How can you make your network documentation accessible to everyone?

2 Store your documentation in a central location

Another important step to make your network documentation accessible is to store it in a central location that is secure, reliable, and easy to access. A central location will help you avoid losing, misplacing, or forgetting your network documentation, as well as ensure that everyone who needs it can access it from anywhere and at any time. A central location can be a cloud-based service, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, or a dedicated network documentation software, such as NetBrain, NetBox, or SolarWinds.

4 Use clear and concise language

Using clear and concise language is an essential step to make your network documentation accessible. This will help you communicate your network information effectively and accurately, as well as make your network documentation more readable and engaging for your audience. To achieve this, you can use simple and familiar words and phrases, avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical terms without explanation, use active voice and short sentences, incorporate headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up the text, use diagrams, charts, and images to illustrate your points, and employ colors, fonts, and styles to highlight important information.

5 Share and collaborate on your documentation

A fifth vital step to make your network documentation accessible is to share and collaborate on it with your team members, stakeholders, and clients. Sharing and collaborating on your network documentation will help you get feedback, suggestions, and approval on your network design, configuration, and performance. Sharing and collaborating on your network documentation will also help you build trust, transparency, and accountability with your network users and partners. To share and collaborate on your network documentation, you can use tools such as email, chat, or video conferencing, or use a collaborative network documentation software, such as Confluence, SharePoint, or IT Glue.

6 Review and audit your documentation

A sixth and final step to make your network documentation accessible is to review and audit it periodically and ensure that it meets the quality and compliance standards of your organization and industry. Reviewing and auditing your network documentation will help you verify the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of your network information, as well as identify and correct any errors or gaps. Reviewing and auditing your network documentation will also help you prepare for any internal or external audits, inspections, or assessments that may require your network documentation as evidence or proof. To review and audit your network documentation, you can use tools such as checklists, templates, or guidelines, or use a network documentation audit software, such as Netwrix Auditor, ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager, or RANCID.

7 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?