Medscheme, southern Africa`s primary medical aid administrator, has implemented the latest database monitoring technology, in a move to become more proactive in resolving emerging administrative problems that could paralyse its operations if left unattended.
Hankie Vogel, managing director of information technology at Medscheme, recalls previous instances in which database problems deprived doctors and hospitals access to real-time data on the status of their claims for lengthy periods.
Medscheme has now installed locally developed database and operating systems monitoring tools to monitor and manage four production databases and three non-production databases as well its main Unix-based servers.
The software solutions - Enterprise Gauge and Enterprise Focus tools - were developed and supplied by PM Ora Software, the software development division of PM Tech Holdings.
Vogel is pleased with the results: "We`re now notified well in advance of any problem developing so we can fix it well before it becomes an issue.
"Being proactive on database maintenance is a significant advantage in managing database space more efficiently and avoiding performance degradation. The more proactive you are, the fewer call outs you have," he says.
Prior to implementing Enterprise Gauge, database administrators at Medscheme used to carry out manual checks and in-house developed scanning.
"Some of these methods are still being used because of specials needs, but they are now integrated with Gauge to provide a comprehensive, centralised and customised monitoring and reporting system," notes Vogel.
In addition, Gauge provides added functionality such as the ability to monitor the systems remotely via a Web browser and to receive priority alerts via SMS.
"Everyone is warned well before an error is about to occur. We have alternating teams of DBAs [database administrators] on standby as well as escalations groups who are notified via e-mail and SMS in the event of a problem," says Vogel.
Medscheme`s DBAs are also using Enterprise Gauge`s Web browser functionality to monitor the databases while on standby at home.
"Having the ability to see what`s happening on the databases via a browser is very helpful, though it`s not a feature we use extensively. What attracted us to the product was its functionality, user-friendliness and its ease of implementation."
"The fact that Enterprise Gauge is locally developed is an added bonus. In addition to local support, we are able to directly influence future developments," adds Vogel.
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