Net-Probe

A real time monitoring utility for all networked devices.

Pros: Net-Probe is a tool that can be used for real time monitoring of networked devices. As compared to other software of this type, one of its most attractive features is the GPS tracking which tracks the current location of a GPS device. The tracked location can be then seen on a MAP background for easy visualization of where the device is located in real time. It generates a number of statistics and these are presented as graphs which are integrated seamlessly with the software’s main window or graphical interface. Monitoring can be used to generate alerts and notifications as and when things go wrong and there are options here to specify a certain kind of action depending on what event has just occurred. A host of Wizards make the task of getting things done simpler.

Cons: Although the obvious philosophy behind the design is simplicity, which causes certain aspects of the interface to be really easy to use, the problem is that in terms of representation it leaves something to be desired. Also, despite the promise of simplicity some aspects of the interface and certain numbers / statistics are unclear (there are also too many buttons and it is not readily apparent what to use what for – but for the Wizard it would cause user’s to give up). Moreover some of the graphs do not provide too much valuable information. The tool falls short in the customization options.

Overall: 4 stars. It is good real time network device monitor. But has a set of issues including few customization options and a difficult interface.

Real-time networked device and network monitoring, integrating graphs, alarms, GPS tracking, notifications (send email or SMS etc) and actions (service restart etc) onto a rich graphical representation available through a web browser as well as a dedicated application. Wizard Based, including start-up wizard used to scan and draw a network in a few easy steps. Extreme flexibility allows alarm components to be extended by the end user to facilitate the monitoring of any networked device, even the actions can be extended by the user to perform whatever task is required on an alarm state change. Drawing elements have been kept as simple as possible enabling for simple, quick and neat representations of the monitored environment to be setup. Optional task bar band and alerter components extend the interface onto the desktop. Devices with a GPS attached can have their location tracked and recorded on a map background