Network management is the practice of using specialized software tools to monitor and maintain network components. Proper network management is a key component for the high availability of data networks.

The two basic network management models are:

• Distributed: Specialized, nonintegrated tools to manage discrete components.

• Centralized: Integrated network management tools and organizations for a more coherent management strategy.

This section describes Avaya VoIP Monitoring Manager and Avaya Policy Manager, which are integrated management tools.

For a detailed discussion of network management products from Avaya, common third-party tools, and the distributed and centralized management models, see Avaya Aura® Core Solution Description.