Computer Networks

Even a short break down of a computer network may cause very high costs in a company. MIKAN has developed software to monitor and predict the time evolution of critical parameters like available disk space or CPU load. Hence, shortages and problems are predicted in advance, major system break downs can be avoided, and the mean network availability can be increase.

In this article we describe the use of the software in a computer network with about 25000 users. The disk space usage on 240 file servers is analysed and predicted over a period of 280 days. Furthermore, indices are computed on a daily basis that allow the assessment of the network management quality.

An optimal network management strategy is developed, applying probabilistic risk management methods. During the 280 day test period we reduce server failure related costs by more than 50%. In the present case this corresponds to cost savings of more than 1,600,000 EUR.