Network management moves to next level

| SPECIAL TO GCNNetwork monitoring has gone past the stage of using hardware sniffers to chase down errant packets of data. Dozens of programs exist to not only help measure network performance but to anticipate problems as well.'Proactive management' is the key phrase in today's networking environments. In a nutshell, this means measuring the performance of all devices and applications on the network, predicting what could go wrong across thousands of nodes, and taking corrective actions before they become necessary.Many network performance tools began life as basic Simple Network Management Protocol monitoring tools that managed packet behavior and hub, switch or router activity. But the tools listed in the accompanying chart have evolved beyond that.Some of them work mainly as monitors for small to midsize departmental LANs. Others can predict the likely outcome of a set of problems by engaging in simulation exercises. And still others bring a full range of Web performance monitoring to the plate.While many of the programs listed are designed to work independently, most also will fill in the blanks left by even the most sophisticated and expensive network management programs. The best of these tools, of course, are those that most closely meet your needs without requiring extensive training or lots of time to use effectively.Whether you fork over hundreds or thousands of dollars for the software, you should look for certain basic functions in all network performance monitoring programs. Performance monitoring begins by keeping track of all devices on the network. The software should discover them automatically and map their whereabouts accordingly. Performance monitoring also typically involves polling all devices and applications on a network to ascertain their accessibility to users. If a critical application or e-mail server isn't working properly, a notification or alert is sent out informing managers of the problem. Most monitoring programs send problem alerts in a variety of ways, including e-mail, beepers, pagers, control monitors and even standard telephones if there's a problem on the network. Depending on whether the software uses mapping, polling or other methods to collect data, it should report its findings in an appropriate format'either graphical, tabular or text form. Sophisticated reporting features distinguish good performance monitors from average ones. Rules-based software has flexible parameters for leading you to corrective steps for existing or developing problems with a server, application, device or network connection. Customizable programs allow for automatic problem resolution by the software itself.Because all performance monitors manage their tasks differently, it's necessary to examine them carefully for the feature sets you need the most.For example, Cisco's CiscoWorks2000 is a fairly straightforward standalone package for mapping and monitoring devices on small, Microsoft Windows NT and Win 2000 networks, but is specific to Cisco equipment.Neon Software's CyberGauge 3.0 started as an entry-level SNMP monitoring program for small networks, but its developers have added high-level features for monitoring routers, switches and firewalls, with customizable graphs for plotting trends, and the ability to generate e-mail and pager alerts for failed devices or traffic jams.Program suites with various customizable components may fit some users' requirements best. BMC Software's Patrol 2000 Suite, Computer Associates' ManageIT and Extreme Networks' ExtremeWare all come with monitoring, traffic analysis and tracking components as well as other advanced features. Some performance monitors tend to emphasize specific functions. For example, Entuity's Eye of the Storm 2.5 works by drilling down to the network operating center level to predict network performance. Opnet Technologies' IT DecisionGuru 7.0 is a high-end program designed mainly to simulate network situations by reporting on data from network analyzers and client-server interactions.When selecting your software, remember that any single product probably won't achieve everything you want it to. You'll have to shop around to find the program'or combination of programs'that most closely meets your objectives.Monitoring Web site performance has become a growth industry for organizations involved in electronic commerce and with highly evolved Web sites. Web monitors perform many of the same tasks as classic network monitors'packet-collection, traffic analysis and server performance measurement'but add Internet-specific functions to the mix.Among those functions is real-time monitoring of information about site use and performance with the goal of keeping surfers interested in your Web site.Web performance monitors approach their tasks differently. Wildpackets' WatchPoint 2.1 provides a real-time picture of all Internet activity on your servers and provides server and activity statistics by using log analysis, response times and network utilization.Hewlett-Packard's OpenView VantagePoint Transaction Observer takes a different tack, by collecting and capturing performance data from monitors embedded in the Web site itself. The software adds Hypertext Markup Language code to each site that is to be measured. The code in turn is downloaded as ActiveX or JavaScript data returned from the site visitor's activity.XXXSPLITXXX-