Is Your DNS Healthy?

No Comments » Written on December 1st, 2008 by
Categories: Network & Desktop Security
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You Need It To Be!

DNS configuration is essential to all of your network services.  Your e-mail, directory services (Microsoft Active Directory, Novell, etc.), and Web applications are dependent on proper DNS configuration. One small error in internal or external DNS can result in unavailable services, website errors, or non-delivery of e-mail.  Adding to the complexities of top-level DNS setup are the numerous concepts of zone transfers, TTLs, SOAs, PTRs, and so on. Just because you have a functioning DNS server (hosted or otherwise) doesn’t mean that it is properly configured.  And there is more to DNS than meets the eye – proper DNS setup can mean less spam, tighter security, and more peace of mind.

If your company hosts its own network services like e-mail, websites, FTP, SharePoint, or CRM, read on!

FACT: Just because your internal and external DNS is functioning doesn’t mean it’s properly configured.

Even the most well-intentioned admins and engineers might not know how to properly configure SOA records to properly indicate primary nameservers, serial numbers, retry, refresh, and expiration values.  All of these components are essential to DNS configuration.  As the requirements on SaaS and Web applications become increasingly more complex, it becomes more essential than ever to know that your DNS systems are configured and running properly.  Expert advice on DNS and a regular DNS audit is a must in today’s Web-based service marketplace.

FACT: Errors in DNS e-mail configuration can result in missed e-mails from your customers, partners, and vendors.

E-mail delivery systems have become increasingly complex and more secure.  It is very typical for email systems to do DNS record checks against MX records for your domain.  The reality is that one slight misconfiguration in DNS related to your mailserver can result in other mail systems viewing yours as a potentially insecure mail server – resuting in their systems being unwilling to communicate with yours.  Proper MX and mail server configuration is critical to ensuring that your e-mail systems remain online and viable.  Do you have proper SPF records in place?  If you don’t know the answer to this question, it could benefit you to have To Solution audit your current DNS configuration to verify these settings and correct potential errors.

FACT: To Solution can help in ensuring that your DNS is healthy.

My approach is to bring solid networking expertise to your company.  As an IT services provider to businesses for more than 10 years, I’ve built a network of highly skilled professionals ready to help your business with all of the current IT challenges.  DNS configuration is among these many challenges and is just one facet of proper, best-practice approaches that To Solution provides.  I’ll take the time to explain our audit process, what the results mean, and why maintaining proper DNS configuration is essential to your day-to-day IT operations.  Whether you choose To Solution for a one-time project or as a long-term valued IT partner, my approach remains the same: to provide a team that meets the technology needs of your company.  You won’t be limited to a “break/fix” IT person as often happens with independent contractors and internal staff.  Instead, as a To Solution client, you will find a dedicated team of tech experts working with you to deliver the best IT services and customer care the industry has to offer.

Get Started With A Free DNS Audit Today!

Starting the process of auditing your DNS server environment can be easy with the proper tools.  In fact, you can start your audit today for free!  If you currently host your own website, e-mail services, FTP services, SharePoint, or CRM solution, DNS Stuff offers a suite of DNS-related tools, including a free DNS report and suite of DNS-related tools including a Domain and Mail Server health check.  Simply run the tool today to get started.  Enter your domain name and print your report.  If your report comes back 100% clean, congratulations!  If your report contains any errors, contact To Solution at (262) 691-1236 for a no-obligation quote to assist with correcting your DNS configuration today!

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