Abstract:

Most network/element management solutions have been built using legacy technologies, such as SNMP or TL/1, or by driving the command-line interface to a network element programmatically. These approaches are not ideally suited to building scalable MPLS-based services that are distributed across many network elements. Network management systems have the potential to profoundly impact operations costs by reducing provisioning time while also enhancing customer service. Next generation network management systems leverage distributed component technology and take advantage of the higher-level programming constructs that enable custom interfaces for provisioning, and new items such as point-and click VPN provisioning and web-based service monitoring. This presentation will address the next generation of network management technology with a focus on element management systems and how they tie into higher level, legacy OSS systems to enable rapid homologation into carrier networks and more comprehensive network management.

Dr. Graeme Dixon, Chief Architect for Network Management Systems at Laurel Networks, has led the design and implementation of several distributed object systems over the last two decades and is a recognized industry expert in this field. Prior to joining Laurel Networks, he was the lead architect for IBM's WebSphere advanced product and an elected member of the IBM Academy. In previous work with Transarc Corporation, an IBM subsidiary, Graeme directed the architecture and implementation of all of Transarc's distributed object products. He has been active in the OMG (Object Management Group), where he participated in a number of task forces to define an architecture for distributed object systems and authored the concurrency control service specification, and co-authored the transaction service specification.