Multi-Grid Manager provides an easy-to-use interface that simplifies core network services management. Its navigational tools enable you to quickly move through the application and retrieve the information you need. You can customize different elements in your workspace, and hide and display panels as you need them. It also provides different types of Help, so you can immediately access the information you need to complete your tasks.
19282669 illustrates the typical layout of Multi-Grid Manager. It identifies common elements of the interface and features that you can use:

Figure 1.3 Multi-Grid Manager Interface

System Messages
Multi-Grid Manager displays system messages at the top of the screen. In wizards and editors, it displays messages at the top as well.

Note: Some configuration changes require a service restart. Multi-Grid Manager displays a message whenever you make such a change. Click the Restart icon that appears in the message to restart services.

Security and Informational Banners

Multi-Grid Manager displays security and informational banners on the header and footer of the screen. Only superusers can publish the informational and security banner. There are two types of banners:

• Security Banner - Security banner indicates the security level of the Infoblox Grid. There are five security levels to choose from the Security list box. The available security levels are Top Secret, Secret, Confidential, Restricted, and Unclassified.
• Informational Banner - You can use the informational banner for multiple uses, such as to indicate whether the Infoblox Grid is in production or a lab system. You can also publish messages of the day.

For more information, see /wiki/spaces/mgmadminguide/pages/911181917 and /wiki/spaces/mgmadminguide/pages/911181917.

Running Tasks

When you execute a task, Multi-Grid Manager automatically runs it in the background, so you can navigate to other tabs and perform other functions while Multi-Grid Manager completes the task.
The Task Icon indicates if a task is running. The icon becomes yellow if the task has been pending or running for over 10 minutes. It becomes red if the task fails to execute. If there is an active task, the icon becomes animated or active.
You can click the Task Icon to view detailed information about the tasks in the Task viewer. You can sort the tasks in ascending or descending order by column and use filters to narrow down the list. The Task viewer also provides an option to automatically clean up tasks after a specific number of days or weeks. Multi-Grid Manager displays a message at the top of the interface when the task is completed successfully or if the task fails.

Global Search

Use Global Search to find data. Multi-Grid Manager searches the entire NIOS database for data that matches the criteria you specify. For additional information on Global Search, see /wiki/spaces/mgmadminguide/pages/911180172.

Finder Panel

The Finder panel appears on all pages in Multi-Grid Manager. It provides the following tools:

• Smart Folders: Use Smart Folders to organize your data according to criteria that you specify.
• Bookmarks: Stores data that you have marked for easy retrieval.

URL Links: You can add, modify, and delete third party URL links of frequently used portals and destinati.

Toolbar Panel

The vertical Toolbar provides easy access to commands. The Toolbar is available in all pages, except the Dashboard. Its content changes depending on the type of data displayed in the work area. You can resize, collapse, and expand the Toolbar panel.

Help Panel

The Help panel provides the following types of Help:

• Help: Expand this section to view information about the window currently displayed.
• Documentation: Expand this section to download the latest versions of the documentation.
• Support: Expand this section to view links to the Infoblox web site and Technical Support site.
• About: Expand this section to view information about the NIOS software version.

You can resize, collapse, and expand the Help panel. In addition, each dialog box also provides a Help panel that contains information specific to the dialog box. You can expand and collapse the Help panel in dialog boxes as well.

Wizards and Editors

Multi-Grid Manager provides a wizard for every object that you can create. You use wizards to enter basic information required to create an object. If you want to configure additional parameters, you can then save the object and edit it. Note that all required fields are denoted by asterisks.

Tooltips

Tooltips display the function of each button. Hover your mouse over a button or icon to display its label.