Panting in a few strides behind Hewlett-Packard Co, which is leading the way these days in systems management offerings for Unix, the SunConnect arm of Sun Microsystems Inc has unveiled Version 2.0 of the SunNet Manager network management environment, saying that the new release enables users to manage networks of almost any size, from local nets to enterprise-wide networks, from a single environment. SunNet Manager runs on Sparc systems running Solaris systems, and versions for other Unix systems, including Solaris 2.0 for iAPX-86, IBM Corp RS/6000s and Hewlett-Packard’s HP 9000 series. SunNet Manager includes application programming interfaces and agents to enable users to automate the management of their multi-vendor networks, and as soon as it is installed, it will manage TCP/IP networks using Simple Network Management Protocol. With SunConnect add-on products, it manages diverse environments, including DECnet and FDDI networks and can also interact with IBM’s NetView. A new Auto-Management feature means that network nodes are not only discovered, but immediately managed so that specific management activities such as monitoring availability do not have to be initiated individually for each node. There is a new customisation facility that enables users to specify default behaviour for user tools, system-wide operations, and alarming options; a new single control window for management queries so that all active queries can be seen at a glance; and simplification of general management operations using the dreaded point-and-click commands for those poor benighted keyboardphobes. SunConnect says it now has 68 companies participating in its Partners Programme for Network Management, and contributions from these include traditional network management disciplines such as configuration management, system administration, security, problem solving, capacity management and management of specific devices; heterogeneous management links to additional network types; and delivery of integrated network management systems supporting multiple products from multiple vendors on one foundation. Among the partners, Tivoli Systems Inc is contributing its WizDOM management system, Demax Software Inc its SecureMax security features, Strategic Software Group its Probe/X capacity planning and management, DeskTalk Systems Inc its DataPipe SQL relational database interface, 3Com Corp its ViewBuilder/Unix, Chipcom Corp its ONdemand Network Control System, Cabletron Systems Inc its Remote LANview, Information Presentation Inc its Apple AgentMan Links Technology. SunNet Manager 2.0 will be out in July at $4,000.
