The World of Computer Software/The World of Computer Software.iso/netw92pr.zip/LANEXEC.TXT

Text File | 1992-04-02 | 10KB | 186 lines

San Jose, Calif.--February 11, 1992 - The AQUILA Network Products Division
(ANPD) of ADI Systems, Inc., has just announced the release of LanExec,
Vl.0, a hardware-independent, standards-based network management software
program. LanExec, utilizing the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
MIB II and private MIB extensions, provides firms with small-to-medium
sized LANs a cost-effective way to monitor, manage, and optimize their
networks.

"LanExec is targeted for LANs that range in size from five to 100 nodes,"
says Raymond Hou, Executive VP of ADI Systems, Inc. Despite the low cost
of this SNMP manager, I think users will be pleasantly surprised by
LanExec's power and flexibility. It provides effective management of
coax-cabled Ethernet (since it doesn't require an intelligent hub) and
10BaseT LANs running Novell NetWare V3.x, V2.x, Lite or other network
operating systems (NOS) that use the IPX protocol. LanExec also offers
SNMP management for peer-to-peer, NetBIOS-based NOS's such as Artisoft's
LANtastic."

LanExec's SNMP agents support a variety of popular network adapters,
including the Novell NE1000, NE2000, and its compatibles, as well as the
3COM 3C503 adapters and compatibles, due to the software's open
architecture. LanExec also manages the AQUILA range of Ethernet
controllers. This wide base of support allows LanExec to be immediately
useful for installations that are already in place, without requiring that
customers purchase proprietary hardware, including intelligent hubs, NICs
or protocol processor boards.

"Until now, most SNMP-based programs have addressed only large enterprise
networks," claims Hou, "and such SNMP managers not only require costly
intelligent hubs, but the software programs themselves are also quite
expensive. But with LanExec, anyone running a NetWare or peer-to-peer PC
LAN can have access to SNMP management. Since the majority of networks
installed in the market are under 50 nodes and are coaxial cabled, LanExec
provides an optimal, cost-effective solution to many firms without having
to use expensive wiring hubs."

For those installations that are wired for 10BaseT cabling, ADI has also
just introduced a new single-slot, 13-port 10BaseT hub controller. This
hub, the AQ-IHUB-12TP, is intelligent and manageable when used with
LanExec and linked in the same PC to any one of the LanExec-supporting
NICs. The hub and external console retail for just $999.

LanExec's Windows-based graphical user interface and its comprehensive
information database provides users with a sophisticated, yet
easy-to-learn way to access, analyze, monitor, and manage their DOS-based
LANs. LanExec's multiple windows and pull-down menus give users the
following benefits:

∙ Installation maps that display the LAN installation, showing the
positioning and connectivity of segments, servers, hubs, and workstations,
and automatically connecting additional LAN devices on the map as they are
entered into the database.

∙ A network map that presents the topology from different perspectives.

∙ Multiple-viewing capability of different LanExec functions (e.g., the
network map, event log, SNMP data, packet analyzers, etc.) all on the same
screen.

∙ Security protection, which requires a password to verify before
proceeding forward into certain sensitive areas.

Considerable detail is obtained from database information stored in
LanExec, including identification and physical location of each
workstation/server/hub, each network address, segment, hub name, port
number, user-definable fields for network inventory tracking, and other
information needed to track location of users and devices, review network
status, and analyze performance trends. LanExec's diagnostics and
performance monitoring features include:

∙ Auto-Polling for automatically pinging devices within the network map to
test whether each workstation and hub is alive. A convenient time interval
function can be set to constantly poll nodes.

∙ Auto-Detecting for detecting any device which is physically attached to
your network, including devices not on the map. (This security feature
notifies the user of the need to update the map as well as bring attention
to the presence of any devices on the network that have not received
authorization.)

∙ Packet Analyzer for giving the user additional assistance in
troubleshooting and optimizing the network. (This packet analyzer feature
supports SNMP, IPX, and NetBIOS protocols.)

∙ Network Statistics for monitoring the top seven nodes in terms of
traffic. This is presented graphically in a bar chart.

∙ Node and Hub Diagnosis for analyzing and diagnosing traffic flows of
SNMP-based information. The table below (to be updated in subsequent
versions of LanExec), summarizes all that such diagnosis includes:

LanExec has a range of reporting features that assists the user in
identifying and correcting problems before they have a major negative
impact on network performance. These features (to be updated in subsequent
versions of LanExec) include the following:

∙ Event Logging, which records activities on the network as they occur,
including Ping Success/Fail, Authentication Fail, and other activities.
The event log entries are color coded so they can be easily recognized
according to the activity that is taking place.

∙ List File for generating a report listing all the activities of a
particular node.

∙ Thresholds for defining the maximum allowable number of Tx and Rx
collisions, CRC and alignment errors, Fifo overruns, missed packets,
carrier lost and receive volume overwrites before triggering a warning for
the LAN administrator. The thresholds are color-coded to show normal
operation and when a threshold is being exceeded.

∙ Fault Condition Analysis, produced in real-time and displayed on the
network map to indicate where a problem condition exists.

∙ Restore Function, a reset function to restore the problem devices,
including NICs and hubs to normal network condition.

ADI will continue to enhance LanExec. Development is underway to include in
future releases a server monitor mode to provide system, volumes, and
connections information on servers, in addition to support for bridge
monitoring and other network operating system protocols.

LanExec, which includes the SNMP Manager, SNMP Agents, and User's
Documentation, is available in four configurations and is list priced at
$199 for the 5-user configuration, $499 for the 20-user configuration,
$799 for the 50-user configuration, and $999 for the 100-user
configuration. While LanExec, Vl.0, provides support for AQUILA, Novell,
3Com NICs, and their compatibles, future versions will manage other NICs,
including Western Digital's.

"By offering several configurations based on the number of users, we've
made LanExec a much better value," claims Hou. "We think one of the
reasons network management has been out of the reach of smaller LAN users
is that it's not cost justified to purchase an expensive program designed
and priced to handle 500 nodes when all you really need is to manage 50."

To heighten the awareness of LanExec and to minimize any economic risk for
the network administrator, ADI has established a special limited-time
promotion by offering its 5-user configuration for just $99.99 and
providing a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, ADI will provide
free updates for the V1.0 release of LanExec to all registered end-users
for a period of one-year from the date of purchase. If users later decide
to upgrade to a larger configuration, they need only pay the difference in
list price.

The LanExec, V1.0, from ADI Systems is the newest product from the AQUILA
Network Products Division of ADI Systems, Inc.--established about two
years ago to service the growing needs of LAN users. ANPD expanded its
network connectivity line by selectively merging certain products from
Aquila Communications to complete its own 10BaseT offerings. This division
now carries a complete line of Ethernet and ARCnet controllers and hubs,
and has planned several new product introductions for 1992. It will be
emphasizing intelligent SNMP-based network management of 10BaseT and coax
Ethernet solutions optimized for use with Novell NetWare and NetBIOS-based
operating systems.

All ANPD R & D, design, and manufacturing is done in the U.S. Additionally,
worldwide marketing, sales, customer support, and service are coordinated
from the division's Silicon Valley facility. ANPD is marketing its product
lines through distributors worldwide as well as to selected OEM accounts.
It is currently looking for additional qualified resellers to expand its
global distribution network.

ADI Systems, Inc. specializes in advanced technologies for computer display
monitors, LAN controllers and network management connectivity, personal
computers, and IBM plug-compatible terminals. Founded in 1979, ADI
Corporation, the parent company of ADI Systems, Inc. surpassed $155
million in sales for 1991. ADI is headquartered in Taiwan, with
international operations in the Netherlands, Thailand, Taipei, Taichung,
and with U.S. operations located in San Jose, California-- headquarters
for ADI Systems, Inc.--as well as a branch office in New Jersey.

ADI Systems Inc, 2115 Ringwood Ave, San Jose, CA 95131
408-944-0100


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