CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution

CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution (LMS) provides the integrated management tools needed to simplify the configuration, administration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Cisco® networks. It provides IT organizations an integrated system for sharing device information across management applications, automation of device management tasks, visibility into the health and capability of the network, and identification and localization of network trouble. By using common centralized systems and network-inventory knowledge, CiscoWorks LMS delivers a unique platform of cross-functional management capabilities that reduces network administration overhead and provides upper-layer systems integration.

CiscoWorks LMS 2.5 includes:

CiscoWorks LMS is part of the CiscoWorks Family of products that provide comprehensive network-management solutions to improve IT organizational effectiveness through task automation, simplification, and integration. Other CiscoWorks products include the CiscoWorks IP Telephony Environment Monitor (ITEM) for helping ensure the readiness and manageability of converged networks that support voice over IP (VoIP) and IP telephony traffic and applications; the CiscoWorks VPN/Security Management Solution (VMS) providing an integrated set of Web-based applications that assist in the deployment and monitoring of VPN and security devices; and the CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine that helps enable advanced wireless access point and radio management.

The CiscoWorks LMS 2.5 release is an important milestone in providing network-management tools for simplifying the configuration, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting of Cisco® devices in today's enterprises. It introduces a centralized system for sharing device information across all applications, improving manageability and allowing the management system to more dynamically adjust to changes. CiscoWorks LMS 2.5 also offers a new lightweight desktop interface that facilitates rapid navigation between tools and that can be modified to individual workflow needs. CiscoWorks LMS 2.5 utilizes security information maintained in Cisco Secure Access Control Server (ACS) to simplify the management of user privileges. Cisco Secure ACS integration provides flexibility in defining user roles, and supports secured user views of specific devices, groups of devices, or by geographic or logical network segments. Significant improvement in performance, such as multithreading background tasks, has reduced the time needed to deliver updates to the network, as well as generate reports. Efficient task processing and its shared database of managed devices allow CiscoWorks LMS to be deployed into larger networks.

CiscoWorks LMS is offered in two device license models:

The applications offered in both models provide equivalent capability and features and simply limit the number of devices managed per server. Offering two models of CiscoWorks LMS benefits customers who want to invest in managing a smaller network today, then as their network grows they can easily upgrade their CiscoWorks LMS license key to support more devices.

CiscoWorks LMS consists of operationally focused tools capable of fault management, scalable topology views, sophisticated configuration, Layer 2 and 3 path analysis, voice-supported path trace, WAN performance troubleshooting, end-station tracking, and device troubleshooting. CiscoWorks LMS is built on the CiscoWorks Common Services management infrastructure and foundation. This design facilitates operations workflow between applications by linking data collection, monitoring, and analysis tools-all from a single desktop application. For example, a user complaint of slow response time or a poor IP phone connection can be quickly diagnosed using CiscoWorks LMS Layer 2 path tools that automatically acquire user-path information stored in one database, and highlight devices on a topology map. Additionally, switch or router configurations can then be quickly examined to detect anomalies or the need for changes. Those actions may draw information from one or more applications.

CiscoWorks LMS uses Internet standards to tie together best-in-class tools and to take advantage of their capabilities through data- and task-integration standards. Using the common information model (CIM) and Extensible Markup Language (XML), these industry standards for data sharing allow CiscoWorks LMS a means of extracting data and using it with popular network-management products.

Table 1 and 2 list the CiscoWorks LMS 2.5 applications, features, and benefits.

Table 3 and 4 list CiscoWorks LMS 2.5 system requirements.

CiscoWorks LMS 2.5 is available for purchase through regular Cisco sales and distribution channels worldwide. To place an order, visit the Cisco Ordering Home Page.

CiscoWorks LMS licensing options are described in the CiscoWorks LMS product bulletin, viewed at:

Cisco offers a wide range of services programs to accelerate customer success. These innovative services programs are delivered through a unique combination of people, processes, tools, and partners, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction. Cisco services help you to protect your network investment, optimize network operations, and prepare the network for new applications to extend network intelligence and the power of your business. For more information about Cisco services, see Cisco Technical Support Services or Cisco Advanced Services.

For more information about the CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution, visit http://www.cisco.com/go/lms or contact your local Cisco account representative, or send an e-mail to the Product Marketing group at ciscoworks@cisco.com.