* NetScout introduces Workgroup versions of packet trace analyzers
NetScout Systems this week will offer its packet and trace technology in less-expensive products.
The nGenuis Flow Recorder packet trace analyzer products will now come in lower-cost Workgroup models for customers using the analyzers more for troubleshooting and analysis than for long-term compliance and audit needs.
According to NetScout, “Extended packet trace recording has become a well-established method for network specialists to perform deep, forensic troubleshooting and analysis of troublesome or intermittent problems.” Problems such as overnight application performance issues or traffic spikes of an unrecognized application could be resolved with this type of analysis, NetScout says, but enterprise-scale products can be pricy.
“The new models are configured for a lower entry price, but they have the exact same capabilities as the enterprise models. They have a smaller box and less capacity for storage, but offer all the same analysis features,” says Jim Frey, vice president of marketing for NetScout.
The Workgroup models start with 600G bytes of storage and do all on-board processing, which Frey says reduces traffic on the network and saves time.
“The feature prevents you from having to ship trace files to another system in order to process them, which cuts down on traffic on the network – files can be very large – and the time it takes to relocate the files to another system,” he explains.
To use the Flow Recorder on the LAN, customers connect it to a network via a span port or tap. For WAN links, customers must connect the Flow Recorder to one of NetScout’s nGenuis probes.
NetScout competes with Network General’s Infinistream products with this release.
The Workgroup nGenius Flow Recorders are currently available, with list pricing of $34,995 for the eight-port model and $29,995 for the four-port model. Higher-capacity nGenius Flow Recorder models start at $59,995 and have been available since December.
