BYTE evaluates the most popular tools for testing and monitoring complex LANs
Today's local-area networks (LANs) constitute a collection of highly complex computing devices and systems. Although LANs have proved to be effective computing platforms, their growing complexity without a commensurate advance in management capability has left some organizations ambivalent with regard to large-scale LAN implementations.
The pressure to downsize seems to emphasize the attractiveness of LANs as alternatives to mainframe and minicomputer information systems. Organizations, however, are keenly aware of the offsetting danger posed by committing critical business applications and data to LANs without comprehensive management tools. The solution for some has been to use LANs for less-critical departmental applications while maintaini
ng mainframes and minicomputers as repositories of critical data. A few strong LAN management products based on solid standards will surely alleviate some of the fear.
This month, we evaluate network management and network utility programs that span a variety of capabilities, functions, and categories, from desktop network administration utilities to high-end products with enterprise-wide device management and alarm-reporting capabilities. This review considers only network management products supporting the NetWare environment.
Central Point Software's XTree Tools, Frye Computer Systems' Frye Utilities, and LAN Support Group's BindView NCS are DOS applications, while the management consoles of the rest of the products require Windows 3.x to run. Only Central Point Software's LANlord requires a dedicated management server (running OS/2 1.2 or higher) in addition to a Windows 3.x management console. Only LANlord and Intel's LANDesk Manager are offered as single, integrated products. All the other
products require one or another utility module to make them a complete offering. Frye sells all its management utility products as independent modules; they all work together without a hitch.
The evaluated management products do not fit into one or two neat categories. We have attempted to group them into enterprise management/device management products (Novell NMS and VisiSoft's VisiNet) and desktop management products (the remaining seven products). Even after that general grouping, distinctions remain between products in each group in terms of product architecture, functional emphasis, and breadth of features. Among the desktop management products, Brightwork Development's Brightwork Utilities, Frye Utilities, LANDesk, LANlord, Saber Software's Saber LAN Workstation, and XTree Tools are more directly comparable.
We weren't able to evaluate every network management product. Other vendors of these products include Symantec Corp. ((800) 441-7234), Shany, Inc. ((415) 694-7410), and Horizons Tech
nology, Inc. ((800) 828-3808).
Network Management Applications
Network management in its simplest form involves only the administration of network physical and logical resources. If networks functioned without failures and security breaches, the primary tasks of network administration would involve adding and removing users; assigning access rights to network resources; making application and peripheral resources available to users; periodic network backup; and monitoring network capacity and resource usage to plan and carry out expansion.
Real networks, however, are seldom so simple. In addition to the complexity that comes with size and heterogeneity, networks experience breakdowns caused by hardware failures, software bugs, protocol-related errors, and exceeding critical performance thresholds. Good diagnostics software, documentation, and experience may be enough to handle problems associated with hardware failures and occasional software bugs. Other network problems are not as easily dia
gnosed and corrected and require a variety of management tools, including protocol analyzers, within an integrated management system.
Network Monitors
Network monitors are designed to provide mainly network traffic statistics, performance threshold setting and monitoring activities, and alert notification to critical events in network performance or resource status. Monitors are generally device-independent, software-only products obtained at a lower cost than protocol analyzers.
Based on the specific implementation, some network monitors are dependent on the underlying NOS (network operating system) to obtain traffic statistics, current network activity and status, and other relevant network database information. Most of the NOSes on the market offer some degree of network administration and management services, such as setup management, performance monitoring, security, and accounting.
Although not all of these services are open to applications programmers, a few NOS vendors offer AP
Is to some of them. The limitation of network monitors dependent on the host NOS is their inability to provide reliable services when the operating system is experiencing problems. Monitors that interface to the network via a MAC (media access control) driver cannot provide node configuration information without some higher-level protocol driver, such as NetBIOS. The monitors discussed here, however, are fully independent of the NOS and thus are not affected by the status of the NOS software.
Protocol Analyzers
Unlike network monitors, which basically identify and count frames and then provide a statistical summary, protocol analyzers are designed to provide more detailed information about the network's inner workings (and therefore are more expensive). Although a few software-only protocol analyzers are available, most protocol analyzers are offered as turnkey systems with specialized hardware. They can not only capture packets traveling over the communications medium, but also decipher and analyze
those packets for specific protocol components and data.
Protocol analyzers are similar to network monitors in their ability to count frames and manipulate captured packets for summary view according to filter and trigger conditions. The additional capability of protocol analyzers to dissect a frame into all the protocol layers and embedded data makes them indispensable for diagnosis and problem determination in the event of network failure.
Server and Workstation Monitoring
A server- and workstation-monitoring module is similar to a network-monitoring module except that the focus is on server and selected workstation statistics.
On some management programs, such as LANlord, the workstation-monitoring utility enables the network manager to define alert thresholds and notifications, including automatic alerts triggered by changes to PC hardware and system configuration files. It additionally allows automatic identification and reporting of inactive PCs, lost physical network connection
s, and monitoring and logging of network client packet statistics.
Inventory Control and Asset Management
This management utility lets the network administrator gather information on a company's computing assets. The inventory-control management module tracks file-server and client-workstation hardware components (including Macintosh computers in some products, such as LANDesk Manager and Frye's LAN Directory) and server and workstation configuration information and applications.
The program automatically tracks applications on workstations and servers by scanning their drives. The inventory-control program collects hardware and software information on a network based on a standard hardware parts list and known-applications software list. In some management programs, retrieved server and workstation hardware information may include data on the CPU, coprocessor, memory, operating system, device drivers, system setup (CMOS) and BIOS information, and configuration files.
In addition to au
tomatic identification of hardware, these management modules allow manual entry of additional information for asset tracking and management.
Network Topology and Mapping
Among the evaluated products, only Novell NMS and VisiNet provide automatic discovery of network topology and logical mapping of the network. LANDesk Manager and LANlord provide a quasi-topology map in the form of a Windows File Manager directory and file tree.
Other management products can automatically discover network components, but they present discovered entities in list form. Discovered topology information may include the network segments, nodes on segments, adapter cards connected to segments, addresses applicable to nodes, and advertised services such as routing, network servers, and hubs.
Some management programs (e.g., VisiNet) allow the network manager to create a graphical representation of the nodes and links in a network segment or an internetwork. Both Novell NMS and VisiNet allow physical (mainly loca
tion) and logical (interconnect devices, file servers, and workstations represented by icons) maps of the network.
Help Desk
A help-desk application combines workstation management and remote-control software. It can perform workstation monitoring and gather network and workstation configuration and diagnostic information. This provides the administrator with a valuable database for tracking overall network configuration and isolating network problems.
The help-desk component provides tools for accessing and controlling workstations remotely, to resolve user problems from a management console. When a user calls with a problem, the network administrator can establish a direct connection with the user's workstation and inspect the hardware and software configuration; gain full control of remote Windows and DOS resources, including the user's screen, keyboard, and mouse; remotely view and edit system files; perform file transfers with chat support; execute programs on the user's workstation; and
even reboot the workstation, if necessary, to make configuration changes active.
Application Metering
An application-metering module reports on server-based or workstation application (DOS and Windows) usage to ensure compliance with software licensing agreements. Features of such modules include monitoring of concurrent application execution on server and local PC drives; automatic alert notification when license limits are exceeded; creation and maintenance of a registration database for authorized DOS and Windows applications; blocking of options to enforce user compliance with site licenses or prohibit execution of unauthorized applications; and statistical reporting of current and historical application usage.
Electronic Software Distribution
An electronic software distribution utility automates the process of distributing applications, remotely installing applications, installing and distributing operating-system software, and upgrading software on a network. The distribution module
may use an executable program, a script file, or a batch file to define distribution criteria and launch the task.
Software distribution is carried out according to a scheduled distribution job, which specifies when the distribution will occur, what files are to be distributed, and when the program is to be run. Some vendors (e.g., Novell) offer optional electronic software distribution programs that can be run from a mainframe to install software on LANs.
Other Administration Utilities
Other useful network administration utilities bundled with desktop network management products include printer and queue management, network backup and storage management, and task scheduling. Printer and queue management streamlines general network printing functions. Through storage management services, the network manager and network users can administer the automatic backup and restore of data on servers and workstations and manage backup information exchange between workstations and servers.
Task
scheduling involves the execution of programs in an unattended mode to perform specific management functions. As part of a management program, scheduled tasks are automatically launched by the management console, a user-defined script, or a batch file at a specified time to provide maintenance such as doing scheduled backups, initiating an action to correct network problems that have been posted by a management alert, or performing other network management functions.
Recommendations
Novell NMS 2.0 functions as both a network management platform and a network management product family. Although it's designed to manage primarily NetWare LANs (e.g., file servers, print servers, and gateways) and interconnect devices (HMI-compatible [Hardware Monitor Interface] hubs, bridges, and routers), SNMP support makes it compatible with several other products and SNMP-compliant systems.
NMS excels in network mapping, its user interface, and its on-line reference. It's an excellent choice for managing large
, multisegment, multiplatform LANs.
VisiSoft VisiNet's strength is support for a wide variety of NOSes, providing modules for NetWare (including version 2.xx), LAN Manager (and OS/2 LAN Server), NetBIOS, and SNMP. It also works as a snap-on product under a Novell NMS management system. VisiNet is reasonably priced for the types of management functions it provides. Its major management function--providing a visual view of the network (across LANs and WANs)--is weakened by an unusual functional complexity. (Many of the software's limitations have been addressed in version 2.5, which we didn't receive in time to test.)
Among the desktop management products, Frye Utilities surpasses the other products in ease of installation, setup, and use; depth of management functions; versatility of configuration options; robust performance and responsiveness of each program module; and the uncomplicated way its modules interface to the network and the information they collect. Each module is offered separately,
and they all work together flawlessly.
Intel's LANDesk Manager places a close second with its comprehensive set of management tools, including an excellent traffic-monitoring module, a good inventory tracking and management component, a good desktop management function with an application monitor, and an effective server-monitor module with good alert-handling features. LANDesk Manager's user interface is among the best of those of the products evaluated.
Central Point Software's LANlord and Saber Software's Saber LAN Workstation are excellent for workstation management in general. LANlord excels in workstation trap (alarm) handling and management, support for very large networks, and multiple NOS support. Its overall functionality is slightly compromised because it lacks server management capability.
Saber LAN Workstation has a rich set of desktop applications and utilities, including advanced DOS and Windows menuing, application metering, and workstation threshold-setting features. It
lacks network monitoring and server and global net-work threshold-setting features. Likewise, Brightwork Utilities' lack of networkwide monitoring, poor diagnostics, limited network and management standards support, lack of network and workstation threshold-setting capability, and average documentation lower its overall evaluation.
Central Point Software's XTree Tools and LAN Support Group's BindView NCS are the most cost-effective DOS-based network management products for NetWare environments. BindView NCS excels in workstation configuration management monitoring, while XTree Tools is better at server management. BindView NCS's report-generation module is its greatest strength; it provides the most extensive reporting and report management options. Because of their NetWare-only support characteristics, BindView NCS and XTree Tools are weak in management standards and network protocol support.
This report contains the results of The Software Digest Ratings Report, a monthly publication from the N
The Facts
BindView NCS 3.12
NCS Console and Server Information Module, $495 (SIM licensed per server); NCS Console and Workstation Auditing Module, $495 (WAM licensed per 100 nodes); additional SIM or WAM, $395; Traveling NCS, $1995 (per auditor)
LAN Support Group, Inc.
2425 Fountain View,
Suite 390
Houston, TX 77057
(800) 749-8439
(713) 789-0882
Brightwork Utilities for NetWare 1.0
50-user, $699; 100-user, $1999; 250-user, $2999
Brightwork Development, Inc.
766 Shrewsbury Ave.
Jerral Center West
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
(800) 552-9876
Frye Utilities for Networks 1.5
NetWare Management 1.5, $495 for inital server license, $395 for additional server license; NetWare Early Warning System 1.5, $495/$395 (ISL/ASL); S
oftware Update and Distribution System 1.0, $995 for initial (50-user) license, $895 for additional (100-user) license; LAN Directory 1.5, $495/$395 (IL/AL); Node Tracker 1.0, $149/$149 (IL/AL); NetWare Console Commander 1.5, $395
Frye Computer Systems, Inc.
19 Temple Place
Boston, MA 02111
(800) 234-3793
LANDesk Manager 1.51
Base NMS product, $1495
Intel Corp.
734 East Utah Valley Dr.
American Fork, UT 84003
(800) 538-3373
(801) 763-2200
LANlord 2.1 (version 2.0 tested)
Server and client software: 50-user, $2499; 100-user, $4299; 250-user, $8999
XTree Tools for Networks 1.5
First server, $795; additional servers, $595 each
Central Point Software, Inc.
15220 Northwest Greenbrier Pkwy.,
Suite 100
Beaverton, OR 97006
(800) 964-6896
(503) 690-8088
Novell NMS 2.0
Base product, $2495; Management Agent 1.5: one-user pack per NetWare 3.x or 4.x server, $495
Novell, Inc.
122 East 1700 South
Provo, UT 84606
(800) 453-1267
(801) 429-7000
Saber LAN Workstation 2.0
C
lient software and documentation, $179; additional node license, $39 (no documentation)
Saber Software Corp.
5944 Luther Lane,
Suite 1007
Dallas, TX 75225
(800) 338-8754
VisiNet 2.5 (version 2.0 tested)
NetWare or LAN Manager/LAN Server with SNMP, $795 (single-server-restricted version), $1995 (no-server-restricted version); add-on server licenses (sold separately), $395 (single-server upgrade, to monitor one additional server), $1295 (to upgrade from single-server-restricted to no-server-restricted version)
VisiSoft, Inc.
2700 Northeast Expy.,
Suite B-700
Atlanta, GA 30345
(404) 320-0077
OVERVIEW
NSTL NETWORK
RATING DESKTOP MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS VERSION MANAGEMENT VERSATILITY
**** Frye Utilities for Networks 1.5 ### ###
**** LANDesk Manager 1.51 ### ###
*** Saber LAN Workstation 2.0 ### ###
*** Brightwo
rk Utilities for NetWare 1.0 ### ###
*** BindView NCS 3.12 ## ##
*** XTree Tools for Networks 1.5 ## ###
** LANlord 2.0 ## ##
NSTL NETWORK
RATING ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS VERSION MANAGEMENT VERSATILITY
***** Novell NMS 2.0 ### ###
** VisiNet 2.0 ## ##
NSTL EASE OF EASE OF
RATING DESKTOP MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS VERSION DIAGNOSTICS LEARNING USE
**** Frye Utilities for Networks 1.5 ### ### ###
**** LANDesk Manager 1.51 ### ### ###
*** Saber LAN Workstation 2.0 ### ### ###
*** Brightwork Utilities for NetWare 1.0 ### ### ###
*** BindView NCS 3.12 ##
### ###
*** XTree Tools for Networks 1.5 ## ### ###
** LANlord 2.0 ### ### ###
NSTL EASE OF EASE OF
RATING ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS VERSION DIAGNOSTICS LEARNING USE
***** Novell NMS 2.0 ### ### ###
** VisiNet 2.0 ### ### ##
Key
***** Outstanding ### Good
**** Excellent ## Fair
*** Average # Unacceptable
** Below average
* Poor
Highlights
STRENGTHS
BindView NCS
Excellent report generation and layout features
Very good server and workstation management functionality
Very easy to learn and use
Brightwork Utilities for NetWare
Good workstation management support
Very good printer management features
Competitively priced
F
rye Utilities for Networks
Excellent file-server monitoring and early-warning module
Very robust suite of management utilities for NetWare LANs
Very good database administration features
Easy to set up and use
LANDesk Manager
Very good user-interface features
Very good diagnostics and error-handling features
Good management standards support
LANlord
Very good workstation management functionality for large-scale installations
Very good user-interface features
Good documentation
Novell NMS
Superior user-interface features; best on-line help and reference
Good management standards support; widest network system and device management support
Best database administration features
Saber LAN Workstation
Excellent desktop environment set-up and management
Excellent NOS support
Very good usability features
VisiNet
Excellent visual representations of enterprise network components (across LAN and WAN)
Good management standards suppo
rt
Excellent SNMP support
XTree Tools for Networks
Very good DOS-based NetWare environment management utility with the best price
Good server and workstation management functionality
Easy to set up and use
LIMITATIONS
BindView NCS
No global network monitoring and analysis option
No network management standard interface
Lacks full Windows support
Brightwork Utilities for NetWare
Limited NOS support
No global network monitoring and analysis option
No network management standard interface
Frye Utilities for Networks
Lacks full Windows support
No network management standard interface
Limited NOS support
LANDesk Manager
NOS-dependent
Limited system and database administration functions
Limited alert notification and response option
LANlord
No server management capability
Limited configuration option
No global network monitoring and analysis option
Novell NMS
Limited desktop management functionality
Limited network administration utilities (e.g., printer management and virus protection)
Limited report generation
Saber LAN Workstation
No network management standard interface
No global monitoring and analysis option
Limited alert-notification option
VisiNet
No global monitoring and analysis option
No workstation management
Limited alert-notification option
XTree Tools for Networks
No global monitoring and analysis option
No network management standard interface
Limited NOS support
Table: NETWORK MANAGEMENT FEATURES (This table is not available electronically. Please see July, 1994, issue.)
Illustration: NetWare Hub Services monitors hub performance and attached stations and enables or disables network access to connected stations.
Illustration: The LANDesk Traffic Monitor displays real-time statistics on network traffic, such as packet and error rates, network utilization, and broadcasts.
Network Management Systems
