CableSolve Data Centers Management IT Asset Management Connectivity Management Cormant Services

FEATURES

What is CableSolve and how is it different from other cabling management systems in the market today?

• CableSolve is the only portable Infrastructure Management System that provides end-to end management and documentation of network connectivity and physical infrastructure of medium to large offices and data centers. It provides central and on-site availability of network infrastructure information through its desktop/server and handheld(portable Pocket PCs with built-in scanners)clients.
• All other software-based cabling management systems are just desktop-based which does not provide on-site availability of network records wherever you are in the field. This makes them just a little better than a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet.
• Hardware Cabling Management Systems have too many system components that will require the regular purchase and upgrade of additional hardware making them less cost effective.
• CableSolve does not require any changes to your network infrastructure. It can be easily fitted to existing or new infrastructure regardless of type.

When can the Pocket PC Sync? It seems a bit of a pain if it only syncs when I go back to my desk.

• CableSolve recommends the use of Synchronization of data over a WiFi® network. This is fully supported by the Symbol® range of scanners. In fact the Pocket PC can be synchronized with the use of any IP connection.

Does CableSolve meet and work with industry standards?

• The CableSolve software is standards compliant to ANSI/TIA/EIA 606A in terms of labeling to the Administration Standards. It is also ANSI/TIA/EIA568B compliant in relation to performance definitions for the various protocols to be transported over structured cabling systems.

Can CableSolve be used to additionally manage network traffic?

• CableSolve currently records network infrastructure details, but is not a network infrastructure management product. Plans in the future however do include providing integration between CableSolve and other network management tools.

Is CableSolve Real Time?

• CableSolve is Real Time. It automatically discovers network changes and provides real-time alerts to Engineers through its SNMP module.
• Through the AutoSync process , there is also an assurance that information from both the handheld and desktop databases are synchronized with one other, resulting in identical sets of databases. CableSolve will not automatically alert when a patch cord is inserted or removed from a patch panel, as it is not a hardware-based solution.

Can CableSolve be accessed/monitored via the internet?

• The first few releases of CableSolve will not include web accessibility; however the product will be upgraded in the short term to enable this function.

Can CableSolve manage remote sites?

• Yes. The CableSolve database can be accessed across a wide area network and provide support for remote sites. There is currently no mechanism for supplying only partial data to remote sites however, and therefore the process will be slower over links with less than 128 kbps.

Is CableSolve proprietary?

• No. CableSolve can be used with any type of patch panel or connectivity hardware.

Is CableSolve easy to use?

• Yes. CableSolve is easy to use and learn. Our existing customers can attest to the significant time and effort they have saved after implementing CableSolve.

What are the key benefits of implementing CableSolve?

• Improved Productivity of IT staff
• Improved Service Levels
• Decreased Network Downtime
• Reduced Costs

TECHNICAL

What type of platform does CableSolve run on?

• CableSolve has both desktop and handheld components. The desktop component can run on Windows® NT 4 SP 6, Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP and includes a stand-alone database engine to store connectivity infrastructure details. Alternatively, CableSolve can utilize a Microsoft® SQL server database, which allows several users to manage the infrastructure simultaneously. The handheld component runs on any Pocket PC® (version 2002 or 2003), but for best results requires a barcode reader to instantly record the making and breaking of connections. We recommend Symbol® PPT 8800 PPT 8800 or MC 50 ruggedised devices. You can use other Pocket PC devices and add barcode scanning capabilities by means of the Socket Communications CF scanners for devices with Compact Flash expansion slots.

How much memory does the Windows CE device require to run CableSolve?

Is CableSolve a Windows-based software package?

• Yes. CableSolve is a Windows-based product which runs on Windows® NT 4 SP 6, Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP.

How much RAM, hard disk space and processor speed is needed to run the CableSolve Software on a PC?

• 256 MB RAM
• 200 MB free hard disk space
• 1 GHz or higher processor speed

Is there a limit to the number of ports CableSolve can manage?

• CableSolve uses Microsoft® SQL server to store and manage the connectivity infrastructure data. This means that there are no practical limits to the size of installations that can be managed by CableSolve. CableSolve has been proven capable of handling installations of up to 50,000 ports.

Does CableSolve slow down or interfere with my data communications?

• CableSolve does not directly interface with the connectivity infrastructure to record data, but rather relies on infrastructure engineers to record and manage moves, adds and changes with the use of portable scanners and barcode identifications on all ports and cables. The proper use of CableSolve's audit module ensures that cabling and infrastructure records are always up to date.

Can CableSolve be accessed via the web or intranet?

• CableSolve's first release does not include web accessibility. However our software will be upgraded to enable this function in its next release. CableSolve can be accessed via customers' Intranet provided the capacity exists to access the SQL database. The CableSolve data is stored in and run the desktop portion of CableSolve.

What switch types does CableSolve support?

• Cisco
• Avaya
• Nortel
• 3Com
• And many others

INVESTMENT

How does CableSolve compare in price with other cable management software solutions?

• Typically CableSolve will add approximately 3-4% to your new cabling system cost and installation from a reseller (ideally required for an existing cabling installation) will add another 3-4%, where as other major hardware based structured cabling management competitors will add an additional 30% to your existing structured cabling system cost.

What is the recommended number of users needed in order to make the implementation of CableSolve feasible?

• If you have more than 100 users at a site, or perhaps you have several sites with a cumulative 100 users, then it is worth checking the ROI calculator to see what the financial benefits are.

How fast can a return on our investment be achieved?

• This varies according to the size of each customer's organization. CableSolve provides an ROI calculator for your specific ROI to be determined based on your own working parameters.

Is the cost of CableSolve based on the performance level of my cabling system?

• No. The cost of CableSolve is calculated based on the number of databases you need to run - usually one - as well as the number of ports that the installed software is to manage, regardless of cabling performance and rating.

Who will audit my site to price my network for CableSolve application?

• The initial site audit will be carried out by your preferred Authorised CableSolve Channel Partner.

TRAINING

Is it necessary to formally train my staff or implement new procedures?

• No it is not "necessary", however it is highly recommended. Training is an investment of time. It is an investment in your staff and this comes back to the company in the form of improved productivity, for not only your staff, but also the clients, the end users. The implementation of new procedures goes hand-in-hand with the adoption of CableSolve's new streamlined functions.

SUPPORT

Do I need a certified reseller to install CableSolve?

• Cormant is convinced that maximum benefit can be gained from having the system installed by a CableSolve Authorised Reseller. However, it is possible to fully install and configure the system independently.
• Cormant Technologies has a list of qualified and experienced resellers who have been trained to deliver the highest standards of technical installation and support that can be expected of an Authorised Channel Partner. It is therefore recommended that installation and configuration of the software be carried out only by an Authorised CableSolve Channel Partner.

What if our cabling reseller is not a CableSolve Channel Partner?

• In cases such as this, you may ask your reseller to contact us to become an Authorised Channel Partner, or we can put you in touch with our current pool of Business Partners.

Does CableSolve come with a warranty?

• CableSolve comes with the standard software warranty against defects in workmanship of materials. In accordance with industry-wide practice, the software itself is not under warranty. However, purchase of the software provides 30 days of free e-mail and phone technical support. Cormant also offers downloading of patches for the particular version purchased, as well as access to web support pages. There is no time limit on either the downloads or access to the support pages.

Who supplies the Symbol Windows CE Scanner for CableSolve?

• Scanners are normally supplied by your CableSolve Channel Partner. Your local Cormant Technologies representative will be happy to assist however, in the event scanners are not available from your CableSolve Channel Partner.

Who carries out CableSolve's technical support?

• Initial technical support will be provided by the particular Authorised Channel Partner who installed the product. CableSolve users are automatically entitled to full access of our web support pages and patch releases. In addition, Cormant Technologies offers a maintenance program (available through our resellers), which provides access to functional enhancements. Direct technical support by email or by simply dialing a toll free number, 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year is also available.

Who provides the technical support for the Symbol Scanner?

• The Symbol Scanner's authorised dealer/reseller. Symbol Technologies is the largest vendor of scanning engines and enjoys corresponding product support in most countries. Each scanner purchased will be enrolled in the Symbol maintenance program for the first year.

There are many available Pocket PCs capable of running Windows CE. Which brands work best with CableSolve?

• Obviously we recommend the Symbol scanner as it has an integrated scanning engine and is a rugged tool. However any Windows CE device can be used to run CableSolve. To take advantage of the barcode labeling system that optimizes CableSolve's functionality however, the Pocket PC chosen must have the an integral CF card slot to support a CF based scanning engine. We currently support the Socket® IS5003 CF slot scanners.

Will there be network downtime while CableSolve is being installed and configured?

• This will depend on the existing level of tidiness of the patch cords at the patch panels or floor distributors. If the patching is very neat then there should be no need to disconnect services. Part of the process involved in setting up CableSolve is labeling each patch cord with two wrap-around barcode labels. If such can be accomplished without disconnections from the frame, then the entire procedure shall be non service-affecting.

Who carries out technical support, and is it available 24 hrs 7 days a week?

• Technical support will be provided by the Authorised CableSolve Channel Partner who installed the product. CableSolve also offers all customers an optional but highly recommended Maintenance Agreement. The agreement entitles all subscribers to technical support by simply dialing a toll free number, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Where is Cormant's technical support team located?

• Along with the CableSolve development group, the technical support group is located at the Cormant Technologies headquarters. This support team provides 24x7 support to customers with maintenance contracts. In addition, each major market served by Cormant has an in-country technical sales manager who can assist when on site support is critical to resolving a problem.

REFERENCE SITES

What existing reference sites do you have?

• For information regarding our customers and what they are saying about CableSolve, please refer to the "Our Customers" section of our website at the Cormant Homepage : http://www.cormant.com.