Documentation and Network Auditing Services.

How accurately does your businesses existing network documentation reflect your actual, current topology?
Many businesses have some degree of documentation but our case studies show that over 86% of small and medium sized organisations do not have network documentation that accurately reflects the actual network and the infrastructure that resides on it. In most cases this happens over the years with gradual changes, no enforced change control policy in place, quick break fix solutions and other maintenance work. In addition, managers with thorough understandings of the infrastructure will come and go, in some circumstances handover processes may be limited or even non-existent and so those now in charge have partial understandings of how everything works and interconnects whilst at the same time still being responsible.

The problems caused by inaccurate or even 'low detail' documentation will often come to light during a planned implementation phase when contractors or employed specialists need precise information for them to plan and deploy the solicited services or infrastructure. Worse case scenarios may even be a disaster such as major data loss or even malicious activity creating an urgent requirement for outside help to be drafted in. The first thing that an expert will ask for (as we do) will be for the Network Documentation in order to resolve the issues or re-secure the business as quick as possible. Contractors having to map out the network with no documentation will add a significant delay to getting things back on track, adding to spiraling expense, resources, time, effort and embarrassment.

In short, clear, concise and accurate network documentation that accurately reflects the existing topology and software configurations coupled with a strong change control policy is an essential must for any operating business.

What can we do?
Forward Networks can very efficiently map, audit and document all your network infrastructure to a very high standard within a short space of time in a professional manner. We use unobtrusive methods to gather the information needed and we uphold a very strict data confidentiality policy. Our Cisco Certified engineers have vast amounts of experience carrying out this type of work within large organisations working with a variety of multi vendor equipment, many with very out dated documentation and even some companies with absolutely none. We use a range of sophisticated tools in addition to interviewing and physical inspection techniques to gather all information required. No network is too complex for us, often we will also uncover legacy equipment, lines that can be ceased and security risks that can be closed as part of our network documentation service. As a result, the return on investment can be visible in a short space of time.

Documents will be supplied compiled in Microsoft Visio and Microsoft Word formats so they can be easily viewed or ammended by an existing IT team in accordance with a supplied change control policy. Our recommendations will be that the documents circulation be tracked as well as the actual files being encrypted.

Don't be caught out by a lack of documentation or knowledge, contact us for more information by telephone on 0161 428 0678 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and one of our representatives will be in touch to discuss your needs.