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NetIQ AppManager lets you manage not only a very large and complex Microsoft Exchange messaging environment but also the underlying network resources. AppManager includes more of the specifications we deem critical for messaging management, such as sophisticated monitoring, data collection and graphing, and notification functionality--features that go beyond what Exchange offers natively.

AppManager's major modules include the Console, Management Server, Management Client and Repository. The console is the administrator's interface. The interface is colorful, intuitive and well-planned, with multiple viewing panes.

The Repository, also known as the Query Database, or QDB, is a Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 database that stores Knowledge Scripts, event, job and graph data. AppManager configures the database and creates the required tables.

The ability to detect that a Windows NT or Exchange service has stopped and to restart the service automatically is a key feature of AppManager. In our tests, we selected the "Down Exchange Service" and requested e-mail notification. Sure enough, AppManager discovered the stalled service, dropped a message in the mailbox and quickly restarted service.

NetIQ AppManager, $2,500 base console, $600 per server,
NetIQ Corp.,
(408) 556-0888.
www.netiq.com