Centralized Management
ManageWise has an easy-to-use Windows console that provides a panoramic view of the network. The ManageWise console receives information from all servers running ManageWise, including those in geographically dispersed locations. The console assimilates this data and displays it on demand from its graphical user interface. The console supports both TCP/IP and IPX protocols for network communication.
Intuitive navigation
The ManageWise console presents maps as the primary means for access of network information. Manageable devices can be easily accessed and monitored from these maps with a click of the mouse button.
Smart early warning system
ManageWise continually monitors the network for emerging problems, such as low server memory, inactive critical nodes, LAN card errors and broadcast storms. When a potential problem is detected, ManageWise generates an alarm, which is recorded in the built-in database and displayed on all map views and alarm reports.
Alarms can be set to trigger other applications, such as disk backup or pagers, to resolve problems, even when the console is unattended. With ManageWise, you can diagnose possible causes of an alarm and prescribes a course of action. The ManageWise console also explains how to troubleshoot and manage networks.
SNMP support
ManageWise provides full SNMP management of any SNMP-manageable device on the network. The MIB Browser facility displays SNMP device statistics at one central location, and SNMP traps emitted by any SNMP device are received and interpreted as ManageWise alarms. While 400 SNMP alarms are monitored by ManageWise, you can add other SNMP alarms to the system to monitor a specific network environment.
High-level security
The ManageWise console is intended for use by management. Your managers may have different preferences in how they access management information. The ManageWise console lets them create management security domains to authorize select personnel to access certain management information and actions.
Each console can also be customized for its user. For example, an enterprise manager may need a high-level overview of all alarms, while a site manager may want to view only local network activity. ManageWise also supports SNMP over NetWare Directory Services™ (NDS), leveraging the strengths of NetWare authentication to prevent unauthorized users from accessing network information.
Proactive, Collaborative Management
ManageWise provides critical information to manage your network assets, their faults, configuration and performance. In addition, it provides flexibility for working with other management solutions and outsourcing staffing needs. These features are highlighted below.
Critical node monitoring
When a node fails, an agent resident on that device typically cannot report the failure. ManageWise lets you monitor critical devices on the network to ensure they are active. If not, ManageWise immediately notifies you through alarms. This critical monitoring requires no polling, so the network is not affected.
Proactive monitoring and trending
Networks today are growing rapidly to accommodate increased user demands for information and services. ManageWise collects historical usage data from servers, such as packets sent over a specific network segment for the past month to establish a baseline of normal activity.
It then graphically portrays the information for easy analysis, enabling you to troubleshoot potential problems. It also gives you reliable information for forecasting growth, allowing you to plan for future needs effectively.
Remote management
ManageWise provides cost-effective remote management by leveraging on-demand dial-up links. Because it employs intelligent agents that monitor the network, servers at remote sites do not have to maintain constant communications with the central console, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated lines. For example, when your remote location encounters a problem, ManageWise generates an alarm and transmits it to benefit a central site, letting staff at that location take immediate action.
Small organizations that want to outsource their management tasks to a reseller can now be serviced remotely over low-cost lines. Large organizations with distributed, unconnected branch offices also benefit by managing these networks over low-cost dial-up connections. Support of dial-up links enables proactive remote management while reducing the connection costs associated with dedicated lines.
Third-party console integration
ManageWise offers the most comprehensive autodiscovery capabilities in the industry. It exports topology data to other consoles so operators can have the same detailed maps of the network as those using the ManageWise console.
Because ManageWise is based on standards, such as SNMP, RMON, IP and IPX, UNIX consoles, including IBM SystemView* for AIX, HP OpenView* and SunNet Manager*, it lets you manage the NetWare environment with ManageWise deployed across your enterprise. Then, many users can manage the NetWare environment by using the included ManageWise console or with a UNIX console or both.
Market leaders complement ManageWise
ManageWise provides an open platform that can be extended with third-party "snap-in" applications. This complements its extensive network management capabilities by extending with more than 100 products from industry leaders. These are hub management products, such as Cabletron's Spectrum for N.S. and Optivity from Bay Networks, and router management tools, such as StonyBrook Software Inc.'s Router Manager for Cisco, Router Manager for 3Com, and Router Manager for Wellfleet.
Snap-in server hardware management tools include INSIGHT Manager from Compaq, IBM's NetFinity, and Percepta from AST Research Inc. Advanced alarm processing tools include Denmac Systems' AlertPage, Frye Computer Systems' Alert Interface Manager, and Paradigm for N.S. from Legent Corp. A Solutions Guide (part number 462-000568-001) detailing third-party products for ManageWise is available.
