Hi,
I am looking for a bit of advice around configuration backup / inventory. We
currently have a large multi-vendor network which is currently managed
through two separate tools (rancid - http://www.shrubbery.net/rancid and ns4
- http://www.noodles.org.uk/ns4.html). Both tools do the job very well, but
management have asked that we look for commercial alternatives that have a
proper support organisation looking after them.
IP Service Activator has been mentioned as something which can fit this
role, but I haven't had any experience and I haven't heard a lot of good
things about it. We are looking for a tool which is flexible that allows
configuration backup to textual form for easy restoration as well as the
ability to deploy scripted changes to the network quickly.
Do people generally use free tools for network management or are there
viable commercial alternatives?
Thanks,
Josh
Kiwi CatTools does a good job but I don't know how diverse you
multi-vendor environment is. Check here
<http://www.kiwisyslog.com/wrapper/devices-supported/> for supported
devices. Orion NCM is also another product you may want to look at
<http://www.solarwinds.com/>.
Hi,
I am looking for a bit of advice around configuration backup / inventory. We
currently have a large multi-vendor network which is currently managed
through two separate tools (rancid - Shrubbery Networks, Inc. - RANCID and ns4
- http://www.noodles.org.uk/ns4.html). Both tools do the job very well, but
management have asked that we look for commercial alternatives that have a
proper support organisation looking after them.
Yay for management...
IP Service Activator has been mentioned as something which can fit this
role, but I haven't had any experience and I haven't heard a lot of good
things about it. We are looking for a tool which is flexible that allows
configuration backup to textual form for easy restoration as well as the
ability to deploy scripted changes to the network quickly.
Do people generally use free tools for network management or are there
viable commercial alternatives?
A large large number of people use things like RANCID and / or some homegrown things... The people who are using commercial products (for the above role) are usually doing so because they were saddled with these requirements by management and / or are a windows shop..
As you say, RANCID is working well, maybe if you explain the costs involved in installing / migrating to and supporting a commercial product your management will see things saner?
W
[snip]
I am looking for a bit of advice around configuration backup / inventory. We
currently have a large multi-vendor network which is currently managed
through two separate tools (rancid - Shrubbery Networks, Inc. - RANCID and ns4
- http://www.noodles.org.uk/ns4.html). Both tools do the job very well, but
management have asked that we look for commercial alternatives that have a
proper support organisation looking after them.
Since rtrmon waned and rancid waxed (97ish?), I've been a proponent and
seen no support issues. Lots of commercial offerings (mostly vendor-
specific) have changed or were from companies which folded between then
and now. A non-trivial track record speaks volumes.
[snip]
things about it. We are looking for a tool which is flexible that allows
configuration backup to textual form for easy restoration as well as the
ability to deploy scripted changes to the network quickly.
Sounds like rancid & par to me. 
Cheers,
Joe
Joe,
If you're looking for a commercial solution, you might try out our Orion
NCM product.
http://www.solarwinds.com/products/orion/configuration_manager/
Ping me if you want any additional info.
Josh
Checkout Alterpoint Network Authority Inventory.
The Inventory tool is free asn was developed as the Ziptie opensource
project. Inventory is the basis for how Alterpoint does the paid
offerings for configurtion audit and compliance and the higher level
analytics based on the configuration and inventory repository that NA
Inventory provides.
The Inventory component is free but be prepared for sticker shock for
the whole Alterpoint suite of tools.
There is also ManageEngine DeviceExpert (not free, but inexpensive) and
Solarwinds Orion NCM (fromerly Cirrus configuration management, also
inexpensive)
Sam Crooks
GTS Network Architecture
701 Experian Pkwy
B5302
Allen, TX 75013
972-390-3186
sam.crooks@experian.com
Kiwi CatTools works well for us-and it's inexpensive. I've been very happy with it.
We use Orion NCM here from Solarwinds - not only does it do backups etc.
but also allows us to script changes, updates and IOS upgrades as well
(after extensive testing of course). For example, we still have 50-60
Cisco 806 routers deployed at customer sites - takes about 20 minutes to
do an IOS upgrade on ALL of them at once....
Paul