ISM Express is licensed by the largest number of objects monitored. An object can be any element that needs individual monitoring. It can
include devices, such as a server or router, an interface, or a process. An object can be defined as a part of a device (for example a network interface or
a system summary) or a service (for example an IPSLA test, a result from SQL request or a custom script).
A single ISM Express license can support up to 100,000 objects. You can purchase multiple licenses without the need for a centralized
console or other restrictions, so ISM Express has unlimited growth potential.
ISM Express starts with a base configuration of 100 objects. You can add objects in extension packages incrementally to cost-effectively
expand the number of devices you support. Bundles of objects can be added in incremental extension packages starting at 50 up to 50,000 objects.
Data collected for items related to objects is effectively free. A few examples of other data types that can be monitored include:
- CPU statistics
- Memory statistics
- Syslog messages
- Trap messages
- Power supplies
- System fans
- Humidity sensors
- Temperature sensors
- Any other SNMP statistics
The ServicePilot ISM architecture uses packages to simplify the process of identification and management of objects. A package is a
predefined set of classes, objects, views, rules and reports designed to supervise a specific device or service by answering only a few questions without
the constraint of having to configure each element individually.
ServicePilot ISM provides built-in packages for the equipment of major vendors and most common services in every environment
(network, servers, cloud and virtualization). ISM Express includes out-of-the-box monitoring for thousands of devices and operating systems, including
Cisco®, Linux, Solaris®, HP-UX®, AIX®, Windows® 2000, Windows 2003, Windows XP and Windows 7 devices.
Yes, ISM Express monitors VMware ESX4.0, ESX4i, ESX 3.5, ESX 3.5i servers and guest virtual machine instances. ISM Express also
supports Hyper-V using the WMI agent of ISM.
ServicePilot ISM Express collects data through ICMP scanning, SNMP requests of key information, and WMI. ISM Express
continuously monitors network health and performance. There are no agents to install on the device.
If necessary, many functions of ServicePilot ISM can be extended to suit specific requirements by using built-in scripting
capabilities. Visual Basic's expressiveness coupled with a set of predefined functions allows quick and easy customization by the user.
Yes, ISM features an open API that facilities integration with monitoring solutions from other vendors, such as HP, IBM,
Cisco, etc. It can also be integrated with service desk applications, telecom Operations Support Systems (OSS), Configuration Management Systems
(CMS), inventory management tools, etc.
Yes, an alternate configuration interface through flat file integration provides an easy way to treat the hard job of change
management. The external referential functionality allows: adding, modifying or suppressing thousands of objects, such as routers or servers and complex packages.
ISM Express is built on the same industrial-strength technology as ISM Enterprise, so it has been proven by some of the largest
corporations in the world. It features many of the same functionalities as ISM Enterprise, but it is designed for smaller networks with less complex
configurations.
The following are the primary differences between ISM Express and ISM Enterprise:
- The entry level configuration starts at 100 objects.
- The integrated technology packages are limited to a set of "standard" devices
- There is no import/export of packages or new class creation.
- Support for VoIP is not provided.
- Integration with ServicePilot 360 is not provided.
The upgrade from ISM Express to ISM Enterprise is seamless; you just need to purchase a new ISM Enterprise key. Your current
configuration will still work without the need for any modifications after upgrading from ISM Express to ISM Enterprise.
ISM can receive events from third party software, including middleware, via SNMP Traps, Syslog or specific UDP packets. ISM can also send data to other software via SNMP Trap, Syslog, mail, calling a program/script, etc.