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Re: How does XML help Network Operators

Bert,  

XML-based management does not have to be better than
SNMP at handling operator requirements. It merely has to
be comparable.  The question to debate might be whether
or not we think that this trend towards adoption of XML-based
management will continue.

Our efforts can only contribute to the quality of the eventual outcome.
They will not change wha that outcome is.  We can assist in achieving
a better model for XML mgt, but we will not influence whether and
how XML is adopted for this purpose.

As it relates to the needs of network operators, I believe that
we ought to restate the problem, as follows:

"How can we apply XML-based mgt to address the needs of network
operators?"

/larry



Wijnen, Bert (Bert) wrote:
Although I appreciate the discussions on the
performance issues of XML vs SOAP/WSDL, 
and also the discussions on XML vs SNMP,
the one thing that still bothers me most is:

I am not particularly enthused by seeing suggestions to
replace current protocol X (no matter which one it is) 
with new protocol Y (not matter which one it is) if we
do not at the same time show how the new protocol will
be better at addressing real operator requirements.

I do not want to find us a few years from now with the
situation aka: 
  operators tell us that they are not using new protocol Y
  because it does not address the real problems they face
  and because vendors have not properly implemented it
  and because it .... whatever
   
So, how does XML (or any new technology for that matter)
help us address the Operator Requirements.
I understand they are not yet very well specified,
but this is at least an initial list that I have
seen mentioned and that we need to addres:

- dump/save configuration
- load/restore configuration
- activate a new configuration at time X or at reboot
- rollback a configuration
- network level configuration, as in the following points
  - mutli-device transactions (e.g. activate a specific
    configuration at mutliple devices in sync
  - rollback at multiple devices in sync
- who can do what on which devices, as in the
  following points
  - what are the identities of who can do what
  - how can they be grouped
  - how do we do access control fo such groups
- transport security
  - how is the transport properly secured

Randy Bush (or other operators), pls add if my list is
not correct and/or incomplete

Thanks,
Bert 

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