The user's eye view - VitalSigns Software releases VitalAnalysis network analysis software - Brief Article - Product Announcement

Software Magazine, Dec, 1997 by John Mello

Network analysts have long wanted the ability to see what their users are seeing. Now thanks to VitalSigns Software, they can. VitalSigns, makers of the Net.Medic intranet performance tool, have released VitalAnalysis, their network analysis software. The software, working in conjunction with Net. Medic, allows network managers to monitor Internet and intranet performance from the user's perspective.

Until now, explains Tom Hogan, VP at VitalSigns, IT managers haven't had the right tools to help them see problems from the user perspective. Moreover, these IT professionals are coming under increasing pressure from management to justify their operations in terms of user metrics. "Management is no longer interested in technical justifications for IT infrastructure spending," Hogan says.

"Net.Medic and VitalAnalysis do a wonderful job of telling and showing you what the user sees," observes one IT professional at a large West Coast financial institution.

VitalAnalysis provides a good technical solution to a networking problem, says Brendan Hannigan, a senior analyst at Forrester Research. As for VitalSigns itself, the company's challenge for the future will be finding big partners who can provide strong distribution channels.