Network labs today typically lack sophisticated accounting of asset utilization and lab activity. With EdenTree Lab Manager, lab resource usage is scheduled, managed and tracked, making it possible to feed a reporting tool with detailed lab usage data that has never before been available to lab managers.

The EdenTree Report Manager application allows you to access data that is generated by the Lab Manager product – and other EdenTree and third party applications – and design and generate custom reports on the lab infrastructure, utilization of lab resources, user activity, tests performed, test results, and other lab-related data.

Features include:
 Report Templates - Custom and Pre-configured reports provide precisely the information you need
 Report Designer - Customize the report elements, layout, logo, etc.
 Report Repository - Archive reports for future access
 Report Scheduler - Configure one-time or recurring scheduled report generation

EdenTree Report Manager will be available in Q2.

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The EdenTree Lab Manager application is designed to allow multiple users and groups of users to access lab resources locally or remotely. There are many features that provide the administrator of the solution with flexible and advanced controls over what and how a specific user or group of users may see and use lab resources.

 Devices have See and Use permissions
 Topologies have Read Only or Read/Write permissions
 Users may be limited to a maximum reservation duration
 Users may be restricted to start reservations only after a certain time delay from the time they request resources
 Users may be assigned a maximum priority level (1 thru 5) they can assign to their reservations
 Users may be forced to request only the device types needed and not request specific devices

The image above shows how the Lab Manager Client application represents devices to a user that is limited in the devices he has authorization to use, but is not restricted from viewing unauthorized devices. Those devices he is not authorized to use appear in red in the Device Palette on the left and in topologies in the Network Diagram.

In contrast, the image to the right shows how the Lab Manager Client represents unauthorized devices to a user that has permission only to see devices that he is authorized to use. The device palette filters out unauthorized devices so they cannot be viewed, and if a topology is opened that includes unauthorized devices, those devices are labeled simply as "Unauthorized", and no information about them may be obtained.

In summary, the User Access Controls of Lab Manager are very useful for:
Multiple departments that are sharing one lab space. In this case, you may want to set up a domain of equipment for each department, and then a shared domain of devices that all users in all departments are authorized to use.
Providing lab access to off-shore partner developers, customers, or other guest users. A partner, customer or guest account can be configured so as to restrict the user's view to include only those devices pertinent to the user's project or concern.

Look for more Lab Manager Tech Tips in upcoming issues of Lab Automation News.

Click here for more information on Physical Layer Lab Automation.

Click here to view the Lab Manager data sheet.

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Need to justify your contemplated investments in lab and test automation solutions?

Don't pay thousands of dollars for a lab assessment. After conducting a brief site survey and interview, EdenTree will provide you with a FREE customized Business Case for Lab Automation. Using information about your lab and a sophisticated simulation model, we will provide you with a clear analysis of your return on investment in lab automation.

Click here to learn more.

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QLogic is a leading storage networking solutions provider, with a diverse portfolio of products that includes Fibre Channel HBAs, blade server embedded Fibre Channel switches, Fibre Channel stackable switches, iSCSI HBAs and iSCSI routers. QLogic products also power solutions from leading companies like Cisco, Dell, EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, HP, IBM, Network Appliance and Sun Microsystems.

QLogic has not only been an innovator in Fibre Channel technology, with many "industry firsts" under its belt, but has also been an innovator in improving test processes and shortening time to market through lab automation. Through visionary initiatives, the company implemented a physical layer switching infrastructure in labs throughout the organization, encompassing around 12,000 ports of devices under test and test equipment.

QLogic partnered with EdenTree to bring this architecture to life.  EdenTree's software solutions allow QLogic's various development and test teams to easily manage, access, schedule, and manipulate the lab resources and the switches interconnecting them.

Some of the key benefits of the automated solution include:

  Dynamic test beds are controlled by end users through an easy-to-use graphical user interface
  Any Host-SAN Switch-Storage combination can be created instantly, for easy cycling through multiple permutations of topologies
  Where appropriate, devices such as SAN switches can be easily shared by multiple users simultaneously
  Real-time device and usage information is available to users from an intuitive GUI
  Links can be easily manipulated - broken/made, or tapped for analysis - on demand through the GUI

By implementing a dynamic lab infrastructure managed by EdenTree's powerful and easy-to-use software, QLogic has dramatically improved productivity throughout their organization.

More about QLogic and other lab automation case studies.

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Visit www.edentreetech.com for more information.

EdenTree Technologies, Inc.
810 Lawrence Drive, Suite 210
Newbury Park, CA 91320
Main: 1-805-499-4555
Toll-Free: 1-866-450-EDEN (3336)

To learn more about EdenTree's products, call one of the numbers above or e-mail us at info@edentreetech.com.

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