IBM´s network management approach

The management functions requested by customers, namely problem management, change management, configuration management, performance management, accounting management, and operational control of the network, are discussed, emphasizing the need for a solution that provides a seamless view of voice, data, and bandwidth management networks. IBM´s approach to meeting these needs is described. It is a combination of offerings and a structure that permit the customer to mix and match IBM offerings and other vendors´ offerings as well as its own products and modifications to provide a network management solution tailored to its unique requirements. Three examples of IBM´s internal use of network management and a network management vision of how future networks may be managed are presented.<>