subject: Network Configuration Managers For Managed Network Service Providers An Overview [print this page] Network configuration is a tough task that requires higher level of expertise and a great deal of concentration. The network engineers are the specialized folks entrusted with the configuration job. If you are going the traditional way, configuration may take hours. At first, changes are done to the present settings and then the engineers check if there are flawed configurations or underperformance.
This is the common scenario for both managed network service providers and internal network hosting. The techno giants and comparatively lesser known vendors have introduced network managed software specially designed for a number of services including software installation, configuration, maintenance and management.
Two types of configuration are available in the market. The first one is vendor specific implying that the software is compatible only with the corresponding vendors tools. The second one is neutral software which functions irrespective of network devices.
Network Management Tools
The latest offerings under this category are worth mentioning. More advanced tools come with all-in-one package. These tools are very much handy for the network engineers and help them identify the changes which may have happened in times of configuration. These network management tools are executed periodically. So, the changes to configurations can be easily spotted and the relevant report is sent to configuration engineers.
Some of these management tools work on the Windows OS while the rest are compatible with other systems. Irrespective of their network compatibility, these applications involve several hardware and software tools crucial to network management.
A Variety of Management Tools - Getting to Chore Details
Configuration management applications have three vital components: The first one is Change Management Tool. It is integrated for complete audit tracking of configuration alternation. Another one is Device Updating Modules, and the last one is server which is used to centrally tie up two components.
There are other network management tools for effective configuration of remote devices. These tools work across multiple locations and help the network professionals to gain a better control of the entire set up. The management tools having multi-vendor configuration feature makes a good choice. These are built with change as well as compliance management solutions for several network devices including routers, firewalls, switches and other important components.
The leading companies seem to be at cold war! Each of them is trying to feel the pulse of the customers requirements. They are coming with more sophisticated tools and some of them are even available for 30 days free trial.
