An evaluation of a framework tool for managing distributed, heterogeneous networks

The management of the ubiquitous mix of mainframe legacy systems and distributed client-server structures in today's internet-worked corporation requires a sophisticated and powerful tool. Currently available IT management solutions lack the ability to simplify the job of the stressed network manager. A case study analyzes a framework tool in a distributed, heterogeneous environment. This thesis indicates that framework tools offer the best conceptual approach for network management. However, a significant gap exists between the needs of network managers and the capabilities of framework tools. In order to bridge the gap, a framework tool model exhibiting ideal characteristics, as identified by network managers, is designed and presented as part of this research.