HP opens NT network views

Hewlett-Packard (HWP) will fully embrace management of Windows NT networks tomorrow with the release of its flagship OpenView network administration tool on the popular Microsoft platform.

OpenView Network Node Manager (NNM) is enterprise-capable management software that offers IT administrators a map of their networks that includes all devices. The product also lets administrators access data on the performance of a network. By offering NNM on Windows NT, HP is addressing a growing requirement for networks that have invested thousands of dollars in the OpenView package of Unix-based network management products.

The long-expected move underscores the popularity of the Windows NT platform in expanding networks. Shops that have previously been designed exclusively around a Unix operating system and accompanying management tools are increasingly adding Windows NT-based networks, according to recent studies.

NNM for Windows NT can manage both IP (Internet Protocol) and Novell IPX networks. NNM can also discover devices that are running Web servers.

Previous ports of OpenView products to Windows NT include the OmniBack II storage management software and the Professional Suite for management of local area networks. HP will soon integrate its NetServer Assistant tool--configuration software that is bundled with all HP NetServer systems--with NNM for Windows NT and OpenView IT/Operations.

Other products moving to Windows NT include the following:

OpenView PerfView, a software tool that offers an administrator a single view for network alarms and measurement of network resources. The tool can provide important information for an administrator who needs to forecast network usage and growth.

OpenView MeasureWare, a software agent technology that resides on devices on a network and feeds information to tools such as PerfView and NNM for Windows NT. The agents can provide performance and resource data from applications, databases, and operations systems to PerfView, which can then forward necessary data up to an NNM console.

NNM for Windows NT will be available next month with a starting price of $4,995 for 250 nodes; additional 250-node licenses will be available for $1,995. A version for management of an unlimited number of nodes is available for $12,995.

PerfView for Windows NT, MeasureWare for Windows NT, and MeasureWare for Windows 3.11 and Windows 95 will be available in the first half of this year. PerfView pricing starts at $5,000. MeasureWare for Windows NT prices start at $1,400. MeasureWare for Windows 3.11 and Windows 95 start at $99.