Automate IP Address Management

Don’t get shortchanged by your IP address management solution.

Exponential growth of networks combined with the complexity introduced by IT initiatives (e.g. VoIP, Cloud computing, server virtualization, desktop virtualization, IPv6 and service automation) has required network teams to look for tools to automate IP address management (IPAM).  Automated IPAM tools allow administrators to allocate subnets, allocate/track/reclaim IP addresses and provide visibility into the networks.

Here are some examples of what a typical IPAM tool can do:

• Create a subnet for a new branch office
• Assign a new static IP address to the new printer
• Reclaim IP addresses as older servers are decommissioned
• Keep accurate record of IP assignments and associated data e.g. MAC addresses, OS type, switch port connectivity etc.
• Discover devices on the network and update data

Most organizations use manual spreadsheets and home-grown tools to accomplish these activities. At first look, any automated IP address management solution seems like a vast improvement over  the status quo, and ease of procurement and pricing become the prime deciding factors. However, as thousands of IPAM users would testify, an automated IP address management system is becoming increasingly critical to most of the IT initiatives. A well thought out IP address management automation solution will likely pave the way for more complex IT initiatives.

Steve Garrison is vice president of marketing at Infoblox. With more than 20 years in the networking industry, he has held a variety of marketing roles developing and implementing multi-level global strategies. Prior to joining Infoblox, Steve helped distinguish Force10 Networks among many competitive switching and network infrastructure companies by clearly articulating the company's contribution to network automation efforts. He received a B.S. in Ceramic Science from Alfred University and an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT. Steve also holds four patents and was a founder of the Ethernet Alliance.