Why Web Management?

The web is the prevailing platform for enterprise software, network management systems, and information delivery. More and more companies have adopted the technology and embedded web GUI management systems in their routers, switches, security appliances, and other networking devices. A web-based application delivers CLI-equivalent functionality with an intuitive GUI interface, and offers many more product benefits.

Product Benefits

Simplified demo and initial trial on the device: Prospective customers can try out our management application remotely through web browsers to examine the device capability. It offers positive customer experience and is cost-effective. It is also possible to create a Windows demonstration through device simulation.

Simplified software installation and upgrade: The web-based management system is embedded in the device. There is no additional software installation in new deployment or firmware upgrade.

Improved customer service: Web pages in the management application can include dynamic links to the vendor's web site, providing access to customer support, current product information, or the latest upgrade of the device.

Better time-to-market: With proper architecture and device simulation, the web GUI application can be created in parallel with device design and implementation. Management functionality and user interface usability are validated early on.

Internationalization and customization: There are localized browser for all major languages. A well-designed web application can support multiple languages as well as customized versions for OEM and product variation.

Web Technology

Browser and web server technology have become stable and mature. A web application is platform independent as browsers run on many platforms, such as Windows, Unix, and Mac. Web clients are also available for PDAs and cell phones.

The standardized technologies, such as HTML, JavaScript and XML, provide a useful development platform. A web application is developed interactively through HTML pages and Java scripts. The change and testing cycle is shorter as recompilation is usually not a necessary step. With proper architecture, most of the development could even be based on device simulation and developed on a desktop computer. With simulation, web GUI application can be in parallel development with, even ahead of, actual device implementation.

Intuitive User Interface

Browsers offer a familiar user interface and a low learning curve for users. Using dynamic pages, the application can provide a user interface that is intuitive and easy to use.