Fluke Networks Expands its Distributed Network-Analysis System with the Delivery of the Enterprise-Ready OptiView Console.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Networld+Interop 2003 Las Vegas 

EVERETT, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 28, 2003

OptiView Console 6.0 integrates with new OptiView WAN Analyzer and

other OptiView modules to provide a single

view across the entire network

Fluke Networks has released OptiView Console 6.0, providing users a tool for comprehensive views of enterprise activity, topology changes, errors and alarms in real-time across an entire enterprise network.

OptiView Console 6.0 expands on its predecessor by providing much deeper views into the network, including views of LAN, WAN, and wireless access points. In addition, it integrates results from any connected OptiView network analyzer, and other network management platforms, including CiscoWorks(TM), and Distributed Sniffer(TM) Systems. OptiView Console's new RMON Inspector provides detailed reporting for RMON2 compliant devices, either Fluke Networks or third party.

"OptiView Console 6.0 has helped manufacturing develop a more centralized, proactive approach to network monitoring," said Dane Lowey, Process Control Specialist with Abitibi-Consolidated, a global leader in newsprint and uncoated value-added papers. "It serves as my eyes to the entire process network. Under its watchful eye, nothing is attached to the network without me knowing it."

OptiView Console quickly discovers and profiles devices on the network, including wireless access point discovery of SNMP-enabled wired access points. The Console provides device type information, as well as names, network addresses and device services. Through continuous network monitoring, OptiView Console can then identify improperly configured devices, or errors that may occur in any broadcast domain, alerting the user and providing the in-depth information required for rapid problem resolution.

"In addition to receiving information from agents strategically placed around the process network, the OptiView Console also receives information via an OptiView Workgroup Analyzer placed on the business-side of the network," adds Lowey. "The Console's tight integration with OptiView analyzers along with its range of reports and alerts has helped us achieve a 'real-time awareness' of network activity, trends, and overall health."

Compatibility is Key

Users with existing network testing or analysis systems are assured of full compatibility with OptiView Console. For example, OptiView Console is compatible with the Sniffer family of network monitoring and analysis products from Sniffer Technologies (Santa Clara, CA), and with Cisco Corporation's (San Jose, CA) CiscoWorks(TM) LAN Management Solution. Using the capability of any existing RMON-enabled device, the OptiView Console RMON Inspector application can provide an extensive array of information, including utilization, errors, top users, top applications, host network layer, Ethernet History and more. In addition, the OptiView Console provides compatibility with a breadth of network management systems by means of SNMP traps.

Extensive Diagnostics and Alarming

OptiView Console can track network utilization, errors, broadcasts and collisions on all managed device ports for up to seven days. Using OptiView Console's SwitchTap(TM) routine, users can easily mirror individual ports to a connected Fluke Networks' analyzer or to an entire VLAN. SwitchTap's graphical interface walks users through the configuration process and includes warnings before a crucial action is taken.

OptiView Console's Trace SwitchRoute(TM) routine informs users how two devices are connected within a switched Ethernet network. Details such as link speed or traffic utilization can then identify bottlenecks. If the console encounters devices that are not configured properly, or if pre-set thresholds are exceeded, it can automatically inform the user through an alert via an email or page. For enhanced notification methods, the OptiView Console also integrates with Attention! Notification System(R) (Attention NS(R)). The Attention! NS solution for Fluke Networks allows users to pinpoint the specific alarm condition of interest, and associate it with a notification escalation chain in Attention! NS. The software also notifies the appropriate individuals when an alarm condition is resolved.

Reporting and Mapping

Network inventory reports are easily generated for any agents on the network, whether they are OptiView Console software agents or Fluke Networks OptiView analyzers. Users may schedule reports to be generated hourly, daily or weekly, or produce them as needed. The Console also works seamlessly with Microsoft Visio(R) mapping software to create maps showing the links between servers, routers, hosts, switches and hubs.

Pricing and Availability

OptiView Console 6.0 is available beginning April 28, 2003, from select Fluke Networks sales channel partners worldwide. Pricing for OptiView Console starts at $11,999. Prices are U.S. list.

The OptiView Console is part of the OptiView Network Analysis Solution, a suite of instruments that employ Fluke Networks' trademarked SuperVision(TM) three-vector method for network analysis: Packet Capture, Statistical Analysis, and Active Discovery.

About Fluke Networks

Fluke Networks provides innovative solutions for the testing, monitoring and analysis of enterprise and telecommunications networks and the installation and certification of the fiber and copper forming the foundation for those networks. The company's comprehensive line of Network SuperVision solutions(TM) provide network installers, owners, and maintainers with superior vision, combining speed, accuracy and ease of use to optimize network performance. Headquartered in Everett, Washington, the company has approximately 400 employees worldwide and distributes its products in more than 50 countries.