Operations | Monitoring | ITSM | DevOps | Cloud

The ABCs of IT Infrastructure Monitoring (ITIM)—the Letter I is for Inventory of Assets. "Doing inventory" is probably one phrase retail and hospitality workers loathe. For many workers in these jobs, physically counting items can sometimes be an overnight job. For others in similar positions, it can make for an arduous all-day task while tending to customers' needs. However, despite the time it takes, it is still essential. How else will managers know which items to order for their store?

135,000 is the average number of endpoint devices connected to an enterprise network. The estimate is in a joint report from Adaptiva and the Ponemon Institute, along with several other surprising statistics: A common challenge facing IT professionals is gaining insight into the devices connected to their network. With so many devices being used by employees, managers and IT workers, a solution to categorize and analyze these devices in one spot is essential.

Imagine starting your car in the morning and having your attention captured by a little red check engine light. After expressing frustration in your own unique way, your next objective is to determine why this little light has brought darkness to your morning. Your owner's manual clearly outlines how to operate and routinely maintain your vehicle, but all you know about this little light is that you’ll soon be meeting your local mechanic.

There is no question that wireless networks are taking over. Offices may still have Ethernet cables to each cubicle, but usually, they go unused. Wi-Fi is the new LAN. And so many devices, tablets, smartphones and even some laptop-type devices are now wireless only.

It is no surprise that cybercriminals are after the money, and banks have plenty lying around. They also have gobs of data, making banks irresistible to hackers who have a field day attacking complex banking IT systems flush with more connections than a movie agent. Here are a few recent facts to know.