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Network Management Implementation
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Firewall and Network Security
In terms of computer security, afirewall is a piece of software and Hardware cobination. This software monitors the network traffic. A firewall has a set of rules which are applied to each packet. The rules decide if a packet can pass, or whether it is discarded. Usually a firewall is placed between a network that is trusted, and one that is less trusted. When a large network needs to be protected, the firewall software often runs on a dedicated hardware, which does nothing else.
A firewall protects one part of the network against unauthorized access.
Different kinds of Firewalls
Packet filtering
Data travels on the internet in small pieces; these are called packets. Each packet has certain metadata attached, like where it is coming from, and where it should be sent to. The easiest thing to do is to look at the metadata. Based on rules, certain packets are then dropped or rejected. All firewalls can do this.it is known as network layer
Stateful packet inspection
In addition to the simple packet filtering (above) this kind of firewall also keeps track of connections. A packet can be the start of a new connection, or it can be part of an existing connection. If it is neither of the two, it is probably useless and can be dropped.
Application-layer firewalls
Application-layer firewalls do not just look at the metadata; they also look at the actual data transported. They know how certain protocols work, for example FTP orHTTP. They can then look if the data that is in the packet is valid (for that protocol). If it is not, it can be dropped.
Other things firewalls are used for
Tunnelling
Firewalls can provide a secure connection between two networks. This is called tunnelling. The data may be encrypted. It is unencrypted at the other end. Since the firewalls are doing this, the rest of the network is unaware of it. An alternative is to provide a secure access (to the corporate network).
Network address translation
Very often, firewalls can translate IP addresses. That way, many computers can share a few public IP addresses. The firewall translates between the public and the private IP addresses.
Types of firewalls
In general, there are two types of firewalls:
- Software-based firewalls: these are often run as additional programs on computers that are used for other things. They are often known as personal firewallswhich can be updates on personal computers.
- Hardware-based firewalls: Hardware based firewalls run on a dedicated computer (or appliance). Often, these offer a better performance than software firewalls, but they are also more expensive.
What firewalls cannot protect against
Firewalls can protect against some problems (viruses and attacks) that come from the internet. They cannot protect against viruses, that come from infected media (like an infected office document on an USB flash drive).
We provide engineering services related to all aspects of Firewall. One of our Field application engineers will be happy to discuss your requirements.
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IT service management (ITSM) refers to the entirety of activities – directed by policies, organized and structured in processes and supporting procedures – that are performed by an organization to plan, design, deliver, operate and control information technology (IT) services offered to customers. It is thus concerned with the implementation of IT services that meet customers' needs, and it is performed by the IT service provider through an appropriate mix of people, process and information technology.
Read more … IT Service Management and Lean, Devops and Continuous Delivery
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Nagios 3 is a powerful, open-source network monitoring solution designed to proactively identify and resolve potential IT issues. This white paper will delve into the intricacies of Nagios 3, exploring its core functionalities, advanced features, and best practices for effective network monitoring.Nagios 3 Enterprise Network Monitoring: A Comprehensive Guide.
Read more … Nagios 3 Enterprise Network Monitoring: A Comprehensive Guide
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White Paper: Managed IT Services: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
In today's fast-paced digital age, businesses of all sizes are increasingly relying on technology to drive growth and efficiency. However, managing complex IT infrastructure can be a daunting task, especially for smaller organizations that may lack the in-house expertise or resources. Managed IT services offer a solution by outsourcing IT operations to a third-party provider. This white paper explores the benefits, use cases, and best practices of managed IT services.
Understanding Managed IT Services
Managed IT services involve outsourcing the management and maintenance of an organization's IT infrastructure and applications to a third-party provider. This can include a wide range of services, such as:
- Network Management: Monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining network infrastructure.
- Server Management: Managing and securing servers, both physical and virtual.
- Desktop Support: Providing help desk and technical support to end-users.
- Security Services: Implementing and managing security measures to protect against cyber threats.
- Cloud Services: Migrating workloads to the cloud and managing cloud-based infrastructure.
- Data Backup and Recovery: Implementing robust backup and disaster recovery plans.
Benefits of Managed IT Services
- Cost Reduction:
- Reduced IT labor costs by outsourcing non-core functions.
- Lower hardware and software costs through optimized resource utilization.
- Reduced downtime and improved productivity.
- Increased Efficiency:
- Proactive monitoring and maintenance to prevent issues.
- Faster response times to IT incidents.
- Scalability to accommodate growth and changing business needs.
- Enhanced Security:
- Expert security monitoring and threat detection.
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Implementation of security best practices and compliance standards.
- Improved Focus on Core Business:
- Free up internal resources to focus on core business activities.
- Access to specialized expertise without the need for in-house IT staff.
Use Cases for Managed IT Services
- Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs):
- Lack of in-house IT expertise.
- Need for reliable and affordable IT support.
- Desire to focus on core business activities.
- Large Enterprises:
- Managing complex IT infrastructures.
- Ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
- Reducing operational costs.
Choosing a Managed IT Service Provider
When selecting a managed IT service provider, consider the following factors:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record and experienced technicians.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Ensure that the provider offers clear SLAs for response times and resolution times.
- Security Practices: Verify the provider's security measures and certifications.
- Scalability: The provider should be able to scale their services to meet your evolving needs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluate the provider's pricing model and ensure it aligns with your budget.
Conclusion
Managed IT services offer a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes. By outsourcing non-core IT functions, organizations can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security. By carefully selecting a reputable managed IT service provider and establishing clear service level agreements, businesses can maximize the benefits of this strategic approach.
References:
- IT Business Edge: https://www.networkworld.com/
- Computerworld: https://hbr.org/
- Forbes:
Additional Tips:
- Regularly Review and Optimize: Continuously assess your IT needs and adjust your managed IT services accordingly.
- Communicate Effectively: Maintain open and transparent communication with your managed IT service provider.
- Monitor Performance: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of your IT services.
- Consider Cloud-Based Solutions: Leverage cloud computing to improve scalability and reduce costs.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest IT trends and security threats.
By following these guidelines, businesses can effectively leverage managed IT services to achieve their strategic goals. Contact keencomputer.com for details.