Once the user has been created, the administrator can select which metrics the user is notified on. Under the Administration menu, there is an option to “Manage Users.” Within that option, the administrator has the option to create another administrator or a “read-only” user. Score for initial configuration: 4.5Īlso see: Top Business Intelligence Software User ManagementĪs one would expect, RF Code allows for multiple administrators to work with the Sentry information. The configuration process was easy and simple, although the inability to create an exact address could be an issue for some organizations. Once the devices are configured, the RF Code portal has a map that displays where the locations are. This is a minor issue as I do not expect many customers will do this once they are set up. I asked Sentry and they told me this should no longer be an issue, but I could not get it to work. Although there is a “delete location” choice, it does not actually delete the location. I did try to remove the location and walk through the set-up process again but there appears to be an issue with deleting the location. From there, the options were straightforward, including how to connect the device (wired or wireless) and a choice of DHCP or static IP address. There was an audible tone given when the camera scanned it and the device was connected. Once the location was configured, the RF Code portal generated a QR code toward which I pointed the camera on the Sentry device. My home office is on a very short road in a small town in MA, so I was pleasantly surprised that its database found the address. I installed the device in my home office, so I used “Acton, MA.” The next field is address and as one starts typing, the portal auto-fills the location. The configuration required a unique identifier for the location, such as “San Mateo Branch” or “Boston Data Center.” I did this using a “create location” icon on the bottom of the screen. Once the base account was set up, it was time to add Sentry devices. The product was relatively easy to set up using an online portal. Score for hardware design: 5 Initial Configuration Overall, it’s a well-built device that is easy to mount, power, and connect to the network. It is easily wall mountable, but its octagonal shape allows for it to sit on top of a desk, server, or other flat surfaces in the location. Network Connectivity uses built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet ports in the back of the unit. The device can be powered via either an AC plug or Ethernet (PoE) power. The Sentry device is a compact, lightweight device with an integrated thermal camera in the center. To see how good the product is, I reviewed it, and below are my findings.Īll scores are given on a 5-point scale, with 5 being the best. Managing these types of locations has historically been very difficult but the Sentry product promises to makes this task easier. This causes equipment to shut down periodically, particularly on hot days.Īlso see: Top Edge Companies Review Categories: Remote IT Monitoring Because of where they were located, I could not install large AC systems. These rooms would get extremely hot but were too noisy for me to leave the doors open. In this case, I was forced to convert small offices into wiring closets, each holding a pair of Cisco Catalyst 6500s, some servers, and other equipment. Structures often do not have the necessary HVAC, power, or other facilities that IT infrastructure requires.Īs an example, back in the day, I was responsible for our network but because the company was in an old historic building, I was limited in where I could put our switching equipment. When you are in the same location as the equipment, it’s easy to understand the dynamics of the environment – but not so easy if you aren’t.Ī complicating issue is that IT pros are often forced to put equipment in locations that were never designed to house it due to building limitations. One of the most difficult parts of the job is to have “eyes and ears” in remote or “lights-out” locations, such as branch offices, wiring closets, or remote data centers. As a former IT pro, I’m familiar with the challenges that companies have when they need to manage locations with no local IT staff.Īlso see: What is Edge Computing Challenges of the Remote IT Monitoring Sector Earlier this year, I interviewed Jonathan Guy, VP of Engineering for RF Code regarding its new Sentry product, which promises to make management of remote locations easier.Īfter being briefed on the product, I decided to have the company send me a Sentry device and try it out myself.
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