Open-source network management gets put to the test

Linux & Open Source This newsletter is sponsored by Microsoft Make your Linux server talk with a Windows server! Microsoft is committed to empowering you to build Windows-interoperable software and appliances. As part of this effort, we created a diverse portfolio of intellectual property and documentation around our Windows server protocols that is available for licensing. Server to server protocols - Microsoft Work Group Server Protocol Program (WSPP) and Server to client protocols - Microsoft Communication Protocol Program (MCPP). Click here for more information. Network World's Linux & Open Source Newsletter, 06/25/07 Open-source network management gets put to the test By Phil Hochmuth Network World has an excellent review of open-source network management tools, which is a must-read for network and server administrators running free-software shops. (Reading the full article requires a registration process). Three open-source network management tools were reviewed: Zenoss Core; Hyperic HQ; and GroundWork OpenSource Monitor. These three polished, free network management tools all received high ratings from Network World Lab Alliance member Barry Nance in his review. GroundWork Opensource, which I wrote about in a past newsletter, is a package that combines several free open-source network management tools, including Nagios and NMap, and ties them together with Apache Web and a MySQL database to create a complete system. Network World found GroundWork to be a good, basic management platform, with a few rough edges. (Lack of a good "dashboard" for aggregating activity views was a sticking point). From servers to storage: Virtualization saves It's touted as one of the fastest and easiest ways to better manage and control your infrastructure. Download this guide today and see how network IT execs are making virtualization pay off in the real world; discover the 8 virtualization gotchas you need to know; and much more. Click here to download. Hyperic HQ faired a bit better, as an open-source package which combines network asset discovery, activity monitoring, reporting and alerts. The reporting was a feature that stuck out in the test. Zenoss Core was rated tops in the review. The software also combines discovery, network device and server management, monitoring and other features. It supports Nagios plug-ins and scripting; it's user interface and the thoroughness of its network discovery features impressed most. Regarding the three free tools that were tested, keep in mind, Richard Stallman's "free as in free speech … not as in free beer" concept. The three open-source management tools all charge for technical support services, while the code itself is freely downloadable. Keep in mind Zenoss, Hyperic and GroundWork are but drops in the bucket of open-source network management tools. Open Country is another free platform for managing enterprise networks. Other packages take aim at handling specific types of networks, such as Centeris, with a focus on mixed Windows/Linux environments, or GEMS, which is geared toward managing a specific type of Linux — Gentoo. Editor's Note: We're sad to report that Phil Hochmuth will be leaving Network World to take up a position as an industry analyst, you'll be able to reach him at phochmut@gmail.com. In place of this newsletter, starting Friday, July 6, you will begin receiving the Linux & Open Source News Alert newsletter, a weekly digest of Linux and open source-related news and opinions written and compiled by LinuxWorld Editor Don Marti. We thank you for supporting our newsletters.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

Contact the author: Phil Hochmuth is a Network World Senior Editor and a former systems integrator. You can reach him at phochmut@nww.com. This newsletter is sponsored by Microsoft Make your Linux server talk with a Windows server! Microsoft is committed to empowering you to build Windows-interoperable software and appliances. As part of this effort, we created a diverse portfolio of intellectual property and documentation around our Windows server protocols that is available for licensing. Server to server protocols - Microsoft Work Group Server Protocol Program (WSPP) and Server to client protocols - Microsoft Communication Protocol Program (MCPP). Click here for more information. ARCHIVE Archive of the Linux & Open Source Newsletter. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007