Centralization Corp. primary object was to automatically check the status of every device on the Network and send alerts via page or email if there is a device failure.
Each of the specific systems is addressed one at a time with a description of whether or not IPCheck can interrogate them. IPCheck can essentially attempt a socket connection to any IP or DNS address, and "listen" to a particular port. It can then run pre-written scripts in a variety of protocols to test server the function beyond that connection. There is a limited custom scripting ability also. IPCheck attempts these scripted connections, and attaches a timeout, as well as a retry strategy, based on what part of the connection attempt failed. These are configured appropriately for the device to be tested.Additionally, IP.Check provides comprehensive reporting on the historical performance of the devices it monitors. This information will allow Centralization Corp. to make well-informed strategic decisions about the capabilities that their network can provide and plan for future infrastructure. You will now have hard data to answer questions like "how regularly is our network available", and "What level of services are we capable of providing"? Critical questions that deserve critical understanding to answer correctly. IP.Check's reports are flexible, and can be run automatically, delivered to an E-mail address or posted to an Intranet for central access. Tally Systems believes that knowing you devices are up is only half the battle, increasing their availability is the crucial next step.
Direct responses for the devices listed in the RFP follow below: Routers: Yes, we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. Switches: Yes we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. Firewalls: Yes we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. It is possible to deliberately block IPCheck from specific devices using the firewall, and use a failed connection to indicate the Wall is up and functioning. RAS Servers:: Yes we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. We also have a limited scripting ability and can deliberately fail the authentication process to verify services are running also. RADIUS Servers: Yes we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. No scripts are available at this time. A custom script might be possible. Web Servers: Yes we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. We can also target specific web pages and verify that they are accessible. We have a script for testing a file request, and can generate data throughput metrics. SMTP/POP3 servers:Yes we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. We also have a script that allows us to test the function of the server also. We can ping and alert on connection availability of any server occupying a static IP address. DNS servers:: Yes we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. We also have a script that tests the function of the server itself. MS NT server functions: Yes we can ping these 24/7 and alert on failure. We have no ability to test specific functions on an NT machine, outside those defined above. Custom scripts may be possible in some cases. This requires the software and or hardware to be tested.Request for individual polling intervals for each device.
Ipcheck does exactly this. Each target is configurable for polling interval, as well as alert timeouts and thresholds.Request for server function testing.
As defined above, IPCheck can in many cases do exactly this. In most cases a custom script can be developed for a specific device or application. IPCheck can be configured to send an alert based on a single failure, and meets the criteria defined in the RFP.Request for Pager and Email alerts.
IPCheck also meets this criteria and then some. We can send Pager, Email, and SNMP based alerts to a management console.Request for future enhancement.
The RFP asked for the ability to launch custom alerts in response to server failures. Ipcheck can do this now, including Black Box re-booting hardware and software that provides for Soft reboots as described in the RFP.Pricing quote
| Pricing Spectrum | Number of Users | Base Price | User Pack Price per User | Total Price |
| Low end | 250 | $495.00 | $3.98 | $995.00 |
| High End | 50,000 | $495.00 | $0.32 | $15,995.00 |
The RFP - See the RFP to which the vendors responded.
The responses:
|
Avtech Dartmouth INS Ipswitch Knozall |
Loran MediaHouse NextPoint RGE Ripple |
RiverSoft (in Word format) Tally Systems Tavve Tessler |
RELATED LINKS
The RFP and responses from other vendors
Review and buyer's guide: Network monitoring and alerting
An in-depth look at several apps; database of detailed specs on 46 tools; and a forum on the technology.
