We also call on the partner benefits of Principal to provide:
The Principal Network Health Check
Here’s a quick Q&A which will give you everything you need to know.
What will you check?
As the name suggests the Principal Network Health Check is a high-level investigation of the network in general, with the intention of highlighting many of the common issues found on networks. We will look at:
- Specification of server platform
- Server set-up
- LAN hardware
- Cabling
- Set up of network protocols
- Internet access methods
- Internet security issues
- Backup systems
- Anti-virus software
- Potentially sub-optimal WAN links
- Back level patches or service packs
- LAN security issues
- Software licensing
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What do I get from a Principal Network Healthcheck?
Once the Principal Network Health Check has been completed, you will receive a written management report, explaining in simple terms the nature of your current network and its current state. We will make general observations concerning those parts of the network that were found to be broken, set up in a non standard fashion, or otherwise worthy of comment, and of course we will also offer a recommended course of action for each issue to effect a workable and economical fix.
The recommended course of action will vary in scope and detail according to the nature of the problem, based on our overriding concern to always balance any investment with an improved return. Some solutions can be actioned as part of one of our standard support contracts, for others we may recommend initiating a one-off project.
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How long does the Principal Network Healthcheck take?
There are normally three parts to the Principal Network Health Check: the initial site survey, the production of the report and an on-site meeting to review the report and agree any action plan going forward. Up to four hours would normally be spent on site carrying out the site survey. For multiple sites, then an average of up to 8 hours per site will be allowed. For large numbers of sites or for situations where a more detailed examination is required then we would be happy to discuss more detailed terms of reference for a specific network infrastructure study or area of network troubleshooting.
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Will my systems need to be taken down and if so for how long?
When Principal conducts a Network Healthcheck, it is normally on a network that we have not encountered before, and as such we will have no first hand knowledge as to its stability or otherwise. With this in mind, we won’t normally take down servers or any other items of hardware or software during the Network Healthcheck- to protect your business function. The only interruption that may be reasonably expected is that examination of one or more desktops may be necessary during the study, requiring users to stop working temporarily.
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I want to carry out a major network project – Will this study tell me how to go about it?
The point of the Principal Network Health Check is to provide an overall evaluation of the state of the network, compared with generally accepted standards and practices. It can be used as a base for further planning for a major network project, for example, in deciding what housekeeping or other work needs to be done before carrying out the main network project. It isn’t, however, a substitute for a formal project specification. If you would like assistance in commencing or managing a major project, Principal can provide a complete service; drawing up the initial project plan, devising the Project Initiation Document, agreeing roles and ongoing management during the life of the project.
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I have a real problem on my network with routing/printing/desktops crashing. Can you help me?
Almost certainly, yes. If are not familiar with the detail of how your network is set up, your problems may indeed be network-related (rather than hardware-related). If this is the case and you would like Principal to investigate the network as a whole, then a Principal Network Healthcheck is probably the best way of investigating the problem.
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Will any tools be used or installed during the Network Health Check?
No. The only software we use will be the standard diagnostics that are installed with the operating system by default. If these tools are not installed, then we would not normally install them in order to complete that part of the Network Healthcheck.
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I have ten offices and 35 servers that I would like reported. Will I get this from a Principal Network Health Check?
The Principal Network Health Check is designed to give a high level overview of the issues of smaller networks. For larger networks we find that the issues are often based around a specific project or that a fuller infrastructure review is required. While we can help in all these areas, they would normally be outside the scope of the Principal Network Health Check. We would suggest a further meeting with one of our consultants in order to agree the terms of reference for any project that we might undertake with you.
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Will all my problems be sorted out once the health check is completed?
The Principal Network Healthcheck is often the first step in a course of action which will lead to the resolution of many IT problems. However, it is not within the scope of the Principal Network Health Check to alter any aspect of the current network environment, as any changes made during a short initial visit may have undesirable knock-on effects. The Principal Network Health Check is therefore normally used as a basis for discussion from which an agreed plan can be drawn up to resolve a customer’s issues.
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Your Principal Adviser will be able to answer any questions you might have, call us now on 0800 132908.
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