Windows Server - Network monitoring via SNMP and WMI

Asked By Bob

23-Jul-08 10:14 PM

Hi All,

I've been looking into network monitoring software to monitor our servers,
switches, firewall, etc. I'm looking for something that can monitor all our
devices via SNMP or WMI, that will alert me when there is anything wrong.
Would be nice if it had pretty graphs too.

It looks like there are some good open source products like nagios, cacti,
etc - But they only run on linux. Are there any equivelents that run on
windows?

I've looked at a few commercial products like PRTG - Are there any other
goods ones I should look into?

23-Jul-08 11:10 PM

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/essentials/en/us/default.aspx

Are you a consultant looking to monitor lots of systems or do you work for a
small business and want to monitor your stuff?
If the answer is number 2...this may well be over kill.

Again unless you are a consultant this next one could be over kill as well
http://www.levelplatforms.com/

--
Cris Hanna [SBS - MVP]
------------------------------------
MVPs do not work for Microsoft
Please do not submit questions directly to me.

24-Jul-08 12:50 AM

Just monitoring own network.

There are 6 servers and 5 network devices that I would like to monitor.

System center essentials may be something to look at in the future, but a
bit over the top for now.

Anything out there for smaller networks?

24-Jul-08 02:42 PM

Bob,

If you don't mind sidebar ad's, there is a free agentless system
called SpiceWorks. Its easy to install and it also includes a helpdesk
where your users can create trouble tickets. It also works with
exchange for alerts.
www.spiceworks.com

Zenoss and MRTG are free options as well. What Cris recommended is
great too if you have a budtet.


On Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:50:56 +1000, "Bob" <Bob@bobsyouruncle.com>

24-Jul-08 04:08 PM

I encourage you to demo SpiceWorks Cris. We use it mostly for alarm
notice when devices out in the field go offline. It is feature rich
and has a great support community.

24-Jul-08 05:59 PM

Bob,

I also use SpiceWorks and it's a really good product (considering that is
free).

On top of that, if you have a budget for what you want to do, I would
recommend, LogMeIn IT Reach (www.logmein.com).  IT Reach sends instance
emails when something is written in the event log of a machine.  It comes
pretty handy to know what exactly is going on.

--
Costas
http://costas.cpstechgroup.com

25-Jul-08 01:03 AM

Hi Chris,

We have 3 sites, with a server at each location. Then at our Head office, we
have SBS, a TS server and our ERP server.

I don't mind buying software for monitoring, just looking into our options
at the moment.

I'm having a play around with spiceworks now - Looks promising so far.

I'll download the demo of system center essentials and have a play with that
too.



6 servers for a max of 75 users???  That seems a bit over the top by it's
self.   And 5 additional network devices?   And no budget for monitoring
software..hmmm

I'm familiar with spiceworks only by name, but have never heard anything
bad.

--
Cris Hanna [SBS-MVP]
-------------------------------------------------
Microsoft MVPs
Independent Experts (MVPs do not work for MS)
Real World Answers
---------------------------------------------------------
Please do not contact me directly regarding issues

Just monitoring own network.

There are 6 servers and 5 network devices that I would like to monitor.

System center essentials may be something to look at in the future, but a
bit over the top for now.

Anything out there for smaller networks?

26-Jul-08 12:42 AM

Take a look at HoundDog. I used to use it and it was inexpensive and
functional. It doesn't scale that well, though.

-Ezra Herman