Simple Network Management Protocol stations do not come cheap. That is why SnapProbe Basic, a Windows application that gathers data from SNMP devices – for the unprincely sum of $500 – looks very interesting. The product is not a management station, but it polls and collects data from Management Information Bases I or II and automatically stores this information in a database. The information can be then presented statistically or graphically. Network Monitoring Inc, the Santa Clara-based manufacturer, has come up with an optional mapping module called Layout which enables a network manager to build, display, track and modify local and wide area networks, and to create network databases or graphic presentations. A regional display of topologies is created by manipulating on-screen objects using a built-in toolbox and tool kit displays. A notepad enables the input of any additional information relating to that node or link for plananalysis and inventory control. SnapProbe Layout is available in three versions – US, North America and World – and costs $300, $350 and $400 respectively. Users can expand the basic product by adding extended management information base support for a variety of vendors – initially, the choice is limited to a module for Novell Inc’s LANtern Network Monitor, however the company says that an RMON management information base – MIB – module will be available next month, supporting Network Application Technologies EtherMeter or any other device that supports the RMON MIB. Further support for Cisco Systems Inc, Synoptics Communications Inc, Cabletron Systems Inc and Banyan Systems Inc environments is scheduled to follow in the autumn.
