Keeping Complex Computer Networks Up And Running

CyberGauge 6.0

If mission-critical network devices become overloaded, they can bring down an entire network. Neon Software's CyberGauge 6.0 monitors network bandwidth usage with an eye to preventing network components from being overloaded or pinpointing a problem in time for a solution to be implemented. CyberGauge supports all versions of Windows, but running CyberGauge as a service requires Windows 2000 with SP4, Windows XP or Windows Server 2003.

In addition to monitoring network bandwidth, CyberGauge creates realtime bandwidth usage graphs; daily, weekly and monthly quality of service (QoS) updates; and billing reports in Excel format. The tool automatically dates and time stamps these reports. CyberGauge works with any SNMP-based device, including routers, switches and servers. Compatible devices must support SNMP MIB II, and administrators must log on to each device separately. New devices are easily added by clicking on an Add Device button in the CyberGauge management window.

CyberGauge is priced according to the number of devices being monitored: $295 for five device licenses, $495 for 10 device licenses, $695 for 20 licenses, $1,500 for a three-multistation version and $2,100 for a five-multistation version.

CyberGauge 6.0 can be configured as a Windows service under Windows 2000, XP and 2003. Running CyberGauge as a service means that any user can log into the CyberGauge system, and if the system restarts for any reason, monitoring will continue automatically. The Alert System, which is customizable, has been expanded to include more alert options and new alert limits. Cascading Alert Limits allow administrators to configure alerts for specific time frames. For instance, an alert will be sent if bandwidth usage falls below specified levels during the workday, but no alert will be sent if the same situation occurs at night. Alerts can be set to notify specific personnel depending on the time of day, day of the week or other criteria. Alerts can also launch an application file or play a sound when an alert condition is met. CyberGauge 6.0 can also create instant reports for any interface and time period. This can provide an early warning of a potential problem before users even notice anything is wrong.

CyberGauge QoS and billing reports can verify bandwidth usage on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Report focuses include uptime, total utilization, traffic distribution and percentage billing information. The reports contain JPEG images and utilization graphs and can be generated in HTML and text formats. To help eliminate confusion, CyberGauge can also combine, or bond, network interfaces to form a single virtual interface.

Neon Software's two-level channel program provides an average margin of 30 percent. Pre- and post-sales support is provided, including joint customer calls, product documentation and marketing materials. Technical training is available by telephone and over the Web. Technical support is available for resellers via a toll-free number between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Heroix eQ Management Suite

The Heroix eQ Management Suite allows unified monitoring and management of network applications and systems. Like CyberGauge, the Heroix eQ Management Suite detects and corrects application, system and network problems before they get out of hand. Unlike CyberGauge, the suite is compatible with most flavors of Unix, Linux, Windows Server (NT/2000/2003), Novell NetWare and OpenVMS platforms. It also interfaces easily with enterprise frameworks such as Tivoli Enterprise, Computer Associates International's Unicenter TNG and Hewlett-Packard's OpenView.

The package also works with almost any off-the-shelf and custom application, database, messaging platform, Web server, operating system and IT infrastructure component. Supported databases include Oracle, SQL Server, SQL Server 2000, IBM DB2 and Sybase Adaptive Server. Supported messaging servers include Microsoft Exchange and Exchange 2000, and supported Web and eCommerce servers include Apache Web Server, WebLogic and Microsoft Internet Information Server. Pricing begins at $1,995 for the Management Console (including Line of Business Views), and an additional $395 per monitored system. Heroix's Line of Business Views allows all relevant applications, servers and other infrastructure components to be grouped together based on which business activities they support. Therefore, each group of components can be looked at as a single system. It's easy to configure a Line of Business View: Each line can be defined using any logical grouping, such as server name, event type, event class, subclass or event severity. Color-coded icons indicate which business activities are affected by an event, and a drill-down capability allows administrators to view details of the situation to more easily correct it. Reports and performance graphs help pinpoint the problem. Administrators can even use Heroix to access systems with failed GUIs in an attempt to correct the problem without a reboot.

Heroix's single-level channel program provides varying margins based on revenue generated. While there are no formal authorization requirements, sales and technical training requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis. Heroix partners can customize monitoring solutions for a more personal look and feel. Sales and technical training is provided either at Heroix or at a partner's site.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>Heroix eQ Management Suite

COMPANY: Heroix Corporation
Newton, Mass.
800-229-6500
www.heroix.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Matrikon, Inc., Court Square Data Group, IDS de Centroamerica, S&A Consultores, Itheon, ALIGN KPITAL, Head-On Computer Systems
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>Cyber Guage.

COMPANY: Neon Software, Inc.
Lafayette, CA
(925) 283-9771
www.neon.com
DISTRIBUTORS: PCMall, Software House International, Software Spectrum
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.