Cubix and Compuware have partnered to create a MultiServer Appliance featuring the powerful application analysis tool of Compuware’s NetworkVantage products.

Whether you’re experiencing problems with applications on a network, or monitoring service levels, the tools used to solve your problems don’t have to require extensive set-up and configuration. 

MSA 300

The benefits of deploying NetworkVantage probes on a Cubix Multi Server Appliance ensures that your probes are:

Certified and Tested: Compuware and Cubix engineers have certified and tested the hardware and software combination to ensure that your network tool is compatible and reliable.

Performance Optimized: Cubix and Compuware have developed hardware configurations that are optimized for NetworkVantage probes. Processor speed, memory, drive capacity and network interfaces have been tuned to maximize your probes’ performance. This eliminates the potential to under-power or overspend on probe hardware, saving you time and money.  

Though the performance capabilities of the appliance blades should meet most NetworkVantage deployments, customized configurations are possible. A Cubix representative can assist you in designing a configuration that meets your project needs.

Pre-installed Software: To save you time, Cubix preloads the operating system and NetworkVantage software at the factory. The NetworkVantage blade is tuned to support the proper network interfaces (LAN, WAN, HSSI). Pre-installation also eliminates the potential for time consuming configuration errors.

Quality Assurance: Each blade is tested and burned in at the Cubix factory before shipping. Operating systems, drivers, NICs and application revisions are checked and controlled to ensure complete compatibility between hardware and software.  

Management Tools:  Cubix's hardware management tools allows the view and control of multiple NetworkVantage blades using a single SNMP-based management console. Software is integrated at the Cubix factory that allows administrators to monitor and change hardware and operating system settings on NetworkVantage blades within.

Cubix's tools also provide system health monitoring and alarms for internal temperature, power supplies, voltages, circuit breakers and fan rotation status. Reporting takes place out-of-band (on a dedicated serial network) so it does not affect NetworkVantage Probe functions, data or results.

Expert Support: Compuware is the expert at supporting their software, and likewise, Cubix is the expert on the hardware. Together we work to provide you with complete satisfaction in resolving inquiries and providing knowledgeable, fast responses.  

Scalability: In addition to diagnosing problems, probes can help monitor service levels and collect data for planning – so you’ll probably want to deploy more over time. Each 7U, rackmounted MSA 850, hosts as many as 8 NetworkVantage blades. You can start with just one NetworkVantage Probe blade and an NetworkVantage Manager blade or fill the MSA 850 with 8 probes. You can add more blades to the MSA as your needs grow. A single PCI slot is available for each blade to add specialty LAN/WAN interfaces if desired. Cubix will configure the MSA system at the factory to fit your configuration requirements.

Conserves Space: Today’s data centers are being squeezed for rackspace. Cubix’s unique architecture is designed to minimize the amount of space required for each NetworkVantage appliance – less than 1U per appliance.

Reduced Cables: NetworkVantage Probe deployments are used to improve service levels and eliminate problems, the hardware should not add complexity to your data center. The Multi Server Appliance design reduces the number of cables required.  With an MSA 850 only three power cables are required to support 8 servers. Internal peripherals are shared to further reduce cable clutter. An integrated KVM switch uses a single cable to a breakout box to provide KVM support to all 8 servers in the chassis.

Field Serviceable: Most subsystems within the MSA system are cable-free and modular making it very easy to service. Blades are hot-swappable boards, powered independently from the other probes in the system.  They can be swapped out without powering down the system or disturbing neighboring NetworkVantage blades.

Smart IT professionals use the proper tools to pinpoint potential problems quickly. A Cubix Multi Server Appliance is ideal for deploying multiple probes in space restricted data centers. Deploying NetworkVantage probes on a Cubix appliance is the fastest and most effective tool for the job. Contact your local Compuware or Cubix representative to find out how you can improve your tool set.

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