Visionael Announces New Support for CiscoWorks Resource Manager Essentials: New Cartridge Streamlines Discovery and Documentation of Cisco Networks

Visionael today announced that its Visionael 6 network resource management (NRM) software solution supports the CiscoWorks Resource Manager Essentials (RME) Version 3.4. Together, this new support will help speed the move toward self-documenting networks by facilitating the automated flow of accurate, bi-directional, real-time network data between the two systems.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Dec. 16, 2002 -- Visionael today announced that its Visionael 6 network resource management (NRM) software solution supports the CiscoWorks Resource Manager Essentials (RME) Version 3.4. Together, this new support will help speed the move toward self-documenting networks by facilitating the automated flow of accurate, bi-directional, real-time network data between the two systems.

CiscoWorks is a suite of Web-based applications offering network management solutions for Cisco switches, access servers and routers. The CiscoWorks RME browser interface provides network engineers with easy access to network data critical to network uptime, while it simplifies time-consuming administrative tasks. Visionael 6 will extract device configuration data from CiscoWorks RME so that customers have an accurate view of network inventory data for all Cisco managed devices.

CiscoWorks RME will draw on Visionael network design data to bring newly deployed Cisco devices under management. Visionael will also have the ability to consolidate multiple CiscoWorks RME instances into one single view of the customers network. This provides a carrier-grade, lifecycle solution for designing, engineering and deploying network solutions which ensures that customers will have an accurate view of their network from business, engineering and operations perspectives. Visionael 6 also provides the reconciliation features to ensure that network deployments captured in CiscoWorks RME are implemented as they were designed in Visionael 6.

This combined effort closes the loop between the network design/planning functions and the operations teams," said Mike Jude, senior analyst, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA). Integrations between element management systems and the network resource management platform are vital to ensuring that both systems are continuously updated with accurate and timely information."

The continuous two-way flow of information between Visionael 6 and CiscoWorks RME enables the automated reconciliation of the as-built view of the network with the real-world network. This process eliminates manual, error-prone data entry.

Visionael and CiscoWorks RME also work together to link the network planning, building and operations cycles. When a new Cisco device is added to the network, Visionael will then pass deployment information to CiscoWorks RME where the device is brought quickly under management.

In todays dynamic business environment, it is necessary for organizations to streamline network support operations in order to leverage their existing IT investments," said Jeff Cotrupe, senior product marketing manager at Visionael. This integration marks a significant step toward a self-documenting network which will enable network engineers to re-focus their resources on enhancing the level of service and support they provide to their customers."

The CiscoWorks RME/Visionael 6 integration cartridge is available now. Pricing and additional information is available upon request.

About Visionael
Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Visionael drives down the cost of network resource management (NRM) with NRM solutions for IP-centric networks. Visionael solutions empower outsourcers, large enterprises and service providers to discover, document, design, deploy, provision and operate mission-critical networks. Visionael, recognized as one of UPSIDE magazines Hot 100" private companies, has more than 50 outsourcer, enterprise, government and service provider customers. For more about Visionael, please visit www.visionael.com or call 650.470.8920. In Europe, please contact Visionael SARL in Paris at +33 140.71.28.28 or emea@visionael.com.

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