So why the current stress? E-business puts constant and growing demands on network infrastructures and concomitantly on network management of all types. Real-time online performance monitoring to head off bottlenecks is mandatory. Network consolidation, centralization, network-management application service providers, and new software tools are all viable options to be responsive in this 24-by-7 economy.

This Solution Series is for managers who have to deliver the service levels that online apps and users require, while juggling increased dependence on service providers and business partners--and at the same time keeping costs from skyrocketing.

Consultant John Morency discusses service-provider management. There's also advice for staying ahead when managing wireless networks and Gigabit Ethernet, technologies that may not be a problem yet, but are surely heading that way.

Think service-level agreements are the answer? Not so fast. Consultant Rick Sturm debunks some popular myths about SLAs and service-level management. A profile of Alcatel shows there's more to implementing internal SLAs than getting users to sign on the dotted line. Finally, we offer a buyer's guide and roundtable discussion on system management. While the pace may not abate, we hope this supplement can ease some of the stress.

Paula Klein
Managing Editor, Special Projects
pklein@cmp.com

The Solution Series package:

Management Becomes A Critical Factor As E-business demands more of the network, IT managers seek higher service levels and lower costs

Plug Into Wireless Management Don't wait for mobile devices to become ubiquitous before integrating them into the network

New Ties Between Firms, Service Providers Growth in E-business brings companies closer to service providers' networks

Alcatel USA Puts SLAs To The Test Internal initiatives will give company a clear picture of network performance

The Truth About Service-Level Management Properly done, it can offer tremendous benefits to service providers and users

Gig Ethernet Over Copper = Power Desktops Products allow faster speeds over the cabling most businesses already have

E-Business Relies On Enterprise Management IT executives discuss E-business impact on management and overall business practices

Management Options Abound Systems managers opt for more control as companies grow