How can you make network documentation accessible to external stakeholders?

1 Define your audience and purpose

Before you create or share your network documentation, you need to identify who your external stakeholders are and what they need to know about your network. For example, a client may want to see a high-level overview of your network design and performance, while an auditor may require more detailed information on your network security and compliance. You also need to define the purpose of your network documentation, such as to inform, persuade, or educate your external stakeholders. By defining your audience and purpose, you can tailor your network documentation to meet their specific needs and expectations.

2 Choose the right format and tools

The format and tools you use to create and share your network documentation can affect its accessibility and usability. You want to choose a format and tools that are compatible with your external stakeholders' devices and platforms, as well as easy to read and understand. For example, you may use a PDF format for static documents, such as network diagrams or policies, that you can send via email or cloud storage. Alternatively, you may use a web-based format for dynamic documents, such as network reports or dashboards, that you can share via a secure URL or a web portal. You also want to use tools that can help you automate, update, and organize your network documentation, such as network documentation software or network management systems.

3 Follow the best practices and standards

To ensure that external stakeholders can access your network documentation, you should adhere to best practices and standards. This includes using clear and consistent terminology, abbreviations, and symbols, as well as providing accurate and relevant information about the network topology, configuration, performance, and security. Additionally, visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or screenshots can be used to illustrate your network information. Furthermore, it's important to organize your network documentation into logical sections, headings, and subheadings. Moreover, consider adding a table of contents, an executive summary, and a glossary to your network documentation. Lastly, make sure to cite your sources and references for your network information and apply the appropriate level of detail, confidentiality, and customization.

4 Solicit feedback and improvement

Finally, you need to solicit feedback and improvement from your external stakeholders on your network documentation. You want to ensure that your network documentation meets their needs and expectations, as well as reflects the current state of your network. You can ask your external stakeholders to provide feedback on your network documentation, such as its clarity, accuracy, relevance, and usefulness. You can also ask them to suggest improvements or changes to your network documentation, such as adding, removing, or updating information. By soliciting feedback and improvement, you can make your network documentation more accessible and valuable to your external stakeholders.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?