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Top 7 Cloud Network Monitoring Tools for IT Teams

Top 7 Cloud Network Monitoring Tools for IT Teams: 1. Level 2. Datadog 3. Zabbix 4. ManageEngine 5. Nagios XI 6. Dynatrace 7. SolarWinds.

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Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Top 7 Cloud Network Monitoring Tools for IT Teams

As an IT professional, you must constantly stay ahead of network issues and security threats. However, when your company's systems span multiple environments (from hybrid setups to multi-cloud services), managing complex infrastructures is challenging.

Cloud network monitoring tools can automate infrastructure management. They track performance, address security risks, and optimize cloud resources on one platform.

This article lists the top cloud monitoring tools designed for IT teams. You'll also learn their benefits and the steps to choosing the right platform. But first, you might be curious to learn what these cloud services entail.

Understanding Cloud Monitoring Tools

Cloud monitoring tools track, analyze, and manage the performance, security, and availability of cloud systems.

They provide real-time insights into infrastructure, applications, and services hosted in the cloud environment.

Unlike traditional on-premise remote monitoring tools, cloud resources are built for dynamic, distributed IT infrastructures. They offer centralized dashboards, detailed reports, and automated alerts tailored to cloud-specific challenges.

For IT teams monitoring workloads across AWS, Azure, or a private cloud, these tools help them respond proactively to network issues.

Types of Cloud Network Monitoring Tools

Cloud monitoring tools are available in different types, with each one focusing on a specific aspect of network management. Here’s a brief breakdown:

  • Network performance monitoring tools: They measure metrics like latency, bandwidth, and packet loss to guarantee smooth network performance.
  • Application monitoring tools: These focus on app performance, response times, and user experience metrics.
  • Security monitoring tools: They primarily detect vulnerabilities, monitor threats, and provide real-time alerts to safeguard data stored in cloud networks.
  • Log management and analysis tools: As their name suggests, they manage and analyze logs to troubleshoot issues, audit activities, and improve system visibility.
  • Hybrid cloud infrastructure monitoring tools: They are ideal for IT teams that handle both on-premise and hybrid cloud infrastructures. These tools offer a unified platform for monitoring data in real time.

7 Best Cloud Monitoring Solutions for IT Professionals

Here are the top network monitoring tools for cloud environments:

1. Level

Level

Level is a modern remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform designed for internal IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs).

It offers real-time monitoring across the entire cloud environment. It can track connection status, network traffic, disk usage, process monitoring, and other critical areas.

Level can also send instant notifications when certain thresholds, such as system slowdown, are met. These automated reminders enable your team to catch and address issues before they become serious.

Want to free your IT staff to focus on other important business operations? With Level, you can even turn reactive measures into proactive solutions.

Simply develop scripts that allow the RMM platform to correct problems automatically. Doing so guarantees that your cloud infrastructure operates at peak efficiency.

Features:

  • Extensive network monitoring: It can assess the status of all networks, devices, and apps stored in the cloud.
  • Flexible alerting: It enables teams to customize notifications based on specific thresholds.
  • Automated remediation: Level executes pre-defined scripts to address issues right away.
  • Patch management: It can deploy and manage patches automatically to keep cloud networks secure against outdated firmware.
  • Security measures: Level implements peer-to-peer connections, multi-factor authentication (MFA), IP restrictions, and other security practices to protect sensitive data.
  • Asset management: It can store and organize all resources, including cloud services, in one secure asset inventory.

Pricing:

Level charges businesses $2 per managed endpoint every month. This straightforward, transparent pricing includes access to all network monitoring tools and remote management capabilities.

Start a 14-day free trial of Level today!

2. Datadog

Datadog

Source: Datadog.com

Datadog's cloud monitoring and analytics platform provides real-time visibility into a company's technology stack.

It offers unified monitoring for servers, databases, applications, and services. This enables IT teams to detect and resolve issues without switching between different platforms.

Datadog even has tools for cloud cost management. It allows businesses to optimize IT asset usage and minimize cloud waste.

Features:

  • Real-time network visibility: It offers end-to-end visibility across the entire cloud, from infrastructure to network devices.
  • Cloud cost management: Datadog helps businesses optimize cloud costs.
  • Automated workflows: It automatically handles remediation processes to reduce manual workload.
  • Built-in integrations: It can seamlessly connect to more than a hundred third-party apps for simplified network management.

Pricing:

Datadog is available for free, but this version is limited to core collection and visualization features.

If you want advanced capabilities, you must consider the paid plans.

The Pro version gives you access to smart dashboards, built-in integrations, and real-time monitoring for $15 per host every month. Meanwhile, the Enterprise plan begins at $23 per host per month, which includes automated alerts and live processes.

3. Zabbix

Zabbix

Source: Zabbix.com

Zabbix is an open-source cloud monitoring solution known for its flexibility and scalability. It offers end-to-end monitoring for cloud networks, servers, applications, and IoT devices.

Zabbix also provides customizable dashboards and powerful alerting capabilities. These enable IT teams to stay on top of their company's IT infrastructure.

Plus, Zabbix includes ready-to-use templates that are fully compatible with other popular systems, such as ticketing platforms and IoT solutions. It is suitable for organizations that manage large-scale, hybrid cloud environments.

Features:

  • Distributed monitoring: It can monitor geographically distributed systems from one single pane of glass.
  • Custom dashboards: These create tailored views of system performance and key performance metrics.
  • Smart thresholds: Zabbix can automatically detect and notify IT teams of problems before they escalate.
  • Fully integrated system: It quickly connects to third-party tools to reduce manual data entry.

Pricing:

Zabbix is a free, open-source cloud monitoring solution that makes it a cost-effective choice for businesses.

It also offers professional services, such as technical support and professional training, if your organization requires them. The cost of these services is hidden and confidential. Interested users must request a detailed pricing quote from Zabbix's sales team.

4. ManageEngine OpManager

ManageEngine OpManager

Source: ManageEngine.com

ManageEngine's OpManager offers real-time visibility into your cloud infrastructure. This network monitoring solution can track the performance of routers, firewalls, and load balancers, among other endpoints.

OpManager also provides detailed insights into each network issue. These enable IT teams to identify the root causes of common problems and address them right away.

OpManager even has built-in troubleshooting capabilities to prevent risks from becoming serious issues. It can ensure your cloud environment is secure and working efficiently.

Features:

  • Real-time network monitoring: It can continuously track the health and performance of network devices.
  • Root cause analysis: It analyzes problems to help IT teams resolve and avoid them in the future.
  • Workflow automation: OpManager automates troubleshooting steps and routine maintenance tasks with ease.
  • Trend forecasting: It can predict potential resource problems before they severely impact operations.

Pricing:

ManageEngine's OpManager offers flexible pricing based on the number of monitored devices and inclusions.

For example, the Standard edition starts at $245 for access to 25 devices. The Professional plan costs $345, which includes 25 devices and other advanced features.

The Enterprise version is priced at $11,545, which supports 250 devices and distributed network monitoring.

5. Nagios XI

Nagios XI

Source: Nagios.com

Nagios XI offers a comprehensive monitoring solution tailored to enterprises with cloud or hybrid environments. It provides real-time visibility into the entire IT infrastructure.

Once Nagios XI detects issues, it can automatically notify the relevant IT department via email or text message. This enables quick problem resolution and maintains system uptime.

Plus, Nagios XI has a modern user interface (UI). This makes the platform easy to use for teams and relevant stakeholders.

Features:

  • Extensive infrastructure monitoring: It monitors critical components, applications, and systems across the cloud.
  • Proactive alerting: It sends notifications via email, text, or chat when the platform detects issues.
  • Customizable workflows: Nagios XI offers flexible UI to meet the unique needs of different users.
  • Intuitive dashboards: These have clear navigations and drag-and-drop tools to simplify cloud network monitoring.

Pricing:

Nagios XI offers a free version for monitoring up to 7 nodes or 100 services. However, it includes limited features and doesn't come with technical support.

Standard paid plans start at $1,995 for 50 nodes. Businesses that want to handle unlimited nodes can expect to pay up to $23,995 in the Standard plan and $25,990 in the Enterprise plan, which offers additional features.

6. Dynatrace

Dynatrace

Source: Dynatrace.com

Dynatrace uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide full-stack observability and security across cloud environments. AI can continuously monitor different platforms and hosts to reduce major outages. At the same time, it can reduce the manual workload of IT teams.

Dynatrace can also enable auto-remediation by integrating with automation tools. This connection addresses risks before they become serious issues.

It even offers insights into application security. When it detects vulnerabilities, it can automatically block malicious activities without affecting critical monitoring processes.

Features:

  • Full-stack monitoring: It provides end-to-end visibility across applications, infrastructure, and user experiences.
  • AI-powered analytics: It relies on AI to detect anomalies and predict potential issues, which can significantly cut down on manual workload.
  • Automated remediation: Dynatrace automatically fixes problems before they impact operations.
  • Attack protection: It can safeguard cloud environments against security vulnerabilities.

Pricing:

Dynatrace has different pricing models to meet various monitoring needs.

If you require full-stack monitoring, the platform costs $0.08 per hour for an 8 GiB host. But if your business simply needs infrastructure monitoring, expect to pay an hourly rate of $0.04 for any host size.

7. SolarWinds Observability

SolarWinds Observability

Source: SolarWinds.com

If your organization handles both cloud and on-premises environments, you can consider SolarWinds Observability.

With this cloud network monitoring tool, you gain full-stack visibility across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. You can quickly spot and address issues because you no longer need to switch between different platforms.

Using SolarWinds Observability also means you can protect sensitive company systems. You can receive real-time notifications about threats, so you can implement corrective actions.

Features:

  • Hybrid cloud monitoring: It increases visibility across applications, infrastructure, and networks hosted on-premises or in the cloud.
  • Application alerting: It speeds up issue resolution by pinpointing root causes and providing real-time network status.
  • Powerful integrations: It connects to SolarWinds' security solutions to strengthen your network's security posture.
  • Intelligent mapping: It offers data visualization to help teams make smarter business decisions.

Pricing:

The pricing details for SolarWinds Observability are hidden. Interested users must request a detailed quote from SolarWinds' sales team.

Benefits of Using a Cloud Monitoring Tool

After learning the best cloud monitoring platforms, you might be curious to know how they can benefit your company. Below are the advantages of using a network monitoring tool:

Ensure Optimal Performance

Cloud monitoring tools keep systems running smoothly by identifying performance bottlenecks before they impact users. They continuously track server speeds, application response times, and network traffic.

They also notify your team immediately when something slows down or goes offline. This proactive approach reduces downtime and builds trust with stakeholders.

Improve Security

Cloud environments face constant security threats.

Fortunately, network monitoring tools help you detect unusual activity, unauthorized access, or potential breaches. They include features like intrusion detection and vulnerability assessments.

These tools enable you to respond to threats before they escalate. They can protect sensitive data and strengthen your company's security posture.

Optimize Resource Allocation

Network monitoring tools provide real-time visibility into resource usage, such as CPU, memory, and storage.

These insights help you eliminate unnecessary expenses and allocate resources where they’re needed most.

Reduce Manual Workload

Managing cloud environments manually can be time-consuming and error-prone.

Luckily, cloud monitoring tools automate many routine tasks, such as tracking resource usage, generating performance reports, and setting alerts for anomalies.

They significantly cut down on the manual workload for your IT teams. This allows them to focus on strategic projects rather than repetitive activities.

Minimize Operational Costs

Cloud expenses can quickly spiral out of control without proper monitoring.

Network monitoring tools analyze resource usage patterns and spot inefficiencies. These help you identify cost-saving opportunities.

For example, the tools can reveal underused assets or highlight when scaling down resources during off-peak hours could save money.

Plus, cloud monitoring platforms provide visibility into where your budget is going. This helps you make smarter financial decisions.

How to Choose the Best Cloud Monitoring Tool for Your Needs?

If you want to maximize the benefits listed above, you must select the right cloud monitoring tool. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one for your needs:

Determine Your Infrastructure Requirements

Start by outlining what you need from the network monitoring tool.

Do you want to focus on performance optimization, security, cost management, or all three?

Having clear goals will help you make an informed decision.

For example, if you want to maintain uptime and build trust with your clients, you must look for tools with flexible alerting systems. With these notifications, you can quickly address risks before they impact your operations.

However, if you need to control cloud costs, you should choose a platform with powerful expense-tracking features.

Assess Compatibility With Your Cloud Environment

Not all monitoring tools support every cloud platform or service. It's important to check if the tool integrates seamlessly with your cloud provider, whether it’s AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or another service.

You must also verify if the tool supports multi-cloud or hybrid setups, especially if you use different types of environments. This integration ensures smooth deployment and uninterrupted network monitoring.

Consider User Reviews

You should look for reviews from businesses in your industry or with similar use cases. These user reviews provide valuable insights into how a cloud monitoring tool performs in real-world scenarios.

You can visit sites like G2, Capterra, or Trustpilot to research the tool's pros and cons. Pay attention to ease of use, reliability, and frequency of software updates.

Review Vendor Support

In addition to user reviews, consider the technical support you can receive from the vendor.

You want to choose a tool with responsive customer support. This enables you to quickly address issues with the platform and prevent downtime.

Check if you can reach the vendor via live chat, email, or phone. You must also review if you can access documentation, video tutorials, or a community forum. These types of support help you fix problems without needing to contact the vendor.

Take Advantage of Product Demos

Most vendors offer free trials or demos that allow you to test a tool's functionality before fully investing in it.

You must capitalize on these product demos to explore all the platform's features. Evaluate ease of use, reporting tools, and integrations.

Make sure to involve your IT teams and gather feedback on whether the tool meets their needs.

Seamless Cloud Network Monitoring With Level

Level

Level offers advanced cloud network monitoring tools that elevate your business operations.

It features real-time insights, customizable alerts, and comprehensive health checks to guarantee your IT infrastructure operates at peak efficiency.

Level also has intuitive automation to handle routine tasks and reduce manual workload. It allows your team to focus on important areas that drive business growth.

Book a demo or try the all-in-one platform, Level, free for 14 days right now!

FAQs About Cloud Network Monitoring Tools

What is cloud network monitoring?

Cloud network monitoring is the process of tracking the performance, availability, and security of cloud-based systems and services. It uses specialized tools to provide real-time insights into key performance metrics like uptime and resource usage.

What are the tools used for monitoring clouds?

Tools like Level, Datadog, and Zabbix can monitor cloud systems. These platforms offer real-time performance tracking, alert systems, and integration with cloud environments.

Why do IT teams need cloud monitoring tools?

Cloud monitoring tools help IT teams guarantee network reliability, prevent downtime, and identify issues before they escalate. They can also optimize resource allocation and improve security to ensure efficient and secure cloud management.

Level: Simplify IT Management

At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.

Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.