GFI MAX RemoteManagement™ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

System overview FAQs

How does the Monitoring System work?

• Load the Agent on the server
• It makes a number of checks on the server, ISP ports, network devices, and even websites every five or 15 minutes – at your request – with 24x7 Monitoring
• Once per day, the Agent runs a Daily Health Check
• After every check cycle, the Agent sends the info to the central GFI MAX RemoteManagement servers
• These servers parse the information, send alerts to you via email or SMS, publish your Dashboard and MiniDash™

Agent FAQs

What operating systems does the Agent support?

The Agent can be used on any server running Microsoft Windows (NT, 2000, 2003, 2008) or Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) 2000, 2003, 2008. It can also be used on any desktop running Microsoft Windows 2000 or higher operating system.

Can the Agent be used on Linux or MAC servers?

Most environments have at least one Windows PC. The advanced monitoring Agent can be configured to monitor Ports, Ping and website content. If the system is configured for SNMP, detailed SNMP information can also be monitored. Customers can use the Advanced Monitoring Agent to monitor anything with an IP address, including Linux devices.

How does the Agent run?

The Agent runs as a service under Windows. The Agent service name is 'Advanced Monitoring Agent' and there is also the update service 'Advanced Monitoring AutoUpdate.' If your customer ever stumbles across them, there's no reference to GFI MAX RemoteManagement.

How does the Agent do its job?

The Agent accesses a wide range of systems on the server to collect information that would otherwise be discarded. By selectively accumulating this information – and discarding other meaningless data – GFI MAX RemoteManagement is able to alert you when there's an issue that needs your attention.

Do I need to make changes to the firewall?

Not unless the firewall is currently restricting outgoing https communications.

Can you give us the vital stats on the Agent?

Its load on the server barely registers on Task Manager. Approximately 10MB memory is used when running. It requires 8.2MB of disk space.

How does the Agent communicate with the central server?

All agent communications to the server are encrypted via SSL. Proxy servers (SOCKS5 and HTTP) are accommodated. The Agent makes use of NTLM or basic authentication.

How much data is pushed out?

Every five or 15 minutes the Agent sends a packet of 400-600 bytes, depending on the checks you have selected.

How secure is the Agent?

The Agent is only accessible to those with the 'key', the original password sent during sign-up. Also, the customer's server is locked down.

Can you monitor PCs?

Yes. GFI MAX RemoteManagement's MiniAgent has a zero footprint and can run on distributed PCs without the need to load it and login to each workstation. It monitors core functions, and like all GFI MAX RemoteManagement modules, it consumes a very low amount of resource and never interferes with user tasks, but allows small issues to be addressed immediately, enabling the user to be more productive. Some items on desktop PCs may be worth monitoring as it may help you nip problems in the bud before they cause bigger issues. Disk space or disk growth rates are great examples here.

Central server FAQs

Where are the central servers? How secure are they?

The company's fully redundant central servers are located in one of the world's most advanced hosting facilities. Backup generators, multiple hard drives, dual routers, cooling systems and gel battery power banks give GFI MAX RemoteManagement real redundancy so the fleet of high-end servers will continue to operate regardless of external conditions. Industry-leading 18,000 MBit redundant ISP Connectivity allows for no-nonsense, fast transfers at all times. The result is that GFI MAX RemoteManagement is never susceptible to bottlenecks. Servers are (naturally) protected by 24/7 monitoring, 150+ permanently recording video cameras, safety locks and more to ensure that only authorized personnel can enter the data centre. Your data is always safe and secure.

Dashboard FAQs

Does the Dashboard require any software?

No. The Dashboard runs under Internet Explorer or Firefox.

Do I need any software to access the MiniDash™ on my phone or PDA?

No. The MiniDash runs on any mobile phone or PDA.

How can we login to our Dashboard without going near GFIMAXIsEasy.com?

Once you have agreed to deploy GFI MAX RemoteManagement, you can set it up so that you can login through your own website. The system is completely anonymous.

And the rest...

Does GFI MAX RemoteManagement perform IT support?

No. We are not in IT support. GFI MAX RemoteManagement will never contact your clients. There is no conflict of interest.

Is this system secure?

Yes. GFI MAX RemoteManagement has taken comprehensive steps to ensure client security. Contact us at gfimax@gfi.com for more information.

Why is it so inexpensive?

GFI MAX RemoteManagement knows that IT support is a very competitive business. Our users want the benefits GFI MAX RemoteManagement delivers at a decent cost, and we believe the path to success is to give our clients what they want.