As networks become more complex, keeping tabs on the multitude of devices and how they are performing is critical. Network monitoring tools help by detecting faults and congestion points, arming network administrators with the information they need to take quick action and troubleshoot problems. Products frequently display a graphical map of the network along with charts showing metrics such as bandwidth utilization and response time.

Evaluations in our network monitoring category were limited to the basic version of products, without any additional expense or modules. Some of the products in this class can be upgraded by introducing such advanced features as applications or security management, but we focused on primary fault and performance monitoring functionality for this award.

Even sticking to that definition, the monitoring capabilities of our gold medal winner, Orion from SolarWinds, are impressive. Our readers found them noteworthy enough to award Orion the gold in network performance management in 2007, and they haven't changed their minds. Orion offers real-time views of network performance and availability statistics that include CPU and memory utilization; network latency; volume usage; bandwidth utilization; node, interface, and volume status; interface errors and discards; and buffer usage and errors. Installation can be up and running within an hour, according to the company.

As a Web-based product, Orion provides fully customizable views from a Web browser. Networking pros can select predefined views or create unique filtered views and toolbars. The product's Web-enabled maps provide a real-time pictorial status of the network topology with the ability to click and drill into regions, departments and devices.

Product Leadership survey respondents praised Orion most for its ability to identify network problems, with 84% of users rating it good or excellent. Eighty-one percent of respondents called the product's ease of management and maintenance good or excellent, and 81% were equally impressed with its network integration and interoperability. Noted one satisfied customer, "It's another great product from SolarWinds."

Susan Fogarty, Editorial Director