How does a network administrator use his iPad to get the job done and what iPad apps help get him through his day? TiPb’s iPad at work contest aims to bring you just such slices of the iPad life. Here’s numetheus' answer and as a small token of thanks we’re sending him a $20 iTunes gift certificate. If you want to see your name up on the TiPb home page and get a gift certificate all your own, head on over to the TiPb iPad Forum and share your story now!
I work for a local network management company, and my iPad is now a critical tool for me. Here is how iPad has improved things for me.
Remote management: I use LogMeIn Ignition all the time to log in to my work laptop remotely where I run tcpdumps and analyze packets with wireshark. The data plan is much cheaper than the $60 I would need to connect my laptop, and the 6+ hour battery life with 3G (10+ hours without 3G) gets me through the day, whereas, my laptop's 2 hour lifespan keeps me tethered to an outlet. It is also much more convenient to carry around a flat iPad than a bigger notebook where I have to find a good sitting area to use it. I have console macros created that lets me easily start a dump with just a few keystrokes once I am logged in.
My note pad: I take my iPad with me everywhere I go to take notes when speaking with engineers. I record details on their topology and other data where I access the information on my laptop using Evernote. It's all synced. It is MUCH easier to carry around my iPad. With my laptop, I used to have to take my laptop or a piece of paper to their desk, open it up and start working. Now I just walk to their desk and immediately take notes. I don't have to set anything up... I just "do".
My document reader: Since I carry around my iPad all the time, I use it to carry tech PDFs with me wherever I go for reference purposes. I use it to read product documentation and access network topology maps saved as PDFs or powerpoints. I can pull up my ipad, and within a few seconds bring up a network topology to answer engineer questions ON THE SPOT without sitting down or having to uncomfortably carry a laptop. Also, while moving around and going to meetings I never run out of battery life with my iPad. My laptop ALWAYS gives out. It NEVER lasts the entire day without being tethered to a power source.
My device monitor: While connected to a work VPN, I am able to monitor device status through Safari and INSTANTLY get the information I need. Again, I just pull it out like a pad of paper and read the information then and there... on the go.
On break entertainment: When my iPad and I are not busy working, I love to listen to music, watch a video or two, or play any of a number of different games. I LOVE the Bruce Lee game right now with graphics that meet or exceed what you have on PS2.
In short, you cannot pry my iPad from my hands. It is now an integral part of my work day and also plays a major part in keeping me sane when dealing with network management issues. I LOVE my iPad.
Are you a network administrator? How do you use your iPad to get you through the day? What apps get your job done?
