Multi-level Reasoning for Managing Distributed Enterprises and Their Networks

In this paper we describe our experiences and directions regarding the management of multi-domain Enterprise Networks (ENs). Our views are (i) the management of the EN is a distributed problem-solving activity and (ii) recent results in automated problemsolving in the distributed artificial intelligence and robotics communities can contribute to our understanding, development, and deployment of management software for the EN during the 90s and into the 21st century. We discuss a distributed, multi-level architecture for EN management and describe examples in fault management and business process management. Our examples demonstrate an integration of two off-the-shelf Network Management (NM) products: the Spectrum NM platform from Cabletron Systems and NerveCenter from the Seagate Corporation.