Platforms
Solaris, Windows (Console layer)
Pros
Provides a single point of management for all Sun servers, desktops,
storage systems, the Solaris operating environment, applications, and
datacenter services. This product scales to thousands of systems on a
single, unified management platform and integrates easily with
leading third-party platforms for added flexibility. It also has the
ability to get real-time system performance and offers a free
hardware diagnostic suite (plug-in) that detects hardware faults.
Cons
While it can manage and monitor other vendors, this ability
doesn't come easily.
Platforms
Solaris, HP-UX, AIX, Windows NT for some
Pros
This suite allows you to do everything from version control on your
configuration files to latency graphs and detailed pictures of the
backs of your devices. If you have a Cisco shop, stop everything and
get this package!
Cons
The maps are a bit hokey. Doesn't produce a very friendly
snapshot of your network, and has a hard time returning
configurations to the devices. Would be nice if it could restore as
easily as it backs up.
Platforms
Solaris, Windows 9x
Pros
Allows the user to view the status of a modem rack by displaying an
image of how the modem rack physically looks -- everything down to
the bolts and logo. The user can proceed to reset individual cards or
reset the entire chassis, among other things. This is a very slick
product and can be very useful when trying to track down equipment
problems.
Cons
Since newer 3Com Total Control chassis can have up to 336 modems,
this can be a bear to start (it has to query the status of all the
modems in the rack). The startup time can be greatly affected by the
speed of the network between you and the chassis in question.
Platforms
Unix, Windows NT
Pros
Very good tool for managing
Cabletron equipment, and is starting to add the ability to manage
equipment from other vendors.
Cons
Complicated to set up and maintain. Meant for shops that need a
high-end platform.
