LAN-based E-mail System Audit Service

2.15

Overview

The GSS cc:Mail system audit will show you how to boost the performance and reliability of your LAN e-mail system in the short term and how to create a solid infrastructure for future expansion. LAN-based e-mail systems tend to grow organically but configurations appropriate at the departmental or site level do not scale to larger systems. As a system grows it typically reaches a point where re-design is necessary to ensure acceptable performance and reliability.

One strength of the cc:Mail system is that it is both configurable and flexible but there are few systems engineering guidelines for cc:Mail. Factors such as cc:Mail Router location, machine and Call List configuration; ADE and Bulletin Board propagation, and post office size and placement, can have a dramatic impact on system performance and reliability. GSS shows customers step by step how to design or re-design systems for superior performance and reliability.

Performance and Scalability

Performance levels, in terms of end-to-end message delivery, depend upon several key variables such as the number of users and post offices, the LAN topology and server configurations, the number of levels in a hierarchical routing topology, and the number of Routers and gateways along with their configurations. Capacity planning factors such as the average number of addressees and sizes of messages, as well as the level of utilization, and the hours of peak utilization on the network also come into play.

Reliability and Stability

Reliability depends upon fault tolerance and error recovery. The GSS cc:Mail system audit identifies risks of data loss and potential failures in error detection and reporting. Depending on the degree to which e-mail is a mission critical application, various steps can be taken to assure the reliability of key system component, for example:

installation of monitoring systems

use of error detecting components from the GSS Automation Kit

integration of monitoring products with e-mail and paging services

automated switching of message routes.

The GSS cc:Mail System Audit is a two-phase process. Phase I involves data collection, interviews, and physical inspection of equipment. Phase II involves extensive analysis and reporting.

Phase I: The GSS cc:Mail system audit is a two-part process. The first phase is data collection. Data collection involves the following:

Network topology (LAN and WAN)

Network file servers and server resources

Network protocols and routing

cc:Mail message routing topology

cc:Mail Router connection types and protocols

cc:Mail Router and gateway hardware and software configurations

cc:Mail Router Call List configurations

cc:Mail NFT Error logs

cc:Mail ADE relationships

cc:Mail automation, maintenance, backup and monitoring

cc:Mail Mobile and Router communications

Phase II: Following the on-site inspection, an analysis is performed and a report is generated. A typical system audit report includes, descriptions of problems, specific recommendations, diagrams, and supplementary information:

Architectural analysis, design review, and redesign recommendations

Configuration, implementation, and machine configuration review

Diagrammatic representations of cc:Mail deployment in LAN/WAN environment

Diagrammatic representations of cc:Mail message routing and ADE topologies

In addition to the deliverables above, cc:Mail System Audit customers receive a free site license of the GSS Automation Kit for cc:Mail containing scripts and utilities for system automation, maintenance, administration, and monitoring.

Guaranteed Solutions

The recommendations in the system audit report fall into two categories:

Solutions to known problems in the customer environment

Recommendations to resolve

Resolve known problems

Avoid potential problems

Enhance performance

Enhance reliability, fault tolerance, and error recovery

Experience Superior Value

With GSS customers always know what they will receive, how much they should invest, and how long it will take to achieve their goals. Over the years GSS has proven its value by helping customers successfully meet the most demanding IT challenges. Let GSS help you migrate quickly and smoothly to a superior e-mail infrastructure. GSS has relationships with major vendors that involve training and certification of GSS staff, but the certification that GSS points out most frequently is customer loyalty. GSS is successful because GSS customers are successful.

About GSS

Global System Services Corporation (GSS) is the leading provider of consulting and professional services for large-scale and distributed infrastructure systems such as email and messaging, directory services, groupware, and wireless solutions. GSS customers include Fortune 500 companies, large services providers and telecom companies, government agencies, major messaging product vendors, and innovative technology startups.

GSS provides a complementary suite of services including strategic technology consultation and competitive vendor and product analysis, product and system architecture and design, system development deployment, customization, and testing, technical support, email migration, and other IT services. GSS has been directly responsible for some of the largest global systems and solutions and counts as customers many of the largest companies in the world.

From its offices in the Silicon Valley California, GSS delivers services and solutions to customers worldwide through a network of mobile consultants and qualified GSS Affiliates. With industry certified professionals on staff, GSS is a Qualified Lotus Business Partner, a Certified Microsoft Solution Provider (MCSP), a Principal Partner in the Sun Partner Advantage program and a member of the Sun Software Partner Council, as well as a member of key industry organizations.

Contact GSS

Global System Services Corporation (GSS)

650 Castro Street, Suite 120-268

Mountain View, CA 94041, U.S.A.

1 (650) 965-8669 phone

1 (650) 965-8679 fax

http://www.gssnet.com

info@gssnet.com