News
Microsoft: Meet MOM
- By Scott Bekker
- 01/17/2001
Microsoft just introduced the distributed office to its MOM.
Microsoft Corp.
tackled its systems management challenges with the release of the newest
version of Systems Management Server (SMS) as well as a new application,
Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM). Today Microsoft announced the products’
features and availability for initial beta testing within the next several
months.
The new edition of SMS, code-named Topaz, includes enhanced
support for mobile users as well as tight integration with Active Directory
capabilities in Windows 2000. The product focuses on change and configuration
management processes such as distributing, updating, repairing, and removing
computer systems. MOM, based on technology licensed from partner NetIQ Corp., works side-by-side with SMS to
monitor the performance and availability of networked systems ranging from
Windows 2000 to the .NET Enterprise Server line of applications.
MOM is scheduled for beta testing in the first quarter of
this year, and Topaz will be released for initial beta testing during the
second half.
Microsoft’s management strategy also includes a series of
standards-based management interfaces called .NET Management Services, which
provide the underlying communications framework that allow management
applications and the systems they monitor to interoperate. Additionally, a
partner program known as the Microsoft Management Alliance provides technical
information and marketing resources especially for developers building software
on the Windows platform.
Featured updates in Topaz include enhanced support for
remote users. A feature called Checkpoint Restart will allow a mobile user to
resume a download from its stopping point in case the user is unexpectedly cut
off from his connection. Topaz also uses many of the core capabilities of
Active Directory. Improved metering capabilities in Topaz help administrators
to keep track of statistics such as which applications are running on a desktop
at any given time, and how many copies are running system-wide. Topaz will also
feature Web-based reporting tools.
MOM is designed to ensure that servers and applications
throughout the system are running properly and identify current or potential
problems. When it encounters a problem, MOM sends alert messages from all the
various systems to one screen in the Microsoft Management Console, which is
viewable from a Web browser. MOM can also be programmed to send a message to a
pager or e-mail system in order to ensure a faster response to problems. – Isaac Slepner
About the Author
Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.