by ASP Technologies, Inc.
(970)686-1211
email:
sales@asptech.com
Vantage's Console Access Technology enables IT professionals to manage a wide variety of computer systems, applications software and communications devices from a single seat. Powerful monitor processes examine the streams of console messages generated by computing resources, trapping anticipated events and executing appropriate responses. Routine tasks performed by operators may be automated through 'rules-based' and 'time-based' scheduling. Automated fault detection, and in many cases correction, is carried out in near real-time while IT support personnel are notified only of those events requiring their attention. Normal operator responses to trapped events requiring some input are entered through special message dialog boxes, while truly exceptional events may require full console access to resolve. With Vantage, full console access to a resource is acquired by clicking on a managed resource's icon to open its console window.
Moreover, Vantage peer-to-peer and remote access features enable support personnel to trouble-shoot problems, perform diagnostic procedures and even reboot resources from a remote Vantage workstation, dial-up or other networked locations. Vantage performs all of its activities on the host workstation and remains 'outboard' requiring no proprietary agent software to be installed on computing resources. Vantage logs all trapped events and can be configured to log entire console streams.
In conclusion, Vantage can be used to "logically" consolidate the system management function without "physically" consolidating the systems. You may simultaneously derive the benefits of centralized control with those of decentralized, distributed computing.
Vantage uses X windows, Motif and HP-VUE to present an easy to use graphical user interface. Most operations are carried out with a mouse click or two and a few keystrokes. The actual interface to each of the managed resources is the same familiar console session that they've used in the past with the exception that Vantage is now monitoring the character stream, trapping events and responding in much the same way as the operator would. Users quickly learn to take advantage of the convenience functions built into this interface to further streamline operations.
An event is defined by the console message text to be trapped, the starting position, if any, and the execution priority. A response function is also selected as well as its throttle policy which determines the allowable execution frequency. The built in response functions include video alerts, an audio alert, hardcopy alerts, functions which send one or more commands to one or more managed resources, and the APIexec.
The APIexec allows execution of user and 3rd party supplied applications, such as e-mail and paging applications. A proxy trap generator to communicate with SNMP management platforms such as Open View is included and can be executed from the APIexec.
This set of response functions makes fault detection, error correction, support personnel notification and operations automation a breeze with Vantage.
Vantage monitors the character stream of a resource's console as it occurs in real time and is not dependent on or delayed by delivery of information by inboard agents.
All occurrences of trapped events are logged on the Vantage workstation. Vantage includes a reporting module which is useful in extracting selected event records formatted for print, text and comma separated variable (CSV). These files are useful as exports to post-analysis packages. In addition, each managed resource may be configured to retain up to the most recent megabyte of console traffic on the Vantage workstation. These console logs can prove invaluable in establishing the events that led up to the failure of a down system. The console logs are also useful in determining which console messages are possible events.
It's no secret that the size of the equipment used by IT has been greatly reduced over the years. One thing however, has not: the console terminal used to operate a system. When 30 terminal consoles are consolidated onto a single Vantage workstation, the space saving benefits are obvious.
Vantage takes advantage of the computer industry's penchant to include a serial console/management port on most systems and devices, even those which include SNMP agents. Vantage connects to managed resources primarily through these ports, thereby securing the most comprehensive control point available on a resource. Network connectivity methods can also be employed by Vantage to broaden its sphere of control.
By design Vantage does not require the installation of agent software on any managed resource, which allows control over a much wider variety of systems and devices. As a result, no processing overhead is imposed on resources under Vantage control. All event detection and automation is performed 'outboard' on the management workstation.
Additionally, when a managed resource is upgraded or replaced, the Vantage connection is merely transferred to the new or upgraded processor without incurring any additional agent upgrade license fees.
Console connectivity can be network independent. During network outages, devices such as bridges, routers, hubs and even systems remain visible to Vantage. Event detection is unaffected as is the access needed to resolve the problem.
When a Vantage controlled site is "lights out", alerts can be forwarded to a manned Vantage site or "center of excellence." When interaction is needed to resolve a problem, console access is available with three clicks of the mouse.
Vantage workstations on a network can be configured to exchange information. This enables control of resources connected to one Vantage workstation from another remote Vantage workstation. This "transfer of control" can enable the operation and support functions of computer systems to "follow the sun".
Vantage's peer-to-peer interaction enables system managers to obtain access to the consoles of computing resources remotely, regardless of the physical location of the resources. Clicking the remote Vantage host name in Vantage's Launch/Status Manager dialog displays the resources connected to the remote workstation. Obtaining full console access to the resource is as easy as clicking a button.
If the system manager is not at a workstation, console access is acquired from a terminal through either dial-up or network connection. Character based programs are provided to enable support of Vantage where no Graphical User Interface is available. These features provide the capability of supporting systems from virtually any location. When support personnel can access and maintain remote systems, organizations no longer need duplicate personnel in every site.
Standard support agreement includes PICS during normal business hours 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Standard Time.
Premium 24 X 7 support available at extra charge.
On site installation and training is available.
On site consulting also available.
Potentially any RS232C device capable of software flow
control; or network-aware devices capable of ssh, telnet, rlogin or ns
sessions.
ASP Technologies, Inc.
710 Pine Drive
Windsor, Colorado 80550 U.S.A.
Toll free: (800) 516-0841
Phone: (970) 686-1211
Fax: (970) 686-7075