Bookmaker Betfred is implementing server monitoring and management software to support rapid expansion plans and enable the introduction of real-time betting.

The company is opening new shops at a rate of 15 a month, and needs to ensure its IT infrastructure is available and operating at maximum performance.

Server monitoring and management is also necessary to support the demands of a real-time business, says Betfred network manager Andy Burgess.

‘When a bet is placed, customers expect the transaction to be prompt and accurate,’ he said. ‘This places huge demands on servers and we need to know that it is performing within acceptable standards.

‘We also want to offer real-time betting on sporting events online, and if the system is not available to customers immediately, they can log on to another site in an instant,’ he said.

Betfred takes some 83,000 bets on an average Saturday, and monitoring and measuring system availability will make it more proactive in responding to IT problems, says Burgess.

‘Previously, the first we knew of a problem was when it was reported by one of our punters,’ he said. ‘But now staff are alerted to any potential problems via SMS text message.

‘The problem can be resolved by remote access without any impact on business.’

Betfred will finish rolling out Nimbus server monitoring software from vendor Nimsoft by the end of the year.

The bookmaker will be able to monitor individual HP Windows and Sun Solaris servers, components and availability using a dashboard tool.

Server monitoring is vital for online firms that rely on availability, says Butler Group senior research analyst Michael Azoff.

‘This is particularly true if the firm wants to offer real-time service, and server monitoring lets them know if trouble is brewing before it causes a server to fall over. It will allow Betfred to pre-empt problems,’ he said.

‘One or two bad experiences can drive a customer from a site. No company wants to risk that by having servers fail.’