Network Configuration and Change Management: Get 'Urban Ninja' Control (without going through the trouble of training to be an actual Ninja)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 by Eden Mondanaro
There's a new/old movement in the air: that of the Venerable Art of the Urban Ninja. While watching one of these maestros of movement on YouTube referred to me thru Facebook (yes, they really do pay people for that) I was struck by the similarities between Redcell and what these guys do. Witness the Urban Ninja contemplating his environment. Does this remind you of a network administrator contemplating change?

Urban Ninjas survey their environment before jumping. Looks kind of like a network administrator contemplating change!

Being nimble, fast and accurate is important to both Urban Ninjas and Network Administrators. The pain of screwing up is just too large. Pshaw, you say? Evidence:
 
1. Urban Ninjas need to be all 3 - nimble, fast and accurate. You can't do what these badasses do without being darn sure of your abilities. Similarly, professional lives are on the line when running a mission-critical network. A botched jump between 2 buildings can really ruin one's day. So can a botched deployment if it's your responsibility. Especially due to avoidable network problems
 
Simple, correctable things. We're not saying Redcell is the best tool for implementing change in your network. We're saying it's the only tool. 

The Redcell suite of capabilities are the foundation for true seamless integration of service creation and service fullfillment, in addition to service assurance.
 
Another example: Inventory reconciliation. Believe it or not, this is a common problem. Not knowing exactly what you have and how things are configured will cause big problems when provisioning new services. This generally because of having an out-dated, manual process usually involving some type of spreadsheet reports. Want to deploy new, profitable elements of your network? Good luck without a specialized - yet flexible - network management software. Just as an Urban Ninja will survey the environment before jumping - so, too, is it wise before implementing change to survey your network.
 
Personally, I am also comfortable with using Excel and that is what I use for generating probably 99% of my reports. However, my job does not involve responsibility for global, mission-critical applications in telecoms, finance or energy supply. Not does it involve [thankfully] jumping from building to building as you've seen with our Venerable Urban Ninja. 

You can survey your own network for free with a 2-week trial of Redcell for Enterprise here.

Service Providers can learn more about Redcell here.

 

Security Services Config Technical Specifications

Vendor Specific Line Card Support:

  • Fast Ethernet
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • Controller Cards
  • ATM
  • Channelized OC-x
  • Multilink Services
  • SONET/SDH
  • T1/E1
  • T3/E3
  • Tunnel
  • Multi-service blade
  • IPSec SPA

Operating Environments:

  • Windows 2000, XP, 2003
  • Solaris 9
  • Red Hat Linux


Database:

  • Embedded database or Oracle

Interface Support:

  • SNMPv1/v2/v3; Proprietary Device CLI, XML, SSH SOAP/Web services, RMI/IIOP, TL1

Comprehensive Cisco Support:

  • Network-based Security Services Solution
  • Integrated Services Routers (ISR)
  • Head Office / WAN Routers
  • VPN Aggregation Routers
  • Core & Service Access Routers
  • ASA Security Appliances
  • PIX Firewalls



Network Management: detailed network inventory & configuration information in Altiris-managed environments

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 by Eden Mondanaro
Imagine a tool that can discover and automate your network and storage environment - all from your existing Symantec Management Console.

The Redcell Integration Component for Symantec Altiris Solutions is a Symantec-certified solution that lets you gain unprecedented knowledge and control of you complete IT infrastructure, even in a multi-vendor environment - all within your Symantec Altiris NS system.


Illustration - The Redcell Integration Component for Symantec Altiris Solutions

The integrated solution provides the combined power of application, systems, network & storage asset, inventory, configuration and connectivity knowledge - all from within the Symantec Management Console & in the Altiris CMDB.

Specifically, Redcell lets users find, configure and monitor multi-vendor networking & storage environments. Redcell is easy-to-implement, easy-to-use, and easy-to-maintain - providing you with the visibility and control needed to maintain and control a healthy data center.

You can see it for yourself with a free trial. Not up for the free trial? Check out the PDF data sheet (no registration required).

> Free Evaluation Software | Redcell with Symantec Altiris Integration.

> Data Sheet  | Redcell with Symantec Altiris Integration


INTERFACE SUPPORT
SNMPv1/v2/v3; Proprietary Device 
CLI, XML, SSH, WMI/CIM, Web services, HTTP/S 

DEVICE SUPPORT
Routers, switches, security devices, servers, storage devices and networked printers

DEVICE SUPPORT EXAMPLES
 • Cisco 
 • Dell 
 • EMC 
 • Brocade 
 • Juniper 
 • Extreme 
 • Foundry 
 • HP 
 • Windows 
 • Linux 
 • Many more! 

OPERATING ENVIRONMENTS FOR INSTALLATION
• Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008 Server 
• Sun Solaris 9, 10 
• Redhat ES Linux v4, v5 
• SUSE Linux v9, v10 

Network Configuration in the Real World - "As Designed" vs. "As Deployed"

Thursday, November 18, 2010 by Eden Mondanaro
In the real world, things don't always go how we plan them. For example, making configuration
changes can disrupt your existing customers and services - and cost $$. Does this look familiar?

Network configuration "as Designed"        vs.       Network configuration "As Deployed"

Fallout can occur when spreadsheets, text files or static/legacy inventory systems are used as the source
when it comes to implementing changes. Out-of-date, stale, static and manually updated configuration information
can badly hurt your network. This means deep discovery of inventory and configuration auditing can help everyone: 
operations, engineers and customers. Now you can update, maintain and reconcile your network infrastructure. 

We all know there's a gap between planning and the real world. Now we have Redcell to fix it. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Need an Inventory Audit?

IP VPN MPLS

Network Configuration Tools

____________________________________________________________________________

Redcell supports converging IT technologies, security, networking and storage devices. Systems, media gateways and applications from leading
vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Extreme, Dell, Microsoft, Symantec, Foundry, Linux, HP, Avaya, Aruba, Oracle, EMC, Nortel, 3Com, Brocade and more.
____________________________________________________________________________

One Interface for Services and Devices: Advanced Multi-Vendor Network Management

Friday, September 24, 2010 by Eden Mondanaro
How nice would it be to have 1 common interface... A single GUI, not a bunch of different tools... for everything?

One aspect of network management: Inventory/deep discovery. This is something that on the surface sounds simple, but really is the foundation for everything else that takes place in your network. For example, "How are my devices configured?" or "How are my services provisioned?" You can't begin to fix a system or process that's broken without knowing first what you have.

Discovery also happens to be something that Redcell is really good at. It helps to be able to find various open management interfaces (like SNMPv1/v2/v3, Telnet, SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SFTP and SCP). And to be able to find subcomponents, supported management information bases (MIBs) and Ethernet link information. This provides you with access to vital, in-depth network and connectivity data.

Now you can proceed with inventory discovery, event management, advanced scheduling and extensive device configuration management. You can also access physical, geographical and logical topology, security management, group management and performance monitoring... all with 1 single tool, not a hodge-podge of tools that may not work well together.

The Redcell RM&O suite of capabilities are the foundation for true seamless integration of service creation and service fullfillment, in addition to service assurance.

Service Providers such as AT&T and Telekom Malaysia already know the power of Redcell. For the uninititated, you can receive a free demo to see for yourself - or go head-to-head in a scenario with Redcell vs. any competitor. Check out the platform that was recently selected by Etisilat to support services for their 100m+ customers.

If you work with an Enterprise or Government agency, you can try Redcell free of charge in a 14-day trial or even request an extended license from us. Companies like Boeing Advanced Systems use Redcell for infrastructure management.

Lastly, Manufacturers such as Dell trust Redcell. Dorado Software has a long history of creating OEM element management systems (EMS) for leading manufacturers. Our flexible approach can get you up and running in a matter of weeks and provides you with the ultimate branding potential.

At any time  - we invite you to check out the tools because we honestly believe they are the best tools on earth - especially for complex, next-generation networks. One thing we've seen time and time again: Power users get it.

Service Provider Demo  |  Enterprise 14-Day Trial

Managing The Evolution of LTE

Thursday, August 12, 2010 by Eden Mondanaro
GOAL: Manage LTE to Delivery High Quality Mobile Broadband at the Lowest Cost

Long Term Evolution (LTE) provides the bandwidth necessary to deliver advanced and compelling services. It will no longer be good enough to maintain the quality of the network. Service providers must differentiate themselves by monitoring the user experience or quality of experience. Mobile providers face a number of challenges with technologies and standards at and beyond 3GPP / LTE. From new, emerging technology to increasing scale and growth, 3GPP / LTE promises to challenge mobile providers in a variety of disciplines.
 
Scaling will be a factor as well. The introduction of new services and features that come as a result of LTE deployment will drive an increase in individual mobile adoption rates. While per-user usage will also increase, resulting in an increased per-user revenue growth, individual mobile adoption and usage will expand as well. This will result in an increased need to quickly and smoothly scale the configuration, deployment and provisioning of all parts of the network from devices to gateways.

Another challenge facing mobile providers will be the requirement of maintaining a hybrid environment for years to come. TDM and the more traditional telco technologies will not just go away with the advent of 3GPP / LTE. The typical mobile operator will need to maintain a TDM / Ethernet environment through several device lifecycles. The interface / integration requirements for these hybrid platforms will be a challenge.
 
The Long Term Evolution (LTE) Solution from Dorado Software

Dorado Software's Redcell Suite of Resource Management, Service Management, Fulfillment and Assurance products offers Service Providers a true end-to-end solution for their next generation OSS. From service activation, fulfillment and assurance to managing your resources.
 
The suite is flexible and scalable to meet a wide range of installations, and packaged with tools to easily customize implementations to meet any environments requirements, including any service and support for any device.

Key Features of Redcell:
Service Provisioning / Activation
E-line, E-LAN, E-Tree
QoS for Voice, Video, Data
MPLS, L2/L3
Mobile Backhaul, LTE, IMS

Health & Performance Monitoring
Real-time device & service
 
Deep Discovery & Inventory:
Single database & GUI for consistent service configuration & activation
All H/W, S/W, physical & logical sub components
 
Topology
Hierarchical visual mapping services with alarm propagation
 
Configuration Management
Real-time configuration changes
Change detection & policy-based evaluation
 
File, OS Management
Backup, restoration, archiving, deployment & comparison
 
Comprehensive Reporting
Inventory: By Device, Sub component, Service
Change / Compliance: Who, What, When, How
 
Integration, Customization
Service Studio tools for quick modeling of any service
Device Driver SDK to support any device

For more information on managing LTE, please contact us or visit the Dorado Software website.
 
 
 

Discover Hidden Resources

Friday, July 23, 2010 by Alan Taylor
One of the most troubling aspects of network management, especially managing a far-reaching network is the potential for undiscovered devices and assets. Not only are undiscovered devices a potential liability in terms of updates, network drain and unmonitored activity, they also pose lost revenue potentials. IT audit software and IT inventory software is a high-priority when discovering devices complex, multi-vendor environemnts.
IT Inventory Software
Dorado's Redcell Inventory Management Solution can solve the problem of undiscovered devices and assets – in just 2 clicks. State of the art in terms of network discovery tools, the Redcell Inventory Management Solution is a fully automated inventory lifecycle management solution that can change the way you visualize and report on your resources. Redcell is supported by Dorado's powerful discovery engine that recognizes any network-aware device including customer premise equipment (CPE), routers, switches, wireless access points, servers, PCs, printers, etc. Device configuration data is supplied by Redcell's extensive device driver library covering thousands of the most popular networked equipment.

With Redcell Inventory Management you can:

    * Use Deep Discovery to identify logical entities such as interfaces, sub-interfaces, ports, links, services, users and even passwords
    * View the network from various perspectives, so you can research aspects of the network and find components that meet a certain criteria
    * Report on inventory status, distributing strategic information to executives and other decision-makers throughout the company
    * Automate resynchronization to ensure the physical and logical network content is always current and compliant with your policies and service level agreements

Redcell shows you the big picture:
  How the network is connected, how equipment is being used, who owns each    device, who is impacted, and which services are deployed.

Learn more about Dorado’s Redcell Inventory Management Solution

Cisco Live and Customer Successes

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by Alan Taylor
We here at Dorado Software had a great time at Cisco Live and thoroughly enjoyed the virtual experience at the Cisco Live & Networkers Virtual website at http://www.ciscolive.com/virtual/. Not only does it represent a great portal to the Cisco conference, it is a valuable ongoing cache of information from Cisco events all year long. From Cisco management to network traffic analysis and more, it's there in the virtual site. We are pleased to be a part of the virtual event (you can find our booth in the “exhibitors” section) and look forward to the growth and evolution of this great tool. If you haven’t joined already, please do (it’s free) and spend some time perusing all that happened at the recent Cisco Live event in Las Vegas.

Dorado Software IT Network Management Success StoryOne thing that particularly struck us during the event was the interest in our “Light Reading” material and especially the Customer Success write-ups that were posted on the site. One of these success stories, following the Dorado Software implementation at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations, is a great example of how our solutions can help organizations garner more control over expansive, growing and dynamic networks.

The main challenges in this success story are managing change within a converging, multi-vendor IT network management infrastructure, reducing manual processes and errors and reducing disparate tools all under a tight budget. The key benefits that Dorado provides in answer to these challenges are a single management interface for a multi-vendor network, automated management of the end-to-end infrastructure, granular inventory and change management and easy and affordable scalability.

We are happy with the ability to get the word out about our award-winning solutions and look forward to additional opportunities within the Cisco networking world to showcase our solutions. Stay tuned for more!

See the whole picture... solve problems faster.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 by Alicia Hessinger

We're well into day 2 at Symantec Vision and getting closer to information overload.  If your there and haven't already, stop by booth 21 to see Dorado Software.  If there's still room in your brain for more info you need to learn how to see the whole picture... solve problems faster.   The Redcell Integration Component does make the problem solving faster.  And who doesn't want that!?!  Key features include:

Network Discovery Tools
Network Topology
Inventory
Monitoring
OS Deployment
Configuration
Network Compliance Monitoring
Reporting
Multi-technology
  Networking
  Security
  Storage

All in a virtualized environment!

And if you are already in the information overload stage then at least stop by to pick up one of those great slap and wrap koozies.  I'm telling you, this is one will make it home with you.  The lay flat so you can pack them easily for the trip home.  Even better, once you're home they lay flat in the drawer for easy use with your favorite adult beverage or pop.  That's right I said pop!  I refuse to conform to using soda!  Besides that you'll get an entry for one of those new iPads.  Double entry if you attend the technical session on Thursday.  Topic is "Do you know your network in a virtualized environment?"  Thursday at 11:30am Room 110.  Should be worth the wait...  and more information to cram into your head.  Just what you wanted!


You’re not at Vision?  You can still get all the information you can handle.  The Symantec Vision website has videos of their key notes, recaps and much much more.  Plus you can always hit up Dorado Software's website to learn about the Redcell Integration Component for Symantec Altiris Solutions, for additional info or if you just want a free slap and wrap koozie email Symantec@doradosoftware.com.
 

Big Conferences, Big Solutions from Dorado

Thursday, April 8, 2010 by Alan Taylor
We’re busy gearing up for the conference season (does it ever actually take a break?) and can’t wait to show attendees our new network and device deployment, monitoring, management and inventory tools. Below are a few of the conferences we are attending in the immediate future. Make sure and stop by the Dorado Software area for some in-depth discussion regarding industry challenges and Dorado solutions!

April 2010

Symantec Vision - http://go.symantec.com/takecontrolDorado Software and Symantec
Las Vegas, NV - April 12-15, 2010
We’ll be talking about the transparent datacenter: the seamless integration of network and systems management which creates a management environment where the complete datacenter is visible from one console. Also, our Facebook page says there may be an Ipad available for a lucky attendant at our technical session at this event!

   
Interop - http://www.interop.com/Dorado Software at Interop
Las Vegas, NV -  April 25-29th, 2010
Look for Dorado Software and all of our network and device monitoring tools in the Dell Pavilion. We’re concentrating our discussion here to supporting the entire fabric of your datacenter including tighter integration with Dell on OpenManage products and support for Brocade.
   
May 2010

Juniper Partner Summit Americas - http://www.juiper.net/Dorado Software Monitor Juniper Equipment
Phoenix, AZ - May 24-26th, 2010
You probably already know that Dorado's Targeted Solutions are specialized Redcell product packages that are tuned for Juniper Networks features and markets. Dorado offers Targeted Solutions for Juniper E-series packages and we’ll be showing off the capabilities of our Targeted Solutions at this conference.
   
Management World 2010 - http://www.tmforum.org/Dorado Software at Management World
The  Acropolis Congress Center in Nice, France - May 18-20, 2010
With the rapid advent of mobile backhaul, carrier Ethernet and LTE, we’ll be spending a lot of our time here discussing ways to deploy, monitor and manage these new technologies and protocols. Any service, any device: ask us.
   
Juniper Partner Summit EMEA - http://www.juniper.net/Dorado Software supports Juniper Equipment
Barcelona, Spain


Again, we can’t wait to show off what we’ve been working on. Make sure and stop by our area for more information.

Also, in the meantime, become a fan of our Facebook page to get updates regarding our conferences and news. See you at the conferences!

Dorado Mention: How to choose and implement automated configuration management tools

Thursday, March 25, 2010 by Alan Taylor
Dorado gets another mention by people in the know. This time it’s from SearchNetworking.com. In the current article on TechWatch, it explains how to choose and implement automated configuration management tools.

Especially interesting is how Dorado already meets the majority of the items needing consideration. Such as:
  •  A successful closed loop configuration management tool (CLCM) includes detailed templates that perform the actions and specify a set of conditions that must be met. Check.
  • Actions to be taken based on several conditions including, in the event of a failure, returning the network to previous configuration. Got that.
  • Integration between configuration tools, fault management tools including auto discovery. With Dorado’s suite of network tools, all this can be handled from a single console.
We’re glad to see the increasing press on our line of network management, configuration, monitoring and asset inventory products. A great product deserves great press!