An analysis of the requirements and key enabling technologies for the development of intelligent and integrated enterprise network management systems is presented. In particular, the analysis demonstrates the advantages of exploiting the synergy of object-oriented and knowledge-based technologies, together with the emerging network management standard protocols between conformant management entities. The experience with applying these concepts to the evolution of the management system for large multivendor data communication networks is outlined.>

A prototype expert system for maintenance of Northern Telecom's DMS-family digital switches is presented. The prototype is based on using product documentation and experience obtained from craftspeople and field technical support to create the knowledge base for an expert system which diagnoses and chooses corrective actions for DMS-100 problems. Operation of the expert system, and how this has changed since the initial prototype was completed, implementation of the system, and further development of the system in a network maintenance role is also discussed.>