[plug] Need to learn remote/monitoring snmp / wmi in a hurry!

[Mark Slatem]

Hi all.

The company I work for wants me to setup some sort of remote monitoring 
system to keep an eye on remote servers at our clients. I have setup 
Zenoss 2.06 on a test server and I am very happy with its capabilities, 
but now comes the time where I will have to tinker under the hood and 
get my hands dirty with customizations etc. What I currently know about 
snmp / wmi is extremely lacking and wanted advice and recommendations on 
the best way to go about learning snmp etc. Do I need to learn about 
making my own MIBS or are there  resource s where I could purchase ready 
made MIBS for certain device types etc? Should I favour wmi collection 
over snmp or vica versa. Which is better for remote collection down slow 
wan links? Is this a major endeavour and should I try and get  3rd party 
assistance?

Thanks In Advance

Mark