Network Analysis and Diagnostic Tool
Winner: SolarWinds Engineer's Edition, SolarWinds.Net, (918) 307-8100. www.solarwinds.net
The tools we use on a day-to-day basis are often underappreciated, viewed as nonstrategic. But let's face it: They keep things humming. Our analysis and diagnostic tool winner, SolarWinds' Engineer's Edition, comprises a huge grouping of utilities. From the switch mapper, which shows MAC (Media Access Control) and IP addresses attached to a switch, to the fully functional network-performance application, it offers great value and function.
Finalists:
AppDancer/FA Network Flow Analyzer, AppDancer Networks, (800) 825-7563, (770) 643-6800. www.AppDancer.com
Boreal for Network Administrators, InterWorking Labs, (800) 459-9817, (831) 430-3610. www.iwl.com
Network Management Suite
Winner: InCharge Solution Suite, Smarts, (877)2-SMARTS, (914) 948-6200. www.smarts.com