Cisco Systems | Vendor Implementations

Cisco Systems, Inc. offers a suite of Web-based device management applications that let users administer networks of Cisco routers and switches from a Web browser. Called Cisco Resource Manager (CRM), the suite includes applications that let users track everything from device inventory to software configurations. CRM also analyzes Internetwork Operating System (IOS) event messages generated by network devices.

The server-based CRM shares data with Hewlett-Packard Co.'s OpenView management platform, letting OpenView administrators have full view of the Cisco environment. CRM's Web-based management capabilities are promising because they let users manage complex router environments from a simple, inexpensive, easy-to-use Web browser. Web browsers also run on multiple platforms, so users would no longer have to depend on Unix-based workstations as they do in the OpenView environment and other industry-leading management platforms.

CRM resides on Solaris and Windows NT-based Web servers. From a Web browser, a user can invoke CRM by typing in a URL to load the product's HTML page. From there, hotlinked commands allow the user to access inventory, software, and availability data from IOS agents that support HTTP on Cisco routers and switches.

CRM also can launch Java applets for more real-time interaction with Cisco devices and enhanced graphical representation. The inventory application within CRM keeps tabs on the type and configuration of Cisco devices in the network. The software image manager allows users to determine the version of IOS running on the devices and load or update a version.

IP Centrex System : Cisco Systems & Sylantro Systems

Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems' CallManager server had been installed by at least three service providers as of mid-2002, to provide IP-Centrex services. Pingtel, one of these competitive service providers, delivers IP-Centrex from CallManager installations in New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. This service has proved most successful with small businesses that have from 100 to 500 users at a site.

This is a development that we expect will be followed by other service providers, both large and small, as an alternative to the use of more powerful softswitches from the established Centrex manufacturers.

Sylantro Systems
Sylantro Systems sells an application switch that offers hosted PBX and IP-Centrex features to competitive service providers. Sylantro claimed to have sold systems with more than 10,000 user ports within the first year that its system was available.

Tacqua Systems
Tacqua Systems has created its OCX softswitch with class 5 capabilities, specifically so that CLECs can deliver local telecom services with significantly reduced initial and ongoing costs of ownership. Tacqua delivers a kernel of telephony features, while encouraging other software developers to use its intelligent network (IN), application programming interface (API), and SIP interfaces.