11.0 Use Case: Correlating Network Objects

Network management systems can monitor servers in various ways and provide specialized information. Instead of using these separate views of network management systems, consider merging related views so that all information is available in a single view and is correlated for easy interpretation. SCM can correlate network objects to provide a unified view.

Use the SCM to merge similar objects and views into a single view. For example, different applications can provide host data, change management data, trouble tickets, and/or impact data. Correlated views enable you to merge all objects and views into a unified view.

This example scenario combines two Network views into one correlated view that can expose and combine information.

Use SCM to combine two T/EC adapter views into one integrated view that represents objects monitored by both adapters as one correlated object in the new configuration. Figure 11-1 shows the resulting correlated Network view.

Figure 11-1 Network View: Two Network views are combined into one correlated view.

This scenario uses:

  • Two Tivoli T/EC adapters that monitor various servers on the network

    Many servers are found in both views.

Use SCM to correlate two T/EC adapter views into a unified view:

  1. In the Explorer pane, add an element that is the parent of the new hierarchy.

    In this example, the new element is named Correlated T/EC Elements.

    Correlated T/EC Elements Element in the Explorer pane
  2. Right-click the element, then select Service Configuration > Create to open the Service Configuration Editor.

  3. Define the Structures for the element by identifying an existing hierarchy that drives the shape of the new tree.

    In this example, define two Structures definitions, each with a Structure Root pointing to the Hosts element of one of the two T/EC Adapters.

    For more information on defining structures, see Section 8.3.2, STEP 2: Define Structures.

  4. To see all elements contained in the Hosts hierarchy for both definitions, leave Starting Depth and Ending Depth at O.

  5. Use the default Matching Rule to apply a simple name match to select elements.

    Browse for Element Dialog Box Over the Service Configuration Editor

    For more information on matching rules, see Creating a Matching Rule.

  6. Define the Sources by identifying an existing hierarchy that provides state and information to the elements in the new configuration.

    This scenario assumes there is no interest in obtaining state or element information from other sources; it is possible to rely solely on the elements and state information from the T/EC adapters. Therefore, do not create any Source definitions.

    For more information on defining sources, see Section 8.3.3, STEP 3: Define Sources.

  7. To define Generation and Correlation policy rules to further define how the configuration is generated and elements are correlated:

    1. In the left pane, expand Modeling Policies, then click Generation or Correlation.

      The right pane updates.

    2. Because state is integrated directly from Structures, in the Generation page, select the Copy Properties from Structure Elements and Create State Relationship to Structure Elements check boxes.

      For more information about Generation, see Section 8.3.5, STEP 5: Select Generation Options.

    3. Retain the Correlation defaults to correlate configuration objects using a basic Static Match.

      Those objects that are matched are included in the new configuration tree.

      For more information about Correlation, see Section 8.3.6, STEP 6: Select Element Correlation Options.

  8. Click Save to save configuration settings.

  9. Click Generate to generate the new tree.

    The new hierarchy generated under Correlated T/EC Elements combines the two Tivoli T/EC adapter views into a unified view, as shown:

    Explorer Pane
  10. After the configuration is run and results are verified, create a schedule for the generation of the service configuration on a routine basis.

    For an up-to-date view of technology, schedule this configuration to generate every 5 minutes.