8 Tips for Monitoring and Identifying Pesky Government Website Issues

December 13, 2017

Government websites can’t afford downtime. Even if they aren’t losing revenue because of un-scheduled outages, latency, DNS attacks and so on, the public loss of access to resources and employee loss of productivity is frustrating and stressful, as well as a public relations nightmare.

It’s also a big distraction for IT operations.

Website performance issues can come from anywhere – from page elements or the back-end supporting infrastructure (databases, O/S, web server, network, etc.). Front-end web app problems can also cause problems stemming from HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more.

Identifying where the issue originates can be a time-consuming task requiring skilled analysts to study sessions and find problems with usability.

One way round it is to use a web performance monitor, like the one offered by DLT partner, SolarWinds. The tool lets you easily monitor internal web apps, and because its installed within your firewall, monitoring internal websites is secure.

In addition, here are eight tips to identify and monitor website issues, as suggested by SolarWinds in this whitepaper.

Monitor and Alert Page Elements and Load Times

Use this approach for HTML, third-party and CSS issues. How long does it take for content within pages to load? Establish a baseline for an ideal load time. Then monitor the load times of each step in the page. If a page loads slowly, you should receive an alert.

Monitor the Time for Images to Load

Use image matching to monitor image load times in seconds. Define target load times then monitor actual performance against this. Then you know if the transaction passed or failed.

Validate Image Display

Again, use image matching to validate if the image displayer as intended (in HTML and JavaScript). Different browsers can display images differently. Image matching will also tell you the image height, width, placement location, etc. is as it’s intended.

Monitor from Multiple Locations

Get a global user experience by playing back web transactions from multiple locations and see if the page is loading content as intended.

Monitor Response Times for SQL Queries

For HTML issues, monitoring response for SLQ queries will show if the query is taking longer time to process. A web server and application monitoring tool will monitor SQL and web server performances and suggest possible issues. It will also proactively monitor SQL query response times, as well as CPU utilization and memory – before they become incidents – and all from one dashboard.

Monitor Memory

Monitor the server’s physical and virtual memory capability so requests can be processed with speed.

Verify Functionality in Development

During the website build stage, monitor the logic of the code by recording transactions that involve JavaScript code and verifying their functionality.

Test Browser Compatibility

Do QA testing on multiple browsers to ensure the JavaScript has the desired effect on all browsers your application supports.

That’s it! To learn more identifying front-end issues and see SolarWinds solution at work read the entire whitepaper or check out this video.

Government

IT operations

web performance monitor

How to Maximize Funding From the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

Passed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, or Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a massive investment in America’s infrastructure that’s creating a wave of opportunities for AEC firms. With billions of dollars allocated for infrastructure projects, many firms have secured funding and are preparing for significant growth.

Darian Burks

Cybersecurity, Federal Government, Infrastructure, Market Intelligence June 19, 2024

The Intelligence Community’s Roadmap to Success

Recently the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released a roadmap entitled Vision for the IC Information Environment to outline a vision to protect the nation from adversaries and maintain a “strategic advantage" over those intending to harm its information infrastructure. The roadmap contains recommendations from a collaboration of more than one hundred technical leaders from the intelligence community (IC).

Toan Le

Skyline view of a city connected by a series of light streams

Infrastructure, Market Intelligence, State & Local Government, Technology April 18, 2023

Smart Cities Need Smart Solutions

Welcome to 2023 — an era of modernization where public sector information technology (IT) market growth is dominated by technologies that can create operational efficiencies and enhance the delivery of citizen-facing services. IT leaders are approaching municipality and jurisdictional operations from the lens of optimization, and there is only room for "smart" solutions.

Yvonne Maffia

Data & Storage, Infrastructure August 5, 2019

Exclusive Interview: NetApp Data Fabric Revolution

DLT Solutions recently sat down with NetApp Senior Director of U.S. Public Sector Channel Sales, David Drahozal, to discuss the recent revolution of NetApp's data fabric solutions. DLT: So David, tell us a little about what you do at NetApp. David: For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of leading the US Public Sector channel here at NetApp. Its been a real exciting time as we have evolved from a NAS company to a leader in the consolidated virtualized data center, to today being a leader in hybrid cloud capabilities.

DLT Solutions

Infrastructure, IT Perspective June 27, 2019

Maximize the Performance of Your Microsoft Ecosystem

A vast majority of government networks are driven by Microsoft products, from Office 365 to the Azure cloud platform. It should come as no surprise, then, that more and more agencies are looking for tools to monitor Microsoft systems more effectively—all through a single pane of glass. The good news is there are ways to make the most of existing Microsoft technology with complementary monitoring strategies that will meet the needs of the federal IT operations security teams, SysAdmins, DevOps pros, and managers.

DLT Solutions

Infrastructure March 26, 2019

The Dos and Don'ts of DevOps

While there has been a steady increase in the adoption of DevOps in the federal government – 75% of CIOs report that their organizations are now adopting it – many public sector organizations struggle to adapt to the DevOps culture. Challenges to Using DevOps in the Public Sector

Caron Beesley

Infrastructure March 26, 2019

Simplify your Agency’s Database Migrations and Upgrades

If you’re worried about your next database migration or upgrade, you’re not alone. A survey revealed that 90% of DBAs are worried too. It’s not surprising, these projects are a serious source of stress and must be performed speedily and with minimal downtime. There are several reasons why migration projects fail. Typical pitfalls include:

Caron Beesley

Infrastructure October 11, 2018

Taming the Ever-Expanding Network

Federal IT pros understand the challenge agencies face in trying to manage an ever-growing, increasingly complex network environment. While federal IT networks are becoming more distributed—with more devices being added all the time—the demand for security and availability is increasing as well. Yes, at some point new technologies may make networking easier and more secure; until that point, however, growing pains seem to be getting worse.

Paul Parker

Data and Analytics, Infrastructure June 27, 2018

Why Automation is Critical for Managing the Government’s Largest Networks

Government networks are some of the largest in the world. Ensuring these mission-critical infrastructures are optimized for automation and performance—particularly in today’s increasingly complex hybrid IT environments—is quite a tall order. How do federal IT pros ensure the high availability required? How do they connect faults to performance, and make direct connections between networks, systems, and applications within large, hybrid environments?

Paul Parker

Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, Technology, Uncategorized March 9, 2018

Active Directory’s Attack Surface is Huge – Here’s How to Find a Threat Needle in its Log Haystack

Microsoft Active Directory is a critical tool that helps system administrators manage user privileges and secure their IT infrastructure, yet Active Directory presents several security challenges. Most problematic is that Active Directory’s attack surface is huge. Targets for attack include every domain name user account, admin and security group, domain controller, backup, admin workstation, and admin delegations and privileges. If any one of these targets is compromised, your entire Active Directory can be compromised too. The Threats

BradleyGernat

Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, IT Perspective, Technology, Uncategorized March 8, 2018

Active Directory’s Attack Surface is Huge – Here’s How to Find a Threat Needle in its Log Haystack

BradleyGernat

Buildings, CAD General, Infrastructure, Technology March 6, 2018

A Civil Engineering Love Match: How InfraWorks and Civil 3D Come Together

If you currently use Autodesk’s flagship civil engineering design software, AutoCAD Civil 3D, you may have heard about its close cousin, InfraWorks. InfraWorks is an infrastructure design software that supports BIM processes and helps designers and engineers work in infrastructure projects in a real-world context using cloud capabilities.

Grace_Bergen

Buildings, CAD General, Digital Design, Infrastructure, Technology February 28, 2018

10 Things Your Facilities Management Team Can Do to Rock in the Field

The use of building information modeling (BIM) data by building owners and facilities managers is on the rise, a survey by DLT partner, IMAGINiT Technologies reveals. Compared to 2016, the percentage of owners integrating BIM data into facilities management (FM) systems has increased by almost 9%. Yet challenges remain. Many organizations aren’t prepared or equipped to make the process and technology changes required for BIM adoption.

Grace_Bergen

CAD General, Infrastructure, Technology February 19, 2018

LiDAR Reveals Hidden Mayan “Megalopolis” Blowing Minds and Old-School Thinking

Archeological surveys in untouched areas are tricky at the best of times. Vegetation and trees must be disturbed, heavy equipment is brought in, and the results can still prove inconclusive or fruitless. But thanks to laser technology, that’s all changing. LiDAR (aka Light Detection and Ranging technology) is helping archeologists champion scientific research without disturbing the natural habitat.

Grace_Bergen

Buildings, CAD General, Infrastructure February 2, 2018

New Autodesk Platform Sees BIM Shift from “Modeling to “Information” Phase

A few years ago, Autodesk launched its cloud strategy. A commitment to bring cloud-based solutions to all of its vertical industry offerings. A core cloud offering, BIM 360 is a cloud-based design collaboration tool for the building and construction. It represents a shift from the “modeling” to the “information” phase of BIM – Autodesk calls it “Connected BIM”. BIM 360 connects design and construction across the project lifecycle using intuitive, linked workflows.

Grace_Bergen

CAD General, Infrastructure, Technology February 1, 2018

Easily Evaluate Vehicle Movements on Your Next Transportation or Site Design Project

When it comes to transportation and site design projects, they all have one thing in common – when finished they need to accommodate a variety of different vehicles, from cars to fire trucks, airplanes to school buses. As a result, it’s important that these vehicle maneuvers be analyzed and incorporated throughout the entire design process. Autodesk Vehicle Tracking (AVT) can help.

Grace_Bergen

Cloud Computing, Infrastructure January 17, 2018

New Insights Show BIM Data Playing a Greater Role in Facilities Management

Use of building information modeling (BIM) data by building owners is on the rise. That’s according to the third annual BIM and facilities management (FM) survey from DLT partner, IMAGINiT Technologies.

DLT Solutions

Buildings, Digital Design, Infrastructure, Transportation January 11, 2018

4 Inefficiency Traps that Civil Infrastructure Teams Need to Escape from in 2018

Urban development is a big challenge for governments and project owners. Urbanization, combined with overall population growth, could add another 2.5 billion to the world’s urban centers by 2050. For the infrastructure sector, this means providing the essential utilities and transportation systems to support these dense over-crowded areas – while doing more with less.

DLT Solutions

Infrastructure January 10, 2018

BIM at the Swipe of a Finger Keeps Construction Projects on Track

With BIM mandates and pressure to improve collaboration and efficiencies on construction projects, how are teams taking advantage of digital workflows to improve the potential of BIM?

DLT Solutions

Infrastructure, Transportation January 3, 2018

3 Challenges Facing Our Nation’s Transportation Systems in 2018

The 2017 “infrastructure report card” from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) painted a grim portrait of our nation’s bridges, transit systems, aviation, and more, scoring an overall “D” for “poor” or “at risk”. Unfortunately, not much has changed since the last report was released in 2013.

DLT Solutions

CAD General, Cloud Computing, Education, Infrastructure December 18, 2017

[On Demand] 5 Must-See Infrastructure Classes from Autodesk University 2017

Did you make it to Autodesk University (AU) this year? There was a great deal of buzz about infrastructure and the ways in which, in the words of Autodesk’s Theo Agelopoulos, “we can develop more sustainable and resilient infrastructure yet optimize their operations and longevity”. But there were also some great breakout sessions on all things civil infrastructure design, engineering, and construction – many of which are now available to view online, for free!

DLT Solutions

Buildings, Infrastructure, Utilities October 7, 2015

Engineers - Here's your Chance to Guide a New Structural Analysis Platform from Autodesk

Autodesk has just launched a public preview of Autodesk React Structures, a new structural analysis platform designed for those who are using BIM workflows. The preview was announced at the NCSEA's Structural Engineering Summit in Las Vegas on October 2 and is a significant one. Why?

Caron Beesley

CAD General, Infrastructure, Training July 15, 2015

Lynn Allen's AutoCAD Tips and Tricks Comes to DC (+ More)

Everyone's favorite AutoCAD expert and evangelist, Lynn Allen is coming to Washington, D.C. later this month for a very special government breakfast seminar. If you're in town or the surrounding Metro DC area, reserve your seat now for July 28th from 8.00 - 11.30 AM at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center.

Caron Beesley

8 Tips for Monitoring and Identifying Pesky Government Website Issues

Related Blog Posts