Best Server Monitoring Systems and Tools
Whether you operate a physical or virtual server, you’ve to keep it under constant surveillance to ensure its smooth running. Reliability is a key element regarding server performance. Clients expect quick responses to requests, availability of space to store data, and security of data and all systems connected to the server. Knowing the essential role server maintenance plays in the performance of an organization’s general IT infrastructure, separate teams are set aside to monitor the server. Depending on the size and complexity of the server infrastructure, you can either monitor servers manually or automatically using specially designed software or server management systems.
Even virtual servers are powered by physical devices. Several technology companies operate large data centers with several servers.
This article seeks to explain what server monitoring is in simple terms, the different systems involved in the process, and the benefits of server monitoring. If you are not familiar with the “IT world” you may want to know what servers are. When you hear someone talking about servers, they are either referring to a physical or virtual system that processes data and other forms of digital resources for other computers or devices. Different devices make requests over a network before it is processed by the server.
What Is Server Monitoring?
At any one point, several processes are going on in the server depending on requests from devices on the network. For example, some people may be storing data, others retrieving or sending files. IT experts known as server administrators surveil the performance of the server either manually or using special software. It involves tracking and analyzing different processes for performance and security.
In case of any server failure due to a malicious attack or technical glitch, the organization’s operation will be destabilized and in the worst cases stifled.
How Does Server Performance Monitoring Work?
Whether you’re a server on-site or utilize a virtual server, you’ll be required to constantly monitor it for performance and security. To monitor a server accurately, you’ll analyze key metrics from different elements of the server. There are a couple of monitoring management systems that can help you streamline the entire operation.
The first thing to take note of is the physical device itself. Servers need an ideal environment to operate efficiently. You make sure the temperature of the room where the server is situated is conducive. And there should be enough power supply. It is also important that you monitor CPU and memory usage. Key metrics here include process count, CPU thread count, and available space on the memory.
The other critical areas to monitor include network traffic, page file usage, activities on the disk, operating systems log files, and the total time for which your server has been running.
How To Get Started With Server Monitoring?
The most important step in server monitoring is first getting the necessary tools for the process. Whether you are using Windows or Linux operating systems, some tools can help you automatically gather necessary data to help you adequately perform key monitoring tasks.
Top-rated 10 Best Server Monitoring Systems or Tools
Server downtime can have adverse effects on the operations of an organization. For servers to be able to efficiently handle daily loads, they must be constantly monitored so that issues like overload can be detected and rectified early. Here are some of the best tools used to manage servers all over the world.
Ninja One
It was first called Ninja RMM. Ninja one offers critical tools that’ll enable you efficiently manage all aspects of server monitoring operations. Some features help you manage all devices on the network, allowing you remote access to the devices. You can monitor how firewalls, routers, and other systems on the network are running. It also helps you assess the health and performance of different servers. NinjaOne offers flexible payment plans.
AppDynamics
AppDynamics is a monitoring tool that provides visibility and diagnostics for applications in real-time. It offers features such as application performance management, business transaction management, server monitoring, and more. The tool is used to troubleshoot performance issues and identify potential problems before they impact the user experience. AppDynamics also provides insights into application usage and trends. This information can be used to optimize resources and improve overall performance.
Anturis
Anturis is a server monitoring system that helps businesses to improve performance and reduce downtime. The system includes a wide range of features, including real-time alerts, comprehensive reporting, and graphing capabilities. Anturis also offers a customizable dashboard that allows businesses to monitor multiple servers from one central location. In addition, the system can be used to monitor both physical and virtual servers. As a result, Anturis provides businesses with a powerful tool for improving performance and reducing downtime.
Stackify
Stackify is a server monitoring tool that helps you to keep track of your server’s performance. It provides you with detailed information about your server’s CPU, memory, and disk usage, as well as network activity. Stackify also allows you to set up alerts so that you can be notified of any potential problems with your server. With Stackify, you can be sure that your server is running smoothly and efficiently.
Datadoghq
This is an application monitoring tool for database application servers, web servers, OS, e.t.c. It integrates easily with other systems. It also offers powerful collaboration features for teams to work on projects or handle issues. It offers different pricing plans for users, starting with a free month trial.
ManageEngine OpManager
Server monitoring systems are designed to help you keep track of your server performance and identify any issues before they cause problems for your users. ManageEngine OpManager is one such system that offers a comprehensive set of features for monitoring your physical, virtual, and cloud-based servers. It can help you track server availability, utilization, and health, as well as identify any potential bottlenecks. In addition, OpManager can generate detailed reports on your server performance, making it easy to spot any trends or issues. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, ManageEngine OpManager is an excellent choice for server monitoring.
Pandora FMS
Pandor FMS is designed to help keep track of server performance and identify potential issues. Pandora FMS is one such system that offers a wide range of features for monitoring servers. It can be used to monitor server performance in real-time, identify bottlenecks, and generate reports on server activity. Additionally, Pandora FMS includes a built-in alerting system that can notify administrators of potential problems. This makes it an invaluable tool for keeping servers running smoothly and avoiding downtime.
Solar Winds Server and Application Monitor
It offers features critical for proper monitoring of cloud-based or in-house server infrastructures. SolarWinds has features that enable you to remotely monitor servers, get key performance metrics, and monitor different aspects of the server. It is easy to install and has a comprehensive library for references.
eG Innovations
eG Innovations is a server monitoring system that provides users with valuable insights into the performance of their applications. The system offers a variety of features, including real-time alerting, historical data analysis, and application performance management. eG Innovations has helped thousands of organizations improve their Server security posture, optimize their Server performance, and troubleshoot Server issues. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and was founded in 2002.
Site24x7
Site24x7 is a server monitoring system that helps you keep track of your server’s performance and uptime. It offers a variety of features, including real-time alerts, detailed reports, and a customizable dashboard. With Site24x7, you can quickly identify and resolve server issues before they cause downtime. Server monitoring is essential for any business that relies on its website or applications to function. By using Site24x7, you can ensure that your servers are always up and running smoothly.
Benefits of Server Management Systems
Businesses and organizations must keep a keen eye on the performance of the server, otherwise, security risks and system failures can hamper business operations and also lead to financial loss. Below are a few benefits of server management systems.
- It helps you to detect critical issues early. By looking at different metrics, server administrators can detect vulnerabilities and act accordingly. This greatly reduces server downtime.
- Constantly monitoring your servers ensures an immediate response whenever an issue arises. Most systems provide alerts about potential failures and other threats.
- Servers need to be updated constantly and this can only be possible with a robust server management system. If it is not updated, security vulnerabilities may be left unchecked. This may lead to catastrophic consequences when there occurs a data breach.
- As servers age, their performance may reduce and as a result, they must be constantly monitored and updated.
Conclusion
Server administrators must constantly monitor the security and smooth running of servers. The operation of organizations and clients greatly depends on the level of performance of servers. Any system failure or security risks can cause serious damage leading to huge financial loss. Therefore organizations must put in place systems and necessary human resources to effectively monitor servers. There are several tools organizations can use to automate server monitoring processes. However, before you choose a server monitoring system, there are factors you must consider. For example, the tool must be able to integrate with other systems, it should also have features for customization, offer all features you require to effectively monitor your server, and the cost should be within your budget.
