To test the WebSphere applications, we installed a proxy agent behind the firewall in NWC Inc. We downloaded small, self-extracting agent installation files. Like Empirix OneSight, ProactiveNet accessed WebSphere's PMI over HTTP, exposing a large array of possible data-collection points, and ProactiveNet let us choose our own after consulting with our friendly neighborhood developer.
To set up service monitoring, we created end-to-end transactions using included robotic agents. We then created groups to represent critical-path network devices and shared system devices. We also set up groups that used some robotic transactions from each of the WebSphere applications. To test ProactiveNet's role-based access, we defined SLAs (service-level agreements) based on user groups. Worked like a charm.
The GUI is reasonably intuitive. We did get lost a couple of times when setting up groups and adding monitors in the administrative GUI, and the user GUI has an awful lot to look at, but it's not difficult to navigate.
ProactiveNet's price, like Empirix's, was inflated by our requirement to monitor so many network devices. ProactiveNet chose to deliver a volume-price quote. We applaud its forthright disclosure of $50,000 for professional services, something that should be included in your calculations for all the products.
ProactiveNet 6.0. ProactiveNet, (877) 277-6686, (408) 454-4500. www.proactivenet.com
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