Event :- Since event management and correlation center around the processing of events, it is important to clearly define what is meant by an event. In the context of this redbook, an event is a piece of data that provides information about one or more system resources. Events can be triggered by incidents or problems affecting a system resource. Similarly, changes to the status or configuration of a resource, regardless of whether they are intentional, can generate events. Events may also be used as reminders to take action manually or as notification that an action has occurred. Event management :- The way in which an organization deals with events is known as event management. It may include the organization’s objectives for managing events, assigned roles and responsibilities, ownership of tools and processes, critical success factors, standards, and event-handling procedures. The linkages between the various departments within the organization required to handle events and the flow of this information between them is the focus of event management. Tools are mentioned in reference to how they fit into the flow of Chapter 1. Introduction to event management 5 event information through the organization and to which standards should be applied to that flow. Since events are used to report problems, event management is sometimes considered a sub-discipline of problem management. However, it can really be considered a discipline of its own, for it interfaces directly with several other systems management disciplines. For example, system upgrades and new installations can result in new event types that must be handled. Maintaining systems both through regularly scheduled and emergency maintenance can result in temporary outages that trigger events. This clearly indicates a relationship between event management and change management. In small organizations, it may be possible to handle events through informal means. However, as organizations grow both in size of the IT support staffs and the number of resources they manage, it becomes more crucial to have a formal, documented event management process. Formalizing the process ensures consistent responses to events, eliminates duplication of effort, and simplifies the configuration and maintenance of the tools used for event management.
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