Cisco Systems, Inc. announced version 1.3 of CiscoWorks Blue Internetwork Status Monitor (ISM) for System/390. Previous releases of this product were called CiscoWorks Blue Native Service Point. Its new name better reflects the function it provides. ISM has new, easy-to-use features that reduce cost and meet user requirements for monitoring and controlling Cisco routers from the mainframe.
The new features include a powerful summary display of Cisco routers for quick problem resolution, the ability to manage multiple remote network devices through a single peer-to-peer connection and a greater ability to monitor Cisco channel connectivity devices.
ISM`s New Features
ISM`s Status Summary Display feature allows network managers to view the status of all Cisco routers, Channel Interface Processors (CIPs), Channel Port Adapters (CPAs) and interfaces from a single, color-coded display. Status changes are dynamically updated so that the operator can view a summary of key resources with a simple keystroke from a single console.
The second new feature, Focal Point, is ideal for managers of multiple networks or for those who manage a single network from multiple sites. Focal Point allows an authorized operator to manage Cisco routers connected to a remote mainframe via a single peer-to-peer connection. This capability eliminates the costs and complexity associated with establishing a session to monitor each router at the remote site.
The third new feature enables managers to monitor the CPU and memory usage of Cisco`s mainframe channel connectivity devices such as CIPs and CPAs. Operators are notified via mainframe alerts when predefined thresholds for CPU and memory usage are exceeded. This feature is key for eliminating potential problems before they occur.
ISM Offers Cost Savings
The new ISM software reduces and in some cases eliminates the need to purchase other PC or UNIX-based software for basic router management. ISM, providing management of SNA and IP devices from a single screen, eliminates the need for additional consoles. By troubleshooting network problems, tracking network usage and proactively fixing performance bottlenecks, users can avoid the costs associated with network downtime.
Network managers experienced with traditional Systems Network Architecture (SNA) management tools will find that ISM makes managing routed networks easy. ISM incorporates the same function keys, help panels and event displays found in NetView and SOLVE: Netmaster platforms to leverage users` proficiency.
"Today`s multiprotocol networks have presented a major challenge for traditional SNA network managers," said Jim Metzler, president of The Metzler Group. "Tools such as Cisco`s Internetwork Status Monitor can simplify the network management function by providing easy access to information for troubleshooting and problem resolution."
ISM integrates with the Tivoli TME/10 NetView for S/390 platforms to provide full visibility of a Cisco router network from a mainframe network management console. With ISM, network managers can issue commands from the mainframe management console, rather than from the router console, without the need for TCP/IP on the host.
"As enterprises continue to migrate from SNA to IP, routers are playing an increasingly important role in providing access to mainframe applications," said Ken Kauffmann, product manager for Cisco`s Interworks Business Unit. "Internetwork Status Monitor is a unique and effective tool for managing routers from the mainframe. Its new features were designed in response to customer requirements."
Pricing and Availability
ISM version 1.3 will be available on August 1, 1998 for Tivoli TME/10 NetView for OS/390. The TME/10 NetView for OS/390 version also supports NetView for MVS releases 2.4 and above. Another version of ISM that supports Sterling Software`s SOLVE: Netmaster management platform including SOLVE:Netmaster for TCP/IP will be available in 1999.
Share
Editorial contacts