NetMRI automatically supports an Infoblox utility, Cisco Discovery Service, that enables network administrators to provide Cisco-validated reporting and analysis. NetMRI operates as a Cisco Discovery Service-enabled system supporting discovery of network systems for analysis and management. You can use the CDS Integration Tool as part of a new NetMRI installation, or use the tool to extract further insight and value from an existing deployment. Cisco Gold Partner status is required for effective use of the software utility.
NetMRI supports CDS API version 2.0 and uses a NetMRI device or virtual machine to inspect all aspects of a network's Cisco infrastructure to collect the following information:
- The customer's inventory of Cisco network infrastructure devices.
- Partner identification.
- Customer identification.
NetMRI uses secure network connections, including HTTPS, to protect information for transit to the Cisco CDS. Acting as the intermediary, the NetMRI also registers the Infoblox Partner + Customer combination with the Cisco Discovery Service.
The Cisco Discovery Service provides complete information about a network facility's Cisco network infrastructure devices, including the following:
- NetMRI Asset Inventory: a list of all devices discovered by NetMRI.
- Chassis Inventory: a list of all Cisco devices located in the network.
- ISO 27002 reports on compliance with best practices guidelines for Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA, and GLBA compliance.
- End-of-life milestones and migration recommendations thereof.
- Identification of customer equipment producing PSIRT (Product Security Incident Response Team) alerts.
- Identification of customer equipment with either valid or expired contracts.
- Identification of customer equipment with Cisco Field Notices.
- Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance reports against the PCI data security standard.
- Select Issue details from NetMRI.
- Overall network health assessment.
- Port Saturation Summary: report on switch port consumption.
Cisco Discovery Service uses a Release 6.3.1 (or better) NetMRI system to inspect the desired network and compile the information base after discovery. Compatible NetMRI appliances include the following:
- Virtual NetMRI Appliance (VMWareTM compatible).
- NetMRI 1102-A Appliance.
- NetMRI NT-4000 Appliance.
The CDS is not operated by standard NetMRI administrators and is not configured for use in NetMRI. For more information about the usage of CDS, contact your Infoblox representative.