New Fluke Networks Time Machine Speeds Up Problem Solving

LAS VEGAS: Fluke Networks' latest version of its Network Time Machine (version 8) now offers both instant identification of network versus server problems and root-cause analysis of network and application problems. The all-in-one, 100% packet capture appliance reduces finger pointing and enables users to much more quickly identify the source of a problem, which means they can work on resolving it faster, says the company.

In addition to the visual fault domain isolation technology, which graphically identifies where problems exist, version 8's new user interface features user-configurable dashboards that automatically identify and display key performance metrics with the ability to instantly drill down into root-cause analysis.

While Fluke Networks stresses the ability to recognize and resolve problems faster as the key attribute, it's more about network professionals starting to catch up compute-side, says Andre Kindness, senior analyst, infrastructure and operations, Forrester Research. He says network people have been on the defensive because they didn't really understand the application side of the business. "Now, we're starting to see tools to reflect applications. The tools in V8 tie back to applications and their implications."

Part of last year's ClearSight acquisition, the Network Time Machine comes in either appliance or portable (22 pounds) form, and provides critical link analysis, storage for data forensics and back-in-time troubleshooting. Features include the ClearSight Analyzer, with application-centric analysis, QoS (quality of service) metrics, statistics, and trending charts of application and flow level for buffered and historical data, video/voice over IP metrics and troubleshooting for enterprise networks, as well as performance certified in excess of 10 Gbps.

Last month Fluke Networks announced the OptiView XG, a ruggedized tablet loaded with its network analysis and testing tools, along with the hardware needed to monitor any wired or wireless network.

Prices for Network Time Machine typically start at about $30,000 but will vary depending upon options. Increasingly, Fluke Networks is seeing interest from network generalists, as opposed to its usual audience of network specialists. It says as application delivery becomes more complex, the ability to resolve performance issues applies to midsize as well as to large organizations, but that smaller companies tend to lack expertise, especially in deep-packet analysis.

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