North Andover, Massachusetts-based FTP Software Inc has launched version 4.0 of its LANWatch software-based network analyser. The system is designed to simplify protocol analysis while providing nearly all the functionality of hardware-based analysers costing ten times as much as the LANWatch, says the company. The most important new feature is a mouse-driven user interface with pull-down menus, says FTP, although the company has retained the command-line interface as an alternative for users who prefer it. A new menu-based installation program and redesigned on-line help system are also included. The company has also added the ability to decode IBM Corp Systems Network Architecture, Novell Inc NetWare 4.X and NetWare IP, Simple Network Management Protocol over NetWare IPX and the Protocol over Banyan Systems Inc’s Vines. The Generic Driver version has been enhanced to support Open Data link Interface drivers, as well as Network Driver Interface Specification and packet drivers. LANWatch 4.0 for MS-DOS is available immediately with a list price of $1,200, with upgrades costing $145. Volume discounts are also available.
