Book excerpt: Web-based technology is rapidly penetrating many business areas, including systems and network management. This new technology is based on the Internet, offering benefits in terms of unification and simplification of systems and network management. Web-based Systems and Network Management is a practical guide to managing Web-based network systems. The first serious book on this subject - based on a three-day seminar developed by the author- demonstrates the use of Web technology , and shows how the various components of the Internet and Intranets must be economically and securely managed. Web-based standardization is taking three main directions: Port 280, JavaAPI, and Wbem (Web-based Enterprise Management). These are discussed in depth and the opportunities and limitations of each are addressed. The book not only handles the basics but also gives guidance on their use to simplify systems and network management.