CA Netmaster Network Automation Modernization Guide

CA Netmaster Network Automation is a software solution designed to automate the management and maintenance of SNA network resources. It helps organizations ensure that their network operates in the desired state by automatically addressing issues and maintaining configurations.

It is a software application that provides tools and capabilities for automating network management tasks. It is not a complete operating system or hardware system, but rather a software layer that works with existing network infrastructure.

Organizations that rely on SNA networks, particularly those with large and complex network environments, can benefit from CA Netmaster Network Automation. These organizations are often in industries such as banking, finance, insurance, and government.

A company should consider using CA Netmaster Network Automation when they experience challenges in managing their SNA network resources manually, face increasing network complexity, or need to improve network uptime and performance.

Alternatives include IBM Automation Control for z/OS, NetView, and customized scripting solutions. CA Netmaster Network Automation distinguishes itself through its specific focus on SNA environments and its integration capabilities within the broader CA Netmaster suite.

CA Netmaster Network Automation runs on z/OS, z/VM, and zVSE/VSEn platforms. It typically operates within an LPAR on a mainframe system and may require specific subsystems to be active.

For mainframe products, it runs in an LPAR and is z/OS dependent. It may require specific subsystems to be active to function correctly.

The product integrates with other components of the CA Netmaster suite, such as Netmaster Network Intelligence. It may also integrate with other network management tools and systems via APIs.

The product exposes APIs that can be used for integration with other systems. These APIs may include REST or SOAP interfaces, allowing for programmatic access to network automation functions.

By automating network management tasks, CA Netmaster Network Automation reduces the need for manual intervention, which can lead to cost savings, improved network uptime, and faster problem resolution. It also helps ensure consistent network configurations and compliance with policies.

The product helps maintain the desired state of SNA resources automatically, reducing the risk of network outages and performance issues. This can translate to significant cost savings and improved service levels.

The licensing model is typically based on a perpetual or subscription basis, depending on the vendor's offerings. The total cost of ownership includes licensing fees, implementation costs, and ongoing maintenance and support expenses.

CA Netmaster Network Automation supports various authentication methods, such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret, depending on the z/OS security environment. It uses an access control model based on roles and permissions to control access to network resources and functions.

The product integrates with z/OS security systems like RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret to manage user authentication and authorization. It also provides audit logging capabilities to track user activity and security events.

The product provides audit logging capabilities to track user activity, configuration changes, and security events. These logs can be used for security monitoring and compliance reporting.

Deployment typically involves installing the software on z/OS, z/VM, or zVSE/VSEn systems and configuring it to manage the target SNA network resources. Implementation requires technical expertise in mainframe systems, networking, and security.

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring the health and performance of the network automation system, performing regular maintenance tasks, and addressing any issues that arise. Staffing requirements include personnel with expertise in mainframe systems, networking, and security.

Common implementation challenges include integrating with existing network management systems, configuring the software to meet specific network requirements, and ensuring that the system is properly secured.