Agent and web-based technologies in network management

A close look at agent and web-based technologies and their use in the management of networks is the main theme of this paper. An analysis of how this area has changed substantially, resulting in new difficulties and challenges for information systems professionals is provided. The components of network management, including people, information; the network infrastructure, systems and network management, and their interactions are looked at initially. The changes that have occurred in this area will be outlined by this analysis, and the resulting problems and complexities described. From this point the potential role for agent technology in providing some degree of solution is explored. This exploration also considers some of the negative implications, and introduces a model proposed as the basis of an integrated agent and web-based network management environment.