All posts by Fernanda Moraes

Case Study: Turning Data into Action with Zabbix

Post Syndicated from Fernanda Moraes original https://blog.zabbix.com/case-study-turning-data-into-action-with-zabbix/28077/

Change happens at an increasingly rapid and intense pace in the hyperconnected world we live in. This affects consumer relationships, forcing retailers to find more efficient ways of attracting customers. Linx, a company under the StoneCo group and a technology specialist for retail, understands this and has been using Zabbix to provide a better experience for their customers since 2017.

With extensive operations in over 20 retail segments and a portfolio of more than 180 solutions, Linx serves both small entrepreneurs and large retailers, offering the largest retail ecosystem in Latin America. In 2018, a presentation by the company at the Zabbix Conference Latin America stood out as a practical demonstration of how Zabbix served as a key tool in Linx’s business. Keep reading to find out how Zabbix has stayed central to the company’s strategy ever since.

The challenge

It all began in 2017 when Linx, understanding the importance of a stable IT environment, real-time data collection, and a quality customer journey, faced a challenge. They needed to transform their current Network Operation Center (NOC) into a structure aligned with the business that generated real value for customers. This required multiple actions, including:

  • Migrating the physical operation and monitoring structure from Porto Alegre-RS to São Paulo-SP
  • Reviewing the monitoring structure to generate indicators focused on customer success and experience
  • Replacing their existing monitoring tool with a more flexible one to keep up with new challenges and guarantee technical investment
  • Managing the mix of technologies used in the environment with a significant need for hybrid, cloud, and on-premises monitoring
  • Making this new structure the main provider of information for the rest of the company
  • Implementing a new NOC structure aligned with the business that would also generate value for customers
  • Speeding up the response time whenever incidents and anomalies were detected

To meet the business challenges and needs, Linx partnered with Unirede Inteligência em TI, a Zabbix Premium Partner in Brazil, to support the validation and subsequent implementation project. At that time, Linx’s solutions were specialized in retail as well as on-premises and SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions, with a data and cloud services platform focusing on customer experience.

The solution

Linx needed a robust and flexible tool that could meet business needs and share data with multiple teams.

“Linx chose Zabbix because it is an open-source, flexible platform capable of monitoring various technologies with different collection methods. Having a specialized partner to support deliveries— in this case, Unirede— also impacted the decision.”

 

Gabriel Pedroso, CEO of Unirede Inteligência em TI

Linx’s existing monitoring structure focused only on network infrastructure, much like a traditional NOC. A new objective arose – to understand the customer journey across all products and service segments. Linx needed to be able to map what kind of retail experience was being promoted to customers, predict peak moments, and gain insight into other behaviors that could influence the customer experience and compromise transactions.

This led to the creation of the xCenter, a structure that would become Linx’s experience monitoring center, expanding the view of servers, communication links, memory usage, and other infrastructure details.

“The xCenter goes beyond assets to establish the monitoring of complex solutions in hybrid environments (on-premises and cloud), delivering mobility, relevant content, and flexibility. Everything is oriented towards customer success.”

 

Nelson Lima, Coordinator of Linx’s xCenter

During the project’s initial phase, there was a mindset shift among the company’s teams, resulting in cooperation towards the project’s success and a renewed focus on the customer experience.

The first discoveries in Linx’s network were also made, along with adjustments and improvements in existing monitoring, including business metrics and the use of dashboards for visual management. In the same year (2017) xCenter operations began, delivering the first monitoring results.

By 2018, gains were evident: teams no longer thought exclusively about servers, storage, and network assets, but rather about services, transactions, and delivery excellence. That year, the project evolved into what was called “Partiu Cloud,” introducing the first Azure cloud environment monitoring. This took place alongside the ongoing evolution of existing monitoring and the democratization of information generated by the structure for decision-making. Examples of business services monitored at that time included NFCe, TEF, POS, sales reports, fiscal coupon issuance time, POS synchronization, and SaaS delivery.

In 2019, the focus shifted to business, with assessments, structuring, and development of metrics for Linx’s products. By then, Linx’s sales force was already using availability and performance information in their service routine, accessing product dashboards from mobile devices and using the data in their pitches to customers.

A significant update occurred in 2021 with the upgrade to Zabbix 5.0 LTS, which increasingly supported the delivery of connectivity services to customers alongside the already delivered platform and software solutions.

2022 was marked by significant variations in the tool’s use – integration with Jira software, integration with Linx’s AD for secure login (SSO), and integrations with other communications tools. The tool was also customized, involving script execution and remote commands for specific collections.

2023 brought a new focus on automation, using integrations with other tools to automate functions in Zabbix. For example, Microsoft Power Automate was able to facilitate daily operational processes and improve the use of media types. The entire journey was a continuous process of adaptation and improvement, showing an increased focus on business metrics and customer experience.

“Zabbix enabled the democratization of fundamental business data and information across different company areas. In other words, monitoring has become a strategic element for Linx’s business.”

 

Gabriel Pedroso, CEO of Unirede Inteligência em TI

The results

After the cultural shift and Zabbix implementation, the following strategic and operational gains were observed:

Improved efficiency and agility. Problems are detected and resolved faster, with incidents directly handled by Zabbix through integrations that automate actions.

Additional integrations. Zabbix’s flexibility and scalability allow for integration with other structural components, supporting operational efficiency.

More customer-oriented features and a renewed customer focus. Using Zabbix enabled a focus on customer success through a change in culture and business perspective, with features reviewed from a user experience perspective.

Improved scalability. This came about thanks to Zabbix’s capacity to support large loads, perform distributed data collection, and expand as needed.

Better market alignment. Aligning operations and monitoring with market needs created specific panels and monitoring for major national retail dates, such as Black Friday and Christmas.

Better sales pitches. Sales pitches are now based on data and performance monitored by xCenter. The sales team presents real monitoring data as a pitch for service quality.

Consolidation. Integrating all monitoring in a single tool eliminates the need for multiple tools and integrations.

An investment guarantee. Zabbix is now seen as a tool that accompanies Linx through future challenges, negating the need for tool changes.

A democratization of information. xCenter provides information to the entire company, improving decision-making in the process.

What’s next?

The journey to success is never-ending, and the following steps demonstrate Linx’s ongoing commitment to improvement and innovation in monitoring and the future of managing customer experiences for the services provided by the company.

Upgrading to Zabbix LTS 6.0. This upgrade is a crucial step to keep the platform updated with the latest features and security improvements.

Integrating with WhatsApp. Linx aims to improve communication and notification flexibility by offering alerts and updates via the popular messaging app.

Application Tracking Monitoring (APM). This involves a renewed focus on enhancing application monitoring, which is essential for maintaining and optimizing system performance. This improvement is planned in Zabbix’s roadmap.

Business layer evolution. Enhancing the monitoring and analysis of business indicators for better data-based decision-making.

Enhancing Availability Metrics. Improving the precision and relevance of metrics related to service and product availability.

Evolving predictive metrics. Implementing and refining metrics that can predict trends or future problems, allowing proactive actions.

In conclusion

When taken together with Unirede’s support of retail monitoring, Linx’s success story with Zabbix is a true inspiration. With the help of Zabbix, Linx has turned data into information and information into action in order to prove the excellence of its services. Throughout its growth trajectory, the company has managed to turn challenges into opportunities, using Zabbix to optimize operations and focus on what really matters – satisfying their customers.

To find out more about what Zabbix can do across a variety of industries, feel free to visit our website or request a demo.

 

 

The post Case Study: Turning Data into Action with Zabbix appeared first on Zabbix Blog.

Zabbix Conference Latam: living real connections

Post Syndicated from Fernanda Moraes original https://blog.zabbix.com/zabbix-conference-latam-living-real-connections/27474/

It’s official! Registrations for Zabbix Conference Latam 2024 are now open.

Of all the events that our Zabbix team in Latin America organizes and participates in (over 50 in 2023 alone), we’re confident that this is the most impressive.

The 2024 conference is the third one organized directly by Zabbix since the beginning of our operations in Latin America. It has become a key reference point for topics related to data monitoring and Zabbix.

When our team participated in the last edition of Zabbix Summit, a global Zabbix event, I remember a partner asking me what was so special about an event like Zabbix Conference Latam. The answer is easy – the strength and vitality of the Latin American community!

A few days ago, I read an excerpt from a book by Brazilian sociologist Muniz Sodré, where he addressed the concept of “community.” Etymologically, the word “community” originates from the Latin “communitas,” composed of two radicals: “cum” (together with) and “munus” (obligation to the Other).

In essence, the sense of community is related to a collective dimension that allows us to be with and be together. There is a bond, something that makes us stay together. A point of similarity amidst differences, if you will.

Indeed, it’s not a very didactic concept, precisely because it needs to be lived – and felt. It is the strength of a community that produces possibilities and changes. And this is extremely present in open-source communities like the one we have at Zabbix.

The union of totally different people around a common point (Zabbix) is impressive – and captivating.

One of the greatest advantages of participating in a community like the one we’ve built at Zabbix is the fact that there is a direct relationship with collaborative culture. This makes users feel like protagonists and active subjects in the product’s development.

In communities like this, a collaborative strength exists among members, along with an open and genuine spirit of sharing and support. And that’s exactly what we experience at an event like Zabbix Conference Latam.

Every year, Zabbix warmly welcomes users, partners, clients, and enthusiasts. We receive fans who are excited to check out news about the tool, meet friends again, share knowledge, interact with experts, and even chat with Zabbix Founder and CEO Alexei Vladishev.

We hear amazing stories about how people came to know the tool, developed incredible projects, and transformed businesses – and how many other members also started their own businesses with Zabbix.

Zabbix Conference Latam is a space where there are real connections, dialogue, and (very) happy (re)encounters. In other words, it’s an experience that every member of the Zabbix Community should have.

Checking out news straight from the manufacturer

The event provides technical immersion through lectures, real-life case presentations, and technical workshops with the Zabbix team, official partners, clients, and experts in the field over both days of the event (June 7 and 8, 2024).

In other words, you can expect plenty of knowledge directly from the source – Alexei Vladishev, Founder and CEO of Zabbix! For those who use Zabbix or are interested in using it, you won’t want to miss the chance to participate, either through lectures or workshops.

Expanding networking

We plan to welcome over 250 participants, including technical leaders, analysts, infrastructure architects, engineers, and other professionals. It’s a great opportunity to meet colleagues in the field and make professional contacts.

Understanding a bit more about business

The open-source movement democratizes the use of technology, allowing companies of different sizes and segments to have freedom of use for powerful tools like Zabbix. At the Conference, we provide a space for discussion on open-source and business-related topics.

In 2024, we will feature the second edition of the Open Source and Business panel, where we will bring together leaders and companies to share views and perspectives on the relationship between the open-source theme and business development.

Get ready for lots of inspiration!

Talking to our official business partners and visiting sponsor booths at the event while enjoying a nice cup of coffee is a fascinating experience.

These interactions teach us a little more about their experiences and their relationship with Zabbix. From brand connections and integrations, simple implementations, or even extremely complex and creative projects, it’s possible to understand the real power of Zabbix and how it can positively impact different businesses.

A room full of opportunities

The speakers at Zabbix Conference Latam include our team of experts, official business partners, clients, and our community.

Among technical immersions and updated topics on functionalities, roadmaps, and all Zabbix news, community members can submit presentations and, if approved, participate in the event as speakers.

This allows them to share insights, discoveries, projects, and use cases in different industries, inspiring everyone with creative ways to solve real problems with Zabbix.

Living the Zabbix Conference Latam is a beautiful experience that allows us to understand the meaning and real strength of a community. Participating is also actively contributing to the growth and strengthening of the tool.

It truly is one of the best ways to evangelize Zabbix, and we look forward to gathering our community again in June 2024!

About Zabbix Conference Latam 2024

Zabbix Conference Latam 2024 is the largest Zabbix and monitoring event in Latin America. It takes place in São Paulo on June 7 and 8.

Interested parties can purchase tickets at the lowest price of the season, starting at R$999.00.

You can check out package information on the official event website.

The post Zabbix Conference Latam: living real connections appeared first on Zabbix Blog.

Zabbix LatAm’s first anniversary

Post Syndicated from Fernanda Moraes original https://blog.zabbix.com/zabbix-latams-first-anniversary/15890/

In September 2020, Zabbix started operations from its office in Latin America, located in Brazil, in the city of Porto Alegre, state capital of Rio Grande do Sul. Since then, the office has strengthened its relationship with the community as a whole, in addition to expanding the network of companies that officially join the Zabbix Partnership Program.

It has been a year since we celebrated the arrival of our Zabbix office in Latin America and, throughout that first year, a number of challenges were set in our way.  The first, the distance between continents, overcoming the need for closer proximity to our largest Zabbix community, which is Latin America. Also, the extremely atypical and sensitive context at the time we started our operations in the Latin American continent – which was the case with the emergence of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Zabbix, as a globally recognized data collection and analysis platform, is fully Open Source. In other words, it is available and accessible to everyone who wants to learn about it and use it.

It’s simple, easy, and quick to install.

Its power goes far beyond IT infrastructure monitoring, allowing it to be used at different levels of any business or segment.

During this first year, the opening of the office has made it possible for the network of users, partners, customers, and other interested parties to have greater clarity about our business model and, in particular, in relation to the transversality that Zabbix provides for companies. This means that any organization, whatever its industry, needs technological support and to collect and assess business metrics. And Zabbix, in this context, is a solution that provides elements to support the specific needs of each area (sales, marketing, technology etc.).

In addition to that, we have seen the exponential growth of companies seeking to know more about our official partnership model, which – consequently – puts us head on with the intense work of strengthening and welcoming these organizations that officially arrive as Resellers, Certified Partners or even those who become Premium Partners.

It is these partners who, through a global network (250+ partners spread across 50+ countries), deliver quality services, certified professionals and supported directly by the manufacturer.

For our CEO at Zabbix LATAM, Luciano Alves, “in the current scenario and especially after the opening of our LatAm office, public and private Large Enterprises started to seek more information on how to access our official services. It is not uncommon for us to participate in meetings where clients report not being able to extract the full potential of Zabbix, precisely because they do not work alongside one of our accredited partners. Our role, together with our partners and customers network, is precisely to ensure that Zabbix services reach their final destination, with the highest possible quality. With this positioning, our partners now have the manufacturer at their side at all times, from the pre-sales process, specification and delivery of highly complex projects”.

The benefits experienced since arrival at the office include:

  • Local language partner support and easy payment.
    The LATAM Office Team is made up of professionals with excellent service, offering support to partners in Portuguese and Spanish, which facilitates communication with our contacts in the area. Also, payment is made in BRL (Brazil) or USD (other countries).  We have reduced prices for services by approximately 40% for the Latin America region. Consequently, this becomes more attractive to partners and customers, as – currently – any and all business carried out is paid directly to the office in Brazil, without surcharges or exposure to exchange variations.
  • Local Manufacturer Support
    We are much closer to our partners and customers, making processes more agile and simplified.
  • Direct training
    Our partnership program aims at preparing partners so that they deliver Zabbix’s full potential within their region. Therefore, we have implemented actions to qualify knowledge about Zabbix. This means that they receive direct training from the office, focused on the business model, sales processes, latest updates, available features, and necessary technical skills.
  • Events
    The proximity of the office with the local culture allowed us to develop events that better meet the needs of users, partners, and potential customers. Also, partners have been sharing their experience, use cases and knowledge to strengthen their understanding of Zabbix and leverage business.
    Estimates say that next year we will be possible to hold face-to-face meetings and also one of the most anticipated events by everyone in the region – Zabbix Conference LatAm, in two editions: Brazil and Mexico.
  • A gift so we can celebrate together!
    One of the biggest gifts we’ve decided to share, to celebrate Zabbix LatAm’s anniversary, is the free course for new Zabbix users: Zabbix Starter Week. The first edition closed last Friday (9/17), in Portuguese, and the next one takes place between September 27th and October 1st, in Spanish.
    The goal is for new users to learn more about the platform and have the opportunity to apply in their daily lives the lessons learned there.

We continue to listen and seek to meet the wishes and needs not only of Partners, but also of the Zabbix LatAm Community as a whole. As a platform for worldwide use that has users, clients and projects on all continents and market segments, Zabbix is a necessary solution to support the technological and digital transformations we face.

As far as our office is concerned, the Zabbix Community in Latin America will always be supported so that we can grow together.

See you later!