---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash SunConnect: SunNet Manager 2.0 SunFLASH Vol 41 #21 May 1992 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following announcements were made by SunConnect today, May 18, 1992. SunConnect introduced SunNet Manager Version 2.0 and announced the addition of more than 35 new vendors to SunConnect's Partners Program for network management. The press releases are attached for your reference. SMCC U.S. list price for SunNet Manager 2.0 will be slighly higher than the SunConnect price mentioned below. Final SMCC pricing and availability information for SunNet Manager 2.0 will be distributed in an email prior to FCS. ------------------------------------------------------------------ SUNCONNECT BROADLY EXPANDS NETWORK MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES OF SUNNET MANAGER Version 2.0 Adds Versatile New Features that Simplify the Management of Complex Multi-Vendor Networks WASHINGTON, D.C. -- May 18, 1992 -- SunConnect(TM), a Sun Microsystems, Inc. business, today unveiled Version 2.0 of the SunNet(TM) Manager network management environment. Version 2.0 provides new management capabilities that allow users to manage complex multi-vendor networks quickly and efficiently. Now users can manage networks of almost any size, ranging from local-area networks to enterprise-wide networks, through a single versatile environment. SunNet Manager runs on SPARC(R)/Solaris(R) systems; in the future it will also be available for other UNIX(R) systems, including those running Solaris 2.0 for the 80X86 platform, IBM(R) RS/6000 and H-P(R) 9000 series systems. The SunNet Manager environment is an integrated set of end-user tools and management services, including APIs and agents, that lets users automate the management of their multi-vendor networks. The product can be used out-of-the-box to manage TCP/IP networks using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). With SunConnect add-on products, it manages diverse environments, including DECnet(TM) and FDDI networks. SunNet Manager also can interact with IBM's NetView(TM) management system. Together with the portfolio of solutions developed by SunConnect partners, SunNet Manager can manage virtually any environment. "SunConnect foresaw that the increasing challenges facing customers would require a new generation of network management technology," said Denis Yaro, director of network management at SunConnect. "Networks are growing in size and complexity, and products that effectively manage them must be more versatile and easier to use, more scalable, more interoperable with multi-vendor networks, and more comprehensive in scope. SunConnect has consistently led in delivering the benefits of this new generation of technology, and SunNet Manager 2.0 furthers our leadership position." Making Network Management Easier SunNet Manager 2.0 provides network managers with solutions that allow them to instantly manage their networks. A key development is the Auto-Management feature, whereby network nodes are not only discovered, but immediately managed. This saves users considerable time and effort at start-up by eliminating the need to initiate specific management activities -- such as monitoring availability -- individually for each node. SunNet Manager 2.0 also features end-user tools that make management easier, including: -- A new customization facility that enables users to specify default behavior for user tools, system-wide operations, and alarming options; -- A new single control window for management queries that allows users to view all active queries at a glance; -- Simplification of general management operations using point-and-click commands. In addition, a new user's guide has been prepared to supplement SunNet Manager's on-line help facilities, so users have convenient access to information whenever they need it. An Expandable System That Fits the Customer's Network SunNet Manager 2.0 is built on a distributed architecture that gives users the ability to manage multi-vendor networks of varying size and complexity. This encompasses networks ranging in size from tens of nodes to tens of thousands of nodes, from local-area networks to enterprise-wide networks. In addition, SunNet Manager's ability to integrate and manage heterogeneous network protocols, devices, and systems enables customers to leverage their investments in existing equipment and take advantage of new technology. A Broad Range of Third-Party Solutions As part of its overall program to enhance the capabilities of the SunNet Manager environment, SunConnect has rapidly expanded its Partners Program for Network Management. More than 35 new partners recently have joined the Program, bringing the total to 68 solutions providers worldwide. Solutions from these Partners address some of the most critical issues in network management, including: -- Traditional network management disciplines: configuration management, system administration, security, problem solving, capacity management, and management of specific devices; -- Heterogeneous management links: allowing additional network types to be managed by SunNet Manager; -- Delivery of integrated network management solutions: supporting multiple products from multiple vendors on one foundation. A complete listing of the Partners and their products is available in the SunNet Manager Solutions Portfolio. Multi-Platform Plans SunConnect also announced today its intention to port the SunNet Manager environment to additional UNIX platforms, including Solaris 2.0 for the 80X86 platform, IBM RS/6000 and H-P 9000 systems. Specific plans and availability will be announced later this year. Availability and Pricing SunNet Manager 2.0 will be available in July 1992. Suggested U.S. list price is $3995. SunConnect and SunConnect authorized resellers will also offer a limited upgrade promotion. Customers who purchase SunNet Manager 1.2 on or between April 18, 1992 and July 15, 1992 may upgrade to Version 2.0 for a suggested U.S. list price of $495 with proof of purchase (invoice or purchase order establishing original date of purchase). Upgrade orders must be submitted to the reseller or SunConnect by August 15, 1992. For press information, contact: SunConnect Kathryn Watson (415) 336-6851 For product information, contact: 800-241-2669 or Stewart Noyce, SunNet Manager product manager (415) 336-3985 -------------------------------------------------------------------- SUNCONNECT ANNOUNCES A MAJOR EXPANSION OF THIRD-PARTY SOLUTIONS FOR NETWORK MANAGEMENT Addition of More Than 35 New Partners Provides Broad Coverage of Multi-Vendor Network Management Issues WASHINGTON, D.C. -- May 18, 1992 -- SunConnect(TM), a Sun Microsystems, Inc. business, today announced that more than 35 new development and distribution partners have been added worldwide to support the SunNet(TM) Manager network management environment, bringing the current total to 68 vendors. The solutions from these vendors address some of the most critical issues in network management, including: -- Traditional network management disciplines: system administration, security, capacity management, and management of specific devices; -- Heterogeneous management links: allowing additional network types to be managed by SunNet Manager; -- Delivery of integrated network management solutions: supporting multiple products from multiple vendors on one foundation. The new solutions come from members of the SunConnect Partners Program for Network Management, which supports the development of integrated network management products and services and the distribution of complete network management solutions. Some of these new management solutions are listed below: Management Function Vendor Product -------------------------------------------------------------------- System Administration Tivoli Systems Wizdom(TM) Security Management DEMAX Software, Inc. SecureMax(TM) Capacity Management Strategic Software Group DeskTalk Systems PROBE/X(TM) DataPipe(TM) (SQL relational database interface) Device Management 3Com ViewBuilder/UNIX(TM) Chipcom ONdemand Network Control System(TM) Cabletron Remote LANview(TM) Heterogeneous Information Management Links Presentation Technology (IPT) Apple AgentMan(TM) (lets AppleTalk networks be managed by SunNet Manager) Comprehensive Solutions Providers For users, the new partners and their products mean SunNet Manager provides greater functionality and more coverage of management issues than ever, but the Partners Program goes well beyond simply making new solutions available. "The Program fosters a whole new class of solutions providers -- vendors who can combine hardware, software and networking products from multiple sources and custom-tailor complete, integrated network management solutions," said Brian Craig, product line marketing manager for network management at SunConnect. "That's very exciting for customers who need turnkey network management solutions, and it's an excellent opportunity for vendors who want to expand their business opportunities." Examples of this new type of solution provider include SynOptics Communications, a network device vendor; Qualix, a software distribution firm; DeskTalk Systems, a network integrator; and Sun Professional Services, which provides system and network integration services. Full details about the new partners and their products are available in the SunNet Manager Solutions Portfolio. About SunNet Manager The SunNet Manager environment is an integrated set of end-user tools and management services, including APIs and agents, that lets users automate the management of their multi-vendor networks. The product can be used out-of-the-box to manage TCP/IP networks using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). With SunConnect add-on products, it manages diverse environments, including DECnet(TM) and FDDI networks. SunNet Manager also can interact with IBM's NetView(TM) management system. Together with the portfolio of solutions developed by SunConnect partners, SunNet Manager can manage virtually any environment. About the Partners Program Under the SunConnect Partners Program for Network Management, Development Partners -- including independent software vendors (ISVs), system integrators and porting partners -- receive engineering support, enabling them to build integrated, interoperable products for the SunNet Manager platform. This assistance includes access to an electronic mail archive server that contains technical and marketing information about SunNet Manager; in-depth technical telephone support; and other help depending on the Partner's needs. Development Partners are included in the SunNet Manager Solutions Portfolio, and receive a subscription to the quarterly SunConnect Partners Program for Network Management newsletter. Distribution Partners who market SunNet Manager to end users and other distributors receive marketing and sales support, may participate in the Solutions Portfolio, and receive the quarterly newsletter. For press information, contact: SunConnect Kathryn Watson (415) 336-6851 For product information, contact: 800-241-2669 or Stewart Noyce, SunNet Manager product manager (415) 336-3985 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For information send mail to info-sunflash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Archives are on solar.nova.edu, paris.cs.miami.edu, uunet.uu.net, src.doc.ic.ac.uk and ftp.adelaide.edu.au All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or publication by Sun Microsystems. John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. (305) 776-7770.