TCP/IP Management Programming Manual

HP NonStop TCP/IP Management Programming Manual—529636-001
2-1
2 Management Programming
You can manage the TCP/IP subsystem interactively or programmatically. For the
TCP/IP subsystem, the SCF and ViewPoint provide interactive subsystem
management, while the control-and-inquiry and Event Management Service (EMS)
interfaces provide programmatic subsystem management.
The division of management tasks between operator control and programmatic control
depends upon the subsystem configuration environment and your needs as a
subsystem user.
To determine the most effective division of management tasks, you must be familiar
with the functions available in both the interactive and programmatic interfaces.
Managing a subsystem programmatically can mean more efficient use of resources,
like:
•
If routine management tasks are performed programmatically instead of
interactively, the operator can spend more time on tasks that require more
judgement and creativity.
•
Where appropriate, a management application can standardize responses to
errors or other information obtained from the subsystem. This standardization
allows you to establish procedures without having to train several operators about
the procedures.
•
A single management application can communicate with several subsystems.
•
You have more latitude in responding to errors returned by the subsystem. A
management application can be designed to take remedial action on selected
reported errors instead of requiring operator intervention once the errors are
reported.
•
You can customize a management application to respond to the specific needs of
your computer system or network.
How a Management Application Fits Into the
Architecture
A management application uses SPI messages to communicate with the TCP/IP
subsystem. These messages are passed between the management application and
the TCP/IP subsystem by means of the SCP or the EMS interface. The function of an
SPI message determines whether the message is passed through SCP or EMS. SCP
is a management process that provides the control-and-inquiry interface. EMS is a
collection of processes, tools, and interfaces that supports the reporting and retrieval of
event information.
The control-and-inquiry interface differs from the EMS interface in key areas. Firstly,
the control-and-inquiry interface requires a management application to initiate the
communication with the subsystem by sending a command through SCP to the