Network General Offers Collaborative Analysis Tool Through JAVA-Enabled Interface

Business Wire, Oct 6, 1997

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 1997--

New Sniffer Decode Server Lets Technical Assistance Center Engineers Access Sniffer Trace Files Through Any Web Browser

Network General Corporation (NASDAQ:NETG), a leading worldwide provider of network fault, performance and security management solutions, today announced the Sniffer(R) Decode Server, a new product that provides a cost-effective solution for network professionals who perform inside technical support, training, or development and have a need to collaborate with customers or field engineers to analyze network traffic captured in the field and solve network fault and performance errors.

The Sniffer Decode Server meets a critical need by making Sniffer trace files available to Technical Assistance Center (TAC) engineers for analysis through a Web browser. The product will be on display at NetWorld Interop Atlanta `97 in Booth No. 6237.

What makes the Sniffer Decode Server unique is its Java(TM)-enabled console, which lets the user access and analyze Sniffer trace files - on-demand - through any Web browser. Trace files documenting hard-to-solve problems can be captured at end user sites by a portable Sniffer Network Analyzer or NetXRay(R) analyzer and submitted for in-depth analysis by TAC-based engineers using the Sniffer Decode Server's Java-enabled console. Now support organizations - both in the field and the office - can collaborate and more effectively troubleshoot network problems.

The new Sniffer Decode Server is allowing a Fortune 100 company in Silicon Valley to cost-effectively provide Sniffer network analysis capabilities to approximately 500 engineers in their Technical Assistance Center. Web browsers are available on every desktop and this makes it easy for the engineers to analyze Sniffer trace files through the Sniffer Decode Server's Java-enabled console. Through collaborative support among this company's TAC engineers, customers and field support engineers they are now resolving network issues more quickly.

"This is an effective solution for Technical Assistance Centers that support the field in troubleshooting hard-to-solve network problems," stated Leon Leong, vice president and general manager for the Systems Technology Business Unit at Network General. "With a Web browser, TAC-based engineers can now access Sniffer trace files captured in the field and perform dynamic and familiar Sniffer analysis through the Sniffer Decode Server's Java-enabled console. This cost-effectively extends the reach of a company's network support group."

The Sniffer Decode Server is scheduled for release in late- November 1997, and will run under the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. Pricing will be based on a per seat basis. The product supports analysis of Ethernet, token ring, FDDI, and internetwork topologies. The Sniffer Decode Server can decode more than 280 protocols.

About Network General

Network General Corporation (NASDAQ:NETG) is a leading provider of fault, performance and security management solutions for enterprise networks worldwide. Founded in 1986, the Company has extensive experience in complex heterogeneous network environments and offers a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to provide Total Network Visibility(R). Worldwide headquarters are located at 4200 Bohannon Drive, Menlo Park, California, 94025. URL: http://www.ngc.com; Telephone: 415/473-2000, or 800/SNIFFER (764-3337). -0-

Note to Editors: Network General, Sniffer, NetXRay, and Total Network Visibility are registered trademarks of Network General Corporation and/or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the US and other countries. All other products and brand names as they appear in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All specifications may be changed without notice.

Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect the Company's current judgment on certain issues. Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially. Important factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially, are described in the Company's reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT: Network General Corporation

Todd Koch, 650/473-2968

todd_koch@ngc.com

or

A & R Partners

Nicolet Gibson, 650/363-0982

nicolet_gibson@arpartners.com