime creates trust from shareholders which is beneficial for business operations. 

Server monitoring is a very important step to increase uptime. With constant monitoring, it is easier for the network management team to detect and address issues before they affect customers. For example, when monitoring disk space, companies can avoid the network running out of memory and causing the server to crash. 

In addition, monitoring logs also help the network management team troubleshoot and resolve issues faster. Server performance and efficiency can be further optimized by monitoring CPU and memory. Finally, the network management team can plan and prepare for future network growth and demand with the help of monitoring. 

How to Improve Server Uptime and Performance 

To improve server uptime and performance, there are several ways that can be tried, namely:

  • Implement enterprise technology in multiple locations to prevent downtime from occurring. The causes of downtime can vary, such as natural disasters like floods, fires, and earthquakes. 
  • Manage network traffic in real-time by implementing global load balancing using real-time performance data. That way, traffic will flow to the data center with good performance. 
  • Create a data lifecycle management process. Data that has not been accessed recently can be archived to improve network performance and uptime. 
  • Run regular maintenance checks to detect performance issues before they become major. Also perform preventive maintenance to prevent problems, by making sure there is an adequate cooling system in place.
  • Update system software regularly. It is recommended to schedule the maintenance process at night or at other times that will not cause uptime issues for the company’s users and clients. 
  • Invest in a reliable server monitoring tool. The monitoring tool should be able to inform the network management team if there are incidents on internal servers and remote servers, so that the team can address them quickly. 

Nowadays, many server monitoring tools come with built-in reporting features. That way, the network management team in the company can monitor problems or those that are trending and need attention as soon as possible. 

  • Invest in quality servers and hardware. If you don’t choose reliable ones, then the company will face bigger problems. Look for server devices that are fault-tolerant, meaning they will continue to function even if something goes wrong. 

Don’t hesitate to look for the best from reviews by previous users and check the features one by one to find the right one. Avoid choosing quickly, especially just because the price is the cheapest. 

  • Make the network management team in the company more organized, as this will greatly help improve uptime and performance. With an organized system, it will be easier to monitor when hardware needs to be replaced, when to update software, and what are the requirements needed to be always ready. 
  • Replace equipment according to company needs. Companies are often keen to save money by keeping equipment that still works today, but is no longer fit for purpose. Obsolete equipment can interfere with server performance. 
  • Evaluate the changes before implementing them. Does the company need to add another server or introduce new software? Don’t implement it right away, but evaluate the impact first to know the possible consequences. 
  • To achieve 0 downtime, use a virtual hosting platform. Virtualization protects servers from downtime because with a virtual copy of data in the cloud, the management team will always be able to access it, even if the server goes down. 

How to Improve Server Security

It’s not just server uptime and performance that needs to be improved. Server security will also affect its performance. Here’s how to improve server security that can be implemented:

  • Install anti-malware software to prevent viruses, ransomware, trojans, worms. adware, spyware, and others from entering the server. Install patches as soon as they become available to keep the server’s defenses strong. 
  • Set up a firewall to prevent unauthorized traffic within the server. The firewall used should only allow traffic from certain applications and web servers that need to access data. Not only that, but the server should also prevent databases from initiating outbound connections, unless absolutely necessary. 
  • Apply encryption thoroughly. Encrypting data after it has been transferred means that the data is not protected during transit. If you apply comprehensive encryption, the data is encrypted even before it is transferred. That way, the data cannot be read by anyone who does not have the encryption key. 
  • Comprehensive encryption should be applied to all company data, even data that is no longer active should be encrypted. It might reveal other sensitive information. 
  • Conduct regular internal audits to identify security issues before a threat occurs. It’s best to conduct the audits yourself for objective results, but follow proper steps. Create server access rules and enforce them with discipline to limit the number of individuals who can pose a security threat. 
  • Establish physical security protections, such as installing cameras, alarms, fingerprint scanners, and more. 

Server uptime is required by almost all modern businesses. As much as possible, achieve 0 downtime by using reliable server monitoring tools at all times. Netmonk from Telkom Indonesia comes with Netmonk Prime, a product that can monitor servers continuously. Get product info now on the Netmonk website!