Management mess

Distributed enterprises face three particular challenges when it comes to information technology infrastructure: managing system changes and upgrades, managing applications with the same tools, and managing networks of distributed systems.

Because network components and applications typically physically reside in a range of locations, it is seldom convenient to implement system changes and upgrades. While some software-based upgrades can be downloaded between distant locations (e.g. between home offices and branch offices), remote file transfers often must be completed one at time.

Therefore, the distributed enterprise is faced with managing the complexity of multiple software loads at the same time. In some cases, software must be physically installed at each site.

To reduce complexity, enterprises should select management software that provides for simultaneous remote software upgrades to network devices and to the applications that the network devices support.

Once new software is installed, there’s a similar challenge in managing the applications and devices. Monitoring a wide variety of devices that are widely distributed can become problematic. Enterprises should expect their management software to offer remotely controlled monitoring and troubleshooting, deployment testing and tuning, assessment, and reporting.

The key is to provide centralized management of distributed devices and applications. An IP-enabled core provides operational simplicity beyond moves, adds and changes. It also enables more efficient integration between central and distributed applications like voice-recognition programs, call routing, and back-office systems. These improvements in network, applications, and systems management may also be used to improve business processes and call management.

If you’d like to know about other ways to improve your business using converged systems, check out Steve and Larry’s white paper at: https://www.webtorials.com/main/resource/papers/vertical/paper1.htm