Building on its March 1997 introduction of TranscendWare software and subsequent announcements, 3Com Corporation has announced the industry`s first practical plan for deploying policy-powered networks (PPNs). PPNs incorporate TranscendWare software`s advanced intelligence that enables enterprises to more easily and comprehensively enforce information access (security), information delivery (class/quality of service), and network equipment monitoring and configuration actions according to business rules (i.e., policies).
Based on 3Com networking gear and open standards for interoperability with other networking vendors` products, PPNs have the intelligence to enforce these rules dynamically, according to user, workgroups, departments, date, time-of-day and even the level of network congestion, explains Paul Ruinaard, 3Com SA`s pre-sales manager.
He says that 3Com policy-powered networks are easier to configure than conventionally managed networks, can dramatically reduce current network administrative costs, and offer the control required for next-generation converged voice/video/data networks, virtual private networks, and extranets for electronic commerce.
Industry`s Only Practical Implementation Plan
The plan includes a practical five-step guideline that covers networking hardware deployment, types of software standards, directory support and network monitoring procedures.
"The PPN plan includes the industry`s most comprehensive policy framework based on industry standards for incorporating 3Com and other vendors` equipment," says Ruinaard. "Unlike other vendors` plans for policy-based networks, 3Com`s PPN plan is flexible by supporting all urces based on static information and dynamic conditions);
- the policy server returns the policy lease to the enforcing device, using translation and push technologies, as well as policy protocols (such as COPS);
- LAN switches, WAN switches, WAN routers, and end-system policy software enforce the policy to deliver or deny the requested service (such as data access, low-latency desktop videoconferencing, encryption, or higher-speed data delivery for critical applications).
"Until now, the role of policy in networks has usually been restricted to low-level activities, such as thresholding," says Ruinaard. "3Com has responded with a strategy that encompasses the critical elements for deploying policy-based networking - legacy support, open architecture, proper security and service establishment. Users will have the basic tools to align their networks with their business."
With 3Com`s PPN Framework in mind, users can deploy PPNs using a simple, five-step process, which includes: 1.) baselining their network using analysis tools; 2.) installing "smart bandwidth devices" (networking equipment with advanced policy intelligence); 3.) develop company policies and implementation plans for Security, Class of Service/Quality of Service, Monitoring and Configuration; 4.) set policies using the Policy Manager applications and 5.) monitor the effectiveness of policies and appropriately tune the network.
"In the past, to ensure the integrity of their networks, users have only had the option of over-provisioning their networks with extra bandwidth and statically defined rules, such as security," Ruinaard adds. "While over-provisioning is still a prudent strategy, managed or `smart` bandwidth is an evolutionary step forward, giving users an additional, more sophisticated tool than just brute force."
With a new generation of policy-enabled networking gear already shipping ahead of its competitors, 3Com will make available additional components of its PPN solutions as follows:
Q3/98 . LDAP client support
Q4/98 . Transcend Policy Manager and Server; QoS application; Directory support for Novell, Netscape and Siemens; DynamicAccess software for non-3Com NICs supporting 802.1p
1999 Directory support for Microsoft Active Directory; Policy-based Security, Configuration and Monitoring applications.
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