When we first talk to a new organization that’s looking to document its network, create network maps, data center diagrams, and cable infrastructure, we often hear something like this:

“Oh, we document everything in Visio and spreadsheets.”

So…we ask “how that’s working out?”

“It could be better. It is difficult at times to use them, since you don’t know how accurate they are.”

Here are some more common Visio-related diagram complaints we often hear:

  • It’s hard to find information quickly.
  • We have no clue when the last time these diagrams were updated.
  • There are just too many Visio diagrams and it’s hard to locate the right diagram.
  • When using these diagrams and spreadsheets, it takes time to find the proper spreadsheet that goes with the right diagram.

If you’re reading this, chances are you have some of the same complaints (and maybe you’re just done with Visio and spreadsheets and want something else)…so, how can other systems help you get out of your Visio rut and start using a centralized way for your staff to view the same diagram while also ensuring that the diagrams they are seeing are the most recent updated diagrams? Is there also a better way to help manage changes within your network,too?

“I have just way too many spreadsheets and Visio diagrams; it’s getting out of control!”

Automated network mapping/documentation software can help! Take our network diagram software, netTerrain, for example. netTerrain is a centralized, client-server application. This means that all your users accessing netTerrain will have access to the same network diagrams, so you can eliminate the many number of diagrams you have stored in a shared folder or program. With network documentation software like netTerrain, you get Just one place to view all of your network, network rooms, data center rooms.

What if you don’t want everyone to see certain diagrams? With netTerrain, you can easily assign access, based on user rights, and restrict what your users or groups of users, can do or see on a per-diagram basis. So, for example, if you want your DC folks viewing your Austin data center, it just takes a click or two in netTerrain to secure it.

“It is hard to find information.”

Many of the people I talk with really want a way to search across all of their Visio diagrams and spreadsheets.

Is this just wishful thinking?

Well, with netTerrain you can! Because netTerrain diagrams are all stored in one database, searching for information is a breeze. Need to search for an IP Address and find the device? Sure. Need to run a report to see when my maintenance contracts are going to expire soon? Yep.

“I have no idea when my diagrams were last updated.”

Problem solved with netTerrain. With netTerrain’s Collector, you can run a network discovery and pull information from third party systems like ServiceNow, Solarwinds, VMWare, and even Cloud like AWS, Azure, and more. Just set netTerrain’s Scheduler to automate the discovery process, and even setup a polling service, to see if your device is up or down. It’s easy!

With tools like netTerrain, you can make a dollars-and-sense case to your boss that it makes sense to invest in automated network documentation:

  • Security: know what is connected to your network.
  • Efficiency/troubleshooting: find information fast with powerful multi-criteria searches and alarm notification.
  • Compliance: breeze past your network security audit.
  • Save money: reduce the time it takes to troubleshoot an issue and solve issues faster.
  • Bring in other data sources: always have fresh, real-time data at your fingertips, so your Network Operations Center (NOC) can see your live network diagrams.
  • Keep track of your IT assets: get reports to show all of your devices, add data fields such as cost and warranty period to keep track of your assets and finance data.

Bottomline? If you’re stuck in a Visio rut, maybe it’s time to hop out of it. If you’re interested in seeing how netTerrain may be able to help you, you can set up a time for a 15-minute no pressure discovery call here — during this brief chat, you’ll also get access to a 14-day free trial (and no, we don’t annoy you with credit card requirements just for a trial). You can also just hit the chat button on this page to get the conversation started.

About Fred Koh

As a seasoned sales executive, Fred Koh serves as Director of Sales and is responsible for Graphical Networks sales and channel partner program, marketing strategy, and operations.