Fluke Networks extends capabilities of Network Time Machine tool

Network management firm Fluke Networks has unveiled a significant update to its Network Time Machine tool to incorporate new features beyond the ability to simply record and store network data.

Version 8 of the tool allows firms to proactively monitor and react to issues by drilling down from the application layer into the core network to uncover any problems.

This is run through a customisable dashboard that can display key server and network metrics, including latency, throughput, connections and data volumes, and is designed to connect simply into any application.

Fluke Networks European marketing director Stephane Persyn told V3.co.uk that a simple plug-and-play system offering all the necessary tools in a single system benefits IT staff and the whole business.

"Most network staff spend some 60 per cent of their time troubleshooting unexpected events and need to be able to prove where faults are coming from, either from the servers, the network or the application," he said.

"Bringing this all together in the tool gives them a single location from which to run these tests, and helps lower the cost for organisations by removing the need to purchase multiple applications."

Persyn explained that the update is based on customer feedback which revealed the importance for network staff of being able to define the causes of issues affecting staff productivity.

"When we look to add new functionalities to our tool we spend a lot of time interviewing customers to see what they require, and the ability to prove where faults exist is frequently cited as a key issue," he said.

The upgrade is free to existing Network Time Machine customers, and costs around $30,000 depending on the options customers choose and market prices, distribution relationships, duties and freight.