Formulator Gives Easy Access: Page 3 of 4

One of the Formulator's most useful features is its ability to track all keystrokes issued in a configuration session on a network router or switch. In addition, an on-board log records the dates and times of any commands issued by any operator connecting to the device through the proxy.

After retrieving a configuration from a device, Formulator automatically gives it an ID, compares the configuration to the prior configuration and notes any differences in the log. Formulator also can associate a tag with each configuration--a powerful tool for correlating configurations and infrastructure function. For example, a tag of "fallback" could be assigned to a device's configuration prior to a change. If you need to abort the planned change, the configuration could be reapplied to the device by calling "fallback." All config changes are logged, and notification of configuration changes can be sent to a predefined administrator or group via e-mail.

Additionally, a resolve list shows configuration records not entered in the database. This is useful if a device is added to the database with a name other than the DNS entry assigned to the primary interface.

I hit a roadblock during my tests: I could not download a configuration from a Cisco 7400 router. I knew it wasn't an IOS version problem, but I doubted the problem was with the 7400 router, as our 7413 device was reachable. This glitch wasn't surprising: Every time I've tested configuration products, I've come across a device that wasn't supported. In this case, Gold Wire's tech support was responsive and had me try a number of workarounds. I ran out of time, however, and the issue is unresolved.