* ClearSight Networks to update Analyzer software for more insight into traffic
ClearSight Networks next week plans to ship a version of its application traffic analysis software that offers deeper insight into how traffic performs at multiple locations.
ClearSight will unveil its Analyzer 4.0 software, which often comes packaged as an appliance for Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The new version provides more information when analyzing traffic data.
“We provide a top-down look at application traffic. We present the core network data needed, but from an end-user perspective,” says Bill Berkman, vice president of marketing at ClearSight. He also says the new features will automate once-manual tasks for collecting data from disparate sources.
For example, Analyzer 4.0 will show IT managers application traffic for up to four “hops,” or point-to-point links in a transmission path. The product uses a bar chart that tallies the response times, taking note of unusually lengthy conversations and events. The company also added the capability to view multiple trace files in one graphical user interface. Company executives say the improvements will automate many tedious tasks and help IT managers focus on improving application traffic based on business needs.
Analyzer 4.0 now lets customers configure the product to monitor for applications that don’t already use protocols the product monitors. For example, they will have the ability to add additional instant messenger applications or RTP applications such as video multicasts or music downloads.
The company also added more support for VoIP applications that run on the G.729 protocol. Additionally, 4.0 uses decompression technology to reconstruct VoIP content in real-time while applying a measure-of-service number that scores call quality.
ClearSight competes with the likes of WildPackets, Opnet, Network Instruments and Network General.
Pricing for ClearSight Analyzer 4.0 starts at about $8,000 for the software on its own. The software packaged on appliances can range from $20,000 (Fast Ethernet) to $35,000 (Gigabit) to $150,000 (10 Gigabit) or more, depending on network configuration.
