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Optimize Your NetFlow with Plixer's Scrutinizer

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor

There’s a reason why data capture, storage and management has exploded in the last decade – data provides business intelligence that can enable a competitive advantage when used correctly. Digging deeper into data that solutions like flexible NetFlow allows for a process that gives companies visibility to make much better business decisions, from product development to marketing. 

A recent Plixer blog post highlighted how the Sciencelogic EM-7 server management and monitoring system allows rapid deployment and lowers total cost of ownership. Using this NetFlow product allows an entire system to be supported through one vendor. There are no modules and no high-dollar integration projects to deal with, and the solution provides a built-in firewall and powerful security architecture. 

Companies searching for a NetFlow solution that works with their EM-7 are strongly considering Plixer’s NetFlow analyzer solution for its monitoring and reporting services as well as its ability in detecting security threats. Plixer’s solution has a URL-based platform that can launch from the EM-7’s interface, extending its value. 

Passing parameters in the URLs also allows the NetFlow solution to launch in specified windows in the EM-7. At any given moment, the IP addresses captured by the next-generation solution can be pulled up and analyzed, while network status can also be displayed in network maps on the interface.

Monitoring the network with the robust solution and seamlessly integrating it to support Cisco (News - Alert) performance monitoring can show detailed network performance, including specific figures in regards to packet loss, VoIP jitter and latency. Plixer’s Scrutinizer lends great value in reporting and analyzing, enabling flow analytics, failover, advanced reports, multi-tenancy and flow replication.

Flow analytics provides real-time updates on the traffic coming through the network. The advanced reports generated through the Scrutinizer give specific details into the network connections. The product also consolidates application alerts and errors, which assists in keeping a consistent device naming process between applications.

Scrutinizer’s advanced reporting feature allows for the creation of reports with valuable information like performance routing, passive reporting, active reporting, CrossCheck, Cisco ASA NSEL reporting, Cisco Trust Sec and Mailinizer.

Plixer considers the Scrutinizer the foundation of its flow and security log analysis solution. It offers a heightened level of situational awareness in the applications working in a network as the advanced reporting features offer details on voice and video traffic, which can be very useful in troubleshooting the quality if those services begin to degrade. And considering that quality of service is the key differentiator in the market, Scrutinizer is likely to be in high demand.


Edited by Jamie Epstein