5 Benefits Of Integrated IT Management Tools

The days of relying on standalone IT management tools are long gone. Often times these tools are not compatible with each other, have different user interfaces, and require steep learning curves in order to utilize them all. Integrated IT management tools allow companies to completely solve the issues found in standalone tools, and allows CIO’s and IT directors to easily manage every aspect of a company’s IT needs.

Because businesses grow rapidly and technology is forever evolving, using integrated IT management tools provides an easy solution to the silo effect often created by using several standalone tools to manage the IT needs of a company. Instead of using 10 different applications or tools to manage IT assets, it’s more convenient and productive to utilize integrated IT management tools.

1. Complete monitoring

When using multiple tools and agents in order to monitor different aspects of your IT assets, it’s nearly impossible to get a complete look at your IT infrastructure. Companies are using a variety of technology, upgrading constantly, and changing their needs regularly so it’s vital to have a tool that allows you to keep everything under one roof so to speak.

The idea of relying on individual tools to monitor all of the physical devices and software an average company has today is almost unfathomable. Companies need to be able to see what is going on with each asset quickly and conveniently. Navigating through several different tools simply isn’t efficient or effective.

2. Cost reducer

Every company aims to reduce expenses and increase productivity. Integrated IT management tools allow you to do both simultaneously. It should go without saying that the cost of purchasing several standalone management tools is much greater than the cost of one integrated tool that can accomplish everything the standalone tools can.

When examining price, you also have to consider the costs associated with maintaining and updating several different tools vs. one. The cost factor is one of the primary reasons we are starting to see more small businesses opt for integrated IT management tools. These tools were once known as only being beneficial for large enterprises, but they are also a viable option for SMB’s as well. For companies worried about investing in an integrated tool, most providers offer free download editions so that you can try before you buy.

3. Easier on the staff

Generally speaking, the fewer amounts of tools employees have to learn to utilize, the better. Forcing a staff to learn how to use a variety of tools with different user interfaces, made by different companies, and require different skill sets is asking for trouble. It inconveniences the staff and typically leads to employees never truly learning to use all of the tools appropriately.

With an all in one IT management tool, employees only have to learn one interface. Although the tool has several functions, the overall look and feel is easy for them to pick up on because it doesn't completely change with each feature.

4. No compatibility issues

When you are running several routers, databases, and software, finding standalone management tools that are compatible with each other is extremely difficult. This is typically what creates the silo effect in IT management. With a single tool, all the features work in unison so you can have mobile device management, a help desk, and asset management all under one umbrella.

There’s no worrying about which tools manage what hardware or software.

5. Easy to collaborate

When issues with servers, SNMP devices, or software occur, an all in one management solution comes in handy. Since many issues will affect more than one department, employees will need an easy way to track the progress and status of any IT related issues. When using standalone tools, you have to go into several different services to see all of the issues being addressed. With integrated tools, everything is under one dashboard which is much easier to navigate.