To be able to utilize and manage distributed systems, there is a need to use what is categorised as system management software. Assuming a business is big enough and has operations spread out far enough to warrant a distributed system, the extensive benefits are quite clear. For a growing business, there is also a cutoff point at which it becomes not viable to do individual installations on each station, and go through the paper and electronic trail left by every single user with a purpose to centralize the complete setup.

The concept basically revolves around a thorough scrutiny of information systems in business to ensure that they are up and running. This involves the acquisition of proper peripherals and software so that they can be used in the appropriate areas. They are then assembled and maintained using the latest updates to ensure that all the set goals are met at the right time. In simple terms, the major role it plays is to ensure that a business operates within a secure, reliable and easy to maintain IT atmosphere. It also encompasses hosting services and managed services in addition to monitoring information systems services.

The systems management software takes into consideration the human's aversion to change but still takes control of the system through a configuration manager that manages the database within the training and testing setting, not to mention the real-time setting as well.

The configuration manager makes use of the method of configuration management, which centers on setting up and upholding the steadiness and uniformity of your system's performance at all times. The configuration manager does this by using the systems management software's operational information such as its security features, firmware, documentations, tests and test material and others as well.

Managers have to develop proper documentation of how the system works and organize effective training for the employees on how to use the system. Both manual and computerized documentation help diagram and instruction sheets. Subsequently, this will avail the employee an opportunity learn how to use the system for different purposes. Beyond pure documentation, however, training may also include sessions which will enable employees to practice using the system under the guidance of experts.

Regardless of how well planned an information system is, there will almost certainly be hitches. For example the system may be unable to generate a report that needs to be made available to certain managers or the report may not be in appropriate format or certain employees may be unable to access data that they need. To put these problems under control, the installed system must be tested while appropriate modification is made.


To summarize, the immediate advantages of using system management are very much real and the possibilities even bigger. End of the day, each company has to make an informed decision about this based on its own size and growth curve. A cost benefit analysis to figure out the ROI of system management software would be a good place to begin.