IBM has announced new updates to of all kinds its Netcool/Precision and Netcool/Proviso software, bringing service providers performance management and availability management for MPLS networks. MPLS enables “Quality of Service,” bringing high-priority handling for voice and other traffic types while reducing network costs by consolidating network traffic.

Netcool/Precision, which provides automatic network discovery and topology-based management for IP networks, will have added support for MPLS IP VPNs and Layer 2 VPNs. Netcool/Precision uses its topology model and monitoring to detect connectivity problems and identify their root cause. Operators are informed of problem causes so they can more rapidly resolve them, and given a visualization tool for rapid troubleshooting. In modern, self-healing networks, operators are flooded with event notifications, making it difficult to discern whether or not service has been impacted. Adding Netcool/Precision's topology-based analysis can reduce the number of events to an actionable level.

Netcool/Proviso will have new application packs for the software, which continuously monitors network performance and provides customer-facing service level reporting, usage and capacity planning, and troubleshooting data. This application pack release will have support for Alcatel 5620 SAM 3.0, which incorporates new MPLS coverage. Service providers must not only ensure service availability, they must ensure service quality. Netcool/Proviso monitors resources and services to report on usage, quality, and trends.

Netcool/Precision is available today. Netcool/Proviso will be available electronically on December 11, 2006.

Tivoli Netcool software is used by banks, communications providers, governments, retailers and other organizations worldwide to monitor and manage their sophisticated technology infrastructures. The combination of Tivoli Netcool and IBM's service management technology provide customers with a comprehensive approach for reducing the complexity of their network environments, lowering operational costs and addressing compliance.