A server monitoring tool is software that monitors the operation and general health of servers and other components of IT infrastructure. These tools continuously track and gather information on a variety of parameters, such as CPU utilization, memory usage, disc space consumption, network traffic, and application performance. So, you get real-time insights into a server’s functionality and health, and IT specialists can identify and address issues before they affect end users. They typically provide alerts when performance metrics fall outside of predefined thresholds, allowing IT teams to initiate measures to resolve issues and prevent downtime.
In addition to real-time monitoring and alerting, server monitoring tools often offer features such as reporting and analytics, historical data storage, and customizable dashboards. These capabilities let IT teams monitor trends, pinpoint areas for development, and develop strategies for capacity planning and resource allocation.
IT teams of all sizes use server monitoring solutions to monitor servers and other crucial systems to ensure the dependability and availability of IT infrastructure.
Best Practices When Choosing a Server Monitoring Tool
The following are best practices when choosing a server monitoring tool for your business:
Specify what you need: Establish your monitoring needs before researching server monitoring software.
Evaluate features: To get the capabilities you want, such as real-time monitoring, automated alerting, configurable dashboards, and in-depth reporting, look for server monitoring solutions. It is crucial to pick a program that offers the functions you need to effectively monitor your servers.
Consider scalability: Ensure the server monitoring tool you choose scales to meet your needs. This includes the ability to monitor many servers and manage an increasing amount of data. You want a tool that can grow with your business.
Check for integrations: Look for server monitoring tools that can integrate with other tools you use, such as cloud-based providers, automation tools, and ticketing systems. This may make your processes more efficient and help ensure all your tools operate together with as few issues as possible.
Evaluate the user interface: The user interface of the server monitoring tool should be intuitive and easy to use. Features should include customizable dashboards, alert notifications, and performance data visualization. And the tool should have adequate documentation and support.
Consider the cost: Server monitoring tools can vary significantly in price, so make sure you choose a tool that fits your budget. Consider both the upfront cost and ongoing maintenance costs, such as licensing fees and support costs.
Check for security features: Check the security features of any server monitoring tool you choose. Make sure they are adequate, and include encryption, authentication with multiple factors, and role-based access limits. This is particularly important if you are monitoring sensitive data or working in a regulated industry.
Top 20 Server Monitoring Tools Compared & Ranked
1) Dotcom-Monitor
Dotcom-Monitor is a comprehensive server monitoring tool that provides businesses and organizations with a powerful suite of monitoring and performance testing capabilities. Since its formation in 1998, Dotcom-Monitor has provided website and network monitoring services to clients around the world. Dotcom-Monitor helps organizations ensure their websites and network infrastructures operate smoothly and effectively by providing a worldwide network of monitoring locations and a variety of innovative monitoring technologies.
Some of the largest corporations in the world, such as Microsoft, Intel, and IBM, rely on Dotcom-Monitor’s solutions. Dotcom-Monitor’s solutions include website uptime monitoring, web application monitoring, network monitoring, server monitoring, and load testing. These products give companies detailed information about their network and website performance, enabling teams to spot problems early and fix them before they affect users.
Key features of Dotcom-Monitor include the following:
- Real-time monitoring: Dotcom-Monitor offers real-time monitoring for servers, apps, and websites. It checks the availability of the server from various locations worldwide and alerts the user if it detects any problems.
- Customizable dashboards: Dotcom-Monitor lets users create customized dashboards to view the performance of their servers and applications, making the processes more efficient and guaranteeing the tools operate together without issue.
- Automatic alerts: Dotcom-Monitor sends automatic alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls if it detects any problems. The notifications may differ based on the problem’s urgency and the time of day.
- Detailed reporting: Dotcom-Monitor provides detailed reports on website and server performance. With these reports, users can view historical data, spot trends, and identify areas for improvement.
- Multi-platform monitoring: Dotcom-Monitor monitors websites and programs running on Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems. It also monitors databases, email servers, and other network devices.
- Cloud-based monitoring: Because Dotcom-Monitor is cloud-based, you can access it from anywhere in the world. Additionally, the setup and operation are simple because it requires no software installation.
- Integration with other tools: You can integrate Dotcom-Monitor with other tools, such as Slack, JIRA, and PagerDuty. Users make their processes and tools more efficient and compatible with each other.
2) Nagios Core
First released in 1999, Nagios Core is a popular open-source server monitoring tool with more than a million users worldwide. Companies of all sizes and from diverse industries use Nagios Core because of its famous versatility and scalability.
Key features of Nagios Core include the following:
- Real-time monitoring: Nagios Core provides real-time monitoring for servers, applications, and network devices. It tracks metrics, such as CPU usage, disc space, network traffic, and application performance.
- Customizable dashboards: Users create customized dashboards that let them view the performance of their servers and applications and track the key metrics that matter to their business, allowing them to identify any issues quickly.
- Automatic alerts: Nagios Core sends alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls automatically if it detects any problems. The urgency of the notifications might differ depending on the severity of the problem and the time of day.
- Extensibility: Because Nagios Core is highly extensible, users can add plugins and extensions to customize the monitoring capabilities to meet their requirements. Nagios Core has an active user community that develops and shares plugins and extensions.
- Multi-platform monitoring: Nagios Core monitors Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac systems, as well as network devices such as switches, routers, and firewalls.
- Reporting: Nagios Core provides detailed reports on server and application performance, which lets users view historical data to track trends and identify areas for improvement.
- Integration with other tools: Nagios Core integrates with other tools, such as Slack, JIRA, and PagerDuty, allowing users to streamline their workflows and ensuring all their tools work together seamlessly.
3) Zabbix
First introduced in 2001, Zabbix is a free, open-source server monitoring tool. Renowned for its versatility, Zabbix adjusts to the requirements of various sectors and enterprises. Also, Zabbix can monitor huge and complicated IT systems.
Key features of Zabbix include the following:
- Real-time monitoring: Zabbix monitors servers, apps, and network devices in real-time. Zabbix tracks metrics such as CPU usage, disc space, network traffic, and application performance.
- Customizable dashboards: Zappix lets users customize dashboards to view the performance of their servers and applications, so they can track the key metrics for their business and identify any issues quickly.
- Automatic alerts: Zabbix sends automatic alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls if it detects any problems. The urgency of the alert might differ depending on the severity of the problem and the time of day.
- Extensibility: Highly extensible, Zabbix lets customers install plugins and extensions to tailor the monitoring capabilities to their requirements. The active Zabbix user community continually develops and shares plugins and extensions.
- Multi-platform monitoring: Zabbix monitors Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac systems, as well as firewalls, switches, and other network hardware.
- Distributed monitoring: Zabbix lets users monitor distributed IT infrastructures, including cloud environments and virtualized infrastructures.
- Reporting: Zabbix provides detailed reports on server and application performance, letting users view historical data, track trends, and identify areas for improvement.
- Integration with other tools: Zabbix works with a variety of technologies, including Slack, JIRA, and PagerDuty, letting users streamline their processes and ensure all their tools work together.
4) PRTG Network Monitor
PRTG Network Monitor, a proprietary network monitoring tool developed by Paessler AG, works with enterprises of all sizes. PRTG Network Monitor provides real-time monitoring of network components, servers, and applications. The tool is highly adaptable, letting customers design dashboards and alerts for their unique requirements.
PRTG Network Monitor provides comprehensive network monitoring capabilities, including bandwidth usage and traffic monitoring. PRTG Network Monitor is scalable and can monitor large and complex networks. Detailed reports on network performance make tracking trends and identifying areas for improvement easy. It also links with other apps, such as Slack and JIRA.
Key features of PRTG Network Monitor include the following:
- Real-time monitoring: PRTG Network Monitor monitors network components, servers, and software applications in real-time. It tracks numerous metrics, such as CPU usage, disc space, network traffic, and application performance.
- Customizable dashboards: PRTG Network Monitor lets users customize dashboards to view the performance of their servers and applications, so they can track the key metrics for their business and identify any issues quickly.
- Automatic alerts: PRTG Network Monitor sends alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls automatically if it detects any issues. The urgency of the alert might differ depending on the severity of the problem and the time of day.
- Comprehensive network monitoring: PRTG Network Monitor monitors a wide range of network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, and printers. It also monitors network traffic and bandwidth usage.
- Scalability: PRTG Network Monitor scales to monitor large and complex networks, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Reporting: PRTG Network Monitor provides detailed reports on server and application performance, letting users view historical data, track trends, and identify areas for improvement.
- Integration with other tools: PRTG Network Monitor integrates with other tools, such as Slack, JIRA, and PagerDuty, letting users streamline their workflows and ensuring their tools work together seamlessly.
5) SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds, a well-known developer of IT management software, created this popular network monitoring application. It provides extensive network monitoring features, making it a fantastic option for enterprises of all sizes. The tool’s real-time insight into network performance lets users identify and fix problems right away. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor’s user-friendly interface simplifies network monitoring tasks. It provides detailed reports on server and application performance, letting users view historical data, track trends, and identify areas for improvement.
The tool is scalable and can monitor large and complex networks. It also integrates with other SolarWinds products, making it easy to manage all aspects of IT infrastructure from a single platform.
Key features of SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor include the following:
- Real-time monitoring: The tool monitors network hardware, servers, and software in real-time letting users recognize and promptly fix problems as they arise.
- Comprehensive network monitoring: The tool provides comprehensive network monitoring capabilities, including network traffic analysis, bandwidth monitoring, and device health monitoring.
- User-friendly interface: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies network monitoring tasks, making it easy for both technical and non-technical users to use.
- Automatic alerts: The tool sends automatic alerts when it detects issues, allowing users to respond quickly and minimize downtime.
- Scalability: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is highly scalable and can monitor large and complex networks.
- Detailed reporting: The tool provides detailed reporting on network performance, allowing users to track trends and identify areas for improvement.
- Integration with other SolarWinds products: Through integration with other SolarWinds products, SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor makes it easy to control all facets of IT infrastructure from a single platform.
- Customizable dashboards: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor lets users customize dashboards that help them concentrate on essential elements of their system, finding any problems and tracking the metrics important to their organization.
6) Datadog
Datadog is a real-time monitoring and analytics tool for cloud-based infrastructure that lets users monitor all their servers, databases, and apps. Founded in 2010, Datadog now is a top platform for monitoring and analytics for cloud-based infrastructure.
Key features of Datadog include the following:
- Real-time monitoring: Datadog offers continuous monitoring of the infrastructure’s components, including servers, apps, and databases.
- Cloud-based: It is cloud-based, so users can monitor data from any location on any device.
- Customizable dashboards: Users create customized dashboards to view the metrics that matter to their business, allowing them to quickly identify any issues and track performance.
- Automatic alerts: Datadog sends automatic alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls if it detects any problems. The urgency of the alert might differ depending on the severity of the problem and the time of day.
- Comprehensive monitoring: Datadog provides comprehensive monitoring of all aspects of the infrastructure, including network performance, log management, and security.
- Scalability: Datadog can manage huge and complicated infrastructures and is extremely scalable.
- Machine learning: Datadog uses machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies in the infrastructure, letting users quickly identify and resolve issues.
- Integration with other tools: Datadog works with AWS, Docker, and Kubernetes, as well as many other solutions. So, it is simple to manage the entire infrastructure from a single platform.
7) New Relic Infrastructure
New Relic Infrastructure, a cloud-based infrastructure monitoring software, lets customers track their complete infrastructure stack in real-time. Developed by New Relic, a leading provider of software analytics and monitoring tools, the platform offers a comprehensive monitoring product, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.
Key features of New Relic Infrastructure include the following:
- Real-time monitoring: New Relic Infrastructure monitors the entire infrastructure stack, including servers, containers, and apps.
- Customizable dashboards: Users create customized dashboards to view the metrics that matter to their business, allowing them to quickly identify any issues and track performance.
- Automatic alerts: New Relic Infrastructure sends alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls automatically if it detects any problems. The urgency of the alert might differ depending on the severity of the problem and the time of day.
- Comprehensive monitoring: New Relic Infrastructure provides comprehensive monitoring of all aspects of the infrastructure, including network performance, log management, and security.
- Scalability: New Relic Infrastructure is highly scalable and manages the monitoring of large and complex infrastructures.
- Machine learning: The platform uses machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies in the infrastructure, allowing users to quickly identify and resolve any issues.
- Integration with other tools: New Relic Infrastructure lets users manage the entire infrastructure from a single platform because it integrates with other solutions, such as AWS, Docker, and Kubernetes.
- Detailed reporting: The tool provides detailed reporting on network performance, allowing users to track trends and identify areas for improvement.
8) Icinga
Icinga is a free monitoring program that lets users monitor every aspect of their infrastructure, including servers, apps, and network devices. Icinga developed the product from the Nagios Core monitoring tool. Since then, Icinga has become a popular tool for businesses that require a flexible and scalable monitoring solution.
Key features of Icinga include the following:
- Flexible architecture: Icinga’s flexible design makes it an excellent option for companies of all sizes. It lets users tailor the monitoring tool to their specifications.
- Real-time monitoring: Icinga provides real-time monitoring of all aspects of the entire infrastructure, including servers, applications, and network devices.
- Customizable dashboards: Users create customized dashboards to view the metrics that matter to their business, allowing them to quickly identify any issues and track performance.
- Automatic alerts: Icinga sends automatic alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls if it detects any issues. The urgency of the alert might differ depending on the severity of the problem and the time of day.
- Comprehensive monitoring: Icinga provides comprehensive monitoring of all aspects of the entire infrastructure, including network performance, log management, and security.
- Scalability: Icinga monitors huge and complicated infrastructures and is very scalable.
- Integration with other tools: Icinga integrates with a wide range of tools, so it is easy to manage the entire infrastructure from a single platform.
- Community-driven: Icinga is a community-driven monitoring tool, with a large and active user community contributing to its ongoing development and improvement.
9) Sensu
Sensu, an open-source monitoring program, lets users monitor their complete infrastructure, including servers, containers, and apps. Its contemporary architecture, high scalability, and flexibility make it an ideal option for enterprises large and small.
Key features of Sensu include the following:
- Modern architecture: Sensu uses modern architecture, making it highly scalable and flexible, letting users customize the monitoring tool to meet their specific needs.
- Real-time monitoring: Sensu provides real-time monitoring of all aspects of an organization’s infrastructure, including servers, apps, and databases.
- Customizable dashboards: Users customize dashboards to view the metrics that matter to their business, allowing them to quickly identify any issues and track performance.
- Automatic alerts: If Sensu detects a problem, it sends automatic alerts via email, SMS, or voice calls. The urgency of the alert might differ depending on the severity of the problem and the time of day.
- Comprehensive monitoring: The platform provides comprehensive monitoring of all aspects of an organization’s infrastructure, including network performance, log management, and security.
- Scalability: Sensu is highly scalable and can monitor large and complex infrastructures.
- Integration with other tools: Sensu integrates with a wide range of tools, making it easy to manage the entire infrastructure from a single platform.
- Multi-cloud support: Sensu offers multi-cloud compatibility, enabling customers to monitor their infrastructure across a variety of cloud service providers, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
10) Prometheus
Designed for cloud-native apps and microservices architectures, Prometheus is a popular open-source monitoring and alerting solution built for highly dynamic situations. Originally developed by SoundCloud, it has since become a widely used monitoring solution in the industry.
Key features of Prometheus include the following:
- Time-series database: Prometheus is extremely scalable and effective. It stores the measurements it gathers in a time-series database.
- Service discovery: Prometheus includes a service discovery feature that quickly finds and monitors new services introduced to the infrastructure.
- Multi-dimensional data model: The platform features a multi-dimensional data schema that lets users easily query and examine the data Prometheus gathers.
- Alerting: Prometheus has built-in alerting capabilities that let users define alert rules and receive notifications when metrics exceed certain thresholds.
- Exporters: Prometheus has a large ecosystem of exporters that collect metrics from a wide range of services and applications.
- Grafana integration: Prometheus integrates with Grafana, a popular visualization tool, which allows users to create custom dashboards and visualizations of their data.
- Community-driven: A large and engaged user community develops and enhances Prometheus regularly.
- Cloud-native: Prometheus works in cloud-native applications and microservices architectures, so it is a great option for companies building apps on platforms that support cloud-based infrastructures, such as Kubernetes.
11) Cacti
Cacti is an open-source, free network monitoring application with a user-friendly interface that displays network data. Since its release in 2001, Cacti has become a popular solution for monitoring and graphing network devices and services.
Key features of Cacti include the following:
- Graphing: Cacti graphs network data, which lets users visualize the performance of their network over time.
- SNMP support: Cacti’s Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support lets it monitor a variety of network devices, such as servers, routers, and switches.
- Customizable graphs: Cacti lets users customize graphs, such as selecting colors, adding labels, and switching data sources.
- Automated data collection: Cacti automatically collects data from network devices and services, which lets users monitor their network without manually collecting data.
- Plugin architecture: Cacti includes a plugin architecture that lets users extend its functionality by adding additional features and data sources.
- User management: Cacti includes user management capabilities that let administrators control user access to monitoring data and features.
- Historical data: Cacti stores historical data, letting users view trends and patterns in their network performance over time.
- Template-based: Cacti includes templates that define data sources, graph types, and other settings, simplifying the creation and management of multiple graphs and data sources.
12) Munin
Munin, a free and open-source tool, provides a simple and user-friendly interface for monitoring server, network, and application performance. It is also an alerting tool. Since its release in 2002, Munin has become a popular solution for monitoring and graphing system performance data.
Key features of Munin include the following:
- Graphing: Munin graphs system performance, letting users visualize the performance of their systems over time.
- Plugin architecture: Munin includes a plugin architecture, so users can easily add new monitoring capabilities for custom applications and services.
- Easy installation: Because Munin is easy to install and configure, it is a smart choice for users wanting a simple monitoring solution.
- Web-based interface: Munin provides a web-based interface that lets users view performance data and configure the monitoring system.
- Historical data: Munin stores historical data, so users can view trends and patterns in system performance over time.
- Low resource usage: Munin uses minimal system resources, making it suitable for use on small or low-powered systems.
- Alerting: Munin includes alerting features that let users define alert rules and receive notifications when metrics exceed certain thresholds.
- Community-driven: Munin is a community-driven project, with a large and active community of users and developers contributing to its ongoing development and improvement.
13) Graylog
Graylog lets users gather, index, and analyze log data from many sources. Graylog is a free and open-source log management and analysis program. Since its release in 2013, it has gained popularity as a tool for handling and analyzing log data in business contexts.
Key features of Graylog include the following:
- Log aggregation: Graylog gathers log information from a variety of sources, such as servers, apps, and network devices.
- Centralized storage: Graylog stores log data in a centralized location, making it easy for users to search, filter, and analyze log data from multiple sources.
- Real-time processing: Graylog processes log data in real-time that lets users quickly identify and respond to issues as they occur.
- Alerting: Graylog includes alerting capabilities that let users define alert rules and receive notifications when specific events occur.
- Search and filtering: Graylog includes a powerful search and filtering interface that lets users quickly find and analyze log data.
- Dashboards: Graylog includes a customizable dashboard feature that lets users create visual representations of log data for easy monitoring and analysis.
- Scalable: Designed to be scalable, Graylog is suitable for large enterprise environments.
- Community-driven: A large and engaged user community contributes to Graylog’s ongoing development.
14) The ELK Stack
Recently, system administrators and developers have become more familiar with The ELK Stack, an effective open-source log management and analytics platform. Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana (or ELK) are the three major building blocks of the stack. Elasticsearch is an analytics engine; Logstash is a data collection and processing tool; Kibana is a data visualization and reporting platform. Together, these technologies offer a comprehensive solution for organizing and analyzing log data from various sources.
Key features of The ELK Stack include the following:
- Log aggregation: The ELK Stack can gather log information from a variety of servers, apps, and network devices.
- Real-time processing: The ELK Stack processes log data in real-time that lets users quickly identify and respond to issues as they occur.
- Search and filtering: The ELK Stack includes a powerful search and filtering interface that lets users quickly find and analyze log data.
- Data visualization: Kibana provides a customizable dashboard feature that lets users create visual representations of log data for easy monitoring and analysis.
- Scalable: The ELK Stack is scalable, making it suitable for large enterprise environments.
- Open source: The ELK Stack is free to use. As open-sourced software, users and developers can modify and expand the stack.
- Community-driven: As a community-driven project, ELK benefits from the contributions of a large and engaged user and developer community.
- Integration with other tools: The ELK Stack is a flexible solution for managing and analyzing log data and available for use in combination with a broad range of other tools and platforms.
15) Grafana
Grafana, another open-source software tool, tracks and analyzes data from many sources. Grafana lets users develop and share dynamic, real-time data dashboards through a toolkit and a configurable dashboard. Since its release in 2014, Grafana has gained popularity as a tool for data monitoring and analysis across a variety of industries, including IT, banking, and healthcare.
Key features of Grafana include the following:
- Data visualization: Grafana includes customizable charts, tables, and heat maps.
- Dashboard customization: Grafana’s customizable dashboard lets users create and share interactive, real-time dashboards.
- Data source integration: Grafana integrates with a wide range of data sources, including databases, APIs, and other monitoring tools.
- Alerting: Grafana includes alerting features that warn users when specific events occur.
- Collaboration: Grafana allows users to share dashboards and collaborate with others in real-time.
- Plugin ecosystem: Grafana includes a plugin system that lets users enhance its features.
- Open-source: Because Grafana is free and open-source software, users and developers can customize and enhance it.
- Community-driven: Grafana has a large and active community of users and developers who continually develop and improve the tool.
16) Stackdriver
Stackdriver is Google’s cloud-based monitoring and logging service. It offers a complete set of management and debugging tools for cloud-based infrastructure and applications. Stackdriver lets developers and IT teams gain visibility and insights to optimize their cloud-based services.
Key features of Stackdriver include the following:
- Monitoring: With real-time dashboards, alarms, and performance measurements, Stackdriver offers a complete monitoring solution.
- Logging: Stackdriver’s logging feature lets users collect, store, and analyze log data from applications and infrastructure.
- Trace: Stackdriver’s trace feature lets users trace the performance of their applications and services in real-time.
- Error reporting: Stackdriver’s error reporting feature provides detailed information about errors and exceptions that occur in an application or service.
- Debugging: Stackdriver’s debugging feature lets developers debug their code directly within the Stackdriver console.
- Profiling: Stackdriver’s profiling feature lets users analyze the performance of their applications in detail and identify areas for optimization.
- Integration: Users can integrate Stackdriver with a variety of cloud-based services, such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud Platform.
- Scalability: Because Stackdriver is extremely scalable, it is well suited for use in large enterprises.
17) Netdata
Netdata, an open-source monitoring tool, gives users immediate information on the functionality of their infrastructure and applications. Netdata manages hundreds of metrics per second, making it a highly effective monitoring system and ideal for high-performance situations. A real-time dashboard from Netdata displays important performance information in an easy-to-read layout.
Key features of Netdata include the following:
- Real-time monitoring: Netdata offers real-time monitoring of infrastructure and applications that let users identify and fix performance problems as they arise.
- Visualization: Netdata’s dashboard includes a comprehensive view of performance metrics in a visually appealing format, making it easy to quickly identify trends and anomalies.
- Alerts: Users can configure Netdata to send alerts when specific performance metrics exceed predefined thresholds.
- Customizability: Because Netdata is very configurable, it lets users customize charts and dashboards for their specific requirements.
- Plugin ecosystem: Netdata includes a plugin ecosystem that lets users extend its functionality and add new features.
- Resource efficiency: Netdata is highly efficient and consumes minimal resources while generating minimal network traffic.
- Easy installation: Users can install and configure Netdata in a matter of minutes on a variety of platforms and operating systems.
- Open-source: Netdata is free and open-source software, so users and developers can modify and expand its features.
18) Sysdig Monitor
Sysdig Monitor is a real-time monitoring and security tool for Kubernetes environments. It offers real-time insight into the performance and security of apps and infrastructure. Sysdig Monitor helps teams quickly and efficiently troubleshoot problems with thorough insights into the Kubernetes stack.
Key features of Sysdig Monitor include the following:
- Kubernetes-native monitoring: Created exclusively for Kubernetes-based systems, Sysdig Monitor lets users see the whole stack, from the application layer to the infrastructure layer.
- Real-time monitoring: Sysdig Monitor provides real-time monitoring of applications and infrastructure, letting users identify and resolve issues as they occur.
- Customizable dashboards: Sysdig Monitor lets users customize dashboards with charts and visualizations for their specific requirements.
- Machine learning: Sysdig Monitor uses machine learning algorithms that detect anomalies and alert users when issues arise automatically.
- Security monitoring: Sysdig Monitor includes security monitoring features that let teams detect and respond to security threats in real-time.
- Compliance: Sysdig Monitor includes compliance monitoring features that help teams maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Container visibility: Sysdig Monitor provides detailed visibility into containers, so users can troubleshoot issues at the container level.
- Integration: Users can integrate Sysdig Monitor with a wide range of tools and services, including Kubernetes, Prometheus, and Grafana.
19) Monit
Monit is a lightweight, open-source monitoring tool designed to manage and monitor Unix systems. Users can monitor system processes, files, directories, and devices, and automatically correct issues as they arise. Monit is simple and configurable for specific monitoring requirements.
Key features of Monit include the following:
- Process monitoring: Monit monitors system processes and restarts them automatically if they fail.
- File and directory monitoring: The tool monitors files and directories, and alerts users if those files get updated or deleted.
- System resource monitoring: It monitors system resources, such as CPU use, memory use, and disk space.
- Network monitoring: Monit monitors network connections and alerts users if connections fail or become unresponsive.
- Email and SMS alerts: Monit sends email and SMS alerts when issues arise, letting users quickly respond to those issues.
- Automatic corrective actions: Monit takes automatic corrective actions when issues arise, such as restarting processes or rebooting the system.
- Easy configuration: Monit is easy and quick to configure for specific monitoring requirements.
- Lightweight: Monit is a lightweight monitoring tool that consumes minimal system resources, making it ideal for use on low-powered systems.
20) NodePing
NodePing is a cloud-based monitoring service designed to provide reliable and scalable monitoring solutions for websites, servers, and applications. It gives real-time warnings when problems occur and includes a variety of features and easily customizable options that let users monitor their systems.
Key features of NodePing include the following:
- Website monitoring: NodePing monitors websites and web pages and alerts users when they become unavailable or respond slowly.
- Server monitoring: NodePing monitors server performance and alerts users when servers go down or become unresponsive.
- Application monitoring: The service monitors application performance and provides alerts when issues arise.
- Flexible checks: NodePing offers a range of flexible check options, including HTTP, TCP, DNS, and SMTP checks, letting users monitor their systems according to their requirements.
- Multiple locations: NodePing’s monitoring locations around the world let users monitor their systems from multiple locations simultaneously.
- Customization options: NodePing includes customization options, such as check intervals, alert thresholds, and notification methods, which let users monitor their systems according to their requirements.
- Reporting and analytics: NodePing includes detailed reporting and analytics, so users can track trends and identify areas for improvement.
- Integration: Users can integrate NodePing with a range of other tools and services, such as Slack, PagerDuty, and Zapier, to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
The Best Server Monitoring Tools: Wrapping It All Up
Server monitoring tools are software programs that track the health and functionality of servers and IT infrastructure. They collect data on CPU utilization, memory usage, disc space, network traffic, and application performance, enabling IT teams to detect and fix problems before they impact users. These tools provide real-time alerts, reporting, and analytics, historical data storage, and customizable dashboards. They improve system performance, reliability, and compliance while saving costs.
Choosing a server monitoring tool depends on your website’s size, IT complexity, and budget. One potential solution is Dotcom-Monitor, which provides real-time and synthetic monitoring, transaction monitoring, global coverage, customizable alerts, and detailed reporting.
The cost of these tools varies widely; more comprehensive tools are costlier, but often worth the investment for system availability, performance, and reliability. Free and open-source tools are available for budget-constrained businesses but may lack functionality and require technical knowledge.
Dotcom-Monitor stands out for its comprehensive monitoring of websites, web applications, and network infrastructure, global network of monitoring locations, customizable alerts, advanced reporting, user-friendly interface, and 24/7 expert support. This makes it an excellent choice for organizations seeking a powerful and reliable server monitoring tool.
