Introduction

Traditionally, NMS’s (Network Management Systems) have taken a place at the tail-end of network infrastructure installation projects. These systems provided monitoring and auto-discovery of a network, after which data is turned into information by the user. ZEM changes the role of NMS’s in a network infrastructure project by delivering value over the complete project lifecycle. ZEM creates this value by gathering data during network infrastructure construction projects from the get-go, turning this data into information, and allowing users to interact with and act upon this information with simple to use features and tools.

ZEM separates layer 2 and 3 network infrastructure projects into three phases. The design phase, construction phase, and management phase. Data is captured and value is delivered from the moment pen is put to paper, until the network is decommissioned. In all phases of the project, ZEM relies on the core concepts of delivering as designed, self-service, and communication and collaboration. By continually mirroring the reality of the network to the predefined plan from the design phase, ZEM facilitates a paint by- numbers approach of network construction. Complex processes are captured in simple wizards and flows, empowering your teams and decreasing reliance on third parties for support. By enriching all phases of the construction with progress updates, locations and images of devices, and logging, the communication and collaboration between all stakeholders in the project is greatly increased.