What is NOC?
A network operations centre, or NOC (pronounced “knock”), is a centralised location where IT technicians directly support the efforts of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software. NOC teams are heavily utilised in the managed IT services space, and a tremendous driver of service delivery for many managed services providers (MSPs). These technical teams keep a watchful eye over the endpoints that they monitor and manage, independently resolving issues that arise and taking preventative steps to ensure many issues do not occur. NOC teams are also heavily involved in high-level security actions and backup and disaster recovery (BDR) efforts, ensuring 24/7/365 uptime for an MSP’s customers.
Benefits of Network Operations Centre
- Reduction in Operating Costs
- Time and Labour are Saved
- Management of Security
- Downtime is Significantly Reduced
- Immediate Handling of Incidents at all Times
- IT Resources are Freed Up for Other Tasks
- Protection from Network Attacks
- Increased Support Through Around the Clock Network Monitoring
- Administrative Task and Reporting In Real Time
- Latest Infrastructure with the Highest Quality
- Proficient and Experienced Experts Reduce the Risk
- Customizable Options Based on Client Needs
Features
Live Analog Monitoring
Without the right analog sensor technology, you can’t monitor critical environmental conditions. A basic discrete sensor can only provide you with a binary “on/off” information. It will only tell you if the temp is too high, for example.
Discrete sensors are limited, so make sure you have live analog monitoring for data collection. Analog sensors can give you precise readings. For example, the temperature of your server room is 84.2 degrees or the battery level has dropped to 8%.
Multiple Alert Methods
Monitoring systems that only provide internal alerts to your NOC don’t give you any versatility. Support for 24/7 alert capability (via email, pages, voice alerts, or SMS text messages) is critical. Emergencies and natural disasters don’t keep standard business hours.
Easy Setup and Configuration
A good monitoring system won’t require excess training to use. It won’t create confusion for your employees when they try to manage alarms. Plug ‘n’ play and a user-friendly graphical web interface are essential features of any good remote monitoring system.
Using a web interface allows you to manage your alarm network from any computer – without the extra hassle.
Backup Data Transport
Don’t rely solely on your primary network to report alarms. If there are any problems with your data transport, you’ll lose critical visibility of your remote sites. If your network is down for some reason, this is the time when you need visibility the most.
Your alarm notification system should support a backup method of transporting data – dial-up, wireless, fibre, etc. The right backup reporting guarantees your network is still monitored even if your primary data transport goes down.
Reliable Hardware
The last piece of equipment to fail should be your remote monitoring system. You can’t afford to leave your network’s security in the hands of cheaply built equipment that’s not ready for the job.