The iPad in Action

I wrote a post some time ago about the potential of the iPad to help manage networks. Since then, I’ve grown much more excited about its potential as a business tool.

The iPad is such a powerful tool for IT administrators because it is much more convenient than a netbook. It is lighter and thinner, can be used instantly and has a large display area – a powerful combination for remote networking.

I’ve been using the iPad myself with the new version of dopplerVUE 2.1 and its web client capabilities. The display is perfect for the powerful visualization features of dopplerVUE. I can clearly display and monitor network status and performance by combining maps, charts and gauges into a single dashboard. If you want to give it a try for yourself, download the 30 day free trial version.

The iPad is a great tool while you’re on the go. Some tasks are always going to be much easier to address with the computer on your desk. But in my mind there is definitely a place for the iPad in terms of network management. If you’re using the iPad for IT management, it would be great to hear about your experience.

A Network Management Resource...

I came across a network management website that I thought was worth sharing. See what you think.


Network Management Software is a source of news, analysis and reviews of the IT network management space. The website is solely focused on the network management space and offers great tips on the basics of network management and the fundamentals on application monitoring.

Also keep in mind that dopplerVUE recently added application centers for Exchange, IIS and SQL in its new 2.1 release and is available for download.

3 Keys to Achieving Optimal IIS Performance…

Monitoring the Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) is something I take pretty seriously. As one of the most relied upon and mission-critical web infrastructures for eCommerce websites, web applications, intranet portals and corporate websites – it is definitely a mission critical application and there will be some crazed phone calls if the service goes down.


I monitor IIS for two main reasons - to troubleshoot performance problems on the server and to improve server performance. When I’m able to optimize server performance and save money by reducing costs on additional servers and hardware it is always a big plus.

Here are three steps for achieving optimal performance (for additional details read this article):

1. Monitor Memory and CPU Usage
It is critical to monitor memory and CPU usage and to take any steps necessary to reduce the load on the server. Other processes operating on the server could be using memory and CPU resources needed by IIS. If this is the case, stop non-essential services and move support applications to a different server.

2. Resolve Hardware Issues that Cause Problems
Slow disk drives can delay file reads, if that is the case improve the disk input/output (I/O). Also install additional network cards, if the current ones are fully optimized to ensure you can perform critical activities such as back-ups.

3. Optimize Web Pages and Applications on IIS
Make sure to test web pages and IIS applications to ensure the source code executes as expected. Take the time to eliminate unnecessary procedures and optimize inefficient processes.

To fully optimize IIS, you have to do some testing and go through some trial and error until you get everything tuned properly. It is definitely worth the time.

If you don’t want to use a bunch of disparate tools to monitor such a critical server and application, try out dopplerVUE 2.1 for a 30 day free trial. dopplerVUE’s IIS application center lets you display system responsiveness, application services, server and application utilization and alarm conditions all in a single window.