To define client-side transactions to the ClientVantage server, you must export the script manually to a mapped drive on the server, then collect data or insert checkpoints. That's just too clunky and error-prone for mass deployment.
Each Vantage component includes two to five days of on-site "implementation assurance" to ensure quick deployment. This service, performed by skilled Compuware consultants, consists of installation verification, configuration, initial deployment and training. However, even with all the support, Vantage is better suited to application-development testing than to alleviating network managers' real-world hassles.
Vantage 8, starts at $19,000, Compuware Corp., (800) COMPUWARE, (248) 737-7300. www.compuware.com
Argent Software The Argent Guardian 6.0a
As a systems management application that doesn't need agents on servers to gather data, The Argent Guardian is different from the other products. It has strong rule-based exception management and can monitor Microsoft Windows NT and Unix servers without an agent footprint. Because the product includes polling of SNMP MIBs without additional cost, it's also a remarkable value: tens of thousands of dollars less than NetQoS, the nearest competitor.