liemandt@jessica.stanford.edu (Joe Liemandt) (06/17/91)
I am posting this for a friend, if you respond to this account, I will forward the replies to him. Joe Liemandt liemandt@jessica.stanford.edu -----Included Message Follows-------- I need your help in determining specifications for a network configuration tool that will assist in the design and configuration of networks. Specifically, I'm searching for information on the steps taken by network designers when building a network. The product in mind provides a graphical approach to network configuration by allowing the user to draw their network on the screen. First, the designer defines the type of LAN they want to create (10Base-T, Token-Ring, etc.) and then he can connect nodes, bridges, routers, etc. to the network. The configuration engine runs in the background and monitors the actions of the user. When the designer attempts something, "illegal" the system alerts the user and attempts to find a "legal" solution that provides them with the desired functionality. The product also includes a rapid entry/needs analysis mode that gathers information about the functionality the user requires from the LAN. The system uses this information to make certain recommendations such as, what version of NetWare to run, how much memory is required in the server, etc. and then draws the network automatically. I have designed a survey which can be answered in about 10 minutes and would assist us in building the application such that it follows the process network designers go through in configuring networks. If you are interested in participating, please e-mail me and I will forward this survey to you. I would greatly appreciate your assistance. Chris Porch (415) 321-5900x150