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Sun offers hands-off approach

A new set of Java-based management tools from the company's subsidiary are intended for use on huge telecommunications networks.

2 min read
Sun Microsystems (SUNW) wants to offer users a hands-off approach to management software while sharpening its focus on Java-based software features.

A new set of Java-based management tools from the company's SunSoft subsidiary will be offered this week at the Fall Internet World 97 trade show in New York, according to sources. The tools are intended for use on huge telecommunications networks.

The debut will be part of a larger Java-based push at the show. As reported last month by CNET's NEWS.COM, Sun will release a Java specification to facilitate the construction of server-side applications.

Java proponents such as Sun, Oracle, IBM, and Novell are expected to display a united front in New York in support of the new Enterprise JavaBeans specification, with delivery of new tools and strategies from the companies focused on the server-side Java opportunity.

Telecommunications monolith Alcatel Alsthom and wireless specialist Qualcomm are among the companies working with the new tools, sources said.

What server-side Java brings to the management software table is the ability to distribute administrative intelligence across a network, with management elements running on numerous systems. According to sources, Sun will facilitate this through the Java Dynamic Management Kit, a toolset that will enable management administrators--specifically in spread out telecommunications networks--to build management "intelligence" into each system and offer push capabilities to spread the functionality across local and wide area networks.

Administrators can use the kit to build applications based on the forthcoming Enterprise JavaBeans specification. The kit will be offered as an add-on to Sun's Solstice Enterprise Manager 2.1 network management software, according to sources, with predesigned Enterprise Beans for Management included. The kit will be available next month for $5,995, sources confirmed.

Sun will also release a "Java Supplement" for its Solstice Enterprise Manager platform, bringing customizable Web-based interfaces to Sun's management software tools, sources said. The new Java-based functionality also allows an administrator to view network topology and alarm information through a new application.

Also included in the rollout will be a Bandwidth Allocator software tool that allows a manager to provision and account for network bandwidth, according to sources. Real-time statistics can also be gathered using the tool and then fed up to Solstice Enterprise Manager, Domain Manager, or Site Manager consoles.

Sun executives refused to comment on the announcement.

Use of JavaBean technology also means administrators will be able to view any Java-based management "agent" through a Web browser. The agents can be as small as 200K, according to sources.

The base kit will include a base runtime agent. An additional agent package costs $4,995, according to sources.