Oracom Xpress(TM), using XML, allows network operators to respond to network problems or thresholds immediately, from wherever they are
Oracom, a developer of web-based solutions for managing networked devices, is unveiling the patent-pending Oracom Xpress system, designed for two-way instant messaging between a network operator and wireless or wired network elements. Oracom Xpress represents the industry's first use of an XML instant messaging framework for wireless and wired network and service level management. Using XML and instant messaging makes it easy for even novice personnel to address network issues at a fraction of the cost of conventional proprietary and SMNP-based systems "With Oracom Xpress, a network administrator can receive any information on any device, system or application on the network whether it is wired or wireless at any time," said John Nye, Oracom's president and CEO. "We've been showing this technology to our customers, and they're amazed by what it can do and how easy it is to use. They see a real benefit to measuring all aspects of their service-level agreements." "We're impressed with the direction that Oracom is taking with Oracom Xpress and we look forward to starting our testing of the product shortly," remarked Greg Doerr, Chief Operating Officer of Conference Plus Inc. "We believe Oracom's solution will play a significant role in our ability to meet our service-level agreements."
The Value of Instant MessagingOracom's application of instant messaging to service-level management takes a utility commonly used in person-to-person communication and applies it in a person-to-object dialog where that object can be a device, application or network segment, and the dialog or "conversation" is actually a set of instructions that can control the object. This method compensates for the deficiencies in traditional approaches such as SNMP, whose security features make it difficult for use through the internet and therefore inadequate as a management protocol for supporting real-time, distributed network operations. With Oracom Xpress, any instant messaging client can be used as an interface, making it possible to deliver network and service level management to whomever needs to see it, no matter where they are or what they are using. More importantly, it delivers this information in a commonly understandable format, eliminating the need to have highly specialized personnel manning every management screen.
This combination of access, management, database functionality and presentation provides the first of its kind "follow me" management. Oracom Xpress Breaks New Ground in Wireless and Wired ManagementOracom Xpress is designed to meet the needs of network operators who require instant access and control of all aspects of their network critical to maintaining SLAs. The IM System breaks new ground by using instant messaging and XML techniques to control and communicate with devices, applications and network segments. The product consists of three main parts: network "cells" that enable access to target objects; a server component for service correlation, database functionality and presentation services; and a user interface. XpressCellXpressCell is a software object that contain a virtual instant message client, rules-based logic, calendar and timer functions that can be applied seamlessly to applications, devices or network segments to probe and monitor networks and network services.
The rules-based logic makes all cells "smart" - giving them the ability to remotely manage and control devices automatically. Cells acquire status, configuration and performance information from network and service objects including standard management data from SNMP, DMI, RMON, etc. sources into a uniform instant messaging format that is accessible over an instant messaging network, providing real-time management polling over a secure communications link. XpressServerThe network management server is a software application designed to run on any standard computing platform running Linux. The server provides a central network management database for consolidating, correlating, archiving and reporting on network and service level management data and supports network cells and user interface objects are clients. Specific server functionality includes object configurations- including discovery (presence) - information routing, cache, security, basic health checks (ping) and presentation services for the delivery of information to XML clients. The server will also provide logic and correlation on network and service-wide data. XpressManagerXpressManager is Oracom's graphical user interface-based management application that uses graphical objects to present real-time and historical network and service level management information to users. Mobile professionals responsible for distributed network applications will have the ability to both monitor and control their environment using any instant messaging client on their PCs, handheld computers, or via short messaging capability on their cellular phones. Each Oracom Xpress system contains a set of device-specific commands that enables the control. Pricing and AvailabilityOracom Xpress is in the beta process currently. The company expects to ship in volume by mid-September via direct sales and partners. Oracom Xpress system pricing starts at $5,000.
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