automating visio infrastructure diagrams...• using visio manually • linking to spreadsheets /...
TRANSCRIPT
Automating Visio Infrastructure Diagrams
David CuthbertsonSquare Mile Systems
Debby BinnsPremier Computer Solutions
Square Mile Overview
• Develop AssetGen toolsets, training and techniques for operational management of complex IT infrastructure
• Focus areas– Data center management– Connectivity management– Service mapping– System change impact analysis – Documentation techniques– Infrastructure visualisation
• All technologies!
Fixed Infrastructure(Cabling, Power, Cabinets, Buildings)
Hardware InfrastructureNetwork, Servers, UPS, Storage, Other
Virtual InfrastructureNetwork, Servers, Storage, DBMS
ApplicationsPC, server, mainframe, SOA
ServicesEnd user, infrastructure, supplier
Business ProcessesDepartmental, Company
Information Resources
• Web sites– www.squaremilesystems.com– www.assetgen.com videos on “how to create visio”– www.youtube.com search for “assetgen”
• Networking for IT Infrastructure– www.linkedin.com– www.datacenterprofessionals.net
• Third party– www.brighttalk.com Online webcasts– www.bcs-cmsg.org.uk BCS config mgmt focus group– smsg.bcs.org BCS ITIL focus group– www.itsmf.co.uk ITIL issues– www.bicsi.org Cabling and data centres
Expectations
• Why do we want to automate Visio diagrams?
• What do we mean by automation?
What You Should Gain
• Understand more about Visio• Reduce workload creating project documentation• Reduce workload maintaining diagrams • Reduce the number of maintained diagrams • Improve quality and accuracy by automated updating• Tips and tricks• See examples of applying different automation methods• Plus any issues / questions you may have
Visio 2007 Professional Extras
Extras we’ll cover today
Visio 2007 Resources
• Microsoft web site• Visioguy www.visguy.com
• Books• Linkedin group – Visio Enthusiasts• Equipment manufacturer web sites
– Cisco– HP, others www.visiocafe.com
• Stencils– netZoom www.altimatech.com
Not all Diagrams Help!
Overview
• Using Visio manually• Linking to spreadsheets / databases• Navigating to more detail• Understand the process of diagram creation• Creating & maintaining Visio diagrams automatically• Example project work flow
– Planning– Producing project diagrams– Updating operational systems
I Need An Infrastructure Diagram!
Requirement
DataSources
Diagram
Common Diagram Issues
• Using the same stencils• Use of shapes
– Logical– Physical– Architecture
• Use of connectors• Consistent and accurate shape data• Maintaining hyperlinks
The Process of Drawing a DiagramPurpose
Gather data
Transfer data to diagram
Layout
Add extra detail
Save
Send / publish diagram
Define shapes
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8.
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7.
Where can we automate?
Shape Issues Affecting Automation
• Shape selection• Shape positioning• Shape linking• Shape data definition• Shape data update and maintenance• Shape data display • Shape hyperlinks
The Process of Updating a DiagramPurpose
Gather data
Add / Delete shapeConnector, Data
Review layout
Add extra detail
Save
Send / replace diagram
Check diagramfor match
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8.
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Where can we automate?
A Few Types of Diagrams
• Physical• Path• Logical• System• Architecture – single / multi-technology• Process maps• Service maps
Server Diagrams
Floor Plan
Rack Position
Service impact
Power Supply
Network Connections
H/W Build
Visio 2007 Automation Features
• Programmers toolkit• Linking to External Data• Shape Data• Data graphics• Hyperlinks to external data
A Few Issues With Data Linking
• Good for importing, bringing data into Visio• Use data graphics to display appropriate data• Requires good file management• Multiple data sources / gaps/ overlaps cause problems• Manual filtering and selection
The Process of Drawing a DiagramPurpose
Gather data
Transfer data to diagram
Layout
Add extra detail
Save
Send / publish diagram
Define shapes
1.
8.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Linking Data still requiresmanual selection
Produces one diagram at A time
Disparate Documentation Sets
Improved Data Consistency - Yes
Gaps
Inconsistent
Not trusted
Partial
No history
Costly to maintain
Repeated audits
Errors
AssetGen ApproachPurpose
Gather data
Transfer data to diagram
Layout
Add extra detail
Save
Send / publish diagram
Define shapes
1.
8.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
a. Select and filter data
b. Add/update shapes
c. Create diagrams
d. Layout (where practical)
e. Enable refresh of existing
The AssetGen Solution
Fixed Infrastructure(Cabling, Power, Cabinets, Rooms, Buildings)
Hardware Infrastructure ComponentsPCs, Network, Servers, UPS, Storage, Other
Virtual Infrastructure ComponentsPCs, Network, Servers, Storage, DBMS
ApplicationsPC or server based
ServicesEnd user, infrastructure, supplier
Business ProcessesDepartmental, Company
AssetGen ConnectPhysical Infrastructure
AssetGen SysMapLogical
Infrastructure
VISUALISATION
Reducing the amount of infrastructure data
Before - uncoordinated data
Gaps
Inconsistent
Not trusted
Partial
No history
Costly to maintain
Repeated audits
Errors
LAN/SAN/WAN/Power diagrams
ServicesSoftwareServersStorageCabinetsNetworksCablingPowerVoice
Coordinated database, multiple viewpoints
Capacity and connectivity reports
Change impact analysis and audit trails
Spreadsheet outputs
Service maps
Rack, floor plans
AssetGen In More Detail
AssetGen ConnectPhysical Infrastructure
AssetGen SysMapLogical
Infrastructure
SysMapExpert
Service MappingVisualisation- visio, netViz
SearchingImpact formsPath tracingRack diagramsCapacity - space, power, portsInventoryWorkflow Audit trails
WebBrowser
MS SQL Database
Service DeskCMDB
(if suitable)
refresh
MonitoringDiscovery
AssetSpreadsheets
refresh
PC
Planner Space planningVisualisation - visio, netViz
Impact Analysis
Examples of Visio Automation
• Floor plans• Rack diagrams• Network and other topology diagrams• Service maps• Data flow diagrams• Architecture maps• Path diagrams
Plus Capacity reportingAudit trailsWorkflow
Visio Automation Summary
1. A better understanding of Visio capabilities2. Different types of automation to reduce manual tasks3. Multiple diagrams can be produced and maintained4. Gained an understanding of Square Mile techniques and
technology
Automation can givea. Increase in staff productivity – projects and operationsb. Confidence in diagrams accuracyc. A portal to more detailed data
Next Steps
• Training Courses– Visio for IT Professionals (2 days) 30/6 12/7– Visio automation in-house workshop (1 day)
• Web content– Premier courses and consultancy– Videos on AssetGen site– Webcasts www.brighttalk.com
• Downloads– AssetGen SysMap Professional evaluation version
Thank You For Attending
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Have a safe journey