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MetaConsole
FAQ
What
is MetaConsole?
What
can I use MetaConsole for?
What
is the target market?
How
can I get MetaConsole?
Is
there a trial version?
What
is the licensing model?
Why
should I license MetaConsole?
As
an OEM, will I have to replace the custom management tools
that have already been developed for my devices or services?
What
technology is used in MetaConsole?
What
management protocols are supported?
What
level of SNMP support is provided?
Are
any non-standard protocols supported?
What
is the MetaConsole server component and why is it needed?
What
is contained in a client?
How
do the MetaConsole clients differ from any other clients that
may exist for a specific console?
Do
I have to do anything special to make a MetaConsole client
work in a console environment?
What
new features are being developed for MetaConsole?
What
documentation is provided for MetaConsole, and who creates
it?
Is
MetaConsole localizable?
What
support options are available to an OEM?
What
is NETAPHOR?
MetaConsole is a product that allows you to manage devices,
applications and services in a networked environment. In large
enterprise networks, MetaConsole can be used from within CA
Unicenter, HP OpenView or IBM/Tivoli NetView. In smaller workgroups,
MetaConsole is best suited to be used within a web browser.
In Windows 2000 networks, MetaConsole also works within Microsoft
Management Console.MetaConsole includes an SDK for building
a specific management solution
MetaConsole can set up and monitor your networked servers,
storage devices and other networked equipment. It is ideally
suited for configuring devices such as NAS boxes, networked
printers, switches and routers and monitoring these devices
for problems. Alarms are logged, and notifications can be
generated using email or paging.
MetaConsole works on any Java-enabled platform and is applicable
for management in an intranet or Internet environment. Monitored
data and alarms can be stored in a database. MySQL, MS SQL
Server and Oracle databases are among the supported databases.
MetaConsole is targeted at developers of devices and services
who need to ship a management solution for their offerings.
System integrators who need to create custom management solutions
can also use MetaConsole to do this. MetaConsole includes
an SDK for customizing for a specific OEM or installation.
MetaConsole can be licensed from Netaphor and distributed
by OEMs, integrators and developers
There is a trial verison of the
MetaConsole SDK. You need to register for this trial version.
Netaphor will email a link from where you can download the
trial version. An
online demo of MetaConsole is also available
There is a licensee fee that is charged for the MetaConsole
SDK alsong with a run-time fee for the MetaConsole run-time
server and client components. Call Netaphor toll free at 1-877-NETA4SW
for pricing details.
- The complete MetaConsole feature set is not available
via any other single package or tool.
- If you are an OEM, you must develop support for console
environments, but doing it yourself would be time-consuming
and difficult. The ROI on MetaConsole is quick and immediate.
- Support costs will be lowered as a result of using MetaConsole
to diagnose and fix problems.
No. MetaConsole is intended to complement your OEM-developed
tools. MetaConsole provides solutions for OEMs in environments
such as Windows 2000, large enterprise networks, Linux or
other UNIX environments, and diverse and multi-vendor environments
for which an OEM-provided solution may not exist.
The server component was developed in Java and can execute
in any Java-enabled environment. It is a scalable solution
that optimizes network usage while conveniently serving several
clients simultaneously.
MetaConsole clients are provided for the following environments:
- Microsoft Management Console
- HP OpenView
- IBM/Tivoli NetView
- CA Unicenter
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Netscape Navigator
MetaConsole clients can communicate with a server in an intranet
or Internet environment (across firewalls), using HTTP and
XML. MetaConsole clients can manage software services, NAS
devices, printers, switches, routers, hubs and bridges, and
NT and Linux servers.
MetaConsole supports SNMP for managing most networked devices
and services. DDE and WMI are also supported on Windows platforms.
MetaConsole supports the SNMPv1, SNMPv2 and SNMPv3 protocols.
It supports both standard and enterprise MIBs for the devices
and services that it manages. Thus, MetaConsole can exploit
any enhancements your target devices make for management.
MetaConsole can support any protocol, standard or non-standard.
Currently, NETAPHOR implements non-standard protocols in MetaConsole
on a case-by-case basis as part of the customization performed
for each OEM. The implementation of non-standard protocols
is transparent to users.
The MetaConsole server component contains all of the knowledge
about how and what to communicate with a device or service
that is manageable by MetaConsole. The server component was
created to allow a scalable solution that can simultaneously
service diverse environments while minimizing network traffic.
A MetaConsole server can service several MetaConsole clients
simultaneously; however, a MetaConsole installation can also
be configured such that there is a server component for each
client within the network.
A client contains the code necessary to interface with the
console and the MetaConsole server. It executes as a native
module for the console (for example, as a standard MMC snap-in
or HP OpenView smart plug-in). It also has a user interface
that executes in a web browser.
MetaConsole clients are no different from any other plug-ins
that may exist for a specific console. However, NETAPHOR has
developed technology that allows for the quick creation of
clients by separating out the components that may be common
among the different supported consoles. Thus any client includes
at least the following components:
- the client interface to the console
- the interface to the MetaConsole server
- the user interface
No. MetaConsole clients install just like any other plug-ins
in every console environment.
New features being developed for MetaConsole include:
- Automatic upgrade – MetaConsole automatically connects
to a web site to download and install any new components,
including drivers, firmware or software from the OEM, and
MetaConsole clients.
- Remote diagnostics – OEMs can use MetaConsole to perform
diagnostics on their services and devices installed in a
customer environment. Collected diagnostic information can
then be used to upgrade the product remotely (if possible)
or schedule a service visit.
- E-fulfillment – MetaConsole detects the state and availability
of consumables and allows clients to connect through a fulfillment
center to purchase these consumables. The OEM designates
an organization to handle the fulfillment.
- Event logging, trouble tickets – MetaConsole allows a
client to collect statistics and trouble information, store
this information in a database, and query the database for
reports. Clients can also generate trouble tickets for support,
either within the intranet or to a vendor-provided Internet
site. Logged statistical information can be used with accounting
packages for billing purposes and quality-of-service reasons.
NETAPHOR provides documentation in the form of PDF files.
Documentation is provided for the setup, configuration, and
use of MetaConsole and of the clients for the OEM’s MetaConsole-managed
devices and services. OEMs can distribute the PDF files to
their customers or can create and distribute printed copies.
MetaConsole is fully localizable and will soon be available
in several languages. Japanese language support is already
available.
OEMs may purchase support on an annual basis. Purchased support
entitles an OEM to the following:
- E-mail, web and phone access to a NETAPHOR support specialist
- A login to NETAPHOR's web-accessible support database
to query and log support incidents
- Free upgrades for MetaConsole bug fix releases
- Assistance at customer locations
NETAHOR SOFTWARE, INC. is an aggressive, streamlined, growing
company that develops leading-edge software. In addition to
component software like MetaConsole, NETAPHOR develops web-based
applications and custom solutions for networking, factory
automation, and embedded systems. NETAPHOR prides itself on
fully understanding the needs of its customers, which include
Fortune 500 companies, and focuses on rapid time to market
and maximal return on investment.
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