NCM version 7 please demystify

Hi SolarWinds

Please can we have a clear and simple document that tells the user base exactly what is removed from version 6.1 in terms of functionality and by this I mean do we have read-write access to the windows GUI console in version 7 as we do in version 6. Could you also provide exactly what functionality we now have in the web interface, meaning what can we exactly do in the web in version 7 and please be verbose, like bulk changes, Inventory colection on the fly, config collection of the fly, scripting interface on the fly and do we lose any speed now using the web interface in version 7 are there speed comparisons. Also do NCM version 7 and NPM now share custom properties, so if I update a custom property in NPM does this replicate straight away to NCM.

I think it is import to highlight everything that has changed as I have already seen some posts in the forum that have me concerned about the level of detail in what exactly NCM version 7 provides and what has been removed from version 6.

Thanks in advance

James

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Accepted answers

mdiotte

I also one of the posts state the the windows GUI is now read-only, what exactly does this mean or did I read that post incorrectly ?

Certain properties are now handled in the Node settings for the Orion Node in the Web UI. NCM specific settings such as device template, login credentials and connection mode are still available in the windows GUI. Here is a list of Orion Node Properties that apply to NCM nodes automatically and when editable are done via the web:

Node Caption

Agent IP

SNMP version

SNMP Port

Community String

Read/Write Community String

SNMPv3 Credentials ( RW SNMPv3 credentials are applied on NCM Node if specified. In other Case RO SNMPv3 credentials are applied)

Status

Custom Properties

DNS

SysName

Description

Contact

Location

SysObjectID

Vendor

VendorIcon

IOSImage

IOSVersion

MachineType

Do the two products share Custom properties now ? meaning if you change a custom property in NPM does that filter onto NCM.

Yes they now share custom properties.

It is no longer possible to add new custom properties to NCM without adding it to Orion
It is no longer possible to add new or edit custom properties using NCM win32 application

During First time database synchronization on upgrade.

Custom properties are added to NCM if missing.
NCM custom properties are not added to Orion Core if missing.
Orion Core properties of the same name will overwrite NCM properties except in the case of a blank SNMP read/write string. In that one case the Orion Core database will be updated.

Also I saw a post stating that the Orion Import is no longer needed, does that mean that the NodeID is now the same between the NPM and NCM.

The Orion and NCM databases each have their own node tables and the NodeID is not the same. However when any node property is edited in Orion it automatically is replicated to the NCM database node table. The first time node synchronization logic matches up the nodes based on their primary IP addresses.

Does NCM now support AD groups like NPM ? as you now manage users via the web.

Correct, NCM now takes advantage of AD group support.

Hope this helps!

Matt

All comments

TheG0at

I second this. The release notes are just "okay". We are running into a lot of one off problems that I keep calling in on. A simple side by side would help with the administrative overhead.

On another note. Where can I donate money to the SolarWinds on Hold Music fund? If I have to hear this same Kenny G song over and over and over any longer, I might just drink myself into an early winter slumber. Seriously guys, this is the same song for the past 5 years...at least. 100% non-important issue, but good lord its time for a change.

netlogix

Third! I think all of us are a little worried, and it is at least in part due to the mystique of it. I read the helpful hints but did not get much out of it.

It linked to some you tube videos, but I HATE that technical things are not being written. I feel like it is the perpetuation of the loss of the English language; like we are pointing at pictures and grunting to get a point across. It is said “a picture says a thousand words”, but the thousand words are debatable and easy to misunderstand. If the idea is not meant to be clear or fully understood, then a video works. But we need some clarity here, please.

fcaron

Videos we meant in addition, not in replacement of the written doc. Some people find them easier to digest, some don't.

We are looking at what we can do to answer this post (list of changes).

FormerMember

Thanks Francois

I think it is important to realize that some of the userbase are extremely competent system and network administrators and it is only fair that we know what we are loosing and what we are gaining and I for one am always keen to embrace new tech and features, but also need to inform my userbase if they loose certain functionality that they have become accustom to

Cheers

James

docwhite

I can provide a more exhaustive list of changes in NCM v7.0, but the biggest changes are in node and account management:

Account Management: This is all done on the web.

Node Management:

You discover and add/import devices on the web only.

You still do inventories in the the NCM application; though you can monitor inventory status and run inventory reports also from the web.

You manage device settings on both web and in NCM application.

Config Management:

These tasks are done both in NCM application and on the web.

Let me know if you have specific questions about features/functionality.

Thanks.

Doug

jswan

What about the "execute command script" function? How has that changed?

docwhite

jswan,

No change to Execute Command Script; same as in NCM 6x.

docwhite

I should add that, yes, Execute Command Script hasn't changed for the NCM win32 application; but the functionality is also available in the Device Details page on Web Console.

meech

Hi The G0at,

FYI I've passed along your feedback about the on hold muzak to our IT guys, and they've let me know that in fact they've heard many comments recently about the muzak. Looks like we'll be doing a refresh of our IVR menus and some other phone system work in the middle of the year, and they've promised they'll change the muzak (maybe even to music!). See? Wed do listen.

Have a muzak-free day!

rcahill

On another note. Where can I donate money to the SolarWinds on Hold Music fund? If I have to hear this same Kenny G song over and over and over any longer, I might just drink myself into an early winter slumber. Seriously guys, this is the same song for the past 5 years...at least. 100% non-important issue, but good lord its time for a change.

Wonderful, same complaint. Never thought to voice this one though.