Digital Networking Systems puts Seagate NerveCenter to the test
Taking another step towards its goal of providing a proactive network management solution, Digital Networking Systems (DNS) has successfully integrated Seagate Software`s event correlation software into its existing service offering.
Set to be used in tandem with HP`s OpenView Node Manager management tool, Seagate NerveCenter filters events that occur across the enterprise and correlates them with network conditions. If there is a critical problem, the software will automatically take the appropriate action.
Charles Osburn, chief technology officer at DNS, believes the product will find favour with IT managers already bogged down by daily departmental maintenance concerns. This will mean DNS can offer a more complete service.
"We have two predominant offerings for our customers [mainly corporates in the mining, retail, healthcare, telecommunications and financial services sectors], each of which is designed to relieve them of network management responsibilities," Osburn says.
The first, network reporting services (NRS), gathers and organises information on network traffic loads, patterns and abnormalities. This is carried out by establishing a Diginet connection from the DNS office to that of its customer.
"Once we have that information, we can provide summaries of network availability and performance, as and when the customer demands. We are also able to generate `exception` reports which pinpoint faults that have occurred," explains Osburn.
The second, management and reporting services (MRS), undertakes the physical management process required in keeping networks and servers up and running. Feeding off information culled from NRS, this service includes troubleshooting the network, notifying users of faults, suggesting solutions and ensuring that service-level agreements are met.
"Seagate NerveCenter plays a pivotal role in both services," says Christo Conidaris, sales manager, MEA, Seagate Software Network and Storage Management Group (NSMG).
"DNS conducts remote network monitoring using HP OpenView, among other tools. When a router or hub goes down, the software dispatches an SNMP [simple network management protocol] alert to the administrator.
"After evaluating that alert, a decision can be made and action taken. What Seagate NerveCenter essentially does is allow those reactions to be carried out with qualified information," says Conidaris.
While this in itself is a boon for managers, Conidaris says the product`s filtering capabilities offer an even greater benefit.
"What you have to remember is that these SNMP traps - or `masks` - are not only dispatched in the event of an abnormality, but are also used to communicate all forms of information across the network.
"As a result, there could be thousands of masks flying around in any given instant. By following network behaviour rules set by the administrator, Seagate NerveCenter filters out those masks which pertain to a device fault and takes corrective action," says Conidaris.
Automatically fixing problems after they have occurred is one thing, but for DNS that still represents reactive, not proactive, management. Using Seagate NerveCenter, the company can now poll and interrogate customers` network devices.
"Although the product ships with a library of pre-defined behavioural models, the information gleaned from polling can be used to fine tune these behaviour models. Consequently, Seagate NerveCenter helps to ensure smooth network operations by forewarning administrators of an impending crash. This is proactive," says Conidaris.
DNS has also augmented its NRS and MRS offerings with Seagate Desktop Management Suite.
For more information about Seagate Software, Network and Storage Management Group, contact the Company`s regional office in Johannesburg on +27 (0)11 448-2080. For more information on DNS` offerings, point a browser to www.dns.co.za.
Editors Note
About Seagate Software
Seagate Software, a subsidiary of Seagate Technology, Inc., develops tools and applications for Enterprise Information Management (EIM); the solution for the growing need of corporations for superior information delivery, analysis and availability. Seagate Software`s diverse technology and breadth of leading products -- including the award-winning Seagate Backup Exec, Seagate Crystal Info, Seagate Crystal Reports, Seagate Desktop Management Suite, Seagate Holos, Seagate Manage Exec and Seagate WinINSTALL -- make it uniquely qualified to deliver EIM with an integrated infrastructure. Seagate Software has established strategic relationships with Compaq, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM, Informix, Microsoft, Netscape, Novell, Oracle, PeopleSoft and other industry leaders, and markets its products worldwide, through distributors, value-added resellers, systems integrators, retailers, and OEMs. Seagate Software`s home page address on the World Wide Web is http://www.seagatesoftware.com.
Seagate Technology, Inc. (NYSE:SEG) is a leading provider of technology and products enabling people to store, access, and manage information. The Company is committed to providing best-in-class products to help people get information when, where and how they want it. Seagate is the world`s largest manufacturer of disc drives, magnetic discs and read-write heads, an innovator in tape drives, and a leading developer of Enterprise Information Management software. Seagate can be found around the globe and on the World Wide Web at http://www.seagate.com. For automated news, stock and financial information by phone, dial toll-free 877-SEG-NYSE. Outside the U.S. and Canada, dial 760-704-4368.
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