Event-correlation and you -- Definitions
By Dennis Drogseth
Network World, 09/11/00
Here are some definitions you'll need to know for understanding automated management.
Automated
Users want automated solutions for faster deployment and the management of repetitive actions. But management software also needs to adapt automatically to change.
Integrated
An abused and trivialized term, where it typically has meant launchable. Real integration should mean sharing core intelligence for automated actions.
Network management
This no longer meaningfully applies just to the management of network devices. It increasingly means managing the networked infrastructure for service delivery.
Event correlation
Correlating network (or system) events, many of which can be set (thresholds) or arrived at by polling (pinging for availability). Reducing alarms is typically the goal.
Root-cause analysis
This means isolating the point of failure, be it at a device, a subcomponent (such as a port), or a line. In some cases, root cause extends to recommended procedures for correction.
Topology
Effective root-cause analysis depends on advanced mechanisms for building topology. Advances include improved accuracy, physical (Layer 2) topologies that can accommodate switched environments as well as logical (Layer 3) topologies. Topological discovery is also extending to systems and applications. Also, good topologies should enable filtering for scalability.
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Event correlation and you: Vendors
Drogseth is a director at EMA and co-author of Network World's
"Network Systems Management" newsletter.
