Network Management Under the Umbrella

Large, multivendor enterprise networks are often difficult to manage because management tools are either vendor-specific or inaccessible to private enterprises, and because the networks are continually changing. By proactively managing enterprise-wide facilities and equipment, integrated network management systems (INMSs) allow managers to improve staff productivity, cost-effectiveness, and service to network users.

An INMS is a sophisticated computer decision-support system that acts as an " umbrella" to oversee lower-level element management systems (EMSs). Each EMS deals with the detailed management of a specific type of network or distributed system entity (a network object), while the umbrella system (a manager of managers) interfaces with the EMSs to achieve single, global network monitoring and control.

Productivity increases because a single network manager can monitor and control any object in the enterprise network using a few buttons on a console. All of the information paths from the data center, work group, application software, and telecommunications components can be managed end to end. Thus, the impact of network problems on individual network users can be automatically determined and users notified of their status. And because network managers are made aware of problems before they impact users, they can resolve the problems proactively.

An INMS can keep track of the operational state of all network objects using information received from the EMSs. The operational state of certain types of network objects for which that information is not reported, such as lines leased from a common carrier, can be inferred from the state of other objects (e.g., the modems on the ends of the lines). Over time, computer analysis of this data lets network managers determine which suppliers and types of network objects have chronic problems. They can also use the hard data to back up their requests for rebates or refunds.

DO YOU NEED AN INMS? The benefit of moving to an INMS will depend on a number of factors. Generally, a mission-critical enterprise network on which business depends for competitive advantage is a strong candidate for an INMS. As a guideline, Nynex Allink customers with large mission-critical networks forecast and achieve a two-to two-and-a-half-year payback on their investments.

Other indicators of the need for an INMS are the number of subnetworks or suppliers in the network and the number...