A network management system (NMS) is a combination of hardware and software used to monitor and administer a computer network. It provides faster decisions and is capable of fixing any problem before it can impact the business as a whole, with an infrastructure management system that thus optimizes the IT infrastructure. NMS also manages the network elements (also called managed devices).
Device management includes troubleshooting, configuration, accounting, performance, and security management. Management tasks include assessment of network inventory, monitoring device health and status, identification of problems, their sources and possible solutions, and taking action on alerts that notify about conditions that can impact system performance.