Definitions

Introduction

In vuSmartMaps™, the Definitions section serves as a central hub for authentication, communication group management, and access control. It streamlines processes, enhances security, and offers a one-stop solution for organizing groups and sending notifications via Email or SMS to individuals or specific groups.

The Definitions module plays a pivotal role in vuSmartMaps by allowing users to configure credentials and communication groups. Its importance lies in ensuring secure access control and efficient communication within the platform. Users can establish various credentials like SSH, Telnet, SNMP, and User, simplifying authentication processes. Additionally, Definitions facilitates the creation and management of Email groups and Mobile groups, making it convenient to organize users for notifications, alerts, reports, or other forms of communication.

Applications of Definitions Module

The Definitions section in vuSmartMaps offers several practical applications:

1. Credential Configuration: Users can easily set up and manage credentials such as SSH, Telnet, SNMP, and User for secure and controlled access to various platform systems and services.
2. Email Group Management: Users can effortlessly create and organize Email groups for sending notifications, alerts, and reports to specific user groups.
3. Mobile Group Management: Similar to Email groups, users can create and manage mobile groups, streamlining targeted messaging for important updates or alerts.
4. Streamlined Communication: Definitions centralize group management, allowing users to efficiently organize and control communication with individuals or groups.
5. Notifications and Alerts: Users can set up automated notifications and alerts for various events or triggers by utilizing the Email and Mobile groups configured in Definitions.

The Definitions section in vuSmartMaps offers a range of practical applications, from credential configuration and access control to streamlined communication and automated notifications. These features enhance platform usability, security, and efficiency, empowering users to effectively manage credentials, communication groups, and information dissemination processes.

Prerequisites

Ensure that you are logged in as an admin user to access and modify credentials and email & mobile groups.

Navigating Through Definitions

The Definitions page can be accessed from the platform left navigation menu by navigating to Platform Settings > Definitions.

On clicking the Definitions, you will be redirected to the following landing page.

Once you have entered into Definitions, the main screen will look like this and it contains 3 main sections:

• Credentials
• Email Groups
• Mobile Groups

Credentials

vuSmartMaps primarily employs four types of credentials to access different domains:

1. SSH (Secure Shell)
   SSH is a secure network protocol that facilitates secure remote login and command-line execution. It ensures secure communication over unsecured networks and is widely used for accessing and managing remote systems. SSH credentials enable vuSmartMaps to securely connect and communicate with client environments, ensuring seamless integration and management.
2. Telnet
   Telnet enables remote access and control of devices or systems over a network. It can also be utilized by other protocols, such as FTP, for establishing control channels.
3. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
   SNMP is employed for managing network devices. It allows vuSmartMaps to gather vital health and performance data from devices like routers, firewalls, and switches. SNMP credentials are essential for efficiently observing and managing network elements.
4. User Credentials
   In vuSmartMaps, User credentials are dedicated to data sources like JDBC and Java API. They ensure secure access and integration with authenticated applications or services.

Email Groups

Email Groups offer a streamlined way to manage recipient lists for notifications and reports within vuSmartMaps. Instead of manually entering individual email addresses, users can add recipients to these groups, simplifying the process. This feature also centralizes recipient list management and updates in one location. The Email Groups page provides the following benefits:

• Users can easily add, edit, delete, and export Email Groups, providing flexibility and control over recipient lists.
• Creating Email Groups ensures that relevant members receive timely notifications for high-priority alerts.
• The feature allows for easy updates to recipient lists, the addition of new groups, and the modification of existing groups.
• Centralized management of Email Groups improves efficiency and reduces the risk of oversight.
• Streamline the notification process by associating appropriate Email Groups with corresponding alerts.

In vuSmartMaps, Email Groups are particularly useful when you need to send emails to multiple recipients for various scenarios like alert notifications or scheduled reports. Instead of managing individual email addresses at multiple locations, Email Groups allow you to consolidate and manage recipient lists in one place.

For example, if multiple alert rules require notifications to be sent to the support team, configuring each rule with the full list of email addresses can become cumbersome. Additionally, when team members change, updating multiple alert rules can be time-consuming. By using Email Groups, you configure the rules to use these groups as recipient lists. When changes occur, simply update the Email Group with the new email addresses, making life easier for IT ops personnel.

Mobile Groups

Mobile Groups offer centralized management and updates of recipient lists, simplifying the process of sending alerts and reports via SMS. This feature enhances operational efficiency by providing a straightforward way to communicate through SMS. The Mobile Groups feature provides the following advantages:

• Easily add, edit, delete, and export Mobile Groups for flexibility and control.
• Streamline the process of sending targeted alert messages by categorizing mobile numbers into different groups.
• Configure Mobile Groups for on-call personnel, designated responders, or specific departments.
• Effortlessly adjust Mobile Groups as organizational needs change.
• Export Mobile Groups for seamless integration with external systems and sharing recipient information.
• Simplify the management of recipient lists for alert notifications, optimizing incident response and operational efficiency.

Further Reading

1. Explore the Alert Creation guide
2. Learn how to schedule analytics reports