What is NMServer for AS/400?

NMServer for AS/400 is a set of software applications that run on an AS/400.  NMServer provides AS/400 troubleshooting and performance data to SNMP managers.  NMServer extends the monitoring performed by the IBM-supplied SNMP agent and can be used with any SNMP manager, like HP OpenView.

NMServer monitors many critical aspects of the AS/400, warns of potential problems, and allows remote console operations.  NMServer checks how busy the CPU is, how full the disks are, what processes are running, etc., and reports this information to the SNMP Manager when requested. In addition, NMServer sends an alert (called a trap) to the SNMP manager when something goes wrong or when some condition needs fixing.  These alerts include Disk Nearly Full, CPU Overloaded and QSYSOPR messages.  The User Trap feature allows you to send any information desired to the SNMP manager as a trap.

COMTEK /400 Modularity

MIB only, or MIB and Queue Monitoring.  You may use COMTEK /400 without QUEUE  monitoring. Even without QSYSOPR and Queue Monitoring, your SNMP manager will still be able to poll all MIB items. COMTEK /400 licenses without queue monitoring are priced lower than . 

MIB Only

The COMTEK /400 MIB includes status information on CPU Usage, Jobs in System, Storage Capacity and % used, Pools, Disks, Users Signed On, Batch Jobs Running, Job Queues, Communications Lines and Controllers, and many others.  You do not need to monitor queues to have all of this information.  COMTEK can provide any of this information to your SNMP manager at all times.  This allows you to take corrective action BEFORE users are impacted.

Client PACKs

COMTEK /400 client PACKS offer a convenient method of purchasing Licenses.  A license is required for each AS/400 to be monitored.  Client PACKS are available for 5, 10, 25, or larger quantities, including Enterprise PACKS.

Client PACKS allow a significant license price reduction, as well as cost savings on the ordering and administration of licenses.

ADMINistration and Configuration

COMTEK /400 includes an ADMIN application that helps you configure and manage settings.  You can specify which processes to monitor, thresholds for disks and cpu, and queue monitoring.  ADMIN runs on the AS/400 and can be accessed only by users with appropriate authority.

New QSYSOPR Feature in V3.06 and V3.07

What does NMServer for AS/400 monitor? (What is in the MIB?)

In SNMP terminology, the information gathered and maintained by an SNMP agent is represented in a Management Information Base or MIB.  The MIB for NMServer for AS/400 was tailor-made for the AS/400, not adapted from some other operating system.

Click here to see the more details on the AS/400 MIB.

What alerts (SNMP traps) does NMServer for AS/400 provide?

As a proactive system management tool, NMServer provides a variety of trap types. Traps are issued by NMServer for AS/400 when system conditions exceed thresholds that you have set.  

Will NMServer for AS/400 work with the IBM-supplied SNMP agent?

Yes. NMServer for AS/400 is implemented as a series of SNMP subagents that extend the capabilities of the OS/400 SNMP agent. 

How would I use NMServer for AS/400?

SNMP network management is composed of two major pieces - an Agent (such as NMServer) running in each element that you wish to monitor and a Manager (such as HP OpenView).  Your organization may be using an SNMP Manager to monitor its local or wide area network presently.  If so, NMServer would allow this same Manager to monitor and manage your AS/400 systems.  Similarly, if you are implementing a new network management system, you may wish to include your local or remote AS/400 systems.

What is the Remote Console feature?

NMServer includes a remote command entry feature which can be used to send AS/400 commands from the SNMP manager to the NMServer agent.  The agent processes the AS/400 command and returns any results to the manager.  This is an optional feature which may be easily disabled when there are concerns about security.

How can I monitor my own queues?

NMServer's Generic Queue Monitor Subagent can be configured to watch any AS/400 queue for new messages. A trap is sent to the SNMP manager for each new message placed in the queue.

Messages can be filtered by Severity Messages can be filtered by Age User can enter Responses to messages User-specified filter file Multiple message queues can be monitor simultaneously Traps can be throttled

This feature is optional.

What is included with NMServer for AS/400?

NMServer for AS/400 is a complete package - it includes the NMServer for AS/400 SNMP Agent, MIB, Installation Aids, HP OpenView Integration Tools, Documentation and Support.

Click here to request a Price Quote for this product.