DEC took the opportunity of its DECWorld event in Cannes to announce an open network management architecture based on the International Standards Organisation reference model, which it claims makes it an industry first. The architecture, as reported briefly (CI No 1,014) will be a key building block in DEC’s new enterprise-wide area networking strategy and is expected to support up to 100 DEC upper level management application tools. Configuration, Fault, Performance, Security and Accounting Management are defined in the ISO five-segment reference model and those functions will be provided as a generic part of any enterprise management product, said Charles Ashman, DEC product manager for Enterprise Networking. Management applications such as DECNet Monitor, Land Traffic Monitor and Bridge Manager will be compatible with the new architecture within the next 12 months, he added. Previously these offerings were bundled onto the Network Services Processor. DECWorld at Cannes was also the venue for DEC to announce an alliance with Motorola Codex, the US data communications equipment company, to integrate their network management tools. Codex’s first contribution to the Network Enterprise Management Programme will be to develop an Access Module enabling its Open Systems management products to complement DEC’s range. The new partnership gave flesh to details of other elements of its Enterprise-wide networking strategy with the announcement of wide ranging support and services programmes to complement new hardware and software products launched last month. DEC is aiming to provide customers with seamless management of global multi-vendor networks including servicing and support aspects, preferably on a one stop-shop basis. Third party agreements, such as the Motorola Codex will therefore be sought for joint development of software management tools and to provide regional support. This Third Party Programme already covers a string of partners: Siemens AG, Munich; Digital Communications Associates Inc at its offshoot in Campbell, California; and Unisys’ Timeplex Inc, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey have all agreed to make their products compatible with DEC’s Enterprise portfolio. In addition, DEC launched a Service Programme, a Planning and Design Service, Integrated Support Services and Programme Management, all coming under the DEC Enterprise networking banner.
