Here's how it works. The system will scan Windows NT servers and routers, discover any vulnerabilities in the configuration of the elements and propose a resolution. The SNMP-based discovery engine gathers data on routers and switches in the customer's network, populates the database with the information and presents the asset data. Data gathered by the device is transmitted, via the secure VPN, back to a Silverback data center, where multiple databases aggregate it, track trouble tickets and so on. A portal resides at the customer site that is monitored by Silverback customer care engineers, who also monitor the back-end services running in the data center.
Customers access the service through the portal.
Mass. Hill is looking at the service for inclusion in his organization's mix of services provided to faculty and staff at the college. The VPN, called the InfoPipeline, will also be used to dynamically upgrade the applications at customer sites as well as to maintain the on-site elements and monitor their operation. The service will be offered directly, and Silverback intends to market it through Competitive Local Exchange Carriers, Internet service providers and others. Later in the year, Silverback intends to add other management application services such as root cause analysis, intrusion detection and virus scanning applications. A survivor's guide.