The Howdy Glossary

OpenNMS is an open-source network management software focused on fault, performance, and traffic monitoring, with a strong emphasis on service assurance capabilities. It collects data from various devices using protocols like SNMP, JMX, HTTP, WMI or through server scripts. The platform uses an event-driven system to classify incidents and notify administrators via email or SMS alerts.

Created in 1999 by David Hustace and his team of developers, OpenNMS was designed to be a highly adaptable network management platform catering to evolving needs. It aims to provide comprehensive tools for network administrators to manage and monitor networks effectively, addressing the diverse requirements of modern infrastructures. Over time, its community has continuously enhanced OpenNMS' capabilities.

OpenNMS competes with several key players such as SolarWinds Orion Platform, Nagios Core, PRTG Network Monitor and Zabbix but stands out due to its open-source model which encourages collaboration and innovation at reduced costs. Its flexible event-driven architecture allows for rapid incident response while ensuring compatibility with different devices through extensive protocol support. Additionally, customizable notification options help maintain real-time visibility into network conditions making it a versatile choice for a broad user base from small businesses to large enterprises seeking robust network management solutions.