Find faults the easy way Find faults the easy way All networks and computer systems are vulnerable to failure but a healthy mix of tools, technology and preparation can help to reduce the duration and impact of downtime. Phil Crewe reports F ault management is an important component of any system, especially large-scale manufacturing and communication systems. The aim of fault management is to ensure systems recover from failures in a reliable, efficient way.
Fault management is important in all types of network, both voice and data.
Fault detection often relies on a user calling a helpdesk and asking for help with a problem. A more sophisticated process involves software that can monitor a network and spot a problem as soon, or sometimes before, it occurs. Such products are offered by HP OpenView, Compaq Insight Manager, CA Unicenter, Tivoli and RiverSoft. Compaq and a number of other hardware manufacturers build fault management functions into their systems. ECC memory increases the reliability of digital data by automatically testing for and correcting memory errors.