NMS

This might be a good place to start:

http://support.openview.hp.com/support.jsp?fromOV=true

Your question begs a short answer to a complex architecture.

NMS - Network Management System - can deal with all aspects of IT operations. It can be soul sourced or involve multiple managers run by a MOM, the manager of managers. However, no matter how simple or complex the NMS, it is still simply a tool.

The basic things needed to operate NMS are the same things needed for IT operations. You need a set of business requirements that define what needs to be accomplished, with a priority association. You need a process for accomplishing the business requirements. You then select the tool or tools based on their ability to improve the time, cost, or accuracy of executing the processes.