Why Do You Need a Network Evaluation?
IT shouldn’t feel like a constant fire drill. Yet, for many businesses, it does. Systems crash, security threats loom, and every fix feels like a temporary bandage. But here’s the thing—IT isn’t just about reacting to problems; it should be proactively preventing them. That’s where a network evaluation comes in.
It’s not just a checklist—it’s a deep dive into your IT environment, exposing weaknesses, optimizing performance, and ensuring your technology drives business success instead of slowing it down. Ready to take control? Let’s break down why a network evaluation is the key to a stronger, more secure business.
It’s easy to chalk it up to “welp, that’s just the way things are.” But unlike most IT providers, we at JMARK believe that IT should do more than fix what’s broken. It should eliminate the feeling that everything feels like an emergency, that everything is always breaking or being replaced.
What’s the solution? For starters, you need a network evaluation. Why? Because it’s the key to understanding your IT environment, identifying security threats, uncovering vulnerabilities, shining a light on inefficiencies, and creating a roadmap for technology and business success. If you want an in-depth look into the heart of your business, keep reading to understand the foundation of an effective network evaluation and the benefits you’ll receive when you make an informed decision.
Common Elements of a Network Evaluation
A network evaluation covers various critical components of your IT infrastructure and identifies any concerning issues. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring your network’s health, security, and performance.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common elements evaluated:
1. Physical and Virtual Server Configuration and Topology
This involves assessing how your servers are set up, both physically and virtually. It ensures that your servers are properly optimized for performance and that they communicate effectively within your network. There’s often a mentality that because something “works,” there’s no need to address it any further. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Whether it’s basic configurations with your IP address or role-specific like DNS and DHCP based on use, it’s important to ensure your servers are performing at their highest level at all times. Think of it as organizing the "brain" of your network for faster and smarter operations.
2. Network Configuration and Topology
Network topology refers to how different elements of your network—like routers, switches, and firewalls—are arranged and interact. An evaluation ensures that everything is configured correctly to optimize performance and security, reducing the risk of slowdowns or security gaps.
Now, this may seem like a no-brainer, but this is often an area within a company’s IT infrastructure that needs a little more TLC. Proper network configuration and topology means you’ll save on the amount of hardware and cabling required, maximize throughput, and minimize network outages—a leading cause of downtime. And if there are issues, it’s much easier to perform maintenance and implement changes without disrupting the entire network.
3. Active Directory (Including Group Policy Objects [GPOs])
Active Directory is a central part of managing your network’s security and access. A network evaluation ensures that permissions are properly configured, preventing unauthorized access while ensuring that employees have the access they need.
4. End User Device Configurations
Every device connected to your network, from computers to smartphones, can be a potential weak point. Evaluating these configurations ensures that all devices are secure and functioning optimally, minimizing disruptions and vulnerabilities.
5. Application Inventory
An evaluation takes stock of all the applications running on your network. This helps identify outdated software and application bloat, ensure proper licensing, and detect any unauthorized apps that might compromise security.
6. Telecommunications
This part of the evaluation ensures that your telecommunications systems (phones, video conferencing, etc.) are integrated properly with your network. It helps to identify any inefficiencies and ensures that communication flows smoothly within your business.
But why does this matter?
💡 When it comes to evaluating your telecommunications, a network evaluation should give you a clearer understanding of current usage patterns and help forecast future capacity needs.
Other ways an evaluation supports network expansion, and upgrades are by helping you optimize resource allocation and identify unnecessary hardware or network design. That way, you’ll experience better internet connectivity and phone/VOIP, and potentially reduce costs.
7. Backup Solutions
Backup solutions are critical to protecting your data in case of an unexpected disaster, such as hardware failure or cyberattacks. The evaluation ensures that your backup systems have enough space, are secure, can create necessary air gaps, are regularly tested, and are capable of restoring data quickly in an emergency.
8. Email Security, Functionality, and Configuration
Email remains one of the most common entry points for cyber threats. This evaluation focuses on ensuring that your email systems are secure, configured properly, and functioning as expected to prevent spam, phishing attacks, and other email-borne threats.
9. Security Solutions and Design
Security solutions are the backbone of your network’s defense. During a network evaluation, experts assess your current setup to ensure it meets industry standards. The section below is a list of what to expect
Elements of a Successful Security Solution
-
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
SIEM tools collect and analyze security data to detect unusual activity. The evaluation checks if your SIEM system is functioning effectively to identify potential threats before they escalate.
-
Antivirus Solution
This ensures that your antivirus software is up-to-date and capable of defending against the latest threats.
-
End-User Training
Sometimes, the weakest link in your security isn’t the technology—it’s the people. The evaluation looks at whether your team has received proper cybersecurity training to avoid phishing attacks and other human-targeted scams.
-
Content Filtering
Content filtering helps block malicious websites or inappropriate content. This part of the evaluation ensures that these filters are working as intended and keeping your employees and systems safe.
-
Spam Solution
With spam solutions, you can evaluate your system’s ability to detect and filter out spam emails, reducing the chances of phishing attacks or malware entering through the inbox.
Why Getting a Network Evaluation is Important
So why should you get a network evaluation? Think about it like your annual wellness exam: you probably wouldn’t go years without evaluating the status of your health, because what if you could catch an issue before it becomes a life-altering problem? The same goes for your organization’s IT infrastructure. Taking the time to evaluate what is truly going on within your network is the most effective way to eliminate any surprises. How? Let’s take a look:
What's In It For Your Business
Improved Security
A network evaluation helps identify security vulnerabilities and risks within your network infrastructure. And when the average data breach costs $4.88 million, uncovering issues early makes all the difference. This allows you to:
Uncover potential security gaps before they can be exploited by malicious actors
Review and strengthen security policies and procedures
Determine if additional cybersecurity training is needed for employees
Ensure compliance with relevant security regulations and standards
Enhanced Performance
A thorough evaluation can pinpoint performance issues and bottlenecks in your network. Benefits include:
Identifying overused and underused resources to optimize allocation
Locating areas of high traffic that may be slowing down the network
Determining if bandwidth needs to be expanded
Finding and fixing inefficiencies to improve overall network speed and reliability
Cost Savings
The insights from a network evaluation enable better long-term IT planning and better strategic IT investments:
Creating a baseline of normal network performance to track changes over time
Developing a strategic roadmap for future IT infrastructure upgrades
Aligning technology investments with business goals and growth plans
Prioritizing which areas of the network need immediate attention vs. long-term improvements
Comprehensive Inventory
A network evaluation provides a full inventory and map of your IT assets:
Documenting all connected devices, software, and applications
Identifying any shadow IT or unauthorized systems on the network
Ensuring all technology is properly licensed and supported
Does My Business Need a Network Evaluation?
If you’re still on the fence about getting a network evaluation, one of our IT experts will be happy to answer any questions specific to your organization’s needs. In the meantime, here is a list of reasons letting you know it may be time to evaluate your company’s network:
-
Performance Issues
Consistently slow network speeds
Failing or malfunctioning devices
Bandwidth bottlenecks causing congestion
-
Security Concerns
Unusual amounts of viruses/malware infiltrating the network
Anxiety about potential security vulnerabilities
Inadequate access controls and user authentication measures
-
Resource Management Problems
Confusion about server infrastructure and client/server network
Overused or underused resources
Escalating IT expenses that seem out of control
-
Operational Challenges
Staff overwhelmed by technology or vice versa
Frustration among employees due to IT issues like freezing email, failed video chats, etc.
Lack of clarity on how IT aligns with business strategy
-
Growth and Change
Significant changes in staff size affecting the IT landscape
Planning major changes like cloud migration or hardware upgrades
Recent business growth leading to a disorganized network
Time since you last performed a network evaluation
-
Compliance Issues
Uncertainty about meeting industry regulations and standards
Difficulty in maintaining and documenting compliance efforts
Poor scores on compliance audits and assessments
-
Knowledge Gaps
Lack of understanding about certain aspects of the IT environment
Uncertainty about the current state of the network infrastructure
Insufficient training programs for staff on new technologies and best practices
Outcomes of a Network Evaluation
The biggest result of conducting a network evaluation is understanding. You’ll not only better understand your IT environment and the steps to take for continued efficiency, but you’ll also discover what it’s like to work with a potential IT provider.
Additionally, here are a few more outcomes you’ll gain from a network evaluation:
Enhanced Network Understanding
A comprehensive inventory and map of all IT assets, including connected devices, software, and applications
Identification of unauthorized systems or shadow IT on the network
Clear visualization of how organizations or partners are working together within the network
Performance Insights
Identification of performance issues like slow network speeds or bandwidth bottlenecks
Locating overused and underused resources to optimize allocation
Pinpointing areas of high traffic that may be slowing down the network
Security Assessment
Uncovering potential security vulnerabilities and risks
Review of existing security policies and procedures
Determination if additional cybersecurity training is needed
Strategic Planning Support
Creation of a baseline for normal network performance to track changes over time
Development of a strategic roadmap for future IT infrastructure upgrades
Alignment of technology investments with business goals and growth plans
Collaboration Analysis
Evaluation of how effectively partners are working together towards shared goals
Assessment of the network's capacity for joint value creation
Insights into decision-making processes and governance structures
Cost Optimization
Identification of unused or redundant software licenses and subscriptions
Locating outdated hardware that needs replacement
Uncovering more cost-effective technology solutions
Compliance Verification
Ensuring adherence to relevant industry regulations and standards
Identifying gaps in current compliance practices and documentation
Recommending improvements to maintain ongoing compliance
How JMARK Can Help
While many managed service providers perform very surface level network evaluations, JMARK believes in giving you deeper insights and diving into the heart of your business. We want you to have all the information possible before you make your decision—even if that means choosing not to partner with us. At the end of the day, we simply want what’s best for your business.
Think of it like an inspection for your car. Would you want a mechanic who simply checks to make sure your car has four wheels? Or would you want a mechanic who digs into the tread depth, tire pressure, ball joints, brake pads, rotors, and everything else so you and your family can safely take that cross-country road trip you’ve been planning for a year?
Typical IT Assessment VS. JMARK
When you receive JMARK’s signature Network Evaluation, you get a look into your entire IT environment so that you can have a complete picture of how things are working, know your vulnerabilities, Increase efficiency, and overall get more bang for your IT buck.
How? Here’s a breakdown of our process:
A Typical Network Assessment
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Scan the environment to identify potential vulnerabilities. | Yes |
| A deep internal network scan to look for missing patches, and other risk-inducing issues. | No |
| Develop a report with findings to determine network health. | Yes |
| A review of your patch and anti-virus management against best practices. | No |
| Active Directory (AD) scan to ensure best-practice configurations. | No |
| Line-of-business application inventory to look for overlaps and underused resources. | No |
| Backup solution review to check your configuration and coverage. | No |
| Domain name service (DNS) and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) checks. | No |
| A thorough review of network time protocol and time synchronization (NTP) design. | No |
| A group policy object (GPO and GPP) configurations report. | No |
| An in-depth report and executive summary of our findings compiled by a senior engineer. | No |
JMARK’s Network Evaluation
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Scan the environment to identify potential vulnerabilities. | Yes |
| A deep internal network scan to look for missing patches, and other risk-inducing issues. | Yes |
| Develop a report with findings to determine network health. | Yes |
| A review of your patch and anti-virus management against best practices. | Yes |
| Active Directory (AD) scan to ensure best-practice configurations. | Yes |
| Line-of-business application inventory to look for overlaps and underused resources. | Yes |
| Backup solution review to check your configuration and coverage. | Yes |
| Domain name service (DNS) and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) checks. | Yes |
| A thorough review of network time protocol and time synchronization (NTP) design. | Yes |
| A group policy object (GPO and GPP) configurations report. | Yes |
| An in-depth report and executive summary of our findings compiled by a senior engineer. | Yes |
|
Overview
|
A Typical Network Assessment
|
JMARK’s Network Evaluation
|
|---|---|---|
|
Scan the environment to identify potential vulnerabilities. |
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
A deep internal network scan to look for missing patches, and other risk-inducing issues. |
No
|
Yes
|
|
Develop a report with findings to determine network health. |
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
A review of your patch and anti-virus management against best practices. |
No
|
Yes
|
|
Active Directory (AD) scan to ensure best-practice configurations. |
No
|
Yes
|
|
Line-of-business application inventory to look for overlaps and underused resources. |
No
|
Yes
|
|
Backup solution review to check your configuration and coverage. |
No
|
Yes
|
|
Domain name service (DNS) and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) checks. |
No
|
Yes
|
|
A thorough review of network time protocol and time synchronization (NTP) design. |
No
|
Yes
|
|
A group policy object (GPO and GPP) configurations report. |
No
|
Yes
|
|
An in-depth report and executive summary of our findings compiled by a senior engineer. |
No
|
Yes
|
These days, IT is a complicated son of a gun. And the design of your network can grow even more complicated as your business grows, too.
At JMARK, we want to simplify that process. Because knowledge is power. The more you know, the better business decisions you can make, and the better your business can perform.
The Bottom Line
43 percent of cyberattacks target small businesses. The catch? Only 14 percent are prepared to defend themselves. Don’t let the unknown keep you from taking action.
Ready to eliminate surprises and bulletproof your network? Schedule a network evaluation with one of our IT experts so you can get the right solutions and a detailed roadmap to protect your business.